Airline Baggage Rules 2026: Cabin Bag, Allowance and New Law

Baggage is what raises the most questions before a trip. How many kilograms can you take, what fits in hand luggage, what does a "no-baggage" fare mean? In 2026 these questions became even more relevant: on July 7 the European Parliament passed a law guaranteeing every passenger a free cabin bag (646 in favour). Below we explain the 2026 baggage rules in plain language — for a traveller flying from Tashkent.

Hand luggage (cabin baggage) allowance

Hand luggage is what you carry into the cabin. For most airlines the sum of its dimensions must not exceed 115 cm, roughly 56 x 45 x 25 cm. A small personal item (bag, laptop case) is usually allowed on top.

Weight: typically up to 8 kg. On Uzbekistan Airways Express flights the free hand luggage allowance was raised from 5 kg to 8 kg.

Key exception: on the Tashkent–Istanbul route Uzbekistan Airways allows up to 15 kg of hand luggage, and on Tashkent–Seoul it is 2 pieces of 8 kg each.

Checked baggage

This is the larger bag placed in the aircraft hold. For economy class the standard allowance is often around 20–23 kg, but the exact figure depends on the fare. Each airline has its own terms, so read the fare description before booking.

If you exceed it: extra kilograms are paid separately, and it costs more at the airport than online. So it is best to add extra baggage in advance.

Fare with and without baggage — the price gap

On mysafar.uz each flight shows two fares: without baggage (hand luggage only) and with baggage. See the gap in live prices (July 2026):

Tashkent–Istanbul: from $257 without baggage, from $312 with baggage (AJet). Direct Uzbekistan Airways from $242.

Tashkent–Moscow: from $190 without baggage, from $214 with baggage (Centrum Air, direct).

Tashkent–Dubai: from $138 without baggage, from $171 with baggage (Centrum Air, direct).

Bottom line: if you fly with hand luggage only, the no-baggage fare saves $24–55. But if you take a large suitcase, adding baggage in advance is cheaper than paying at the airport.

Europe's new rules 2026–2027

After the July 7 vote, EU passengers are guaranteed two free items: a personal item up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm and a cabin bag up to 100 cm total and 7 kg. The rules take effect in 2027. For travellers to Europe this marks the end of the "pay for baggage" era.

Tips to save on baggage

1. Take only what you need. On a short trip 8 kg of hand luggage is often enough — choose the no-baggage fare.

2. Add baggage in advance. Baggage added online is always cheaper than at the airport.

3. Check the size beforehand. A cabin bag must not exceed 56 x 45 x 25 cm, otherwise you will have to check it in.

4. Weigh it at home. An excess-weight fee at the airport is expensive per kilogram.

Frequently asked questions

How many kilograms can I take as hand luggage? On most flights up to 8 kg, with total dimensions no more than 115 cm (56 x 45 x 25 cm).

What is a no-baggage fare? It is a fare for flying with hand luggage only. Large checked baggage is not included; it can be added separately.

Can I add baggage later? Yes, you can often add it after booking, but in advance is cheaper than at the airport.

Compare prices from Tashkent and choose a fare with or without baggage: Tashkent–Istanbul, Tashkent–Moscow, Tashkent–Dubai.