All Nippon Airways (ANA) will introduce a fixed size limit for personal items carried onto its flights from July 1, 2026, replacing a vague guideline that has been in place for years and catching out passengers who travel with large handbags, laptop cases or small backpacks.
Personal items on ANA Group-operated flights must not exceed 40cm x 30cm x 20cm and must fit completely under the seat in front of the passenger. Previously, ANA’s guideline described personal items only as bags small enough to store under the seat, without specifying dimensions.
What counts as a personal item
Personal items include handbags, shoulder bags, small backpacks and laptop bags or cases. Passengers are permitted to bring two pieces into the cabin in total: one standard carry-on bag and one personal item, with a combined weight not exceeding 10 kilogrammes. The carry-on bag limit remains unchanged at 55cm x 40cm x 25cm.
Why the rules are changing
The change follows a new industry-wide guideline issued by Japan’s Scheduled Airlines Association, acting on guidance from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The guideline took effect across Japan’s aviation industry on 1 April 2026. ANA said the purpose of the update is to ensure smooth boarding, improve on-time performance, and reduce the risk of passenger injuries caused by baggage falling from overhead compartments.
Under the new guidelines, cabin crew will no longer be expected to assist passengers with lifting bags into overhead compartments. ANA advises that passengers who cannot stow their carry-on bag themselves should check it into the hold before boarding.
What travellers need to watch
The rule most likely to catch passengers off guard concerns the two-item limit. Travellers who board with a rolling carry-on and a backpack are already at their maximum. Any additional bag, including duty-free shopping or souvenir bags picked up after security, could be counted as a third item and refused at the gate.
Passengers whose personal item exceeds the new 40cm x 30cm x 20cm dimensions may also be stopped at the boarding gate and required to check the bag into the hold at short notice.
The new rules apply to all flights operated by the ANA Group from July 1, 2026, onwards.
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