Carry-On Rules for North Africa: Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia & More

North Africa is a diverse region for air travel, with carriers ranging from well-resourced Gulf-aligned airlines to lean regional operators. Carry-on rules vary significantly — EgyptAir's allowance is among the world's most generous, while budget operators apply tight limits similar to European low-cost carriers. Here's what you need to know before flying.

Airline-by-Airline Rules

Royal Air Maroc (AT)

Morocco's national carrier applies a standard regional carry-on policy:

• Weight: 10 kg
• Dimensions: 55 × 35 × 25 cm (max 115 cm total)
• Additional item: A small personal item (handbag, laptop bag) may be carried alongside the main cabin bag

Royal Air Maroc flies routes across Africa, Europe, and North America. On codeshare flights operated by partner carriers, the operating airline's rules apply — always check which aircraft operates your specific flight.

EgyptAir (MS)

EgyptAir offers the most generous carry-on policy in North Africa and one of the most generous globally:

• Weight: 20 kg (Economy), 35 kg (Business)
• Dimensions: 55 × 35 × 25 cm
• Number of pieces: One piece in Economy; additional personal item permitted

The 20 kg limit is extraordinary by international standards — most airlines allow 7–10 kg. If you're transiting through Cairo with heavy cabin baggage, EgyptAir is an excellent choice. Note that on codeshare segments operated by Star Alliance partners, the partner's rules may apply.

Tunisair (TU)

Tunisia's national carrier applies the North African standard:

• Weight: 10 kg
• Dimensions: 55 × 35 × 25 cm
• Personal item: One small personal bag permitted in addition to the main carry-on

Enforcement at Tunis-Carthage (TUN) varies by route and season. European routes see stricter application; domestic flights are more relaxed. Budget for the full 10 kg as a safe limit.

Air Algérie (AH)

Algeria's flag carrier mirrors the regional 10 kg standard:

• Weight: 10 kg
• Dimensions: 55 × 35 × 25 cm

Air Algérie primarily serves routes between Algeria, France, and other European and African cities. Security and boarding procedures at Algiers Houari Boumediene Airport (ALG) are thorough; carry-on baggage is typically checked at the gate.

Libyan Wings (YL)

Libya's domestic and regional carrier applies the most restrictive limit in the region:

• Weight: 7 kg
• Dimensions: 55 × 40 × 20 cm

Given ongoing instability affecting Libyan aviation infrastructure, always confirm current operating status and rules directly with the carrier before travel.

Airport-Specific Notes

Cairo International Airport (CAI)

Cairo is a major hub for Africa and the Middle East, and its screening is thorough by design. Key points:

• Arrive 3 hours early for international departures — security queues and document checks can be lengthy
• Carry-on bags pass through multiple X-ray points: once at the terminal entrance and again at the departure gate
• Electronics (laptops, tablets) must be removed from bags at both X-ray checkpoints
• Liquids are checked carefully; the 100 ml / 1-litre bag rule is enforced
• On busy days (particularly Thursday and Friday departures), the gate queue alone can take 30–40 minutes

Marrakech Menara (RAK) and Casablanca Mohammed V (CMN)

Both of Morocco's primary international airports operate to modern, European standards:

• Marrakech (RAK) is efficient and compact; security lines are fast outside of peak summer and school holiday periods
• Casablanca (CMN) is Morocco's main hub and larger; security is thorough but well-organised
• Carry-on bags are weighed at check-in counters at CMN; enforcement is consistent
• Both airports handle significant European budget airline traffic (Ryanair, easyJet, Transavia), so security procedures align with European expectations

Tunis-Carthage International (TUN)

Tunis-Carthage is a mid-sized airport with variable carry-on enforcement:

• Gate-level bag checks occur on some flights but not all
• On European charter and budget routes (Ryanair, Nouvelair), enforcement is more likely
• Arrive 2.5 hours early for international departures to allow for security variation

Tips for Morocco and Egypt with European Budget Connections

Many travellers connect through Morocco or Egypt on their way to or from European budget airlines. A few considerations:

Size alignment: Royal Air Maroc's 55 × 35 × 25 cm limit matches Ryanair's cabin bag dimensions almost exactly. A bag that fits RAM's overhead will fit Ryanair's. EgyptAir's size limit is the same, so the cabin bag dimensions are consistent across connections.

Weight discrepancy: EgyptAir's 20 kg cabin allowance versus Ryanair's or easyJet's 10 kg limit means you cannot pack for EgyptAir's allowance and expect to fly the European leg carry-on only with the same bag weight. Re-pack or check the excess on the budget leg.

Multi-carrier itineraries: When booking separate tickets, you are responsible for your own bags between flights. Know the rules for each carrier independently — the most generous carrier's allowance does not carry through to a separately ticketed flight.

Liquid rules: All North African airports enforce international liquid rules (100 ml per container, 1-litre clear resealable bag). Duty-free liquids purchased beyond security in a sealed bag are generally exempt but may be questioned at transit security points.