What is ASKY Airlines' carry-on weight limit?

ASKY Airlines allows one carry-on bag up to 10 kg in economy class with a size limit of 55 × 40 × 20 cm.

How early should I arrive at Lagos Murtala Muhammed Airport for an international flight?

Arrive at least 3 hours before international departure. Lagos airport has multiple manual security layers and queues can be unpredictable, especially during peak travel periods.

Is Accra airport security faster than Lagos?

Yes. Kotoka International Airport in Accra has undergone modernization and security screening is generally faster and more consistent than Lagos. Allow 2 hours before international departure.

What is Royal Air Maroc's carry-on policy?

Royal Air Maroc allows one carry-on up to 55 × 40 × 20 cm and 10 kg in economy class, with one small personal item also permitted.

Does Air Senegal enforce its carry-on weight limit?

Yes. Air Senegal enforces its 10 kg carry-on limit, particularly on routes from Dakar's Blaise Diagne International Airport where check-in procedures include bag weighing.

Carry-On Rules in West Africa (2026)

West Africa's aviation market has grown significantly in recent years, with a mix of established regional carriers, national flag carriers, and international airlines connecting the region to Europe, the Middle East, and the rest of Africa. Carry-on limits vary by carrier, enforcement ranges from strict to inconsistent, and security procedures at key hubs differ substantially. This guide covers what to expect at every stage.

Carry-On Limits by Airline

Air Côte d'Ivoire

Air Côte d'Ivoire is the flag carrier of Côte d'Ivoire, operating from Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan and connecting to destinations across West and Central Africa.

Class	Size Limit	Weight
Economy	55 × 40 × 20 cm	10 kg
Business	55 × 40 × 20 cm	15 kg

Air Côte d'Ivoire's 10 kg economy allowance is above the regional average and offers reasonable flexibility. Abidjan airport security is functional and less time-consuming than Lagos.

ASKY Airlines

ASKY Airlines is a pan-African carrier based in Lomé, Togo, operating a growing network across West and Central Africa in partnership with Ethiopian Airlines.

Class	Size Limit	Weight
Economy	55 × 40 × 20 cm	10 kg
Business	55 × 40 × 20 cm	15 kg

ASKY Airlines enforces a 10 kg carry-on limit consistently. As a partner of Ethiopian Airlines, ASKY's procedures align with Ethiopian's standards. Lomé's Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport handles ASKY's hub operations efficiently.

Air Senegal

Air Senegal is the national carrier of Senegal, operating long-haul routes to Europe and a growing African network from Blaise Diagne International Airport near Dakar.

Class	Size Limit	Weight
Economy	55 × 40 × 20 cm	10 kg
Business	55 × 40 × 20 cm	15 kg

Air Senegal operates modern Airbus A330 and A220 aircraft. The 10 kg economy allowance is enforced at check-in. Blaise Diagne Airport (DSS) is a modern facility that opened in 2017 and operates efficiently by regional standards.

Transair Senegal

Transair is a Senegalese carrier operating domestic routes within Senegal and some regional West African connections.

Class	Size Limit	Weight
Economy	55 × 40 × 20 cm	7 kg

Transair's 7 kg limit is stricter than the other West African carriers listed here. Domestic Senegal routes use smaller turboprop aircraft where overhead bin space is limited, and enforcement reflects this.

Ethiopian Airlines Regional Routes to West Africa

Ethiopian Airlines operates several routes into West African cities, bringing its standard carry-on policy to the region.

Class	Size Limit	Weight	Personal Item
Economy	55 × 40 × 20 cm	7 kg	Laptop bag or small personal item, free
Business	55 × 40 × 20 cm	7 kg	Laptop bag or small personal item, free

Ethiopian's 7 kg economy limit is strictly enforced. The free personal item allowance alongside the main carry-on is a notable benefit for passengers carrying a laptop.

Royal Air Maroc

Royal Air Maroc is Morocco's flag carrier and operates routes connecting Casablanca to West African cities including Lagos, Dakar, Accra, and Abidjan.

Class	Size Limit	Weight	Personal Item
Economy	55 × 40 × 20 cm	10 kg	Small personal item, free
Business	55 × 40 × 20 cm	12 kg	Small personal item, free

Royal Air Maroc is a oneworld Alliance member and operates to European-standard procedures. Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) is the airline's hub and handles security in line with European norms.

Airport Security: What to Expect

Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS)

Lagos is Nigeria's largest city and West Africa's busiest aviation hub. Security at LOS is multilayered and requires extra time.

Multiple check points: Expect security screening at the airport entrance, at terminal check-in, and at gate level. Each layer can require unpacking electronics.
Manual baggage inspection: Carry-on bags are frequently opened and inspected manually at multiple points. This is standard, not a sign of a problem.
Arrive 3 hours early: International departures require at least 3 hours given the security layers and potential queue times.
Liquid rules vary: The 100 ml liquids rule is enforced for international flights. For domestic flights, application is less consistent but do not rely on this.
Unofficial assistance: Well-meaning "helpers" who offer to escort you through security may expect payment. Politely decline if you did not request help.

Accra Kotoka International Airport (ACC)

Accra's Kotoka International Airport has undergone substantial modernization and is now one of the better-run airports in West Africa.

Modernized terminal: Terminal 3, which opened in 2019, handles most international flights and has improved security flow considerably.
Faster screening: Security at ACC is more consistent and faster than LOS. Allow 2 hours before international departure.
Laptop removal required: Remove laptops and large electronics at security screening.
Liquid enforcement: The 100 ml rule applies consistently.

Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN)

Casablanca is Royal Air Maroc's hub and handles a high volume of flights between Europe and Africa. Security operates at European standards.

European-style procedures: Security mirrors what you would find at a mid-sized European airport. Laptops out, liquids in a clear bag, shoes off if requested.
Efficient for transit: CMN is one of the better West African options for transit connections between Europe and sub-Saharan Africa. Transfer security is handled within the international zone.
Allow 2 hours: Standard for international departures; transit passengers should allow at least 90 minutes for connections.

Tips for First-Time Travelers to the Region

Book bags proactively: On routes within West Africa, buying carry-on or checked baggage allowance at booking is always cheaper than paying at the airport.

Keep documents accessible: Passport and boarding pass should be retrievable without unpacking your carry-on. Multiple security checks at Lagos and other airports mean you will show documents repeatedly.

Avoid over-packing: The regional standard of 7–10 kg is strictly enforced at check-in even when gate enforcement is lighter. Overweight bags result in expensive on-the-spot fees, especially on budget regional carriers.

Pack a power bank: Electrical outages at some regional airports are uncommon but possible. A charged power bank keeps your phone available for boarding passes if digital systems go down.

Valuables always in the cabin: Laptop computers, cameras, cash, and important documents should never travel in checked baggage on regional West African routes. Theft from checked bags, while not universal, is a documented problem at certain airports in the region.