Carry-On for Egypt: EgyptAir, CAI Airport, and Packing for the Heat

Egypt is a destination of extraordinary scale: the Giza pyramids, the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, the temples of Abu Simbel, the Red Sea resorts of Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh, and Cairo itself — one of the world's great cities. Carry-on-only travel is achievable for most Egypt trips, and the national airline's cabin baggage allowance is among the most generous of any airline globally.

EgyptAir's Carry-On Allowance

EgyptAir is consistently cited as one of the most generous airlines in the world for carry-on baggage. Economy class passengers are typically permitted a cabin bag plus a personal item, with a combined cabin allowance that has historically been among the highest in the industry. Verify the exact policy for your specific route directly with EgyptAir at the time of booking — policies can differ by route and fare class — but the short version is that EgyptAir passengers rarely struggle with cabin weight limits.

Air Arabia Egypt and Nile Air, the main budget alternatives for domestic Egyptian routes, apply a stricter 7 kg cabin limit. If your itinerary includes a domestic segment with either carrier — for example, Cairo to Luxor or Cairo to Hurghada — pack to 7 kg for those legs.

Cairo International Airport (CAI): Plan for Three Hours

Cairo International Airport handles a very high volume of traffic with thorough security processes. Manual bag screening, document checks, and security queues can take significantly longer than at equivalent-sized European airports. Arrive 3 hours before international departures.

CAI operates multiple terminals. Verify your departure terminal when you check in — Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 are not adjacent, and walking or taking a shuttle between them takes time. EgyptAir typically operates from Terminal 3.

Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh: Resort Airports

Hurghada International (HRG) and Sharm el-Sheikh International (SSH) are primarily resort airports serving package holiday charter flights and some scheduled services. Both are more straightforward and faster to process than CAI. Still, arrive 2 hours before departure — resort airport operations can bunch up when multiple charter flights depart in close succession.

Packing for Egypt's Heat

Egypt is hot. Cairo averages 35°C in summer; Luxor regularly reaches 42–45°C in July and August. The Red Sea coast has consistent heat moderated slightly by sea breezes. Lightweight, breathable cotton or linen is non-negotiable.

Core wardrobe:

• 3–4 lightweight cotton or linen tops (long-sleeved options help with sun and conservative dress)
• 1–2 pairs of lightweight linen or cotton trousers (covers temple and mosque requirements)
• 1 lightweight scarf for women (mosque entry, sun protection, dust)
• Comfortable walking shoes with grip (you will cover enormous distances at sites like Karnak Temple)
• Sandals for evenings and beach areas
• Swimwear for Red Sea resorts

Avoid packing dark colours — they absorb heat. Light colours reflect it. This matters when you're walking Karnak Temple Complex at 40°C.

Mosque and Temple Dress Code

Egypt is predominantly Muslim and expectations at religious sites are clear. For mosques — including Al-Azhar Mosque and the great mosques of Islamic Cairo — women must cover their hair with a scarf, and both men and women must cover shoulders and knees. Shoes are removed before entering.

Luxor's ancient temples (Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings) are archaeological sites with no formal religious dress code, but conservative dress is respectful and practical — covering skin reduces direct sun exposure in extreme heat.

A lightweight long cotton scarf is the single most useful packing item for Egypt. It covers hair at mosques, protects shoulders from sun at temples, and keeps dust off your face during a desert excursion.

Sunscreen and Liquids

Egyptian airports follow the 100 ml liquid rule at security. Sunscreen in containers over 100 ml will not pass through. SPF 50 is essential — Egypt's UV index is extreme in summer.

Pharmacies in Cairo, Luxor, and Hurghada stock international sunscreen brands at reasonable prices. Bring a 100 ml travel tube for the first day, then buy locally. Egyptian pharmacies (eczakhana) are common in tourist areas and easy to find.

Cash and Currency in Egypt

The Egyptian pound (EGP) is the currency you need for day-to-day transactions. While USD and EUR are accepted at most tourist sites and hotels, local transport, small restaurants, market stalls, and tipping require local currency. ATMs at Cairo Airport and in major tourist areas dispense EGP at reasonable exchange rates. Carry small denomination notes for tips — tipping (baksheesh) is customary throughout Egypt and expected at tourist sites, hotels, and restaurants.