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, ticket scopes and airport security requirements must be checked separately. This guide covers what to expect at every stage.

Carry-On Limits by Airline

Air Côte d'Ivoire

Confirm the current carry-on dimensions, weight and pieces in Air Côte d’Ivoire’s official booking terms. This scoped review does not establish a numeric ordinary-bag allowance or measured inspection frequency for this carrier.

ASKY Airlines

ASKY publishes 7 kg Economy and 10 kg Business carry-on weight. Ordinary cabin-bag dimensions are unconfirmed; its published pet-container box must not be copied to a suitcase. Article 10.3 refers to a single item where ticket limits are unspecified. Confirm your booking; no separate ordinary backpack entitlement is established.

Check the packed bag and confirm the linked official policy.

Air Senegal

Air Senegal’s official sources conflict: the baggage-police page lists 8 kg in zone 1, while the linked baggage image lists 12 kg Economy or 18 kg Premium/Business including the accessory. Zone and ticket applicability are unresolved, and no ordinary numeric cabin box is established. Confirm the exact booked allowance directly; neither a universal 10 kg limit nor a definite size fit is supported.

Check the packed bag and confirm the linked official policy.

Transair Senegal

Confirm the current carry-on dimensions, weight and pieces in Transair’s official booking terms. This scoped review does not establish a numeric ordinary-bag allowance or measured inspection frequency for this carrier.

Ethiopian Airlines

The dedicated carry-on table and FAQ agree on these limits. Listed personal accessories are additional, but official pages conflict on their weight (3 kg versus 5 kg, with a 7 kg heading); confirm the applicable limit. No exact personal-item dimensions are established. Present cabin baggage at check-in. See the reviewed Ethiopian guide for scope and official links.

Royal Air Maroc

Royal Air Maroc permits one 55×40×25 cm cabin bag:10 kg in Economy or 12 kg in Business. One separate personal item up to 40×30×15 cm and 2 kg is included.

Check the operating carrier on connections. The airline states checks at check-in and boarding. A loyalty or checked-baggage benefit does not establish an extra cabin piece. Full Royal Air Maroc guide.

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)

Check the airport’s current security instructions for your departure and connection; airline baggage allowance and security screening are separate requirements.

• 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.

Sources for these corrections

Reviewed 30 September 2026 by Codex (AI source review). The review covers the corrected baggage claims; unrelated destination claims are not recertified.

• Official policy — Cabin-baggage paragraph
• Official policy — Browser visually reviewed notes 3–4 below excess table
• Official policy — Bagages questions: liquids; number of pieces
• Official policy — Browser Carry on luggage; pet box; special baggage
• Official policy — Article 10.3 Unchecked Baggage