MANILA -- AirAsia said it will be stricter when it comes to implementing rules on carry-on baggage 

In a statement, the low-cost carrier said each passenger is only allowed 7 kilograms--composed of 1 cabin baggage and 1 small personal item--on board.

The cabin baggage must be either a trolley bag or a backpack with a maximum dimension of 56 cm height, 36 cm width, and 23 cm (diameter) and must fit in the overhead storage compartment. 

Meanwhile, the personal item may be a handbag or laptop bag with a maximum dimension of 40 cm height, 30 cm width, and 10 cm diameter, and must fit under the seat in front of the traveler.

Multiple items strapped, wrapped, or tied together are not counted as one piece, AirAsia said. 

The airline also stressed that all items purchased at the airport form part of the cabin baggage allowance, and only duty-free items packed in a Security Tamper-Evident Bag (STEB) are exempt from cabin baggage allowance.

Any cabin baggage exceeding weight or size limits must be checked in, AirAsia said.

The budget liner said the baggage policy is expected to help flights leave on time, and make the boarding and disembarking processes smoother.

"Compliance also ensures fair access to overhead compartments for all guests, maintaining both safety and comfort,” AirAsia Communications and Public Affairs Head & First Officer Steve Dailisan said.