Why does a shipment fit one aircraft but not another?

Each aircraft has different cargo door dimensions and hold height limits. A 737 lower hold typically caps at ~109 cm height, while a 777F freighter accepts pieces up to 300 cm. The narrowest restriction is usually the cargo door — even if the hold itself is large, the piece must fit through the door at its loading angle. The tool checks all three dimensions plus the diagonal door clearance.

What is the maximum piece size I can ship via standard passenger aircraft?

On most narrow-body passenger aircraft (737, A320, A321) the practical limit is roughly 158 × 153 × 109 cm per piece (typical lower-hold cargo door). Wide-body passenger aircraft (777, 787, A330, A350) accept pieces up to ~300 × 244 × 162 cm. Anything larger requires a freighter (777F, 747F, MD-11F) or a charter.

Does the aircraft type affect the air freight rate?

Yes. Belly-hold cargo on a passenger flight is usually 30–60% cheaper per kg than freighter capacity, because the aircraft is flying anyway and cargo subsidises the route. Freighter capacity is more expensive but offers more space, fewer dimension limits, and predictable schedules — essential for over-dimensional cargo, dangerous goods that are restricted on passenger flights, or charters.

What if my piece exceeds the largest passenger aircraft door?

The next options are (1) a freighter such as the 777F, 747F or 777-200LRF, which has a main-deck nose or side door accepting much larger pieces; (2) a charter on an Antonov An-124, IL-76 or 747-400F for outsize cargo; (3) splitting the shipment into smaller crates if the cargo allows. Unicore quotes all three when standard belly capacity is exceeded.

Why does the tool ask for the loading angle, not just dimensions?

Cargo doors are not always rectangular — many are arched (e.g., 737, A320). A 110 cm × 160 cm box may fail to enter through a 109 cm door if loaded flat, but pass at a diagonal. The tool checks for both straight-through and tilted loading geometry to give a realistic answer rather than rejecting marginal pieces.

Aircraft Loadability Chart - Check Cargo Dimensions | Unicore

This aircraft cargo compatibility finder helps you determine which commercial aircraft can accommodate your shipment based on its dimensions. Simply enter the width, length, and height of your cargo, and our tool will check against the cargo hold specifications of major aircraft models.

Included Aircraft Models

Boeing 737 Series (737-500, 737-700, 737-800)
Boeing 767-300
Boeing 777 Series (777-200, 777-300, 777F Freighter)
Boeing 787 Dreamliner Series (787-8, 787-9, 787-10)
Airbus A220-300 (with special dimensional restrictions)
Airbus A320 and A321
Airbus A380
Bombardier DHC8-400 (Dash 8)

Approximate cargo door / hold limits per aircraft (verify per route — exact figures vary by sub-variant and operator).
Aircraft	Body type	Max piece (W × L × H, cm)	Notes
Boeing 737-800	Narrow-body	~123 × 88 × 86	Bulk hold only; arched door geometry
Airbus A320 / A321	Narrow-body	~158 × 153 × 109	Lower hold; A321 slightly larger than A320
Airbus A220-300	Narrow-body	~115 × 105 × 95	Pieces <100 kg only
Boeing 777 / 787	Wide-body	~244 × 300 × 162	Accepts LD3 / LD6 / pallets
Airbus A380	Wide-body	~244 × 300 × 162	Two cargo decks; large total volume
Boeing 777F (Freighter)	Freighter	~305 × 600 × 244	Main-deck nose loader; out-of-gauge capable
Bombardier DHC8-400	Regional turboprop	~104 × 78 × 72	Bulk hold; very limited dimensions

How It Works

The tool checks your cargo dimensions against each aircraft's cargo compartment specifications. It automatically tests all possible orientations to find if your package can fit. Some aircraft have special restrictions (like the Airbus A220-300), which are handled with specific compatibility tables.

Important Notes

Dimensions shown are maximum cargo hold dimensions. Actual loadable dimensions may be slightly smaller depending on packaging and handling requirements.
The Airbus A220-300 has weight restrictions (pieces below 100kg) in addition to dimensional limits.
Some compartments are designated for containerized cargo (LD3, LD8, etc.) or pallets, which may further restrict dimensions.
For oversized or special cargo, please contact our team for detailed consultation.

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Our IATA-certified air freight specialists can help you find the best solution for your cargo, including special handling for oversized or dimensional weight sensitive shipments.

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Aircraft Loadability Chart

Package Dimensions

About This Tool

Included Aircraft Models

How It Works

Important Notes

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