Carry-On Luggage Sizes: Size Restrictions by Airline

2022-01-31

Every airline has a strict set of rules to follow when it comes to carry-on luggage.

These days, it’s rare for airlines to allow passengers to check bags for free – at least in economy class. So, the best way to avoid those fees is to stick to carry-on luggage. That said, you’ll usually need to follow strict rules to avoid getting hit with extra charges at the airport, especially if your bag exceeds the size and weight limits for carry-ons. In short, if your carry-on is too large, you’ll have to pay to check it at the gate.

You’ll find the exact rules for a large selection of airlines below, including specific size and weight limits. Take note: any handles and wheels on your bags count toward airlines’ size limits. In addition to a carry-on, most airlines also allow economy passengers to bring one “personal item,” such as a briefcase, purse, laptop bag or small backpack. A personal item must fit under the seat in front of you.

If you’re opting for a budget airline (such as Spirit, Frontier, or Ryanair), you should pay extra attention. Many budget airlines only allow the single personal item, forcing customers to check – and pay for – all other luggage. Some non-budget airlines also have a similar rule on their cheapest fares (for example, basic economy on United or blue basic fares on JetBlue). Mobility aids (such as canes or walkers) and childcare items (like child safety seats) generally don’t count toward any of these limits.

In addition to rules about the size and weight of your bags, various items are banned from carry-on luggage for security reasons. The most notable is that you can’t bring more than 3.4 ounces (100mL) of liquids or gels on board. If you’re carrying batteries, TSA rules are a little complex, but you can generally bring small batteries with no problem. Lithium batteries (particularly larger ones) may need to be removed from any device if you plan to carry them on a flight. If you have luggage with built-in batteries (sometimes called “smart luggage”), the battery must be able to be removed if necessary. For more details on banned items, check the TSA website.

Domestic Airlines

Alaska Airlines
Carry-on luggage size: 14 x 9 x 22 inches
Carry-on luggage weight: No limit
Personal item: Yes, must fit under the seat in front of you

All passengers on Alaska Airlines can bring one carry-on bag according to the dimensions above, plus one personal item, such as a laptop bag, purse or small backpack. If you’re flying on a smaller plane (including flights operated by SkyWest or Horizon Air), you may be asked to check your carry-on bag at the gate for no extra charge. Alaska doesn’t have a specific size limit for personal items, but they must fit under the seat in front of you – if you’re unsure, items under 14 x 8 x 18 inches should be suitable. One popular carry-on choice that Alaska will accept is the Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Carry-On Expandable Spinner. Consult Alaska’s website for its full carry-on policy.

Allegiant Air
Carry-on luggage size: 22 x 9 x 14 inches, for an additional fee
Carry-on luggage weight: No limit
Personal item: 16 x 7 x 15 inches

Like Frontier and Spirit, Allegiant only includes a personal item with most flights. A fee applies if you want to bring a larger carry-on bag on board with Allegiant. This is often around $20 if you pay for your baggage at the time of booking; it costs a hefty $45 if you add a carry-on bag later. A stylish and not-too-expensive option that fits Allegiant’s rules is Calpak’s Ambeur Carry-On, a sleek hardside suitcase. Check Allegiant’s website for full details of its carry-on rules.

American Airlines
Carry-on luggage size: 14 x 9 x 22 inches
Carry-on luggage weight: No limit
Personal item: 14 x 8 x 18 inches

All American Airlines passengers – including those on basic economy tickets – can bring one carry-on bag, plus a personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. (Note: If you’re bringing a pet, the carrier counts as your carry-on bag.) On smaller planes, particularly American Eagle flights, you may be asked to check larger carry-on bags at the gate for free. Medical or childcare items like diaper bags, child seats, canes and other mobility devices don’t count toward your limit. For a robust carry-on bag that fits American’s limits, consider purchasing the Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Carry-On Expandable Spinner. Consult American’s website for its full carry-on policy.

Delta Air Lines
Carry-on luggage size: 14 x 9 x 22 inches
Carry-on luggage weight: No limit (some exceptions apply, see below)
Personal item: Yes, must fit under the seat in front of you

All Delta customers can bring a carry-on bag as well as a personal item. If you’re on a Delta Connection flight or a very full plane, you may be asked to check your carry-on bag at the gate due to space constraints. This won’t cost you anything. If you’re flying to or from Beijing, or Shanghai, there is a 22 pound weight limit for a carry-on; for Singapore, there is a 15 pound limit. Unlike some airlines, Delta does not have specific size limits for personal items: its policy is only that they must fit under the seat in front of you. Personal items may include purses, briefcases, small backpacks, camera bags, laptop bags, diaper bags or “an item of similar to smaller size” to these. Objects like jackets, umbrellas or duty-free merchandise do not count as personal items. Need a carry-on suitcase for Delta? Consider the highly-rated Pivot 2 Carry-on Spinner from Samsonite. Find full restrictions and carry-on information at Delta’s website.

Frontier Airlines
Carry-on luggage size: 16 x 10 x 24 inches, for an additional fee
Carry-on luggage weight: 35 pounds
Personal item: 14 x 8 x 18 inches

As a budget airline, Frontier charges for almost all carry-on bags. Without paying an extra fee, you’re only entitled to bring a personal item. If you’re an elite member of the FRONTIER Miles rewards program or if you buy a specialty ticket like THE WORKS, you can bring a carry-on bag for free. Carry-on bag fees depend on your destination. Prices are cheapest if you add baggage when you make your booking. You’ll pay more to add it later, especially if you purchase the carry-on bag at the airport. Carry-on fees start around $40, and it is sometimes cheaper to purchase a checked bag instead of a carry-on. One relatively affordable carry-on bag that is well-reviewed and accepted on Frontier is the Travelpro Maxlite 5. Check Frontier’s website for full details of its carry-on rules.

Hawaiian Airlines
Carry-on luggage size: 14 x 9 x 22 inches
Carry-on luggage weight: 25 pounds
Personal item: Yes, must fit under the seat in front of you

Hawaiian Airlines allows all customers to bring one carry-on bag, in line with the dimensions above, as well as one personal item. Overweight or oversized carry-ons must be checked at the gate, with a possible fee. The airline doesn’t have a specific size limit for personal items like briefcases and purses, but they must fit under the seat in front of you: aim to keep your bag under 8 x 14 x 18 inches if you’re unsure. Need a bag that fits within Hawaiian’s rules? The 20-inch Travelpro Platinum Elite is a top-rated option, with customers describing it as roomy and durable. Consult Hawaiian’s website for its full carry-on policy.

JetBlue
Carry-on luggage size: 14 x 9 x 22 inches
Carry-on luggage weight: No limit
Personal item: 13 x 8 x 17 inches

Most JetBlue customers are allowed a carry-on bag and a personal item, unless you’re traveling on a blue basic fare (more on that below). The Away Carry-On is one great choice of a carry-on suitcase that fits within JetBlue’s rules. If you booked a blue basic fare, then you’re only allowed to bring a personal item. If you bring a larger carry-on bag, you may have to pay $65 to check it at the gate. However, a few customers on blue basic fares can bring carry-on bags for free. This includes U.S military personnel, unaccompanied minors and customers flying to London. If you purchase a higher class seat or if you reach Mosaic status on JetBlue’s TrueBlue rewards program, you can also bring a carry-on bag on a blue basic ticket. Find full restrictions and carry-on information at JetBlue’s website.

Southwest Airlines
Carry-on luggage size: 16 x 10 x 24 inches
Carry-on luggage weight: No limit
Personal item: Yes, must fit under the seat in front of you

Allowing bags up to 24 inches tall, Southwest has one of the most generous limits of a U.S. airline (but keep in mind, you will be placing the suitcase on its side). All passengers can also bring a personal item. A few items don’t count toward your carry-on limits, such as walking canes, umbrellas, child seats and clothing like jackets. If you’re flying with a pet, the carrier can count as either your personal item or your carry-on bag. If you need a carry-on bag, travelers like the Delsey Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Spinner for its durability and the ability to expand by 2 inches. But choose wisely: although the bag will fit on Southwest, it might stretch the carry-on limits for some airlines. Check website for full details of Southwest’s carry-on rules.

Spirit Airlines
Carry-on luggage size: 18 x 10 x 22 inches, for an additional fee
Carry-on luggage weight: No limit
Personal item: 14 x 8 x 18 inches

Spirit Airlines charges almost all customers for any carry-on bag. If you haven’t paid for this, you’re only entitled to bring a personal item on board. There is no weight limit, but it must fit under the seat in front of you. Spirit’s carry-on bag fees vary between flights, but they tend to start at $25 to $30 for U.S domestic flights. If you need to bring carry-on luggage, it’s always cheapest to pay for it when you first book your flight. It will cost you more to add a bag afterward, and at least double the initial fee if you do it at the airport. For an affordable carry-on bag that fits Spirit’s policies, the Amazon Basics 21-inch Hardside Spinner is worth considering. Consult Spirit’s website for its full carry-on policy.

Sun Country Airlines
Carry-on luggage size: 16 x 11 x 24 inches, for an additional fee
Carry-on luggage weight: 35 pounds
Personal item: 13 x 9 x 17 inches

Sun Country only allows most travelers to bring one personal item that fits under the seat in front of them, for no extra fee. Fees for larger carry-on bags are around $30 if you pay for it when booking, or more if you add it later. One well-rated suitcase that you can take on board Sun Country is the Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of Bounds Spinner, which travelers like for its durability and the way it rolls smoothly. Read Sun Country’s website for full details on its carry-on policies.

United Airlines
Carry-on luggage size: 14 x 9 x 22 inches, including handle and wheels
Carry-on luggage weight: No limit
Personal item: 10 x 9 x 17 inches

United only has a size limit for carry-on bags, with no weight limit. However, if you’re traveling on a smaller plane with limited space in the overhead bins, you may be asked to check your bag at the gate for free. All passengers can also bring a personal item that needs to fit under the seat in front: this is 10 x 9 x 17 inches. The 20-inch Travelpro Platinum Elite is a top-rated carry-on option that fits within United’s limits (it’s expandable, in case you ever need to carry more and check it). There’s one notable exception for United: Passengers with a basic economy ticket can only take one personal item on board – no carry-on bag. This applies to basic economy passengers traveling domestically or between the U.S. and Canada. If you have a basic economy ticket and are going to Central or South America (including Mexico), trans-Atlantic or trans-Pacific, you can bring a full-size carry-on bag. Find full restrictions and carry-on information at United’s website.

International Airlines

Aer Lingus
Carry-on luggage size: 16 x 10 x 22 inches, fee may apply
Carry-on luggage weight: 22 pounds
Personal item: 10 x 8 x 13 inches

Aer Lingus’ carry-on policy depends on where you’re flying. For trans-Atlantic flights, you can bring one carry-on bag within the dimensions above, plus a small personal item. If you’re flying within Europe on Aer Lingus, it’s a bit different: you’ll have to pay a fee to bring a carry-on on board, starting at 5.99 euros (about $7). However, you can check that same bag for free. Either way, a carry-on bag like Samsonite’s Omni PC Hardside Expandable Carry-On is an acceptable and affordable choice for Aer Lingus’ rules, with reviews describing it as spacious and built to last. If you’re flying Aer Lingus Regional (a service with smaller planes, flying mostly around Ireland and the U.K.), a smaller carry-on limit applies: 13 x 8 x 18.5 inches, with a weight limit of 15 pounds. Consult Aer Lingus’ website for its full carry-on policy.

Aeromexico
Carry-on luggage size: 16 x 10 x 22 inches
Carry-on luggage weight: 22 pounds, including your personal item
Personal item: Yes, must fit under the seat in front of you

All Aeromexico customers can bring a larger carry-on bag and a smaller personal item on board. Be careful with the weight limit: these two items combined cannot weigh more than 22 pounds. So, if your carry-on bag weighs 15 pounds, your personal item cannot be more than 7 pounds. Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you. Herschel’s Trade Carry-On is just one high-rated bag that will be accepted on Aeromexico. Check Aeromexico’s website for full details of its carry-on rules.

Air Canada
Carry-on luggage size: 16 x 9 x 22 inches
Carry-on luggage weight: No limit
Personal item: 13 x 6 x 17 inches

All Air Canada tickets include a carry-on bag plus a personal item, and while there’s no weight limit, you should be able to put the carry-on bag in the overhead bins without assistance. One bag that fits the bill for Air Canada is Ebags’ 21-inch Mother Lode, a top-rated rolling duffel revered for its compartments and durability. Personal items should be placed under the seat in front of you, and meet the dimensions above. Unlike some other airlines, airport purchases (for example, larger duty free items) count toward your baggage limit. Find full restrictions and carry-on information at Air Canada’s website.

Air France
Carry-on luggage size: 14 x 10 x 22 inches
Carry-on luggage weight: 26 pounds, including your personal item
Personal item: 12 x 6 x 16 inches

Air France travelers are entitled to bring one carry-on bag (what Air France calls hand baggage) and one personal item on board. Pay attention to the weight limit: both of these bags combined must not weigh more than 26 pounds. One reasonably priced carry-on bag that works with Air France’s rules is the Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of Bounds Hardshell Spinner, appreciated by travelers for its lightweight construction and range of color choices. Consult Air France’s website for its full carry-on policy.

All Nippon Airways
Carry-on luggage size: 16 x 10 x 22 inches
Carry-on luggage weight: 22 pounds, including your personal item
Personal item: Yes, must fit under the seat in front of you

According to ANA, all passengers can bring one carry-on bag on board as long as it fits the dimensions above. Other personal items are permitted, but they should fit under the seat in front of you, and they count toward the carry-on weight limit. Items you purchase in the airport also count toward this limit. Travelers looking for a carry-on bag that ANA will accept can purchase Samsonite’s Pivot 2 Spinner. Check ANA’s website for full details of its carry-on rules.

British Airways
Carry-on luggage size: 18 x 10 x 22 inches
Carry-on luggage weight: 51 pounds
Personal item: 12 x 6 x 16 inches

All British Airways passengers (including those on CityFlyer flights) can bring a carry-on bag plus a personal item. For the former, Away’s The Daily Carry-On with Pocket is a well-rated carry-on suitcase that is the right size for British Airways. The personal item cannot weigh more than 51 pounds, on top of the 51 pound limit for your larger carry-on bag. If airline staff put a yellow tag on your bag, it should be stored under the seat in front of you. Find full restrictions and carry-on information at British Airways’ website.

Cathay Pacific
Carry-on luggage size: 14 x 9 x 22 inches
Carry-on luggage weight: 15 pounds
Personal item: Yes, must fit under the seat in front of you

At the time of writing, Cathay Pacific’s baggage policy is unclear, as the airline is shifting from measuring baggage by weight to measuring by the number of pieces each passenger brings. It’s best to check your booking carefully to confirm the exact allowance, but passengers are generally permitted to bring one larger carry-on bag (within the above measurements), plus a personal item. If you’re looking for a carry-on that works for Cathay Pacific, Ebags’ 22-inch Fortis Pro Spinner is a well-reviewed option. Consult Cathay Pacific’s website for its full carry-on policy.

EasyJet
Carry-on luggage size: 18 x 10 x 22 inches, for an additional fee
Carry-on luggage weight: No limit
Personal item: 14 x 8 x 18 inches

As a budget airline, the standard EasyJet fare only allows customers to bring one personal item aboard (called a “small cabin bag”). It must be no larger than the dimensions listed above so that it can fit under the seat in front of you. Fees for larger carry-on bags are between 5.99 and 32.99 pounds (about $8 to $45), depending on your destination. For a full-size carry-on bag that sticks to EasyJet’s rules, consider buying the Travelpro Maxlite 5. Check EasyJet’s website for full details of its carry-on rules.

Emirates
Carry-on luggage size: 15 x 8 x 22 inches
Carry-on luggage weight: 15 pounds
Personal item: Yes, only if you are not bringing a full carry-on bag

Emirates only allows economy passengers to bring one item on board: it can be a personal item or a larger carry-on bag, but it must fit within the above measurements. Duty free purchases do not count toward this limit. It can be more difficult to find bags that fit within Emirates’ rules; one good bet is Narwey’s Foldable Travel Duffel Bag Tote. Find full restrictions and carry-on information at Emirates’ website.

Iberia
Carry-on luggage size: 16 x 10 x 22 inches
Carry-on luggage weight: 22 pounds, including your personal item
Personal item: 12 x 6 x 16 inches

Travelers on Iberia can bring a carry-on bag plus a smaller personal item (such as a laptop or small backpack). For your carry-on, one popular and high-quality bag is Samsonite’s Just Right Carry-On Spinner, which fits with Iberia’s dimensions. Pay attention: the 22 pound weight limit applies to both items combined. If your flight was booked through Iberia but is operated by Vueling the same limits apply, although the size limit for the larger bag is slightly smaller. Consult Iberia’s website for its full carry-on policy.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Carry-on luggage size: 10 x 14 x 22 inches
Carry-on luggage weight: 26.5 pounds, including your personal item
Personal item: 12 x 6 x 16 inches

All KLM passengers may bring a larger carry-on bag fitting the above measurements, plus a personal item (which the airline calls an “accessory”). The accessory must fit under the seat in front of you. If you’re traveling on the cheaper light ticket, you may be asked to check in your carry-on bag for no extra cost, if space is limited. For a carry-on that sticks to KLM’s requirements, Ebags’ 22-inch Fortis Pro Spinner is a great choice. Check KLM’s website for full details of its carry-on rules.

Lufthansa
Carry-on luggage size: 9 x 16 x 22 inches bag or 21 x 6 x 22 inches folding garment bag
Carry-on luggage weight: 18 pounds
Personal item: 12 x 4 x 16 inches

On German airline Lufthansa, all passengers can bring a larger carry-on bag or a folding garment bag and a smaller personal item like a handbag or laptop. Carry-on items must not weigh more than 18 pounds. Items like a child seat and mobility aids (canes, walkers) do not count toward the limits. A top-rated suitcase that fits Lufthansa’s dimension requirements is Tumi’s Latitude International Slim Carry-On. Find full restrictions and carry-on information at Lufthansa’s website.

Qatar Airways
Carry-on luggage size: 15 x 10 x 20 inches
Carry-on luggage weight: 15 pounds
Personal item: Yes, must fit under the seat in front of you

Qatar Airways allows passengers to bring one larger carry-on item, and multiple personal items – depending on the item. Unlike other airlines, laptops and laptop bags do not count as personal items, and must fit within your main hand baggage allowance. However, passengers can bring one handbag or small briefcase, and one each of an umbrella, coat, blanket, cane or other mobility aid. Be careful: Qatar doesn’t accept carry-ons longer than 20 inches, which is shorter than many other airlines. However, one good option that fits within these dimensions is Delsey Paris’ Hyperglide Softside Under-Seater bag. Consult Qatar Airways’ website for its full carry-on policy.

Ryanair
Carry-on luggage size: 8 x 16 x 22 inches, for an additional fee
Carry-on luggage weight: 22 pounds
Personal item: 10 x 8 x 16 inches

Ryanair is a low-cost carrier, so unless you pay extra, passengers can only bring one small bag that fits under the seat in front of you. This bag must be no larger than 8 x 10 x 16 inches. To bring a larger carry-on bag, travelers need to purchase Ryanair’s 2 Cabin Bags option, which costs between 8 and 22 euros (about $9 to $25) depending on your destination. One carry-on option that fits with Ryanair’s rather strict rules is Samsonite’s Lite-Box Carry-On Spinner. Check Ryanair’s website for full details of its carry-on rules.

Scandinavian Airlines
Carry-on luggage size 9 x 16 x 22 inches
Carry-on luggage weight: 18 pounds
Personal item: 12 x 6 x 16 inches

Most (but not all) SAS fares allow you to bring one larger carry-on bag, plus a personal item, which SAS calls an “underseat bag.” There’s one exception: passengers traveling within Europe on the SAS go light fare must pay for a larger carry-on bag. If you booked a go light ticket for intercontinental flights, a carry-on bag is included. One great option for that carry-on is Ebags’ 21-inch Mother Lode, a highly rated rolling duffel. Find full restrictions and carry-on information at SAS’ website.

Singapore Airlines
Carry-on luggage size: 45 inches total linear measurement
Carry-on luggage weight: 15 pounds
Personal item: 12 x 4 x 16 inches

Singapore Airlines has an unusual method for measuring carry-on bags: the dimensions of the bag must not add up to more than 45 inches total. For example, a 15 x 15 x 15 inch bag would be suitable. All passengers can bring one bag of this size, plus a smaller personal item. The personal item can be a maximum size of 4 x 12 x 16 inches (10 x 30 x 40 cm). This item does not count toward the 15 pound carry-on limit. For a carry-on item that will be accepted on Singapore Airlines, Calpak’s Ambeur Carry-On is a classy, well-rated option. Consult Singapore Airlines’ website for its full carry-on policy.

Turkish Airlines
Carry-on luggage size: 9 x 16 x 22 inches
Carry-on luggage weight: 18 pounds
Personal item: 12 x 6 x 17 inches

All Turkish Airlines tickets allow passengers to bring one larger, 18-pound carry-on bag, as well as a personal item. There’s no weight limit on the personal item, but it must fit under the seat in front of you. If you’re looking for a carry-on that’s suitable for Turkish Airlines, one suggestion is Samsonite’s Lite-Box Carry-On Spinner. Check Turkish Airlines’ website for full details of its carry-on rules.

Virgin Atlantic
Carry-on luggage size: 9 x 14 x 22 inches
Carry-on luggage weight: 22 pounds
Personal item: Yes, must fit under the seat in front of you

Virgin Atlantic lets every passenger bring a larger carry-on bag, as well as personal items including a handbag or small backpack, an umbrella, a walking stick and airport purchases. Take note: laptops do not count as personal items on Virgin Atlantic and should fit into your main carry-on bag. There’s no specific size limit on the other personal items, but bags or airport purchases should fit under the seat in front of you. One good bet for a carry-on that’s accepted by Virgin Atlantic is Tumi’s Latitude International Slim Carry-On. Find full restrictions and carry-on information at Virgin Atlantic’s website.

WestJet
Carry-on luggage size: 15 x 9 x 21 inches
Carry-on luggage weight: No limit
Personal item: 13 x 6 x 16 inches

All passengers on WestJet can bring a larger carry-on bag (within the above measurements), plus a personal item like a briefcase, purse or laptop bag. For a high-quality carry-on that’s accepted on WestJet, the Briggs & Riley International 21-inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner is just one option. Consult WestJet’s website for its full carry-on policy.

Courtesy of USNews