A Carry-on Luggage Size Guide by Airline

The vacation countdown is almost over, and it’s time to get packing. Though airlines’ luggage rules vary depending on what region of the world you’re heading to or from, the size limit for carry-on luggage size remains consistent across the majority of airlines.

Sure, you might occasionally be able to sneak onboard with a bag that’s a bit oversized or overweight, but airlines can be strict about carry-on size, so it’s always smarter to plan ahead. Choosing the best carry-on luggage to fit the fine print will make for less travel stress. Here’s what size suitcase to bring on your next trip — no bargaining, pleading, or, worst of all, last-minute checking required.

What size is carry-on luggage?

Though you might find an inch or two of a difference with various airlines, the size limit for carry-on luggage is 22″ x 14″ x 9″, which includes the handle and the wheels. A few domestic airlines, such as Frontier and Southwest, will allow 24-inch luggage as a carry-on. This size limit ensures your bag — and ideally everyone else’s — will fit in the overhead bin for your flight. The biggest benefit by far of traveling with carry-on luggage only is being able to go right off the plane and to your destination, without waiting for a checked bag.

What is the weight limit for carry-on luggage?

For many major domestic airlines — Delta, Southwest, JetBlue — there are no weight restrictions for carry-on bags. You’ll just have to be able to lift it above your head into the storage bin. And in most cases, even if airlines do list a specific pound or kilogram limit on their websites, they likely won’t weigh your carry-on bags. As long as your pack doesn’t appear to be overstuffed, you’re probably OK. Weight is much more important for small commuter planes, mostly due to safety regulations, and on low-cost international carriers like Easyjet and Ryanair.

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What is a personal item?

In addition to your carry-on suitcase, many airlines also allow a personal item. This can be a laptop bag, a purse, a briefcase, a beach bag — whatever you like, as long as it is generally small. Personal item restrictions vary by airline, and some choose not to include any specifics at all. In those cases, the general rule of thumb is an item that can fit under the seat in front of you.

The difference between carry-on luggage and a personal item is size: a diaper bag, for example, is generally a personal item. A travel stroller is a carry-on. Depending on the size, an instrument is either a personal item or a carry-on. A garment bag is generally a carry-on because it’s unlikely to fit under the seat, but many airlines will let you through with a small suitcase and a garment bag. When in doubt, check with the airline in advance.

What is the best carry-on luggage?

Everyone has a different opinion on the best luggage brands, but the best carry-on suitcase for you is ultimately the one that suits your needs as a traveler. If you’re constantly on the road, invest in a durable bag that can keep up. If you take one or two vacations a year, you can go with something more affordable. Whether you prefer softside or hardside luggage, two-wheel rollaboards, or a hassle-free backpack, there are options from legacy brands like Samsonite and smaller brands such as July. Before you buy, note the dimensions of a bag and the carry-on restrictions of the airlines you most often fly to be sure your bag will fit.

What is allowed in a carry-on bag?

What you pack in your carry-on bag is regulated, as well. In addition to the same rules that apply to checked bags, which prohibit firearms, lithium batteries, and other potentially hazardous items, you cannot bring containers of liquid, paste, aerosol, gel, or cream larger than 3.4 ounces through security and they need to fit in a one-quart zip-top bag. This is the regulation in the U.S., regardless of your destination, but there are more generous rules for things like baby food, medicine, and breast milk. Make sure to check the specific rules of your carrier, too, so you won’t be forced to throw anything away at the gate.

What is the standard international carry-on size?

Internationally, most smaller, regional airlines or budget airlines such as EasyJet and Ryanair will accept a suitcase that’s 22″ high and 14″ wide — including the handle and wheels — though you may have to pay to bring this onboard. However, some local airlines have tighter limits of 21″ or even less, so, if you’re going to be traveling on small planes or frequently flying a carrier with stricter requirements, go for a smaller carry-on bag. This ensures your bag is accepted on all carriers and you won’t have to pay hefty last-minute checked bag fees.

Keep reading for some more airline-specific information.

Alaska Airlines

• Carry-on luggage size: 22” x 14” x 9”
• Carry-on luggage weight maximum: Not specified
• Personal item: One personal item such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag

Allegiant Air

• Carry-on luggage size: 22” x 14” x 9”; fee applies ($15-75 depending on when reserved)
• Carry-on luggage weight maximum: Not specified
• Personal item: 14 x 18 x 8″

When booking with a budget airline, it’s imperative to read the fine print. In most cases, when the low fare seems like a steal, traveling light is the only way to keep it that way. With Allegiant, your personal item is free, but there’s a fee for your carry-on.

American Airlines

• Carry-on luggage size: 22” x 14” x 9″
• Carry-on luggage weight maximum: Not specified
• Personal item: 18” x 14” x 8”; must fit under the seat in front of you

American Airlines’ fares include both a carry-on and personal item, even in Basic Economy.

Delta Air Lines

• Carry-on luggage size: 22” x 14” x 9”
• Carry-on luggage weight maximum: Not specified
• Personal item: One purse, briefcase, camera bag, or diaper bag

There are three exceptions for the weight limit:

Singapore, Singapore Changi International Airport (SIN): 15 pounds or 7 kg

Beijing, Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): 22 pounds or 10 kg for domestic travel

Shanghai, Pudong International Airport (PVG): 22 pounds or 10 kg

Frontier Airlines

• Carry-on luggage size: 24” x 16” x 10”
• Carry-on luggage weight maximum: 35 pounds
• Personal item: 8” x 18” x 14”

Hawaiian Airlines

• Carry-on luggage size: 45 linear inches
• Carry-on luggage weight maximum: 25 pounds
• Personal item: One purse, briefcase, laptop bag, backpack, or similar piece; must fit under the seat in front of you

JetBlue

• Carry-on luggage size: 22” x 14” x 9”
• Carry-on luggage weight: None specified
• Personal item: 17” x 13” x 8”

There’s a reason JetBlue has such a cult following: not only does it give guests more legroom, but it alleviates a bit of the carry-on luggage size limit stress, too. Though the carry-on size restrictions are the same as most airlines, the personal item dimensions are larger.

Southwest Airlines

• Carry-on luggage size: 24” x 16” x 10”
• Carry-on luggage weight: None specified
• Personal item: None specified by generally no larger than 18.5” x 8.5” x 13.5”; must fit under the seat in front of you

Another generous airline, Southwest’s personal item and carry-on size limits are spacier than most.

Spirit Airlines

• Carry-on luggage size: 22” x 18” x 10”
• Carry-on luggage weight: None specified
• Personal item: 18” x 14” x 8”

United Airlines

• Carry-on luggage size: 22” x 14” x 9”
• Carry-on luggage weight: None specified
• Personal item: 17” x 10” x 9”; must fit in the seat in front of you