Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline

Whether you’re traveling strictly with carry-on luggage to avoid checked bag fees and/or lost luggage or you’re bringing a carry-on bag in addition to checked luggage, you’ll need to adhere to carry-on luggage size restrictions.

If your carry-on is too large, you won’t be able to bring it with you on the plane and will instead have to pay to check it at the gate. But even if it’s not too big, know there’s always a chance your carry-on bag will need to be gate-checked (free of charge) due to limited storage in the overhead bin.

Airlines calculate size measurements using two methods:

Click on the major domestic and international airlines below to see their carry-on luggage size restrictions in inches – and note that any handles and wheels on your bags count toward size limits as well. In addition to rules about size and weight, various items cannot be used as (or packed in) your carry-on baggage for security reasons. Jump to the Carry-on Luggage Size FAQ for answers to common questions about what you can bring.

Carry-on luggage size: 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 45 linear inches
Carry-on luggage weight: No limit
Personal item: 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 less than 18 x 14 x 8 inches should be suitable.

Consult Alaska’s website for its full carry-on policy.

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

Allegiant only allows a personal item free of charge with most flights. A fee applies if you want to bring a larger carry-on bag on board with Allegiant. This fee 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 – and up to $75 at the gate.

Check Allegiant’s website for more details on its carry-on rules.

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

All American Airlines passengers – including those with basic economy tickets – can bring one carry-on bag, plus a personal item that fits under the seat in front of you, at no charge. (Note: If you’re bringing a pet, the pet 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 child-care items like diaper bags, child seats, canes and other mobility devices don’t count toward your limit.

Consult American’s website for its full carry-on policy.

Carry-on luggage size: 22 x 14 x 9 inches
Carry-on luggage weight: No limit (some exceptions apply; see below)
Personal item: 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 only states 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.” Objects like jackets, umbrellas or duty-free merchandise do not count as personal items.

Luggage pick: Consider the highly rated Samsonite Armage II, which meets Delta’s carry-on size requirements exactly.

Find full restrictions and carry-on information at Delta’s website.

Carry-on luggage size: 24 x 16 x 10 inches, for an additional fee
Carry-on luggage weight: 35 pounds
Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 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 at around $30, and it is sometimes cheaper to purchase a checked bag instead of a carry-on.

Luggage pick: One relatively affordable carry-on bag that is well reviewed and accepted on Frontier is the 21-inch Travelpro Maxlite 5, which features interior organization for your quart-sized bag toiletry bag and other essentials.

Check Frontier’s website for full details of its carry-on rules.

Carry-on luggage size: 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 45 linear inches
Carry-on luggage weight: 25 pounds
Personal item: 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 at less than 18 x 14 x 8 inches if you’re unsure.

Luggage pick: 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.

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

Most JetBlue customers are allowed a carry-on bag and a personal item, unless you’re traveling on a Blue Basic fare. If you booked a Blue Basic ticket, you’re only allowed to bring a personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. If you bring a larger carry-on bag, you may have to pay $65 to check it at the gate.

However, select customers with Blue Basic fares can bring carry-on bags for free. This includes active 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.

Luggage pick: The Away The Carry-On suitcase is a great choice for carry-on luggage that fits within JetBlue’s rules.

Find full restrictions and carry-on information at JetBlue’s website.

Carry-on luggage size: 24 x 16 x 10 inches
Carry-on luggage weight: No limit
Personal item: 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 that 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.

Luggage pick: If you need a carry-on bag, travelers like the DELSEY PARIS Helium Aero Hardside Luggage for its durability and the way it can expand by 2 inches. But choose wisely: Depending what size you select, the bag might stretch the carry-on limits for airlines with stricter luggage rules than Southwest.

Check the website for full details of Southwest’s carry-on rules.

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

Consult Spirit’s website for its full carry-on policy.

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

For no extra fee, Sun Country allows most travelers to bring into the cabin one personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. Fees for larger carry-on bags are around $30 if you pay for it when booking, or more if you add it later.

Luggage pick: One well-rated suitcase that you can take on board Sun Country as an extra carry-on is the 20-inch Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of Bounds suitcase, which travelers like for its durability and smooth rolling.

Read Sun Country’s website for full details on its carry-on policies.

Carry-on luggage size: 22 x 14 x 9 inches
Carry-on luggage weight: No limit
Personal item: 17 x 10 x 9 inches

United has a size limit for carry-on bags, but there are no weight limitations. Passengers can also bring a personal item as long as it fits under the seat in front of them.

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 policy applies to travelers flying basic economy 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) or taking trans-Atlantic or trans-Pacific flights, you can bring a full-size carry-on bag.

Luggage pick: The 21-inch Travelpro Platinum Elite is a top-rated carry-on option that fits within United’s limits – and it’s expandable, in case you ever need to carry more and check it.

Find full restrictions and carry-on information at United’s website.

Carry-on luggage size: 21.5 x 15.5 x 9.5 inches; fee may apply
Carry-on luggage weight: 22 pounds
Personal item: 13 x 10 x 8 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, the rules are a bit different: You’ll have to pay a fee to bring a carry-on with you on board, starting at 5.99 euros. However, you can check that same bag for free.

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: 18.5 x 13 x 8 inches, with a weight limit of 15 pounds.

Consult Aer Lingus’ website for its full carry-on policy.

Carry-on luggage size: 21.5 x 15.7 x 10 inches
Carry-on luggage weight: 22 pounds, including your personal item
Personal item: Must fit under the seat in front of you

All Aeroméxico customers can bring a larger carry-on bag and a smaller personal item on board. Be careful with the weight limit, though: These two items combined cannot weigh more than 22 pounds. So, if your carry-on bag weighs 15 pounds, for example, your personal item cannot be more than 7 pounds. Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you.

Check Aeroméxico’s website for full details on its carry-on rules.

Carry-on luggage size: 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches
Carry-on luggage weight: No limit
Personal item: 17 x 13 x 6 inches

All Air Canada tickets include a carry-on bag plus a personal item; while there’s no weight limit, the airline says your carry-on bag should be light enough that it can easily be lifted into the overhead bin. Personal items should be placed under the seat in front of you and meet the dimensions specified above. Unlike with some other airlines, airport purchases (for example, larger duty-free items) count toward your baggage limit on Air Canada.

Luggage pick: 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.

Find full restrictions and carry-on information on Air Canada’s website.

Carry-on luggage size: 21.6 x 13.7 x 9.8 inches
Carry-on luggage weight: 26.4 pounds, including your personal item
Personal item: 15.7 x 11.8 x 5.8 inches

Air France travelers are entitled to bring one carry-on bag (referred to by the airline as “hand baggage”) and one personal item on board. Pay attention to the weight limit, as both of these bags combined must not weigh more than 26 pounds.

Luggage pick: One reasonably priced carry-on bag that works with Air France’s rules is the Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of Bounds Spinner, appreciated by travelers for its lightweight construction and range of color choices. This luggage pick is also recommended for Sun Country Airlines’ carry-on bag restrictions.

Consult Air France’s website for its full carry-on policy.

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

According to All Nippon Airways, 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.

Luggage pick: Travelers looking for a carry-on bag that All Nippon will accept can purchase the 21-inch Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner, a hard-sided bag with rave reviews.

Check All Nippon’s website for full details of its carry-on rules.

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

All British Airways passengers (including those on CityFlyer flights) can bring a carry-on bag plus a personal item. 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 has shifted from a weight allowance to a piece allowance, and this policy varies by itinerary. Passengers are generally permitted to bring one carry-on bag plus a small personal item (and assistive devices like a walking stick), but it’s best to check your booking carefully to confirm the exact allowance. You’re asked to check in any baggage that’s too heavy to lift into the overhead compartment.

Consult Cathay Pacific’s website for its full carry-on policy.

Carry-on luggage size: 22 x 17.5 x 9.5 inches, for an additional fee
Carry-on luggage weight: No limit
Personal item: 17.5 x 14 x 7.5 inches

Since EasyJet is a budget airline, the standard 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 British pounds, depending on your destination and when you add an extra bag.

Luggage pick: For a full-size carry-on bag that sticks to EasyJet’s rules, consider buying the 21-inch Travelpro Maxlite 5. The Maxlite is also a top pick for Frontier Airlines.

Check EasyJet’s website for full details on its carry-on rules.

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

Emirates only allows economy class 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.

Find full restrictions and carry-on information at Emirates’ website.

Carry-on luggage size: 22 x 15.5 x 9.5 inches
Carry-on luggage weight: 22 pounds, including your personal item
Personal item: 15.5 x 11.5 x 6 inches

Travelers on Iberia can bring a carry-on bag plus a smaller personal item (such as a laptop or small backpack). Be aware that the 22-pound weight limit applies to both items combined. If your flight was booked through Iberia but is operated by Vueling, similar rules apply, but the size limits for your carry-on bags are slightly smaller.

Consult Iberia’s website for its full carry-on policy.

Carry-on luggage size: 21.5 x 13.5 x 9.5 inches
Carry-on luggage weight: 26 pounds, including your personal item
Personal item: 16 x 12 x 6 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.

Check KLM’s website for more information detailing its carry-on rules.

Carry-on luggage size: 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches for a standard carry-on bag, or 22 x 21 x 6 inches for a folding garment bag
Carry-on luggage weight: 17.5 pounds
Personal item: 15.5 x 11.5 x 4 inches

On German airline Lufthansa, all passengers can bring a larger carry-on bag or a folding garment bag, as well as a smaller personal item like a handbag or laptop. Carry-on items must not weigh more than 17.5 pounds. Items like a child seat and mobility aids (canes, walkers) do not count toward the limits.

Luggage pick: A top-rated suitcase that fits Lufthansa’s dimension requirements is the TUMI Alpha 3, a pricey but worthy luggage investment.

Find full restrictions and carry-on information at Lufthansa’s website.

Carry-on luggage size: 20 x 15 x 10 inches
Carry-on luggage weight: 15 pounds
Personal item: 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 with 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.

Consult Qatar Airways’ website for its full carry-on policy.

Carry-on luggage size: 21.5 x 15.5 x 7.5 inches, for an additional fee
Carry-on luggage weight: 22 pounds
Personal item: 15.5 x 9.5 x 7.5 inches

Ryanair is a low-cost carrier, so unless you pay extra, you can only bring one small bag that fits under the seat in front of you, per the personal item guidelines above. To bring a larger carry-on bag, travelers need to purchase Ryanair’s Priority & 2 Cabin Bags option, which costs between 8 and 22 euros depending on your destination.

Check Ryanair’s website for full details about its carry-on rules.

Carry-on luggage size: 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches
Carry-on luggage weight: 17.5 pounds
Personal item: 15.5 x 11.5 x 6 inches

Most (but not all) Scandinavian Airlines 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 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.

Find full restrictions and carry-on information at SAS’ website.

Carry-on luggage size: 45 total linear inches
Carry-on luggage weight: 15 pounds
Personal item: 15.5 x 11.5 x 4 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 linear inches total. For example, a bag measuring 15 x 15 x 15 inches would be suitable. All passengers can bring one bag of this size, plus a smaller personal item. The personal item, whose dimensions are specified above, does not count toward the 15-pound carry-on limit.

Luggage pick: For a carry-on item that will be accepted on Singapore Airlines, CALPAK’s Ambeur Carry-On Luggage is a classy, well-rated option. This suitcase also works well on budget airlines such as Allegiant.

Consult Singapore Airlines’ website for its full carry-on policy.

Carry-on luggage size: 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches
Carry-on luggage weight: 17.5 pounds
Personal item: 15.5 x 11.5 x 6 inches

All Turkish Airlines tickets allow passengers to bring one larger, 17.5-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.

Luggage pick: If you’re looking for a carry-on that’s suitable for Turkish Airlines, The Everywhere Bag by Away is a well-rated option. It’s also ideal for Qatar Airways’ restrictions.

Check Turkish Airlines’ website for full details on its carry-on rules.

Carry-on luggage size: 22 x 14 x 9 inches
Carry-on luggage weight: 22 pounds; 13 pounds for kids
Personal item: Must fit under the seat in front of you

Virgin Atlantic lets every passenger bring a carry-on bag, including children under age 2. You can bring a bag weighing no more than 13 pounds for your child, in addition to a collapsible stroller and/or car seat. Each passenger is also allowed to bring 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.

Find full restrictions and carry-on information at Virgin Atlantic’s website.

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

Consult WestJet’s website for its full carry-on policy.

Since carry-on baggage comes in all shapes and sizes, measurement restrictions vary by airline. But don’t worry – they don’t vary so much that you’ll need to buy a different carry-on bag for each airline.

Yes, sometimes carry-on luggage size restrictions may include weight limitations. Most major airlines do not impose weight rules, however.

Most airlines allow economy passengers to bring one carry-on and one personal item – such as a briefcase, purse, laptop bag or small backpack – at no extra cost. A carry-on bag is typically stored in a plane’s overhead bin, while a personal item should go under the seat in front of you. There often aren’t any size restrictions for a personal item, save for on budget airlines.

Speaking of budget carriers, many of them (such as Spirit, Frontier and Ryanair) only allow a single personal item free of charge, forcing customers to check – and pay for – all other luggage. Some nonbudget airlines also have a similar rule on their cheapest fares, such as basic economy on United or the Blue Basic fares on JetBlue.

Yes, a duffel bag can be used as a carry-on provided it meets airline size restrictions. Garment bags and, on some airlines, pet carriers are also considered carry-on luggage.

Baby items such as diaper bags, FAA-approved child safety seats and travel strollers generally don’t count toward hand baggage allowances and can be brought on the plane in addition to your carry-on bag and personal item.

Mobility aids (such as canes or walkers) typically don’t count toward carry-on luggage or personal item allowances, though they may be considered a personal item on some airlines.