6 days ago
Don't get stuck checking a bag. Here are top airlines carry-on size guidelines before your next trip
You have a handful of luggage and bags for travel at your disposal, but deciding which one fits the carry-on luggage size guide for your airline can be tricky. Each airline has ever-so-slightly different requirements, which means you must research before you fly. Before you get too stressed packing for your next vacation, we're outlining requirements made by top airlines to give you one, convenient place to get info and recommending products that comply with airline regulations.
Bust out your measuring tape and double check that your suitcase will fit to make sure you can keep your bags right where you want them: in the overhead bin. After all, you don't want to ruin your vacation by paying extra for checked bag fees if you don't have to.
Away The Bigger Carry-On
There's a handful of editors from the CNN Underscored team who will sing the praises of this carry-on bag. After lots of testing, it's proven to be durable, easy to maneuver throughout airports and is our overall best-tested hard-shell carry-on bag. The thoughtful design features and streamlined look make it a smart investment when you're shopping for new luggage. Read our review
Briggs & Riley Essential 22-Inch 2-Wheel Expandable Carry-On
If you prefer a soft-sided suitcase, this is our best tested soft-sided carry-on luggage and a favorite of travel editor Kyle Olsen's. The suitcase's compression system is top-of-the-line, and it maintained its shape after many, many miles of flying. The exterior handle creates extra space for packing. Read our review
Samsonite Freeform 21-Inch Hardside Carry-On Suitecase
A more affordable hard-shell pick, this Samsonite suitcase comes in a range of colors and weighs 6.5 pounds. There are built-in TSA security locks and four omni-spinner wheels to make travel through the airport easy. It also has expansion and compression capabilities for the times you overpack. Read our review
Bagsmart Weekender
For quick trips or to give you a more versatile personal item, a weekender bag is a solid choice. This affordable bag from Bagsmart has an abundance of pockets that make it easy to stay organized. It might not have premium features, but it definitely gets the job done with a surprising capacity and comfortable straps for carrying. Read our review
Coowoz Travel Backpack
A backpack that went viral, this under $25 bag will fit under the seat in front of you or act as your sole piece of luggage. You'll find basic features, like interior and exterior organization pockets, as well as bonus design points, like a shoe compartment and built-in charging port. Read our review
Monos Expandable Carry-On
If you want extra room in your bag, this expandable option from Monos fits size guides when condensed down. It weighs 7.8 pounds on its own, has a streamlined and stunning design and four spinner wheels for a smooth trip through the terminal. It will scuff easily, but if you're just carrying it on, it shouldn't get too banged up. It's worth noting that most airlines require ant expandable luggage to be collapsed down before stowing it in overhead our review
Aer Carry-On
This carry-on luggage has a smooth gliding wheel system, but an even more advanced wheel-braking system that keeps your bag from rolling away. Aer even has a checklist of airlines the bag is compatible with measurements for if you want to double check before you fly. Read our review
Halfday Premium Garment Duffel 45L
If you're heading out for a wedding weekend or special event, this duffel-garment bag combo can help you pack smarter, not harder. The messenger bag strap lets you carry it easily throughout the airport, or you can opt for the backpack straps if you find that more our review
Travelpro Altitude Medium Expandable Laptop Backpack
If you're looking for a compact and functional personal item, this backpack from Travelpro is great for your airport trips or your morning commute to the office. Packed with organization features, RFID-blocking pockets and convenient features, like a water bottle sleeve on the our review When it comes to packing carry-on luggage and personal items, size does in fact matter. It's critical, actually, in making sure you don't have to check your bag at the last minute and pay the highest rates for checking a bag. Here are the two ways airlines measure your carry-on:
H x W x D: Most airlines will list measurements by height, width and depth. You'll see something like 22 x 14 x 9 inches, which are the most commonly used carry-on bag dimensions.
Linear inches: This is referring to the total number of inches your bag measures if you add up the height, width and depth. As long as your bag's dimensions add up to that magic number, you're good to fly.
It's also worth noting that airlines include wheels and handlebars in their measurements. When you're measuring at home, be sure to check that your suitcase will fit from the collapsed handlebar to the tips of the wheels.
Airlines also have sizers at the ticketing counters and gates. Certain airlines — notoriously budget airlines — will be strict about making sure luggage fits in the appropriate sizer. Be prepared to have your bag measured before you board.
Alaska Airlines
When flying with Alaska Airlines, you're allowed one carry-on bag (22 x 14 x 9 inches) and one personal item (18 x 14 x 8 inches), both free of charge. One of these bags must go under the seat in front of you, and the other must be stored in the overhead bins.
For checked bags, you'll have to pay a fee. For your first bag, it's $35, for the second bag, it's $45 and for any bags after that it's $150 for each additional bag.
Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches, no weight limit.
Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches, or 45 linear inches.
Items that don't count toward carry-on allowance: Coats, hats and umbrellas that are compact to store in overhead bins or under the seat in front of you, FAA-approved child/infant restraint seats to be occupied by a child, strollers and mobility/medical assistive devices.
American Airlines
American Airlines allows passengers one personal item (18 x 14 x 8 inches) and one carry-on bag (22 x 14 x 9 inches) with no additional charge. These bags must fit underneath the seat in front of you and in an overhead bin. American Airlines notes that some airports and planes may have additional carry-on restrictions. If your bag doesn't fit the specific airplane requirements, American Airlines often offers a free valet check at the gate.
Your first checked bag will cost $35 if you pay ahead online and $40 if you pay at the airport. The second checked bag will be $45.
Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches
Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches
Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Diaper bag (one per child), breast pumps, small soft-sided coolers for breast milk, child safety seats, strollers and medical and mobility devices
Delta Air Lines
You're allowed one carry-on (22 x 14 x 9 inches) and one personal item without charge when flying with Delta. You'll store one bag under the seat in front of you and one overhead. Delta lists the combined measurements of their carry-on allowance as 45 linear inches. Passengers who are traveling on Delta Connection flights, including flights with 50 or fewer seats, are only permitted pto carry ersonal items due to limited overhead space.
If you're a Delta SkyMiles Medallion Member, select cobranded cardholder or active duty military member, your first checked bag is free. For others traveling with Delta, your first checked bag is $35 and the second is $45.
Personal item: No stated size limit, but Delta lists a purse, briefcase, camera bag, diaper bag, laptop bag or an item of similar or smaller size to those bags.
Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches, or 45 linear inches
Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: A jacket, umbrella, food or drink purchased past the security checkpoint, duty-free merchandise, strollers, wheelchairs, child safety seats or assistive devices.
Southwest Airlines
Your carry-on bag (24 x 16 x 10 inches) and personal item are free when you fly with Southwest Airlines. Southwest recently updated its checked bag policy, but the carry-on allowance remains the same.
Depending on your ticket, your checked bag fare will change. Basic fare, Wanna Get Away Plus fare and Anytime fare travelers will pay $35 for their first bag and $45 for the second. Business Select fare and Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members will not pay for checked bags. Rapid Rewards A-List members and cobranded Chase cardholders get their first bag free and pay $35 and $45, respectively, for their second checked bag. Active duty military customers will not be charged for checked bags.
Personal item: Southwest does not list dimensions, but notes a purse, briefcase, laptop computer case, backpack or small camera, provided items can be stowed under the seat in front of you.
Carry-on: 24 x 16 x 10 inches
Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Baggage containing a breast pump or breast milk, neck pillows, FAA-approved car seats/child restraint systems that will be used during your flight, assistive devices for travelers with disabilities, food to be eaten during the flight, outer garments or other wearable articles of clothing, baggage containing necessary items used by trained service animals.
United Airlines
United Airlines allows most customers one personal item (17 x 10 x 9 inches) and one carry-on (22 x 14 x 9 inches) item free of charge. Basic Economy travelers will be allowed one personal item included in their ticket, but will be charged for a carry-on suitcase, with prices starting at $40. If you're flying with a Basic Economy ticket and your personal item does not fit the 17 x 10 x 9 inch requirement, you'll have to check it at the gate and be charged $65.
You can check the price of your checked bag using United's baggage fee calculator, and pre-paying online will lower your price.
Personal item: 17 x 10 x 9 inches
Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches
Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Coats, umbrellas, things to read, food or drinks bought at the airport, mobility devices, car seats, child safety harnesses, strollers, diaper bags, breast pumps and cameras
Allegiant Air
You're allowed one personal item (18 x 14 x 8 inches) free of charge on Allegiant Air flights, and carry-on bags (22 x 16 x 10 inches) will require you to pay a fee. The price for carry-on bags, which the airline lists as a garment bag to a roller bag, range from $10 to $75.
The brand lists their baggage fees and offers a baggage fee calculator that you can utilize for both carry-on and checked bags.
Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches
Carry-on: 22 x 16 x 10 inches; from $10
Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Necessary medical devices, assistive devices (like a stroller), one jacket, a small umbrella, food to be eaten during the flight and a diaper bag.
Avelo Airlines
Traveling on Avelo Airlines gets you one personal item (17 x 13 x 9 inches) free of charge and one carry-on item (22 x 14 x 9 inches) for a fee, ranging from $45 to $77. Paying during your initial reservation gives you the lowest fare option.
Checked bags will cost from $42 to $77.
Personal item: 17 x 13 x 9 inches
Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches; from $45
Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Manual wheelchairs, mobility aids and other assistive devices used by a qualified individual with a disability and outerwear
Breeze Airways
Breeze Airways allows passengers under any ticket reservation to bring one personal item (17 x 13 x 8 inches) on board, free of charge. Carry-on bags (22 x 14 x 9 inches) are included in Nice, Nicer and Nicest bundle tickets, but those traveling with No Flex Fare and Flex Fare tickets will have to pay a fee, starting at $35 up to $75. Carry-on bags must weigh less than 35 pounds. US military passengers receive one free carry-on and two free checked bags.
Checked bags start at $40. Both carry-on and checked bags are given the lowest fees when paying during your initial booking process.
Personal item: 17 x 13 x 8 inches
Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches, up to 35 pounds; from $35 to $75 for No Flex Fare and Flex Fare travelers, included for Nice, Nicer and Nicest bundle travelers.
Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Breeze does not list extra items outside of a personal item and carry-on or checked bag.
Frontier Airlines
Take one personal item (18 x 14 x 8 inches) with you for no charge when flying Frontier Airlines, while a carry-on (24 x 16 x 10 inches) will cost from $34 to $99. The cheapest option for paying for your carry-on is adding it to your cart during your initial booking. Carry-on bags can weigh no more than 35 pounds. Active duty military passengers will not be charged for a carry-on bag and/or one checked bag.
Checked bags are allowed for a fee as well, ranging from $34 to $99, weighing no more than 40 pounds.
Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches
Carry-on: 24 x 16 x 10 inches, up to 35 pounds; from $34
Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Strollers, car seats, wheelchairs, scooters and other mobility devices.
JetBlue Airlines
Both your personal item (17 x 13 x 8 inches) and carry-on bag are included when flying with any ticket on JetBlue. Your carry-on (22 x 14 x 9 inches) must fit in the overhead compartment, while your personal item can be stored underneath the seat in front of you.
Depending on your ticket, one checked bag may be included. Certain tickets also include a second checked bag for no extra charge. For Blue, Blue Basic and Blue Extra tickets, checked bag fares start at $35.
Personal item: 17 x 13 x 8 inches
Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches
Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Strollers, crutches, wheelchair and other assistive devices.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines allows guests one personal item (18 x 14 x 8 inches) for free that must fit in the sizer bin. Certain tickets for Spirit flights, like Go Big, Go Comfy and Go Savvy include your carry-on bag (22 x 18 x 10 inches) for a fee. If you're flying with a standard Go ticket, you will not be able to add a carry-on bag for your flight. Active duty military service members will not be charged for a carry-on and up to two checked bags. Your carry-on bag cannot weigh more than 35 pounds.
Checked bag prices are comparable to carry-on bags, with prices ranging from $54 to $99.
Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches
Carry-on: 22 x 18 x 10 inches, up to 35 pounds
Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Umbrellas, cameras, infant diaper bags, assistive devices, outer garments, reading material and food for the flight. Neck/travel pillows must fit in your personal item. Wheelchairs may be checked at the ticket counter or gate free of charge.
Sun Country Airlines
Traveling on Sun Country Airlines allows you one personal item (17 x 13 x 9 inches), which Sun Country calls an under-seat item, at no extra cost. You'll have to pay for an 'overhead bag,' a.k.a. carry-on (24 x 16 x 11 inches), with the lowest fare being available during your initial booking. Carry-on bag fees start at $40 and go up to $50. Your carry-on cannot weigh more than 35 pounds.
Checked bag fees start at $40 and go up to $65.
Personal item: 17 x 13 x 9 inches
Carry-on: 24 x 16 x 11 inches, up to 35 pounds
Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Mobility devices and medical equipment must be stored according to FAA regulations, walkers and canes that can fit in overhead storage.
Aeromexico
Flying Aeromexico gets you one carry-on (21.5 x 15.7 x 10 inches) and one personal item for your flight with no additional charge. Depending on which type of ticket you book, you're allowed a certain weight total. For Basic fare and Premier One fare, together items can weigh up to 23 pounds. For Classic, AM Light, Premier and Premier Light fares, bags can total up to 33 pounds.
Personal item: Aeromexico does not list measurements, but notes briefcases, purses, computers, umbrellas, fanny packs all count as a personal item and contribute to the weight allowance dependent upon your ticket fare.
Carry-on: 21.5 x 15.7 x 10 inches, with weight requirements dependent with your ticket fare
Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Jackets, a bag containing items purchased in the duty-free area, books, electronics like laptops, headphones or cameras, travel pillows, travel blankets, medical devices.
Air Canada
Most tickets for Air Canada flights will allow you one personal item (17 x 13 x 6 inches) and one carry-on item (21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches) for no additional charge. If you're traveling within Canada, to and from the U.S. or to and from Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean and you've booked an Economy Basic ticket, you'll have to pay a fee for your carry-on, but will be allowed a personal item for no cost.
Depending on your fare, destination, date of ticket program and loyalty program status, your checked baggage allowance will vary.
Personal item: 17 x 13 x 6 inches
Carry-on: 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches
Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Coats, snacks and food to eat on board, infant care items (like a diaper bag), strollers, child restraint devices, mobility aids and battery-powered medical equipment.
British Airways
British Airways allows passengers one personal item (16 x 12 x 6 inches) and one carry-on bag (22 x 18 x 10 inches) at no upfront cost, though both bags must weigh less than 51 pounds. Checked bags will cost you, depending on your ticket. Prices start at $67.
Personal item: 16 x 12 x 6 inches, up to 51 pounds
Carry-on: 22 x 18 x 10 inches, up to 51 pounds
Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Wheelchairs, mobility aids and assistive devices.
Emirates
All Emirates passengers are permitted one carry-on bag (21.6 x 14.9 x 8.6 inches), not to exceed 15.4 pounds for Economy fare, 22 pounds for Premium Economy. If you're traveling in business or first class, you're allowed one carry-on and one personal item (17.7 x 13.7 x 7.8 inches) that can each weigh 15.4 pounds.
Personal item: 17.7 x 13.7 x 7.8 inches (for Business and First Class passengers)
Carry-on: 21.6 x 14.9 x 8.6 inches, weight dependent upon fare booked
Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Medications, baby milk or foods and duty-free purchases.
Lufthansa
You'll get a carry-on (21.6 x 15.7 x 9 inches) and personal item (15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9 inches) for no charge when flying Lufthansa, though there are weight limits to note. Your carry-on cannot weigh more than 17.6 pounds. If you're flying business or first class, then you're permitted two carry-on items.
Lufthansa offers a fare calculator for baggage fees, as checked luggage prices depend on your route and class type.
Personal item: 15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9 inches
Carry-on: 21.6 x 15.7 x 9 inches, up to 17.6 pounds
Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: A baby carry cot or child seat, wheelchairs and orthopedic aids.
Singapore Airlines
Pack one personal item (15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9 inches) and one carry-on item (45.2 linear inches), weighing up to 15.4 pounds, for your flight with Singapore Airlines. If you're flying Suites, first or business class, you're allowed two carry-on items, each can weigh up to 15.4 pounds. Your personal item must be stored under the seat in front of you while your carry-on goes overhead.
If you're planning to check a bag, the allowance is based on the weight or piece concept and is dependent upon your final destination.
Personal item: 15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9 inches
Carry-on: 45.2 linear inches, up to 15.4 pounds
Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Baby strollers, overcoats, umbrellas, infant's amenities, a walking stick/crutches and a small amount of duty-free goods.
WestJet
The carry-on allowance for WestJet is dependent on your ticket fare. Econo, Member Exclusive, EconoFlex, Premium, PremiumFlex, Business or BusinessFlex passengers are allowed one carry-on (22 x 14 x 9 inches) and one personal item (16 x 6 x 13 inches). UltraBasic travelers are allowed one personal item and cannot bring or pay for a carry-on bag, unless they are flying to and from Europe and Asia, or when Extended Comfort has been purchased for all flights in a single direction, including connections. Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you and your carry-on must store overhead.
Personal item: 16 x 6 x 13 inches
Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches
Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Diaper bags, food items to be eaten on board, medical devices and mobility devices.
The following FAQs were answered by our editorial team and cross-checked with the TSA and FAA websites.
What is the difference between a personal item and a carry-on item, and how do airlines define each?
What is the difference between a personal item and a carry-on item, and how do airlines define each?
Personal items are smaller bags you might bring with you while traveling that can easily be stowed underneath the seat in front of you. Carry-on luggage refers to travel bags that can fit in overhead bins. Airlines define each by the size and style of the bag. Airlines typically refer to personal items as briefcases, small backpacks, totes, purses and laptop cases. Carry-on items are considered duffels, roller bags and large backpacks. Measurements for each vary per airline.
Can I bring a backpack as a personal item, or does it count as a carry-on?
Can I bring a backpack as a personal item, or does it count as a carry-on?
So long as your backpack is within the measurements required for a personal item according to the airline you're flying, it can be used as a personal item. Packing a backpack as a personal item is a great way to give yourself more storage while traveling, but you should note that all personal items on any airline must fit underneath the seat in front of you. If it sizes out of the personal item guidelines, the airline will likely consider it a carry-on bag, and you might be subject to paying a carry-on fee.
Are musical instruments, sports equipment or medical devices considered carry-on items, or do they have separate policies and restrictions?
Are musical instruments, sports equipment or medical devices considered carry-on items, or do they have separate policies and restrictions?
Musical instruments, sports equipment and medical devices are determined as carry-on versus checked luggage depending upon airline regulations. Some airlines may require you to check musical instruments and sports equipment if it doesn't fit within the carry-on size guide. The TSA has a list of what medical equipment and sports equipment can fly safely. Musical instruments are subject to airline discretion.
It's best to check your airline's regulations regarding carrying medical equipment on board. Some equipment, depending on where you're flying, might be subject to additional search while going through security checkpoints. Additionally, a few airlines on our list noted that medical equipment may need a doctor's note to fly.
What types of items are prohibited in carry-on luggage, and what can be packed in checked baggage instead?
What types of items are prohibited in carry-on luggage, and what can be packed in checked baggage instead?
The TSA and FAA have lists of what you are and are not allowed to pack in both your carry-on and checked luggage. We've created an additional guide for commonly asked questions to make it easy when you start packing. A good rule of thumb is to pack any liquids over 3.4 ounces in a checked bag, sporting equipment like skis or golf clubs (though these likely won't fit in your carry-on anyway), certain self-defense items, cookware and kitchen items like a corkscrew must also be checked instead of carried on. The TSA has a full list of items you can pack and which bag they should go in.
Can I bring a stroller, car seat or other child-related equipment as a carry-on, or do airlines have specific policies for these items?
Can I bring a stroller, car seat or other child-related equipment as a carry-on, or do airlines have specific policies for these items?
Typically, airlines have specific policies for these items, and it's best to consult the airline's website. That said, in our research, most airlines do not charge a checked bag fee for items like these, and some offer gate or valet checking before you board your flight.
How do airlines handle oversized or overweight carry-on luggage, and what are the potential fees?
How do airlines handle oversized or overweight carry-on luggage, and what are the potential fees?
Depending on which airline you fly, overweight and oversized bags may be subject to fees. The fee for overweight bags is typically steep, so it's best to weigh your bag ahead of flying. Oversized bags, especially carry-ons, can vary from $50 to $99 depending on the airline. It's almost always more expensive to have to check an oversized bag at the gate than it is to check it in advance. Be sure to read the fine print for your airline before flying.
CNN Underscored editors thoroughly test the products we review and provide full transparency about how we test them. We have a skilled team of writers and editors who have many years of testing experience and ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item.
For this article, writer Ellen McAlpine researched popular airlines and their carry-on allowance rules to create a master list for readers, making it easier to plan for their next vacation.
