Travel smart: Guide to carry-on bag size and weight

Most airlines adhere to similar size guidelines for carry-on luggage, typically following standard height, width, and depth measurements.

Generally, the standard size for domestic carry-on luggage is 22 x 14 x 9 inches. For international flights, this might adjust slightly to 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches. Keep in mind that these measurements include handles, wheels, and any other protrusions from your suitcase, so be sure to account for those.

Some airlines, including Delta, American Airlines, Air Canada, and Southwest, use a method called “linear inches” for measuring carry-ons. This total combines height, width, and depth into a single number.

For instance, Delta has a carry-on limit of 45 linear inches, which means your bag’s combined height, width, and depth must be less than 45 inches:

✅ 22 (h) + 14 (w) + 9 (d) = 45 inches✅ 25 (h) + 10 (w) + 10 (d) = 45 inches❌ 24 (h) + 14 (w) + 8 (d) = 46 inches

Carry-on size restrictions are in place to ensure that all luggage fits in the overhead compartments. I always opt for carry-on luggage, no matter the duration of my trip. It prevents overpacking and gives me peace of mind knowing my belongings are within reach, rather than stored below or left behind at the airport!

Important:

Alaska Airlines' carry-on policy allows one carry-on bag and one personal item for every fare type.

Important:

The American Airlines carry-on policy permits one carry-on bag and one personal item across all fare types, including Basic Economy.

Note:

All Delta fares allow for one carry-on bag and one personal item. Most routes do not have a weight limit for carry-ons, except for specific cases. For flights to or from Beijing or Shanghai in China, there is a 22lb weight limit, and from Singapore, it’s 15lbs.

Important Note:

Frontier fares typically include only a personal item with no allowance for carry-on luggage. If you wish to bring a carry-on, you’ll need to purchase it separately, with costs varying by route and timing. For the best prices, add it when booking your flight.

Exceptions do exist. If you opt for one of the WORKS or PERKS fare bundles, both carry-on and checked baggage are included. Additionally, Elite members of the FRONTIER Miles rewards program also enjoy carry-on benefits.

Important Note:

Hawaiian Airlines allows for both carry-on luggage and a personal item across all fares, but keep an eye on that weight limit.

Important Note:

You can bring a carry-on bag along with a personal item on all fares, except for a Blue Basic ticket, which typically allows only a personal item. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.

If you’re a member of the US military, an unaccompanied minor, or traveling to or from the UK or Europe, including connecting flights, you can bring a carry-on even with a Basic Blue fare. The same applies if you upgrade your seat or achieve Mosaic status in JetBlue’s TrueBlue rewards program.

Note: In addition to providing relatively generous dimensions for both carry-on and personal items, Southwest includes these allowances in all of its fare options.

Note:

When traveling domestically or between the US and Canada, all fare classes except Basic Economy allow you to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item. Basic Economy permits only a personal item.

For flights to South America or across the Atlantic and Pacific on a Basic Economy ticket, both a carry-on and a personal item are allowed.

Certain MileagePlus, Premier, and Star Alliance Gold members can take a carry-on on all flights, regardless of their fare class. Refer to the United carry-on guide for more information.

Note:

Aer Lingus has a complex set of rules regarding its carry-on policies and associated fees.

For trans-Atlantic flights, both your carry-on and personal item are included in your fare. However, for flights within Europe, you'll need to select a “Carry-on bag with priority boarding” ticket, which costs at least €9.99. Alternatively, you can check your bag for free.

There are numerous exceptions based on fare types and connections, so be sure to review the details when booking.

If you're flying on Aer Lingus Regional (which operates mainly within Ireland and the UK), the allowances are smaller: your carry-on must be a maximum of 18.5 x 13 x 8 inches and weigh no more than 15 lbs.

Note:

Air Canada allows you to bring a carry-on bag and a personal item on all fare types, but it's important that you can lift your carry-on into the overhead compartment without assistance.

Note:

When flying with Air France on an Economy ticket, you're allowed one carry-on and one personal item with a total weight limit of 26.4 lbs. If you're traveling in Premium Economy, Business, or La Première, you can take two carry-on bags and one personal item, with a combined weight of 40 lbs.

Note:

British Airways allows a carry-on bag and a personal item across all fare types, offering generous size limits.

Note:

As one of Europe’s leading budget airlines, easyJet only allows a personal item to be carried on for free, referred to as a “small cabin bag.” To take a larger carry-on, you must purchase a FLEXI Fare, book an Up Front or Extra Legroom seat, or pay for a large cabin bag separately, with prices starting from £5.99.

Note:

Passengers in Economy class can bring one carry-on weighing 15 lbs. Those in Premium Economy can increase that to 22 lbs. Business and First Class travelers are allowed two carry-ons, each up to 15 lbs. Be mindful that tickets issued in Brazil impose a weight limit of 22 lbs, similar to Qatar Airways.

Additionally, Emirates permits only one item for Economy and Premium Economy fares—either a carry-on or a personal item, not both. If you choose to bring a garment bag, it must be no thicker than eight inches when folded.

Note:

KLM’s baggage policies vary by fare class. Economy allows one carry-on and one personal item with a combined weight of up to 26 lbs. Premium Comfort permits two carry-ons along with a personal item, but maintains the same weight limit. Business Class travelers enjoy the same allowances as Premium Comfort, but with an increased limit of 40 lbs.

If you're traveling with a baby on your lap, you can bring an additional carry-on weighing up to 26 lbs.

Note:

Economy Class and Premium Economy Class tickets with Lufthansa allow one carry-on and one personal item, both subject to size and weight limits. Meanwhile, Business and First Class passengers can bring two carry-on bags, though the second may need to be checked on flights from Italy, India, and the USA.

Note:

Passengers flying in Economy Class with Qatar Airways are allowed one carry-on and one personal item, each weighing up to 15 lbs. In contrast, Business and First Class travelers can bring two carry-on bags and one personal item, with a combined weight of up to 33 lbs. For tickets issued in Brazil, the weight limit is set at 22 lbs.

Additionally, it's important to remember that Qatar Airways counts your laptop and its case as part of your carry-on, rather than a separate personal item. Also, note that their 20-inch luggage length is shorter than what most other airlines offer.

Note:

As a budget airline, Ryanair maintains low fares by including only a smaller personal item in its ticket price. To carry a larger bag weighing up to 22 lbs, you'll need to purchase their Priority & 2 Cabin Bags option, with prices varying by route and booking time.

Ryanair's Priority option also allows for early boarding, but be wary! This usually means you'll be standing at the front of the line in a corridor instead of comfortably waiting at the gate.

Note:

All SAS fares permit one carry-on bag and a personal item, except for the Go Light fare when flying within Europe, where you must pay for your carry-on. However, on Go Light fares to or from Asia, Canada, or the US, your carry-on is included.

Passengers in Plus and Business Class can bring two carry-on bags. SAS also allows you to bring any airport purchases and Duty Free items onboard free of charge.

Note:

Economy Class travelers with Turkish Airlines can carry one carry-on and one personal item. In Business Class, you may take an additional carry-on of the same size and weight.

Infant passengers are also permitted one extra carry-on bag for both domestic and international flights.

Note:

All fare types allow for a personal item to be taken on board, but a carry-on bag is only permitted if you have a TimeFlex Fare, are a Premium customer, need assistance at the airport, or are traveling with a child under two years old.