The countdown to the holidays is almost over, and it’s time to pack your bags. Still, it’s important to do some research before printing your boarding pass and setting up your out-of-office information to avoid any issues at the gate, especially when handling your cargo. While many travel rules vary depending on which part of the world you’re traveling to or from, carry-on baggage size limits remain a consistent, stable metric for the vast majority of airlines.
Of course, you may occasionally sneak on board with an oversized or heavy bag, but it’s always wiser to plan ahead. To ensure that you get from point A to point B smoothly, choosing the best carry-on bag for small print will help reduce the stress of traveling. Skip Google searches and follow this guide to find out what suitcase size you’ll be carrying on your next trip – no TSA haggling, pleading, or worst, no last-minute checks.
First, let’s start with these frequently asked questions.
What Are the Dimensions of Carry-On Baggage?
Although you may find a difference of one or two inches between various airlines, the standard domestic carry-on measures are 22″ x 14″ x 9″, which includes handles and wheels. This size restriction ensures that your baggage – and ideally other people’s belongings – can be safely stowed in the overhead bin on your flight. By far the biggest benefit of traveling with carry-on luggage is the ability to transport your belongings yourself without having to entrust them to an airline and hope they will do it for you. Arrive at your destination on time and in good condition.
What Is the Weight Limit for Carry-On Baggage?
For many major domestic airlines (e.g., Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue), there is no weight limit for carry-on baggage. All you need to do is be able to lift it above your head and put it in the storage compartment. In most cases, even if the airline lists a specific pound or kilogram limit on their website, they may not weigh your carry-on baggage. As long as your backpack doesn’t appear overfilled, you’re probably fine. For small commuter aircraft, weight is even more important, mainly due to safety regulations.
What Are Personal Items?
In addition to carry-on luggage, many airlines also allow personal belongings. This can be a laptop bag, a wallet, a briefcase, a beach bag – anything you like, as long as it’s usually small. Personal belongings restrictions vary from airline to airline, and some airlines choose not to include any specific information at all. In these cases, the general rule of thumb is that items that are smaller in size and weight than those in a carry-on bag. For families traveling with travel strollers or diaper bags, or with uncommon items such as wedding dresses or musical instruments, you can rest assured that most carriers will let you bring these items with your carry-on baggage and personal belongings, but we recommend that you contact the airline in advance to confirm this.
What Is the Best Carry-On Bag?
As with any travel gear, everyone has a different opinion about the best luggage brand, but the best product for you is ultimately the one that suits your needs as a traveler. If you’re on the road a lot, invest in a durable bag to meet your needs. If you’re on vacation once or twice a year, you can opt for something more affordable. Nowadays, you don’t have to stick to a traditional brand to get a quality suitcase. Whether you prefer soft or hard luggage, two-wheeled scooters or hassle-free backpacks, many up-and-comers offer some truly solid options. Before you buy, make a note of the dimensions and compare them with the airlines you prefer to fly with to make sure your shopping is safe.
What Items Are Allowed in Carry-On Baggage?
The items you carry in your carry-on baggage are also regulated. In addition to the same rules that apply to checked baggage (no firearms, lithium batteries and other potentially dangerous items), you must also be mindful of liquids when packing your carry-on baggage. No matter which destination you’re heading to, you can’t bring containers of liquids, pastes, aerosols, gels, or creams in excess of 3.4 ounces through security. Be sure to check your carrier’s specific rules so you don’t get forced to throw anything away at the gate.
What Are the International Standard Carry-On Baggage Dimensions?
To ensure that all carriers accept your baggage, you’ll need to purchase a suitcase that doesn’t exceed 21 inches in size. When you’re flying with smaller regional airlines outside the United States, it’s a good idea to consider baggage size limits, as each airline can set its own limits.
Alaska Airlines
- Carry-on bag dimensions: 22″ x 14″ x 9″.
- Maximum carry-on baggage weight: Not specified
- Personal item: A personal item, such as a wallet, briefcase, or laptop bag
Allegiant Air
- Carry-on bag dimensions: 22″ x 14″ x 9″; Fees apply ($10-75)
- Maximum carry-on baggage weight: Not specified
- Personal Items: 7” x 15” x 16”
When booking a ticket with a low-cost airline, you must read the fine print. In most cases, when low fares look like stealing, traveling light is the only way to keep it that way. With Allegiant, your personal belongings are free, but there is a fee for what you bring with you.
American Airlines
- Carry-on bag dimensions: 22″ x 14″ x 10″.
- Maximum carry-on baggage weight: Not specified
- Personal Belongings: 18” x 14” x 8”; Must fit under the seat in front of you
American Airlines fares include carry-on items and personal items, even in Basic Economy.
Delta Air Lines
- Carry-on bag dimensions: 22″ x 14″ x 9″.
- Maximum carry-on baggage weight: Not specified
- Personal items: a wallet, briefcase, camera bag, or diaper bag
There are three exceptions:
Singapore, Singapore Changi International Airport (SIN): 15 lbs or 7 kg
Beijing, Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): 22 lbs or 10 kg for domestic travel
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): 22 lbs or 10 kg
Frontier Airlines
- Carry-on bag dimensions: 24″ x 16″ x 10″.
- Maximum carry-on baggage weight: 35 lbs
- Personal Items: 8” x 18” x 14”
Hawaiian Airlines
- Carry-on bag size: 45 linear inches
- Maximum carry-on baggage weight: 25 lbs
- Personal belongings: a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, backpack or similar item; Must fit under the seat in front of you
JetBlue
- Carry-on bag dimensions: 22″ x 14″ x 9″.
- Carry-on baggage weight: Not specified
- Personal Items: 17” x 13” x 8”
There’s a reason JetBlue has such an avid following: not only does it provide more legroom for passengers, but it also takes some of the pressure off some of the carry-on luggage size restrictions. Although carry-on baggage size restrictions are the same as most airlines, personal items are larger in size.
Southwest Airlines
- Carry-on bag dimensions: 24″ x 16″ x 10″.
- Carry-on baggage weight: Not specified
- Personal items: 18.5″ x 8.5″ x 13.5″; Must fit under the seat in front of you
Southwest Airlines is another generous airline that has wider size limits for personal belongings and carry-on items than most airlines.
Spirit Aviation
- Carry-on bag dimensions: 22″ x 18″ x 10″.
- Carry-on baggage weight: Not specified
- Personal Items: 18” x 14” x 8”
United Airlines
- Carry-on bag dimensions: 22″ x 14″ x 9″.
- Carry-on baggage weight: Not specified
- Personal Belongings: 17” x 10” x 9”; Must fit in the seat in front of you