Last updated: February 2026
Carry-on luggage is no longer universally free. In 2026, many airlines charge for overhead cabin bags, particularly ultra-low-cost carriers.
Understanding airline carry-on fees before booking can save you $50–€80 per flight.
This guide provides a 2026 airline carry-on fee comparison table, covering U.S. carriers, European budget airlines, and major international airlines — including typical online pricing, airport pricing, and gate penalties.
If you want to avoid unexpected baggage charges, this page should be your starting point.
Why Carry-On Fees Matter in 2026
Airlines now generate significant revenue from ancillary services, including:
- Carry-on fees
- Checked baggage
- Seat selection
- Boarding priority
On some airlines, carry-on fees exceed the base ticket price.
Booking without understanding baggage pricing can dramatically increase total travel cost.
2026 Airline Carry-On Fees Comparison Table
(Typical one-way pricing ranges; always verify route-specific pricing.)
| Airline | Carry-On Included? | Online Fee Range | Airport Counter | Gate Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United | Yes (except some Basic Economy) | $0 | $0 | $0–$35 (if restricted fare) | Basic Economy personal item only |
| Delta | Yes | $0 | $0 | $0 | Carry-on included |
| American | Yes | $0 | $0 | $0 | Carry-on included |
| Southwest | Yes | $0 | $0 | $0 | Generous policy |
| Spirit | No | $30–$55 | $55–$65 | $65–$79+ | Extremely strict |
| Frontier | No | $30–$50 | $55–$65 | $65–$99+ | Extremely strict |
| Allegiant | No | $18–$35 | $50–$75 | $75+ | Strict enforcement |
| Ryanair | No (Priority required) | €6–€25 | Higher | €46–€60+ | 10kg cabin bag |
| Wizz Air | No (Priority required) | €5–€40 | Higher | €45–€60+ | 10kg cabin bag |
| EasyJet | Yes (small bag only) | £5–£25 (large cabin) | Higher | £40–£60+ | Large cabin requires upgrade |
| Lufthansa | Yes | €0 | €0 | €0 | Weight enforced |
| Air France | Yes | €0 | €0 | €0 | Combined weight cap |
| Emirates | Yes | €0 | €0 | €0 | Weight limits apply |
Fees are approximate and vary by route and season.
U.S. Airlines: Carry-On Policy Overview
Legacy Carriers (Carry-On Included)
United, Delta, American, Southwest:
- Standard 22 x 14 x 9 size
- One personal item included
- No fee unless Basic Economy restricts overhead access (United)
For these airlines, carry-on travel is almost always more economical than checked baggage.
Ultra-Low-Cost Carriers (Carry-On Not Included)
Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant:
- Personal item only is free
- Carry-on requires payment
- Gate fees are highest pricing tier
Buying carry-on at booking stage is significantly cheaper than at the airport.
European Budget Airlines
Ryanair
- Free small bag (40 x 20 x 25 cm)
- 10kg cabin bag requires Priority
- Gate fee significantly higher
Wizz Air
- Free small bag (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
- 10kg cabin bag via Priority
- Strict size enforcement
EasyJet
- Free small cabin bag
- Large cabin bag requires paid upgrade
- Strict boarding enforcement
How Much More Expensive Is Gate Purchase?
Gate fees are designed to penalize non-compliance.
Typical increase from online price:
- $20–$40 more expensive in U.S.
- €20–€40 more expensive in Europe
Gate purchases can double original baggage cost.
Always purchase online in advance.
Carry-On vs Checked Bag Pricing Patterns
On budget airlines:
Carry-on and first checked bag pricing are often similar.
Sometimes:
- Checked bag cheaper
- Bundle fare cheaper than separate add-ons
On legacy airlines:
Carry-on included, checked bag costs extra.
Hidden Costs of Carry-On Fees
Beyond direct cost, consider:
- Boarding group implications
- Overhead bin competition
- Gate-check risk
- Stress at boarding
On strict airlines, incorrect bag selection can result in unexpected fees.
When Is Carry-On Worth Paying For?
Pay for carry-on if:
- Trip is short (1–4 days)
- You want to avoid baggage claim wait
- You need immediate access to belongings
- Checked bag pricing is similar or higher
When Is Checked Bag Better Value?
Checked bag may be better when:
- Carry-on fee is high
- You require larger capacity
- Bundle fare includes checked bag
- Traveling long-term
- Flying with family
How to Calculate True Baggage Cost
Before booking:
- Compare base fare + carry-on
- Compare base fare + checked bag
- Compare bundle fare
- Review return flight pricing
- Confirm size compliance requirements
Always calculate total trip cost.
Real-World Example
Passenger flying Frontier:
Base fare: $39
Carry-on at gate: $89
Total cost: $128
Had carry-on been purchased online:
Total would have been $74.
Lesson: Baggage pricing strategy matters.
Carry-On Fee Trends in 2026
Observed patterns:
- Budget airlines increasing gate fees
- Legacy airlines maintaining inclusive carry-on policies
- European carriers enforcing weight more than size
- Dynamic pricing models becoming more common
Expect ancillary fees to remain a major airline revenue source.
FAQ
Which airlines charge for carry-on?
Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant, Ryanair, Wizz Air and certain EasyJet tiers.
Is carry-on free on United?
Yes for most fares, except domestic Basic Economy without qualifying status.
Are carry-on fees higher at the airport?
Yes. Gate fees are typically the highest pricing tier.
Is it cheaper to check a bag?
On budget airlines, sometimes yes.
How can I avoid carry-on fees?
Use compliant personal item or purchase carry-on online in advance.
Summary
Carry-on fees in 2026 vary significantly by airline.
Legacy U.S. carriers generally include carry-on.
Ultra-low-cost airlines charge aggressively, especially at the gate.
European budget airlines require paid upgrades for full cabin bags.
The safest strategy:
- Review airline baggage policy before booking.
- Purchase baggage online.
- Use compliant luggage.
- Compare carry-on vs checked bag pricing carefully.
Understanding airline carry-on fees prevents unnecessary travel costs.