Quick Answer
In 2026, several airlines charge for carry-on luggage, particularly low-cost carriers in the U.S. and Europe. Airlines such as Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant, Ryanair, Wizz Air, and some fare classes on EasyJet require passengers to pay for standard cabin bags. Legacy airlines like Delta, American, United, British Airways, and Emirates typically include one carry-on bag in the ticket price.
Carry-on fees range from $25 to $75 in the U.S., and from €15 to €60 in Europe depending on route and booking tier.
Understanding which airlines charge for carry-on luggage is essential if you want to avoid surprise gate fees.
Why Airlines Charge for Carry On Bags
Airlines monetize cabin baggage for one simple reason: revenue.
Low-cost carriers operate on ultra-thin margins. Instead of bundling baggage into the ticket price, they separate it into optional add-ons. This allows them to advertise cheaper base fares while generating income through:
• Cabin bag fees
• Seat selection fees
• Boarding priority
• Checked baggage upgrades
For some airlines, ancillary fees represent more than 40% of total revenue.
Carry-on baggage is one of the highest-margin add-ons.
U.S. Airlines That Charge for Carry On (2026)
Spirit Airlines
Carry-on included: ❌ No
Personal item included: ✔ Yes
Carry-on fee: $30–$75
Strictness: Extremely strict
Spirit allows one free personal item (18 x 14 x 8 inches). Any standard carry-on requires payment. Gate enforcement is aggressive, and oversized bags are routinely charged.
Frontier Airlines
Carry-on included: ❌ No
Personal item included: ✔ Yes
Carry-on fee: $30–$60
Strictness: Extremely strict
Frontier mirrors Spirit’s model. Free small personal item only. Paid carry-on required for standard cabin luggage.
Allegiant Air
Carry-on included: ❌ No
Personal item included: ✔ Yes
Carry-on fee: $25–$70
Strictness: Extremely strict
Allegiant enforces cabin bag dimensions rigorously, particularly on leisure-heavy routes.
United Airlines (Basic Economy)
Carry-on included: ❌ No (Basic Economy only)
Personal item included: ✔ Yes
Carry-on fee: Included with non-Basic fares
Strictness: Moderate
United Basic Economy passengers are restricted to personal item only on certain routes.
European Airlines That Charge for Carry On (2026)
European low-cost carriers are more aggressive with paid cabin bag tiers.
Ryanair
Free bag: Small personal item (40 x 20 x 25 cm)
Paid cabin bag: 55 x 40 x 20 cm
Carry-on fee: €15–€60
Strictness: Extremely strict
Ryanair enforces size compliance consistently. Paid “Priority” boarding includes the larger cabin bag.
Wizz Air
Free bag: 40 x 30 x 20 cm
Paid cabin bag: 55 x 40 x 23 cm
Carry-on fee: €20–€60
Strictness: Very strict
Wizz Air also enforces 10kg weight limits for paid cabin bags.
EasyJet
Free bag: 45 x 36 x 20 cm
Larger cabin bag: Paid tier required
Strictness: Strict
EasyJet includes one small bag free, but larger overhead bags require an upgraded fare or add-on purchase.
Airlines That Do NOT Charge for Carry On (Standard Fares)
These airlines include one carry-on and one personal item:
• Delta Air Lines
• American Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• British Airways
• Emirates
• Lufthansa (weight limits apply)
However, enforcement of weight limits is stricter in Europe.
Carry-On Fee Comparison Table (2026)
| Airline | Carry-On Included | Fee Range | Strictness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spirit | No | $30–$75 | Extremely strict |
| Frontier | No | $30–$60 | Extremely strict |
| Allegiant | No | $25–$70 | Extremely strict |
| Ryanair | No (small bag only) | €15–€60 | Extremely strict |
| Wizz Air | No (small bag only) | €20–€60 | Very strict |
| EasyJet | Small bag only | €15–€50 | Strict |
| Delta | Yes | Free | Moderate |
| American | Yes | Free | Moderate |
| Southwest | Yes | Free | Relaxed |
How Much Can Gate Fees Cost?
If you fail the sizer test at the gate:
U.S. fees can reach $75
European fees can exceed €60
Gate fees are higher than pre-paid add-ons.
Pre-paying always costs less.
When It’s Cheaper to Pay for Carry On
Short trips (1–3 days):
Personal item only may be sufficient.
Longer trips (4+ days):
Paying for carry-on may be cheaper than checked baggage.
Compare:
• Carry-on fee
• Checked bag fee
• Fare upgrade cost
Sometimes upgrading to a bundled fare saves money.
How to Avoid Carry-On Fees Entirely
- Use a compliant personal item bag
- Choose airlines that include carry-on
- Book bundled fares
- Travel light
- Pre-pay if required
On budget airlines, maximizing your personal item capacity is often the best strategy.
Strictness Ranking (Most Aggressive to Least)
- Spirit
- Frontier
- Ryanair
- Allegiant
- Wizz Air
- EasyJet
- United Basic Economy
- Legacy carriers
Strictness is measured by:
• Sizer usage frequency
• Gate measurement policy
• Enforcement consistency
Real-World Scenario Example
Passenger flying:
London to Rome on Ryanair
Did not purchase Priority
Bag measured 3cm oversized
Result:
€60 gate charge
This is common.
The Bottom Line
Airlines that charge for carry-on luggage are primarily low-cost carriers. In 2026, U.S. budget airlines and European ultra-low-cost airlines monetize cabin baggage aggressively.
If you want to avoid surprise fees:
• Check fare type carefully
• Verify size limits
• Consider personal item strategy
• Pre-pay when necessary
Knowledge prevents gate fees.
Related Guides
• Carry-On Luggage Size Restrictions by Airline
• Best Ryanair Cabin Bag (2026 Approved)
• Strictest Airlines Ranked by Fees
• Carry-On Weight Limits by Airline