Carry-On Luggage Size Restrictions by Airline: Complete Guide (2026)
Last Updated: March 30, 2026
Every airline has different carry-on size limits, fee structures, and enforcement policies. Choosing luggage that works across multiple carriers prevents surprise gate fees and travel headaches. Understanding carry-on size by airline helps you pack smarter, avoid checked bag fees, and navigate airport security with confidence. This comprehensive guide compares carry-on size by airline rules for 50+ carriers, explains how to measure your bag correctly, and helps you find luggage that fits everywhere you fly.
Quick Answer: Universal Carry-On Size
Safest size that fits ALL major airlines: 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
This standard carry-on size by airline works on:
- ✅ All major U.S. carriers (Delta, United, American, Southwest)
- ✅ All major European carriers (British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France)
- ✅ Budget airlines (with some paying fees)
- ✅ Most international carriers
Weight limits vary: 15-22 lbs (7-10 kg) when enforced
Complete Carry-On Size by Airline Comparison
U.S. Airlines Carry-On Rules
Southwest Airlines
- Size: 10″ x 16″ x 24″ (25 x 41 x 61 cm)
- Weight: No limit
- Fee: FREE
- Personal Item: 18.5″ x 8.5″ x 13.5″ (47 x 22 x 34 cm)
- Enforcement: Moderate (mainly on full flights)
Delta Air Lines
- Size: 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
- Weight: No official limit
- Fee: FREE (all fare classes)
- Personal Item: 18″ x 14″ x 8″ (46 x 36 x 20 cm)
- Enforcement: Strict at gates
Complete Delta carry-on rules →
United Airlines
- Size: 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
- Weight: No official limit
- Fee: FREE (except Basic Economy)
- Personal Item: 17″ x 10″ x 9″ (43 x 25 x 23 cm)
- Basic Economy: Personal item only (no overhead bin access)
- Enforcement: Very strict on Basic Economy
American Airlines
- Size: 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
- Weight: No official limit
- Fee: FREE (except Basic Economy domestic)
- Personal Item: 18″ x 14″ x 8″ (46 x 36 x 20 cm)
- Basic Economy: Personal item only (domestic), carry-on allowed (international)
- Enforcement: Strict on Basic Economy
Complete American Airlines carry-on rules →
JetBlue Airways
- Size: 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
- Weight: No official limit
- Fee: FREE
- Personal Item: 17″ x 13″ x 8″ (43 x 33 x 20 cm)
- Enforcement: Moderate
Alaska Airlines
- Size: 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
- Weight: No official limit
- Fee: FREE
- Personal Item: 17″ x 13″ x 6″ (43 x 33 x 15 cm)
- Enforcement: Moderate
Budget U.S. Airlines (Fees Apply)
Spirit Airlines
- Size: 22″ x 18″ x 10″ (56 x 46 x 25 cm)
- Weight: 40 lbs (18 kg)
- Fee: $30-$65 (varies by booking time)
- Personal Item: 18″ x 14″ x 8″ (46 x 36 x 20 cm) – FREE
- Enforcement: VERY STRICT (measured at gate)
- Important: Spirit charges for carry-ons but personal item is free
Complete Spirit carry-on rules →
Frontier Airlines
- Size: 24″ x 16″ x 10″ (61 x 41 x 25 cm)
- Weight: 50 lbs (23 kg)
- Fee: $30-$60 (varies by booking time)
- Personal Item: 18″ x 14″ x 8″ (46 x 36 x 20 cm) – FREE
- Enforcement: VERY STRICT
- Important: Largest carry-on among U.S. budget airlines
Complete Frontier carry-on rules →
Allegiant Air
- Size: 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
- Weight: No official limit
- Fee: $10-$75 (highly variable)
- Personal Item: 16″ x 15″ x 7″ (41 x 38 x 18 cm) – FREE
- Enforcement: Moderate to strict
- Important: Smallest personal item allowance
European Airlines Carry-On Size by Airline
Ryanair
- Size: Small bag only for basic fare: 16″ x 12″ x 6″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
- Priority + 2 Bags: 22″ x 16″ x 8″ (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
- Weight: 22 lbs (10 kg)
- Fee: €6-20 for Priority boarding (includes larger bag)
- Enforcement: EXTREMELY STRICT (measured at check-in)
Complete Ryanair carry-on rules →
EasyJet
- Size: 22″ x 18″ x 10″ (56 x 45 x 25 cm)
- Weight: No limit (must be able to lift yourself)
- Fee: FREE
- Personal Item: 18″ x 14″ x 8″ (45 x 36 x 20 cm)
- Enforcement: Moderate
Complete EasyJet carry-on rules →
British Airways
- Size: 22″ x 18″ x 10″ (56 x 45 x 25 cm)
- Weight: 51 lbs (23 kg) combined with personal item
- Fee: FREE
- Personal Item: 16″ x 12″ x 6″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
- Enforcement: Moderate
Lufthansa
- Size: 22″ x 16″ x 9″ (55 x 40 x 23 cm)
- Weight: 18 lbs (8 kg)
- Fee: FREE
- Personal Item: 16″ x 12″ x 6″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
- Enforcement: Moderate to strict
Air France
- Size: 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (55 x 35 x 25 cm)
- Weight: 26 lbs (12 kg) combined with accessory
- Fee: FREE
- Personal Item: 16″ x 12″ x 6″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
- Enforcement: Moderate
Wizz Air
- Size: Small bag only for basic fare: 16″ x 12″ x 6″ (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
- Priority: 22″ x 16″ x 10″ (55 x 40 x 23 cm)
- Weight: 22 lbs (10 kg)
- Fee: €10-30 for Priority
- Enforcement: VERY STRICT
Complete Wizz Air carry-on rules →
International Long-Haul Carriers
Emirates
- Size: 22″ x 15″ x 8″ (55 x 38 x 20 cm)
- Weight: 15 lbs (7 kg)
- Fee: FREE
- Personal Item: Included in weight allowance
- Enforcement: Moderate
Qatar Airways
- Size: 20″ x 15″ x 10″ (50 x 37 x 25 cm)
- Weight: 15 lbs (7 kg)
- Fee: FREE
- Personal Item: Laptop bag or handbag (additional)
- Enforcement: Moderate to strict
Singapore Airlines
- Size: Total linear dimensions: 45″ (115 cm)
- Weight: 15 lbs (7 kg)
- Fee: FREE
- Personal Item: Included in weight
- Enforcement: Moderate
Cathay Pacific
- Size: 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
- Weight: 15 lbs (7 kg)
- Fee: FREE
- Personal Item: Handbag or laptop bag
- Enforcement: Moderate
ANA (All Nippon Airways)
- Size: 22″ x 16″ x 10″ (55 x 40 x 25 cm)
- Weight: 22 lbs (10 kg) combined with personal item
- Fee: FREE
- Personal Item: Included in weight allowance
- Enforcement: Moderate
Japan Airlines (JAL)
- Size: 22″ x 16″ x 10″ (55 x 40 x 25 cm)
- Weight: 22 lbs (10 kg) combined
- Fee: FREE
- Personal Item: Included in weight
- Enforcement: Moderate
How to Measure Carry-On Luggage Correctly
Linear Inches vs. Individual Dimensions
Linear inches = Length + Width + Height
Example:
- Bag dimensions: 22″ x 14″ x 9″
- Linear inches: 22 + 14 + 9 = 45 linear inches
- Most airlines allow 45 linear inches maximum
Important: Some airlines specify individual dimension limits (22″ x 14″ x 9″), while others use total linear inches (45″). Always check both.
What Counts as “Carry-On Size”
Include these in measurements:
- ✅ Wheels (very important!)
- ✅ Handles (if protruding)
- ✅ External pockets
- ✅ Any part that sticks out
Common mistakes:
- ❌ Measuring only the main compartment
- ❌ Forgetting to account for wheels
- ❌ Not measuring extended handles
- ❌ Assuming manufacturer specs are accurate
Pro tip: Airlines measure at their strictest point. If your bag is 22.5″ x 14″ x 9″, it’s technically oversized even though it’s only 0.5″ over.
How Airlines Enforce Size Limits
Gate check scenarios:
STRICT ENFORCEMENT:
- Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant
- Ryanair, Wizz Air, EasyJet
- United/American Basic Economy
- Full flights on any airline
MODERATE ENFORCEMENT:
- Delta, Southwest, JetBlue
- British Airways, Lufthansa
- Most international carriers
- Less crowded flights
RARE ENFORCEMENT:
- First/Business class passengers
- Elite status members
- Flights with plenty of overhead space
Weight Limits: When They Matter
Airlines That Weigh Carry-Ons
Always weigh:
- Ryanair (22 lbs / 10 kg)
- Wizz Air (22 lbs / 10 kg)
- Spirit (40 lbs / 18 kg)
- Frontier (50 lbs / 23 kg)
Sometimes weigh:
- International carriers on European routes
- Budget Asian carriers
- Any airline when you look suspicious
Never weigh:
- U.S. legacy carriers (Delta, United, American, Southwest)
- Most full-service carriers
Choosing the Right Carry-On Luggage
Universal Size Recommendation
Best size for multi-airline travel:
- 22″ x 14″ x 9″ inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
- Fits 90%+ of airlines
- Maximizes packing space
- Avoids gate check fees
What to look for:
- Hard-shell or soft-sided (both work)
- 4 spinner wheels (easier to maneuver)
- TSA-approved lock
- Expandable only if you’ll disable it at airport
- Lightweight (empty weight under 7 lbs ideal)
See our complete carry-on luggage recommendations →
Budget Airline Considerations
If flying Spirit/Frontier frequently:
- Personal item strategy (18″ x 14″ x 8″)
- Invest in maximum-size personal item bag
- Avoid carry-on fees entirely
- Save $30-65 per flight
If flying Ryanair/Wizz Air:
- Pay for Priority (€6-20)
- Use 22″ x 16″ x 8″ bag
- Stay under 10 kg weight
- OR use small bag only (free but very limiting)
Personal Item Size Rules
What Qualifies as a Personal Item
Accepted personal items:
- Backpack (small to medium)
- Laptop bag
- Purse or handbag
- Briefcase
- Camera bag
- Diaper bag
Maximum sizes (most U.S. airlines):
- 18″ x 14″ x 8″ (46 x 36 x 20 cm)
- Must fit under seat in front of you
- No wheels allowed (most airlines)
Personal Item Size by Airline
| Airline | Personal Item Size | Must Fit Under Seat |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest | 18.5″ x 8.5″ x 13.5″ | Yes |
| Delta | 18″ x 14″ x 8″ | Yes |
| United | 17″ x 10″ x 9″ | Yes |
| American | 18″ x 14″ x 8″ | Yes |
| Spirit | 18″ x 14″ x 8″ | Yes |
| Frontier | 18″ x 14″ x 8″ | Yes |
| Allegiant | 16″ x 15″ x 7″ | Yes |
| Ryanair | 16″ x 12″ x 6″ | Yes |
| EasyJet | 18″ x 14″ x 8″ | Yes |
Important: Personal items are ALWAYS free, even on budget airlines that charge for carry-ons.
Special Carry-On Items
Items That Don’t Count Toward Allowance
Always allowed (in addition to carry-on + personal item):
- Duty-free shopping bags
- Coats and jackets
- Umbrellas
- Reading material (books, magazines)
- Food for immediate consumption
- Infant supplies (diaper bag, formula, car seat, stroller)
- Medical devices (CPAP, wheelchairs, crutches)
- Musical instruments (small, under seat)
Liquids & Electronics
TSA 3-1-1 Rule (still applies in 2026):
- 3.4 oz (100 ml) maximum per container
- 1 quart-sized clear bag
- 1 bag per passenger
Electronics:
- Laptops must be removed for screening (most airports)
- Tablets can stay in bag
- Power banks allowed in carry-on only (not checked bags)
- Lithium batteries: carry-on only
Regional Variations in Carry-On Size by Airline
North America vs. Europe vs. Asia
U.S./Canada:
- Generally 22″ x 14″ x 9″
- Weight rarely enforced
- Free carry-on (except budget airlines)
Europe:
- Similar dimensions but strict weight limits
- Budget carriers charge for anything beyond small bag
- Weight enforced: 10-12 kg typical
Asia/Pacific:
- Often 22″ x 16″ x 10″ (slightly larger width)
- Weight strictly enforced: 7-10 kg
- Combined weight with personal item
Carry-On Size by Airline Comparison Charts
U.S. Airlines Quick Reference
| Airline | Length | Width | Height | Weight Limit | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest | 24″ | 16″ | 10″ | None | FREE |
| Delta | 22″ | 14″ | 9″ | None | FREE |
| United | 22″ | 14″ | 9″ | None | F |