Unclear if your carry-on bag is allowed on? This article has everything you need to know to avoid last-minute encounters with TSA, excess baggage fees and a stressful start to your vacation. Use this airline-by-airline guide to see what size and how heavy your carry-on luggage can be.
And with KAYAK’sBaggage Fee Assistant, you can see whether your luggage is included in the overall flight price. Just search for your flights on KAYAK, add the bags you want to take using the tool on the left and watch your results instantly update.
1. What size is carry-on luggage?
Most airlines follow very similar size regulations when it comes to carry-on luggage. The majority go by a standard height, width and depth measurement.
In general, standard domestic carry-on luggage size is 22 x 14 x 9 inches. If you’re flying internationally, that may vary a little to 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches. Remember, those dimensions include the handle, wheels and anything else that may protrude from your suitcase so don’t miss them from your measurements.
A few airlines, including Delta, American Airlines, Air Canada and Southwest Airlines, measure their carry-on using what’s called “linear inches”. This is a measurement that adds up the height, width and depth of your carry-on to create a single total number.
For example, Delta’s carry-on limit is 45 linear inches – so if the combined height, width and depth of your luggage is less than 45 inches, you can take it as carry-on:
Carry-on size limits are there to make sure everyone’s luggage will fit in the overhead bins. I always try to fly with only carry-on luggage no matter where I go or for how long. Apart from it forcing me to not overpack, I always travel easier knowing my luggage is in reach rather than in the hold, or even worse, still back at the airport!
2. What is the carry-on luggage weight limit?
Weight limits for carry-on luggage are even more of a minefield than size restrictions, although generally they’re not as strictly enforced. That doesn’t mean, however, that you can fill your case to bursting and make it so heavy it requires a group effort to get it in the overhead bin.
Many major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue and United Airlines have no weight limits at all. As long as you can lift your bag over your shoulders, high enough to get it in the overhead storage bin, you’re fine.
Other limits vary dramatically by airline, and can even change for the same airline depending on where you’re flying from and to. From a lightweight 15 lbs with Qantas, Qatar and Singapore Airlines to a more manageable 51 lbs with British Airways, it’s always important to check in advance.
As long as you’re sensible and within a few pounds though, you shouldn’t have any problems.
3. What is a personal item on a plane?
You may see some airlines include carry-on luggage and “one personal item” in their size guidelines. That personal item refers to a small bag – typically a laptop bag, purse or briefcase. Airline size regulations for personal items vary wildly, but as long as it’s small enough to fit easily under the seat in front of you, there shouldn’t be any problems.
If you have something specific to carry such as a baby bag for diapers and food, a pair of crutches or something particularly fragile, airlines tend to be quite accommodating in including it as carry-on. To be on the safe side, you should always check directly with the airline in advance.
4. What is the standard international carry-on luggage size?
Carry-on luggage sizes can vary between domestic and international flights, although not by much. For most international flights, the maximum carry-on luggage size is 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches or 46 linear inches. If your luggage fits within these dimensions, you’ll have no problems treating it as carry-on.
There are some exceptions such as Qatar Airways, which states measurements of 20 x 15 x 10 inches or 45 linear inches for its carry-on baggage. Pay attention in particular if you’re flying in Europe or with smaller regional airlines, as they can have very different restrictions depending on the airplane.
5. Carry-on luggage vs. a personal item: what’s the difference?
The practical difference between carry-on luggage and a personal item is that the former is for storage in the overhead bin and the latter for under the seat in front of you.
Your carry-on luggage is the bag you don’t hand over at check-in. If you’re traveling light, using your carry-on luggage allowance can prevent you having to check any bags at all. That’s always a win, as your bags will never get lost or left behind and you don’t have to wait at baggage collection once you’ve landed.
Many airlines include a carry-on luggage allowance in their ticket price. Some – especially small and budget airlines – charge extra for it, although it’s usually still cheaper than paying for checked luggage.
Personal items are things like your purse or laptop, briefcase or camera, and are usually permitted on top of your carry-on luggage free of charge. Size allowances vary by airline but most simply follow the ‘fit under the seat in front of you’ guideline.
If you’re not sure what you can take in your carry-on or personal item, check out our FAQs.
Not sure if your carry-on luggage size fits your airline policy?
To take the anxiety out of boarding and make sure your carry-on is always compliant, we created a fun Bag Measurement tool. Download the KAYAK app and you’ll never need a tape measure again.
Just open the app and tap on “Measure your bag.” Using your camera, capture your luggage and our app will do the math for you to give your bag’s exact measurements. Handily, it also compares airline baggage policies in one place too, so you can quickly check your carry-on fits no matter who you’re flying with. Watch the video below to see how it works.
6. Carry-on luggage policies for domestic airlines
Although there are differences in carry-on luggage size and weight restrictions between lots of different airlines, many also now tow a similar line to each other.
When it comes to carry-on baggage, few domestic airlines now specify a weight limit. Of those we’ve detailed below, only Hawaiian Airlines and Frontier Airlines impose weight restrictions. The rest go by dimensions only.
For personal items, Delta, Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines all dispense with measurements, instead simply asking that it fits under the seat in front of you. None of the domestic airlines impose a weight limit.
To make it easier for you to search, we’ve gone through the main domestic US airlines and detailed the size and weight limits for both carry-on luggage and personal items. We’ve also included any other relevant information, tools and tips we think you might find useful when flying with each specific airline.
Carry-on luggage size: 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 45 linear inches
Carry-on luggage maximum weight: None (with exceptions)
Personal item size: Must fit under the seat in front of you
Personal item maximum weight: Not specified
Note:
All Delta fares include one carry-on bag and one personal item. Most routes have no weight limit for carry-on with a few exceptions. Flying to or from Beijing or Shanghai in China comes with a 22lb weight limit, and from Singapore it’s a 15lb limit.
Frontier fares include only a personal item and no carry-on luggage. That means you’ll need to add and pay for carry-on luggage, with prices varying by route and when you add it. As always, adding it when you book your flights will be cheapest.
As always, there are exceptions. If you buy one of the WORKS or PERKS fare bundles, carry-on (as well as checked) baggage is included. And if you’re an Elite member of the FRONTIER Miles rewards program you too are blessed with carry-on included.
You can take a carry-on bag and personal item on all fares except a Blue Basic ticket, where you can only bring a personal item – most of the time. There are, of course, some exceptions.
If you’re in the US military, are an unaccompanied minor, or are traveling to or from the UK or Europe, including connecting flights, you can take carry-on with a Basic Blue fare. The same applies if you upgrade your seat or reach the giddy heights of Mosaic status in JetBlue’s TrueBlue rewards program.
If you add when booking your flight, the average fee is $37, although that can be lower for domestic US flights. Add it later and it gets more expensive the longer you leave it, rising to $65 if you pay at the gate. The moral being, always add luggage when you book to get the best deal.
If you’re flying domestically or between the US and Canada, you can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on all fares except Basic Economy, where you can only bring a personal item.
If you’re flying to South America or across the Atlantic or Pacific on a Basic Economy fare, you can bring carry-on luggage and a personal item.
Certain MileagePlus, Premier and Star Alliance Gold members also qualify to bring a carry-on to all flights no matter their fare. Check the United carry-on guide for details.
7. Carry-on luggage policies for international airlines
Many of the international airlines have different fares and a confusing array of classes, from economy to first. These come with different carry-on and personal item restrictions, so be sure to check which class ticket you have before packing.
Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and Turkish Airlines all have the same carry-on size limit but weight allowances vary. Almost all of the International airlines we’ve listed impose carry-on weight restrictions, and many on personal items as well. The only exception is Air Canada.
Aer Lingus has gone to town on the complexity of its carry-on policies and prices.
If you’re flying trans-Atlantic, your carry-on and personal item are included in your fare. If you’re flying in Europe, you’ll need to book a “Carry-on bag with priority boarding” ticket and pay upwards of €9.99. Or you can check your bag into the hold, in which case it’s free.
There are a raft of exceptions to this including different fare types and connections, so you should check carefully when you book.
If you’re flying Aer Lingus Regional (that uses smaller planes limited mostly to Ireland and the UK), the allowances shrink. Your carry-on must be a maximum of 18.5 x 13 x 8 inches and weigh no more than 15 lbs.
Carry-on luggage maximum weight: 26.4 to 40 lbs (fare dependent) including personal item
Personal item size: 15.7 x 11.8 x 5.8 inches
Personal item maximum weight: 26.4 to 40 lbs (fare dependent) including carry-on luggage
Note:
If you’re traveling with Air France on an Economy ticket, you can take one carry-on and a personal item with a combined weight of 26.4 lbs. If you’re flying 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. Air Canada lets you bring a carry-on bag and personal item on all its fares but does stress that you must be able to lift your carry-on into the overhead bin unassisted.
Another of Europe’s huge budget airlines, easyJet offers only a personal item to take free on board, which they market as a “small cabin bag.” For a proper size carry-on bag you’ll need to book a FLEXI Fare or an Up Front or Extra Legroom seat, or just add a large cabin bag separately. Prices start from £5.99.
Carry-on luggage maximum weight: 15 to 30 lbs (fare dependent)
Personal item size: 22 x 15 x 8 inches
Personal item maximum weight: 15 lbs
Note:
Economy class passengers can bring a single carry-on weighing 15 lbs. Premium Economy passengers can up that to 22 lbs. Business and First Class can bring two carry-ons of up to 15 lbs each. As with Qatar Airways, tickets issued in Brazil have a weight limit of 22 lbs.
Beware too that Emirates only allows one item for Economy and Premium Economy fares – either a carry-on or a personal item, not both. It also notes that if you carry a garment bag it must be no more than eight inches thick when folded.
KLM
Carry-on luggage size: 21.5 x 13.5 x 9.5 inches
Carry-on luggage maximum weight: 26 to 40 lbs (fare dependent) including personal item
Personal item size: 16 x 12 x 6 inches
Personal item maximum weight: 26 to 40 lbs (fare dependent) including carry-on luggage
Note:
KLM’s policies change with their fares. Economy gets one carry-on and one personal item up to 26 lbs in combined weight. Premium Comfort gets two carry-ons and a personal item but the same combined weight of 26 lbs. Business Class gets the same as Premium Comfort but with a weight increase to 40 lbs.
And if you bring a baby on your lap, you can take one extra carry-on weighing up to 26 lbs.
Carry-on luggage size: 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches or 22.5 x 21 x 6 inches for foldable garment bags
Carry-on luggage maximum weight: 17.5 lbs
Personal item size: 15.5 x 11.5 x 4 inches
Personal item maximum weight: Not specified
Note:
All Lufthansa Economy Class and Premium Economy Class fares include one carry-on bag and personal item, with size and weight restrictions. Business and First Class fares include two carry-on bags, although the second bag may need to be checked in on flights from Italy, India and the USA.
Carry-on luggage maximum weight: 15 to 33 lbs (fare dependent)
Personal item size: Not specified
Personal item maximum weight: Not specified
Note:
Economy Class Qatar Airways passengers can take one carry-on and one personal item weighing up to 15 lbs. Business and First class can take two carry-on bags and one personal item weighing up to 33 lbs. Tickets issued in Brazil have a weight limit of 22 lbs.
It’s worth noting that Qatar Airlines considers your laptop and case part of your carry-on and not a personal item. Note too that 20 inch luggage length is shorter than most other carriers.
Ryanair’s Priority bundle also lets you board the plane early, but don’t be fooled! This often means standing at the front of the queue in a corridor instead of relaxing at the gate while waiting for the plane to be ready.
All SAS fares allow you to take one carry-on bag and a personal item with the exception of the Go Light fare – but only if you’re traveling in Europe. On this fare you’ll need to pay for your carry-on bag. If you’re on a Go Light fare to or from Asia, Canada or the US, your carry-on is included.
Plus and Business Class passengers can take two carry-on bags with them. SAS also notes you can bring airport purchases and Duty Free bags onboard with you at no cost.
Turkish Airlines Economy Class passengers can take one carry-on and one personal item on board. Business Class passengers can take one extra carry-on of the same weight and dimensions.
For both domestic and international flights, infant passengers are also allowed one more carry-on bag.
Vueling
Carry-on luggage size: 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches
Carry-on luggage maximum weight: 22 lbs
Personal item size: 16 x 12 x 8 inches
Personal item maximum weight: Not specified
Note:
All fares can take a personal item on board, but you can only take a carry-on bag if you’re on a TimeFlex Fare, are a Premium customer, require assistance at the airport or are traveling with a child younger than two.
How was this guide created?
Experience and research! I’ve been traveling the world and writing stories about it for 20 years and have one mantra: carry-on is king. Unless I’m nervously checking in surfboards or skis, I only ever pack a carry-on and personal item.
Over time I’ve learned a lot about the tricks to success and pitfalls of getting carry-on wrong. This guide is a culmination of that experience combined with extensive research into US and international airline luggage policies. I also got great advice from the KAYAK teams who build the features and tools you use to book your travel.
If you found this article helpful, we’ve got plenty more inspiration and information to share. Unsure where to travel this year? Check out our guide to traveling with a carry-on vs checked bag and if you’re thinking of traveling off-season, this in-betweasons guide has an in-depth breakdown of prices and places to visit. Dive in!
This post is part of our Flight guide. Want to make sure you get the most out of your trip? Read about how to find cheap flights in our guide.
A backpack is generally considered a personal item rather than a carry-on, as long as it fits below the seat in front of you or meets the dimensions specified by the airline.
If you’re traveling with a full size backpack that can only be stored in the overhead bins, this would qualify as carry-on luggage. As always, check the permitted dimensions and weight before you travel.
A duffel bag is typically considered carry-on luggage, yes. This does, of course, depend on its dimensions which are almost always the deciding factor for airlines over the type of luggage you have.
If it’s too big to fit under the seat in front of you and has to go in the overhead bin, you should consider it to be carry-on luggage rather than a personal item.
None of the international airlines we’ve mentioned in this guide would allow a 24-inch suitcase as carry-on, as it doesn’t meet their size requirements. Domestically, both Frontier and Southwest Airlines would allow you to take your 24-inch suitcase as carry-on thanks to their generous size limits.
Generally, I’d say a 24-inch bag will be treated as check-in luggage more often than carry-on, so think carefully before traveling with it!
The TSA has strict rules around what you can take in your carry-on luggage. Generally speaking you can take most things you’ll need for your journey.
Foods including fruits are fine. If you’re taking baby foods and medicines it’s worth checking with the airline first to make sure they don’t breach liquid limits. If you have support devices like crutches, walking stick, stroller or wheelchair, you shouldn’t have any problems but let the airline know in advance, just to be sure.
The TSA has strict rules around what you can’t take in your carry-on luggage. Rules against carrying weapons and ammunition are obvious, but it’s liquid allowances that catch most people out.
Currently, you can’t bring any liquid, gel, aerosol, cream or paste containers bigger than 3.4 ounces (100ml if you’re in Europe). If you do, it’ll be confiscated at security or you’ll be turned away if you’re not willing to relinquish it. Exceptions include medications and children’s foods but it’s always worth checking in advance to be sure.
Disclaimer: prices and information are correct as of 21.07.2023 and may vary with time.
Duncan MaddenDuncan is a freelance travel writer, copywriter and book author in constant search of travel stories and the perpetual sensation of being on holiday. He’s never happier than when on a dusty trail in search of empty waves or ducking under the piste tape in search of snowbound solitude. British born, living in Germany, but happiest heading for the horizon. His first book, Found in Translation, explores the etymologies and stories of country names around the world and is out now.
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