Carry-on Luggage Size Chart: What Size is Carry-on Luggage?

Shopping for new luggage for an upcoming trip is supposed to be fun - but navigating various carry-on luggage size guidelines from different airlines can quickly turn it into a stressful affair.

Each flight may have its own baggage policies, but major carriers often have standardized maximum dimensions for carry-on bags. So what size is carry-on luggage that works for all airlines? Understanding the rules for your specific flight is crucial. You’ve come to the right place.

We’ve put together a guide featuring a carry-on luggage size chart to help you feel more confident ordering your new carry-on luggage, right here at Nobl Travel. Remember the size of carry-on luggage for Southwest Airlines is different from United Airlines. Sun Country Airlines has different overhead baggage bins than Hawaiian Airlines. And no, you are not supposed to remember them by heart! We have your back.

Why the Size of Carry-on Luggage Matters

So you board your airline, find your seat - only to place your carry-on in the overhead compartment and find that it doesn’t fit! Sounds frustrating but relatable. Well did you know that limited space in the overhead bins is the reason that airlines enforce strict size limits for carry-on bags?

Airlines set a specific size limit for a simple reason. All passengers who bring a carry-on bag onboard should not have any problems stowing their luggage. Heard of the saying- give them an inch and they’ll take a mile! Well, without these size restrictions people would try and push the limits of what constitutes a “carry-on.”

But what happens when you learn that your carry-on doesn’t fit the airline’s specifications? Go ahead and check your carry-on at the last minute and cough up the unexpected baggage fees. These rules apply to all passengers, and checked bags may incur additional fees depending on the airline's policy.

The answer isn’t as simple as getting the smallest carry-on luggage you can find, though. You still need to be able to fit all your essentials, especially if you’re trying to fit in all your necessities in your carry-on for a short weekend trip.

The tricky part is figuring out what size luggage is carry-on compliant for your specific airline. So, let’s get into all the carry-on luggage size guidelines you need to know below.

What Size is Carry-on Luggage?

While most airlines follow similar guidelines, there are subtle differences that can make or break whether your baggage fits in the overhead bin or not. Each airline may have a specific size limit for carry on baggage, and not all carry on items count toward the same restrictions—some airlines include personal items, handles, and wheels in their measurements, while others do not. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and size down to make sure you don’t get stuck checking your bag. It's also good to know exactly what counts toward your baggage allowance to avoid surprises at the gate.

Carry-on Luggage Size for Domestic Flights

Most domestic flights follow air plane carry on size guidelines that allow passengers to bring one carry on bag plus a personal item. Many airlines set the maximum carry-on luggage size at 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including wheels and handles, which fits in the overhead bin on American Airlines, Delta, United, and most other US airlines.

Personal item guidelines and personal item dimensions can vary by airline, but typically, the personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. Most airlines allow economy passengers to bring one carry-on and one personal item at no extra cost. Keep in mind that fare class can affect your baggage allowance, with some fare classes permitting additional or larger carry-on items.

Carry-on Luggage Size for International Flights

There are slightly different specifications for the size of carry-on luggage for international flights—21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm). So while bags have to be shorter, they can be a bit wider. You technically have a bit more wriggle room on international flights.

Airlines like Air Canada and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, for example, each have their own baggage allowance and carry on weight limit policies, which can differ significantly from U.S. carriers.

However, most international airlines enforce a carry on weight limit. The weight range is somewhere between 15 to 22 pounds (7 to 10 kg) and almost always applies to economy class travelers. Additionally, flights to South America may have different carry-on allowances, sometimes permitting a full-size carry-on bag in certain fare classes.

Before your next flight, always check your airline’s specific baggage allowance and carry on weight limit to avoid surprises at the gate.

Carry-on Luggage Size Chart By Airline

So what size is carry-on luggage for your specific airline? Check out the chart below for details into weight and dimensions, and fees, personal item information. Keep in mind that the plane's overhead bin is the designated storage for larger carry-on bags, but limited overhead bin space—especially on regional flights—may require you to check your bag at the gate. Automated sizers are now replacing the traditional honor system at many gates to ensure your carry-on complies with airline size requirements.

Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you, with typical personal item dimensions around 17 x 10 x 9 inches. Items such as laptop bags, diaper bags, purses, small bags, and small backpacks are considered personal items if they fit under the seat. Special items, like musical instruments, can be brought on board if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat; if stored overhead, they must be in a hard case.

Assistive devices (e.g., crutches, wheelchairs, CPAP machines) do not count toward your baggage limits, but you should inform the airline in advance. Lithium batteries must comply with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations. Checked bags are subject to different rules and may incur fees. Some airlines allow certain items for free if packed in the same bag. For soft-sided garment bags, the combined length, width, and height should not exceed 51 inches (130 cm). Always check what items count toward your baggage allowance.

Airline	Carry-on Size	Weight Limit	Personal Item Size	Personal Item Weight Limit	Carry-on Allowance	Carry-on Fee
American Airlines	22 x 14 x 9 inches	None	18 x 14 x 8 inches	None	One personal item + one carry-on	Free
Alaska Airlines	22 x 14 x 9 inches or 45 linear inches	None	Must fit under seat	None	One personal item + one carry-on	Free
Allegiant Air	22 x 16 x 10 inches	None	18 x 14 x 8 inches	None	One personal item + one carry-on	Free for personal item; $10+ for carry-on
Delta Air Lines	22 x 14 x 9 inches or 45 linear inches	None	Must fit under seat	None	One personal item + one carry-on	Free
Frontier Airlines	24 x 16 x 10 inches	35 pounds	18 x 14 x 8 inches	None	One personal item + one carry-on	Free for personal item; $30+ for carry-on*
Hawaiian Airlines	22 x 14 x 9 inches or 45 linear inches	25 pounds	Must fit under seat	None	One personal item + one carry-on	Free
JetBlue	22 x 14 x 9 inches	None	17 x 13 x 8 inches	None	One personal item + one carry-on	Free
United Airlines	22 x 14 x 9 inches	None	17 x 10 x 9 inches	None	One personal item + one carry-on (except Basic Economy)	Free
British Airways	22 x 18 x 10 inches	51 pounds	16 x 12 x 6 inches	51 pounds	One personal item + one carry-on	Free
Emirates	22 x 15 x 8 inches	15 pounds	22 x 15 x 8 inches	15 pounds	One personal item OR one carry-on	Free
Qatar Airways	20 x 15 x 10 inches	15 pounds	Must fit under seat	None	One personal item + one carry-on	Free
Virgin Atlantic	22 x 14 x 9 inches	22 pounds (13 pounds for infants)	Must fit under seat	None	One personal item + one carry-on	Free

*Note: Budget airlines like Frontier Airlines may charge fees for overhead bin bags while allowing a free personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. Always check the airline’s policy, as personal item dimensions are typically around 17 x 10 x 9 inches.

Are There Weight Limits for Carry-on Luggage?

We touched on this a bit already, but we see it asked so often that we want to reiterate that most US airlines do not weigh your carry-on bag the same way they would your checked luggage. The carry on weight limit can vary significantly between airlines, and not all items you bring will necessarily count toward that limit—some airlines exclude personal items or certain accessories from the total weight.

However, Frontier and Hawaiian are two airlines that do enforce weight restrictions, although they’re pretty generous at 35 pounds and 25 pounds, respectively. As for international travel, you should be prepared to have your carry-on bag weighed before you get on the plane, and keep in mind that handles and wheels may or may not count toward the carry on weight limit depending on the airline’s policy.

More Tips on Picking the Perfect Carry-on Luggage

Aside from figuring out how big a bag you can bring as a carry-on, there’s much more that goes into finding the perfect travel companion. These tips will help you prepare for your next flight and streamline your next trip with the perfect carry-on luggage:

• Say goodbye to zippers: This is what frustrates us the most about traditional baggage. The zippers are constantly getting caught or even breaking altogether. They can be tampered with, too. A zipperless design makes life easier and provides peace of mind from a security standpoint.

• Built-in organization: Your carry-on should make packing and accessing essentials effortless. Front pockets for laptops, waterproof compartments for toiletries, and dedicated passport sleeves save time at security and make it easy to get what you need while you wait at your gate or when you reach your destination.

• Prioritize mobility: Smooth-rolling wheels can be a lifesaver when running across terminals to reach your connection. Choose luggage that glides silently and handles turns with ease.

• Invest in long-term durability: You get what you pay for, as cheap luggage will need to be replaced sooner than you’d hoped. Polycarbonate and aluminum shells resist dents, scuffs, and wear from baggage handling. An aluminum shell is your best bet for extra resilience.

• Think beyond the airport: A collapsible suitcase can transform your storage at home or in tight spaces, perfect for those who don’t want to take up too much space storing their luggage. These are also great for weekend road trips!

While there’s a lot that goes into finding the perfect carry-on, you can shop with confidence here at our website - Nobl Travel.

Don’t Stress About Carry-on Luggage Size Limits - Find Your New Travel Companion Today!

The right carry-on is so much more than just fitting in an overhead bin. At Nobl, we’ve redefined what carry-on luggage, and all luggage for that matter, should be. We’ve brought together security, convenience, and durability in every design.

Our all-in-one carry-on luggage is the ultimate mobile workstation and travel hub. You can stay powered with a built-in multi USB/USB-C port and glide through security with a zipperless front pocket for easy laptop access (fits up to 16”). 

Keeping essentials organized is simple with a passport sleeve, waterproof pocket for toiletries, and rubber studs to secure shopping bags. There’s even a built-in cup holder!

But for those who won’t compromise on durability, look no further than our aluminum carry-on luggage. The sleek, rugged design is built to withstand anything - even lazy TSA employees! It packs for 5-7 day trips and features triple TSA combination locks for extra security. 

Our expandable carry-on luggage provides even more flexibility. This collapsible carry-on luggage that shrinks from 10 inches to just 4 inches when not in use, for easy storage in a closet, under a bed, or in tight spaces between trips.

No matter which style you choose, you won’t have to stress about the carry-on luggage size guidelines - we’ve made sure our bags fit most airline size requirements.

Final Words on What Size Luggage is Carry-on

We hope you have a better understanding of your next steps as we wrap up this guide on what size is carry-on luggage! The size of carry-on luggage varies slightly from one airliner to the next, but in general, most domestic airlines allow 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

Be sure to check out our carry-on luggage size chart to confirm the details of the airline you use the most just in case, though. Don’t forget to account for weight limits on international flights, and be sure to look beyond the size side of things in shopping for luggage.

The only thing left to do now is upgrade your travel game. Shop Nobl Travel for carry-ons that make stressful trips seamless. Travel smarter with zipperless security and built-in convenience today!