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.

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. So what size is carry-on luggage that works for all airlines? You’ve come to the right place.

We’ve put together a quick guide featuring a carry-on luggage size chart to help you cut through the uncertainty and feel more confident ordering your new carry-on luggage, right here at Nobl Travel. Discover luxury styles that make hectic travel days more convenient and stress-free!

Why the Size of Carry-on Luggage Matters

The last thing you want is to make it to your gate, board the airline, and find your seat - only to go and place your carry-on in the overhead compartment and find that it doesn’t fit.

Airlines set strict size restrictions so that everyone who brings a carry-on bag onboard has ample space. You know what they say - give them an inch and they’ll take a mile! Without these size restrictions people would try and push the limits of what constitutes a “carry-on.”

But what happens when you discover your carry-on doesn’t fit the airline’s specifications? Oftentimes you’ll be forced to check your carry-on at the last minute, which can lead to not only unexpected baggage fees but more stress, the last thing you need on a travel day.

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 use your carry-on for all your clothes, toiletries, and electronics 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 dive 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. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and size down to make sure you don’t get stuck checking your bag.

Carry-on Luggage Size for Domestic Flights

Most domestic flights adhere to a carry-on luggage size of 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), which accounts for wheels and handles. You’ll have no problem getting a bag this size in the overhead bin on American Airlines, Delta, United, and most other US airlines.

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.

But, most international airlines enforce weight restrictions, something that’s less common here domestically. The weight range will fall somewhere between 15 to 22 pounds (7 to 10 kg) and almost always applies to economy class travelers.

Carry-on Luggage Size Chart By Airline

So what size is carry-on luggage for your specific airliner? Check out the chart below, not just for insights into weight and dimensions but also fees and personal item information for the most seamless travel day possible:

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.

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.

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. Here are some more things to consider to 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 Nobl Travel. Spoil yourself or a loved one with award-winning styles today!

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

The right carry-on isn’t just about fitting in an overhead bin - it should elevate your travel day. 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. 

Meanwhile, our collapsible carry-on luggage provides even more flexibility. It’s the 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. So, take a look around and see what catches your eye!

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!