Airline Carry-On Size Guides
Airline Carry-On Size Guides
Choosing the right luggage starts with knowing your airline's carry-on rules before you pack. Carry-on size limits, personal item dimensions, and checked bag rules can vary by airline, fare type, route, and traveler status. This guide gives you a clear comparison of major airline carry-on size rules so you can choose the right bag and avoid last-minute baggage fees at the gate.
Updated: May 2026. Airline baggage rules can change, so always confirm current baggage size limits, fare rules, and fees directly with your airline before you travel.
Major Airline Carry-On Size Comparison Chart
Use this chart to compare carry-on size rules, personal item guidance, and luggage strategy for major U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe, and international airlines. Always confirm current baggage rules directly with your airline before traveling.
| Airline | Carry-On Size | Personal Item / Cabin Note | Best Luggage Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 18 x 14 x 8 inches | Compact carry-on + underseat personal item |
| Delta Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 inches / 45 linear inches | Must fit under the seat | Compact spinner + flexible personal item |
| United Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 17 x 10 x 9 inches | Check fare type, especially Basic Economy |
| Southwest Airlines | 24 x 16 x 10 inches | Must fit under the seat | Larger carry-on allowance + personal item |
| JetBlue | 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 17 x 13 x 8 inches | Confirm fare rules and choose a compact carry-on |
| Frontier Airlines | 24 x 16 x 10 inches, paid carry-on | 18 x 14 x 8 inches | Pack personal-item-only or add a carry-on early |
| Alaska Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 inches | Must fit under the seat | Compact carry-on + personal item |
| Air Canada | 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches / 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 13 x 17 x 6 inches / 33 x 43 x 16 cm | Use a compact international carry-on and slim personal item |
| Aeromexico | 55 x 40 x 25 cm / about 21.5 x 15.7 x 10 inches | Personal item must fit under the seat; combined cabin weight may apply | Lightweight carry-on + compact personal item for Mexico travel |
| Volaris | 22 x 16 x 10 inches / 55 x 40 x 25 cm when included or purchased | Personal item must fit under the seat | Check fare rules; personal item may be the only included bag |
| Viva Aerobus | Carry-on may depend on fare, bundle, or added baggage purchase | 18 x 14 x 8 inches | Personal-item-only for light trips; add bags early if needed |
| British Airways | 22 x 18 x 10 inches / 56 x 45 x 25 cm | 16 x 12 x 6 inches / 40 x 30 x 15 cm | International cabin bag + slim handbag or laptop bag |
| Lufthansa | 55 x 40 x 23 cm / about 21.7 x 15.7 x 9 inches | Small personal item; carry-on weight limit applies | Lightweight international carry-on under 8 kg |
| Emirates | 55 x 38 x 22 cm / about 21.6 x 14.9 x 8.6 inches | Allowance varies by cabin; Economy may be one cabin bag | Lightweight international carry-on and confirm cabin allowance |
| Qatar Airways | 50 x 37 x 25 cm / about 20 x 15 x 10 inches | Personal item allowance can vary by route and cabin | Compact international carry-on; check weight and cabin rules |
How to Use This Guide
Each airline sets its own carry-on size rules, personal item limits, and checked bag policies. Some airlines measure bags differently, include wheels and handles in the total size, or apply different rules based on fare type, route, or traveler status. Use the comparison chart above to get a quick overview, then click through to each airline's dedicated guide for full details.
Find Your Airline Carry-On Size Guide
Choose your airline below to check carry-on size, personal item rules, checked baggage basics, fare notes, and luggage recommendations before your next flight.
U.S. Airlines
American Airlines Carry-On Size Guide
Learn American Airlines carry-on dimensions, personal item size, checked bag basics, and the best luggage setup for American flights.
Delta Airlines Carry-On Size Guide
Compare Delta carry-on size rules, personal item guidance, checked baggage basics, and luggage tips for Delta travelers.
United Airlines Carry-On Size Guide
Review United carry-on dimensions, personal item size, Basic Economy notes, and the best bags for United flights.
Southwest Airlines Carry-On Size Guide
See Southwest carry-on size rules, personal item guidance, checked bag limits, and luggage tips for Southwest travel.
JetBlue Carry-On Size Guide
Learn JetBlue carry-on size, personal item limits, checked bag basics, fare-dependent rules, and best luggage choices.
Frontier Airlines Carry-On Size Guide
Understand Frontier personal item rules, paid carry-on size, checked bag limits, and how to avoid surprise bag fees.
Alaska Airlines Carry-On Size Guide
Check Alaska Airlines carry-on dimensions, personal item guidance, checked bag basics, and best luggage options.
Canada and Mexico Airlines
Air Canada Carry-On Size Guide
Learn Air Canada carry-on dimensions, personal item size, international cabin baggage rules, and luggage tips.
Aeromexico Carry-On Size Guide
Review Aeromexico carry-on dimensions, combined cabin weight guidance, personal item rules, and Mexico travel luggage tips.
Volaris Carry-On Size Guide
Understand Volaris personal item rules, fare-based carry-on guidance, baggage weight notes, and Mexico flight packing tips.
Viva Aerobus Carry-On Size Guide
Learn Viva Aerobus personal item limits, paid carry-on guidance, checked bag basics, and smart packing tips for Mexico trips.
Europe and Long-Haul International Airlines
British Airways Carry-On Size Guide
Check British Airways cabin bag size, handbag/laptop bag limits, checked baggage guidance, and international packing tips.
Lufthansa Carry-On Size Guide
Learn Lufthansa carry-on dimensions, 8 kg weight guidance, personal item notes, checked bag basics, and luggage tips.
Emirates Carry-On Size Guide
Review Emirates Economy carry-on size, cabin class baggage differences, checked bag guidance, and international travel tips.
Qatar Airways Carry-On Size Guide
Compare Qatar Airways cabin bag dimensions, route-based allowance notes, personal item guidance, and luggage recommendations.
What to Know Before You Fly
Most major airlines allow one carry-on bag and one personal item, but there are important exceptions. Budget airlines like Frontier may charge extra for a full-size carry-on. Some fare types, including Basic Economy on United or Blue Basic on JetBlue, may limit travelers to a personal item only. Always check your specific ticket and fare rules before packing.
When measuring your carry-on, always include wheels, handles, side grips, and any outside pockets. A suitcase that looks close to the limit when empty may exceed it once fully packed.
Shop Luggage by Category
- Carry-On Luggage
- Underseat Bags
- Checked Luggage
- Hardside Luggage
- Softside Luggage
- Luggage Sets
- Travel Accessories
Baggage rules and fees can change. Always confirm current carry-on, personal item, checked bag, and fee details directly with your airline before you travel.