Carry-on Size Guide

Weight limit for carry-on luggage?

For many major domestic airlines — Delta, Southwest, JetBlue — there are no weight restrictions for carry-on bags. You'll just have to be able to lift it above your head into the storage bin. And in most cases, even if airlines do list a specific pound or kilogram limit on their websites, they likely won't weigh your carry-on bags. As long as your pack doesn't appear to be overstuffed, you're probably OK. Weight is much more important for small commuter planes, mostly due to safety regulations, and on low-cost international carriers like Easyjet and Ryanair.

Standard international carry-on size?

Internationally, most smaller, regional airlines or budget airlines such as EasyJet and Ryanair will accept a suitcase that's 22" high and 14" wide — including the handle and wheels — though you may have to pay to bring this onboard. However, some local airlines have tighter limits of 21" or even less, so, if you're going to be traveling on small planes or frequently flying a carrier with stricter requirements, go for a smaller carry-on bag. This ensures your bag is accepted on all carriers and you won't have to pay hefty last-minute checked bag fees.

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Alaska Airlines

• Carry-on luggage size: 22'' x 14'' x 9''
• Carry-on luggage weight maximum: Not specified
• Personal item: One personal item such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag

Allegiant Air

• Carry-on luggage size: 22'' x 14'' x 9''; fee applies ($15-75 depending on when reserved)
• Carry-on luggage weight maximum: Not specified
• Personal item: 14 x 18 x 8"

When booking with a budget airline, it's imperative to read the fine print. In most cases, when the low fare seems like a steal, traveling light is the only way to keep it that way. With Allegiant, your personal item is free, but there's a fee for your carry-on.

American Airlines

• Carry-on luggage size: 22'' x 14'' x 9"
• Carry-on luggage weight maximum: Not specified
• Personal item: 18'' x 14'' x 8''; must fit under the seat in front of you

American Airlines' fares include both a carry-on and personal item, even in Basic Economy.

Delta Air Lines

• Carry-on luggage size: 22'' x 14'' x 9''
• Carry-on luggage weight maximum: Not specified
• Personal item: One purse, briefcase, camera bag, or diaper bag

There are three exceptions for the weight limit:

Singapore, Singapore Changi International Airport (SIN): 15 pounds or 7 kg

Beijing, Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): 22 pounds or 10 kg for domestic travel

Shanghai, Pudong International Airport (PVG): 22 pounds or 10 kg

Frontier Airlines

• Carry-on luggage size: 24'' x 16'' x 10''
• Carry-on luggage weight maximum: 35 pounds
• Personal item: 8'' x 18'' x 14''

Hawaiian Airlines

• Carry-on luggage size: 45 linear inches
• Carry-on luggage weight maximum: 25 pounds
• Personal item: One purse, briefcase, laptop bag, backpack, or similar piece; must fit under the seat in front of you

JetBlue

• Carry-on luggage size: 22'' x 14'' x 9''
• Carry-on luggage weight: None specified
• Personal item: 17'' x 13'' x 8''

There's a reason JetBlue has such a cult following: not only does it give guests more legroom, but it alleviates a bit of the carry-on luggage size limit stress, too. Though the carry-on size restrictions are the same as most airlines, the personal item dimensions are larger.

Southwest Airlines

• Carry-on luggage size: 24'' x 16'' x 10''
• Carry-on luggage weight: None specified
• Personal item: None specified by generally no larger than 18.5'' x 8.5'' x 13.5''; must fit under the seat in front of you

Another generous airline, Southwest's personal item and carry-on size limits are spacier than most.

Spirit Airlines

• Carry-on luggage size: 22'' x 18'' x 10''
• Carry-on luggage weight: None specified
• Personal item: 18'' x 14'' x 8''

United Airlines

• Carry-on luggage size: 22'' x 14'' x 9''
• Carry-on luggage weight: None specified
• Personal item: 17'' x 10'' x 9''; must fit in the seat in front of you