Packing for a trip can be a hassle, especially when it comes to ensuring every important item fits into your luggage. It also doesn’t help that US airlines have strict rules for your carry on luggage size however, complying with these rules is crucial for a stress-free travel experience; unless you don’t mind paying a little $60 – $100 for an oversized/overweight carry on lol.
Carry on luggage dimension requirements in the United States vary across different airlines, however, many airlines use the standard dimension of 22 x 14 x 9 inches (including the strollers and luggage handles). While this is true for many airlines, some have stricter, or slightly different policies.
I have done all the research, combing through the regulations of the 10 most popular American airlines – including Delta and American Airlines. Leveraging my years of experience in the travel industry and insights of frequent travelers, I guarantee you’ll have all the information you need to never get flagged at the airport for oversized or overweight carry on luggage at the end of this blog.
Table of Contents
- Carry on Luggage Size Requirements
- What is not Allowed in a Carry on Bag?
- Best Carry On Luggage
- Top Picks for Carry On Luggage
Carry on Luggage Size Requirements
Fun fact: In 2022, U.S. airlines generated up to $6.9 billion in revenue from baggage fees, with a large chunk of that amount from carry on and checked baggage fees (Nerdwallet). This alone shows that many people make the mistake of using the wrong carry on luggage size for their travel luggage, and end up paying for it to be checked, unfortunately.
Bear in mind that the dimensions for carry on include the handles and wheels. Without further ado, here are the 10 most popular U.S. airlines alongside their carry on luggage requirements:
| Airline | Carry on & Personal Item requirements | Weight |
| Delta Airlines | You can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item like a purse, briefcase, or laptop. Personal item should be placed under the seat in front of you and you’ll need to lift your carry on into the overhead bin. Carry on bag size limit for Alaska Airlines is 22” x 14” x 9” For checked bags, you’re required to pay $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second. | – |
| American Airlines | You are allowed to bring one carry on item alongside a personal item. The total size of carry on, including the handles and wheels, cannot exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches, and it must fit the sizer at the airport. Personal items like a purse or small handbag must fit under the seat in front of you. Dimensions should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Musical instruments must fit in the overhead bin, or in the under seat in front of you. For more information regarding traveling special items such as musical instruments, visit this page. | – |
| United Airlines | You’re allowed to bring one carry on and one personal item for free. If you have additional bags, or your carry-on and/or personal item doesn’t meet the requirements, you’ll be required to pay a fee which will depend on the travel class and the distance of the flight. This Bag fee calculator can be used to figure out the exact cost of checked bags. The total size of carry on, including the handles and wheels, cannot exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches, and it must fit the sizer at the airport. Personal items like a purse or small handbag (18 x 14 x 8 inches) must fit under the seat in front of you. | – |
| Alaska Airlines | You’re allowed to bring along one carry-on bag and one personal item like a purse, briefcase, or laptop. Personal item should be placed under the seat in front of you and you’ll need to lift your carry on into the overhead bin. Carry on bag size limit for Alaska Airlines is 22” x 14” x 9” For checked bags, you’re required to pay $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second. | – |
| Southwest Airlines | Carry on luggage limit is 24” x 16” x 10”, such as a roller bag or small suitcase. Personal items that can be brought along include a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, backpack, pillow, blanket, small camera. If you’re coming along with a pet, the pet carrier is regarded as your carry on or personal item | – |
| Hawaiian Airlines | Each passenger is allowed to come on board with a carry on luggage and a personal item. The limit for your carry on is 22” x 14” x 9″ | Personal item -11.5 kg |
| Jetblue Airlines | Size restrictions for carry on is 22” L x 14” W x 9″ H. Personal items must not exceed 17″L x 13″W x 8″H | – |
| Spirit Airlines | Personal item dimensions must not exceed 18″ x 14″ x 8″, including handles and wheels. Carry on bag must have a maximum of 22″ x 18″ x 10″. Click here for information on military bag policies. | – |
| Allegiant Airlines | You’re allowed to come on board with a personal item and a carry on bag. Carry on dimension limit is 22” x 14” x 9″ while the personal item limit is 16 x 15 x 7 in | Personal item – 11.34 kg |
| Frontier Airlines | Personal items have a limit of 14″ H x 18” W x 9″ L, while carry on has a limit of 24″ H x 10″ W x 16″ L | Carry on – 16kg |
As much as all of these airlines – mentioned above – allow a carry-on and a personal item on board for free, some airlines – especially budget airlines charge for luggage beyond a small personal item, including carry-ons. They are usually small commuter planes that offer lower fares. They compensate for the lower air fees by charging for luggage. These smaller commuter planes are usually strict with weight restrictions. This way, they generate more revenue while reducing the number of carry-ons on board due to the limited space and safety regulations for smaller airplanes.
Also, take note of the fact that there are sometimes seasonal and route variations in carry on policies. Ensure you check the details on the airline’s website so you know precisely what is required.
|
Name |
Contact number |
Email address |
Location |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What is not Allowed in a Carry on Bag?
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), some items are permitted in either your checked bags, your carry on, both, or none of them. Ultimately, the decision on whether an item is allowed through the luggage checkpoint is subject to the discretion of the TSA officer.
Items such as alcohol above 70%, bear bangers, bear sprays, chlorine for pools and spas, dynamite, CO2 cartridges, cooking spray, etc, are NOT allowed either in your carry on or your checked bags. Alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but less than 71% alcohol are allowed but limited in checked bags to 5 liters per person and they must be in unopened retail packing. If alcohol is 24% or less, it is not subject to limitation in checked-in bags. Mini bottles of alcohol are allowed in your carry-on however, it must fit into a single quart-sized bag.
Baby formula, breast milk, and toddler drinks greater than 3.4 ounces are allowed in carry-on luggage as they are considered medically necessary liquids. Ensure you check TSA regulations to determine what you can bring along and what you should leave behind.
Best Carry On Luggage
Choosing the right luggage is very important for a stress-free travel experience. So far, we’ve only talked about criteria such as weight and dimension however, there are other factors you need to consider to select the best carry on luggage. These factors include:
- Compartments and organization: Select a carry-on with multiple compartments so you can organize your luggage better
- Wheels and handles: Pay attention to the wheels and handles of your carry on. Wheels need to be smooth and handles must be sturdy for ease while moving around.
- Security: Ensure the luggage you select has locks, good zippers, and other security features.
- Weight: Select a carry on that’s light-weight and also durable.
- Dimension: Refer to the table above
Pay attention to these factors, and be like the legendary Pharrell Williams who said:
When it comes to luggage, I am an underpacker.
Pharrell Williams
Do all of this, and you’ll have no problems when you’re at the baggage check-in counter at the airport.
Top Picks for Carry On Luggage
Here are some of my recommendations for the best carry on luggage:
Briggs & Riley Baseline Spinners, 22-inch essential Carry On
- Dimension & weight: 22″ x 14″ x 9″, 10lbs
- Features: Powerpocket for storing power bank and cell phone for charging on the go, flat packing surface to minimize wrinkling, tri-fold garment folder
- Advantage: Warranty, great features for organizing luggage
- Con: Pricing ($699)
BAGSMART Carry On Luggage, Airline Approved with TSA Lock
- Dimension & weight: 22″ x 14″ x 9″, 6.83 lbs
- Pros: TSA-approved lock to ensure your luggage is secure, lightweight design so it’s easy to move around, hardshell construction for durability, budget-friendly
- Con: Hardshell may not allow for flexibility when you’re packing luggage
Victorinox Werks Traveler 6.0 Softside Frequent Flyer Carry On
- Dimension & weight: 22 x 13.8 x 9.1, 8.63 lbs
- Pros: Laptop compartment and expandable section, integrated USB cable section for charging electronics, very flexible
- Con: Pricing ($523)
Too long didn’t read? Here are some key points you need to take note of:
- Most airlines have a Standard carry-on luggage size of 22” x 14” x 9”. It may vary slightly due to the season (e.g. The holidays) or for specific routes.
- Budget airlines usually charge for any item larger than a small personal item, including a carry on. They also pay more attention to weight restrictions compared to traditional large airlines, with strict weight limits.
- You’re not allowed to travel with items like dynamite, cooking spray, CO2 cartridges, chlorine for pools, among others. Check TSA regulations so you know which items you can and can’t travel with.
- When purchasing a carry on luggage, don’t just pay attention to the dimension and weight, pay attention to other features like expandable compartments for organizing your items properly, smooth wheels and sturdy handles, integrated USB ports for device charging, good zippers, and other security features.
And that’s a wrap! If you’re confused about which essentials to include in your carry on, you should check out the 8 category travel essentials cheat-sheet for the perfect trip. If you have any comments or inquiries, ensure you leave them in the comments section and I will respond. Talk to you in the next one!
