Airline Carry-On Baggage Size and Weight Limits for Top US Airlines
Picture this: You preparing for a journey, tickets booked, check-in done, boarding pass in hand, and suddenly it hits you. What if you pack extra in your carry-on baggage, or what if the bag size does not align with the airline’s baggage criteria? If this happens to you as well, then worry not! In this comprehensive blog, we will walk you through the airline Carry-On Bag Size and Weight Limits.
You will find the standard carry-in baggage sizes along with the airline’s baggage allowance, and what to pack and what not in carry-on baggage during your journey. So, what are you waiting for? Scroll down to the information and learn all about what a carry-on bag is, its size & weight, and airlines’ baggage regulations.
What Is a Carry-On Bag? Know All The Basic Information
A carry-on bag is luggage that passengers can bring with them into the aircraft instead of putting it in the airline’s cargo hold. It stays with you throughout the journey, making it convenient for accessing valuables, travel documents, electronics, medications, and other essentials.
Unlike checked baggage, a carry-on bag should meet the airline’s baggage allowance & rules and should fit properly in the overhead bin. While most airlines follow similar guidelines, the exact size and weight may vary depending on your airline, fare type, route, and cabin class.
What Can Be a Carry-On Bag?
A carry-on is any piece of luggage that meets your airline’s size and weight requirements and that can fit in the overhead bin during your flight. While most travelers think of a small suitcase as a carry-on, several other types of bags may also qualify. Common items that count as an airline carry-on include:
- Carry-on suitcase: A small rolling suitcase that can fit in the overhead compartment.
- Travel backpack: A full-size travel backpack that meets the airline’s carry-on dimensions.
- Duffel bag: A soft-sided duffel that falls within the airline’s carry-on bag size limits.
- Weekender bag: A compact travel bag that is ideal for short trips.
- Garment bag: A foldable garment bag ideal for carrying suits, dresses, or formal wear, provided it meets the airline’s size restrictions.
Standard Carry-On Luggage Size and Weight Limits
Although there is not a single worldwide standard size and weight limit to carry-on bags, most airlines follow similar carry-on dimensions that can fit in the overhead storage bins or beneath the seat in front of them. However, understanding these general limits can help you pack carry-on bags with ease.
Standard Carry-On Size of an Airline
The most widely accepted maximum carry-on size is 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm). These dimensions typically include the wheels, handles, and other external components. Since the measurements vary between airlines, it is always beneficial for the passengers to verify the exact size and dimensions before traveling.
Airline’s Carry-On Baggage Weight
Unlike size restrictions, weight limits for carry-on bags differ significantly between airlines. The General guidelines include:
- U.S. airlines: Many major carriers do not specify a strict carry-on weight limit as long as passengers can safely lift the bag into the overhead bin.
- International airlines: In international flights, carry-on bag weight criteria generally range from 15 to 22 pounds (7 to 10 kg).
- Low-cost or Budget airlines: A few low-cost carriers have stricter weight limits, often between 15 and 17 pounds (7 to 8 kg).
Why Airlines Have Carry-On Restrictions
Carry-on baggage rules are not just about convenience; they also improve the safety and efficiency of the passengers flying with an airline. That is why the airline has set a few rules for the passengers who are willing to carry a carry-on baggage with them during their journey. They are as follows:-
- Ensure that the bags fit in overhead compartments.
- Prevent injuries caused by lifting overly heavy luggage.
- Do not pack any item that your airline or the TSA restricts.
- Maintain adequate cabin storage for all passengers.
- Comply with aircraft safety regulations.
Choosing luggage that meets the most common airline requirements can help you avoid last-minute surprises at the gate.
12 Major US Airlines and Their Carry-On Baggage Regulations
Although most U.S. airlines allow passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item, the specific dimensions, weight limits, and fare restrictions can vary. So, before traveling, always verify your airline’s baggage policy, especially if you are flying on a Basic Economy or low-cost fare.
American Airlines
- American Airlines carry on bag size: 22 × 14 × 9 inches (56 × 36 × 23 cm)
- Weight limit: No published limit
- Allowance: 1 carry-on bag and one personal item.
Delta Carry on Bag size
- Carry-on size: 22 × 14 × 9 inches (56 × 35 × 23 cm)
- Weight limit: No published limit
- Allowance: One carry-on bag & a personal item baggage on most fares.
Carry on Bag Sizes United Airlines
- United airlines carry on bag size: 22 × 14 × 9 inches (56 × 35 × 22 cm)
- Weight limit: No published limit
- Allowance: 1 carry-on and one personal item, except for some Basic Economy fares.
Southwest Carry on Bag Size
- Carry-on Bag Size for Southwest Airlines: 24 × 16 × 10 inches (61 × 41 × 25 cm)
- Weight limit: No limit stated by the airline
- Allowance: One free carry-on bag and one personal item.
Alaska Airlines
- Carry-on size: 22 × 14 × 9 inches (56 × 36 × 23 cm)
- Weight limit: No specific limit
- Allowance: A carry-on bag and one personal item.
Hawaiian Airlines
- Carry-on size: 22 × 14 × 9 inches (56 × 36 × 23 cm)
- Weight limit: Bag weight is limited to 25 pounds (11 kg)
- Allowance: 1 carry-on luggage and 1 personal item.
JetBlue Airways
- Carry-on size: 22 × 14 × 9 inches (56 × 35 × 22 cm)
- Weight limit: No standard limit
- Allowance: Included on most fares; some Blue Basic fares have restrictions.
Frontier Carry on Bag Size
- Frontier airlines carry on bag size: 24 × 16 × 10 inches (61 × 41 × 25 cm)
- Weight limit: 35 pounds (about 16 kg)
- Allowance: Carry-on bags require an additional fee on most fares.
Allegiant Air
- Allegiant carry on bag size: 22 × 16 × 10 inches (56 × 41 × 25 cm)
- Weight limit: No published limit
- Allowance: Passengers usually buy a carry-on baggage allowance.
Breeze Airways
- Carry-on size: 22 × 14 × 9 inches (56 × 36 × 23 cm)
- Weight limit: No published limit
- Allowance: Depends on the fare class.
Avelo Airlines
- Carry-on size: 22 × 14 × 9 inches (56 × 36 × 23 cm)
- Weight limit: No published limit
- Allowance: Carry-on bags may require an additional fee depending on the fare.
Sun Country Airlines
- Carry-on size: 24 × 16 × 11 inches (61 × 41 × 28 cm)
- Weight limit: No published limit
- Allowance: Carry-on baggage depends on the fare bundle selected.
Other Major Airlines and Their Carry-On Size and Weight Limits
| Airline | Maximum Carry-On Size | Weight Limit |
| Air Canada | 21.5 in × 15.5 × 9 in (55 × 40 × 23 cm) | No specific limit |
| WestJet | 21 in × 15 × 9 in (53 × 38 × 23 cm) | No published limit |
| British Airways | 22 in × 18 × 10 in (56 × 45 × 25 cm) | 51 lb (23 kg) |
| Virgin Atlantic | 22 in × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm) | 22 lb (10 kg) |
| Lufthansa | 21.6 in × 15.7 × 9 in (55 × 40 × 23 cm) | 17.6 lb (8 kg) |
| Air France | 21.7 in × 13.8 × 9.9 in (55 × 35 × 25 cm) | 26.4 lb (12 kg)* |
| KLM | 21.7 in × 13.8 × 9.9 in (55 × 35 × 25 cm) | 26.4 lb (12 kg)* |
| SWISS | 21.6 in × 15.7 × 9 in (55 × 40 × 23 cm) | 17.6 lb (8 kg) |
| Austrian Airlines | 21.6 in × 15.7 × 9 in (55 × 40 × 23 cm) | 17.6 lb (8 kg) |
| Turkish Airlines | 21.6 in × 15.7 × 9 in (55 × 40 × 23 cm) | 17.6 lb (8 kg) |
| Emirates | 22 in × 15 × 8 in (55 × 38 × 20 cm) | 15 lb (7 kg) |
| Etihad Airways | 22 in × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm) | 15 lb (7 kg) |
| Qatar Airways | 20 in × 15 × 10 in (50 × 37 × 25 cm) | 15 lb (7 kg) |
| Saudia | 22 in × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm) | 15 lb (7 kg) |
| Singapore Airlines | 45 in (115 cm total dimensions) | 15 lb (7 kg) |
| Cathay Pacific | 22 in × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm) | 15 lb (7 kg) |
| ANA | 22 in × 16 × 10 in (55 × 40 × 25 cm) | 22 lb (10 kg) |
| Japan Airlines | 22 in × 16 × 10 in (55 × 40 × 25 cm) | 22 lb (10 kg) |
| Qantas | 22 in × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm) | 15 lb (7 kg) |
| Air New Zealand | 22 in × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm) | 15 lb (7 kg) |
| Ryanair | 21.6 in × 15.7 × 7.8 in (55 × 40 × 20 cm) | 22 lb (10 kg) (Priority) |
| easyJet | 22 in × 18 × 10 in (56 × 45 × 25 cm) | No published limit |
| Wizz Air | 21.6 in × 15.7 × 9 in (55 × 40 × 23 cm) | 22 lb (10 kg) |
| Air India | 21.6 in × 15.7 × 9 in (55 × 40 × 23 cm) | 17.6 lb (8 kg) |
Air France and KLM apply a combined cabin baggage weight limit of 12 kg for the carry-on bag and personal item.
What Can You Pack in a Carry-On? Check Rules & Guidelines
A well-packed carry-on typically includes items that you may need during your journey or immediately after your arrival at the destination. Common essentials in carry-on bags include:
- Passport, ID, and other travel documents
- Laptop, tablet, or camera
- Prescription medications
- Wallet and valuables
- Chargers and power bank (subject to airline regulations)
- A change of clothes
- Snacks and reusable water bottle (empty before security)
- Toiletries that comply with TSA’s liquid restrictions
Always check the airline’s prohibited items list before packing to avoid delays at airport security.
Carry-On vs. Personal Item: What is the Difference?
Many travelers are confused about whether a carry-on bag is the same as a personal item, if they can carry both together, or if it costs the same. So, we have got you covered. A carry-on bag is usually a small suitcase or travel backpack that fits in the overhead compartment. However, a personal item is a smaller bag, such as a backpack, purse, laptop bag, or tote, that fits underneath the seat in front of you.
Most airlines allow passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item bag with them. However, low-cost carriers may charge extra or restrict this allowance depending on the fare purchased.
Note: Also check out Checked Baggage vs Carry On to know all the basic differences between these types of baggage and other rules and regulations.
Final Words!
Done reading? Understanding the airline carry-on bag size and weight before you travel can either save you time and money or help you skip the stress at the airport on your aviation date. While a number of airlines follow similar standard size and weight guidelines, some may change depending on your travel, route, airline, and fare class. So, what are you waiting for? By packing lightly and meeting your airline’s carry-on dimensions, you can make your departure smoother. Happy travels!
Commonly Raised Concerns!
Indeed! You can carry 8kg in hand luggage. However, the exact size and weight depend on the airline you are traveling with.
In 2026, the airlines are imposing stricter carry-on rules, but the standard size remains the same. These are not changes to the size of airlines’ carry-on bags.
The weight limit of an airline carry-on bag depends on the airline. However, the standard weight for these bags remains 15 lbs (7-8 kgs) on average.
The Southwest Airlines carry-on bag size is 24 × 16 × 10 inches (61 × 41 × 25 cm).
Of course! You can take medicines inside your airline’s carry-on baggage.