The vacation countdown is almost over, and it's time to get packing. Before you print that boarding pass and set your out-of-office message, though, it's important to conduct a bit of research to avoid any hiccups at the gate — especially with your cargo. Though many travel rules vary depending on what region of the world you're heading to or from, carry-on luggage size limits remain a consistent, steadfast metric for the vast majority of airlines.
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Sure, you might occasionally be able to sneak onboard with a bag that's a bit oversized or overweight, but it's always smarter to plan ahead. To ensure you get from point A to point B smoothly, choosing the best carry-on luggage to fit the fine print will make for less travel stress. Skip the Googling and follow this guide to know what size suitcase to bring on your next trip — no TSA bargaining, pleading, or, worst of all, last-minute checking required.
To get started, let's begin with these frequently asked questions.
What size is carry-on luggage?
Though you might find an inch or two of a difference with various airlines, the standard domestic carry-on luggage size is 22" x 14" x 9", which includes the handle and the wheels. This size limit ensures your bag — and ideally everyone else's — will be able to be stored safely in the overhead bin for your flight. By far, the biggest benefit of traveling with carry-on luggage is being able to transport your belongings yourself without entrusting them to the airline and hoping they'll arrive at your destination on time and in one, undamaged piece.
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What is the weight limit for carry-on luggage?
For many major domestic airlines — think: 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.
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Looking to create even more room in your carry-on? Try using vacuum-sealed storage bags —you can buy them at Amazon.
What is a personal item?
In addition to your carry-on suitcase, many airlines also allow a personal item. This can be a laptop bag, a purse, a briefcase, a beach bag — whatever you like, as long as it is generally small. Personal item restrictions vary by airline, and some choose not to include any specifics at all. In those cases, the general rule of thumb is an item smaller in dimension and weight than your carry-on bag. For families flying with a travel stroller or diaper bag or those traveling with uncommon additions like a wedding dress or an instrument can rest assured that most carriers will let you bring these along with your carry-on luggage and your personal item, but we recommend you contact the airline in advance to confirm this.
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What is the best carry-on luggage?
As with any travel gear, everyone has a different opinion on the best luggage brands, but the best buy for you is ultimately the one that suits your needs as a traveler. If you're constantly on the road, invest in a durable bag that can keep up. If you take one or two vacations a year, you can go with something more affordable. These days, you don't have to stick to legacy brands to get a quality suitcase. Many up-and-comers offer some really solid options whether you prefer softside or hardside luggage, two-wheel rollaboards, or hassle-free backpacks. Before you buy, take note of the dimensions in comparison with the airlines you prefer to fly to be sure you're shopping on the safe side.
What is allowed in a carry-on bag?
What you pack in your carry-on bag is regulated, as well. In addition to the same rules that apply to checked bags, which prohibit firearms, lithium batteries, and other potentially hazardous items, you must be mindful of liquids when packing your carry-on luggage. Regardless of your destination, you cannot bring containers of liquid, paste, aerosol, gel, or cream larger than 3.4 ounces through security. Make sure to check the specific rules of your carrier, too, so you won't be forced to throw anything away at the gate.
What is the standard international carry-on size?
To be sure your bag is accepted on all carriers, you'll want to get a suitcase that stands at 21'' or less. It's especially smart to look into luggage size restrictions when you're flying with smaller, regional airlines outside of the U.S. as each is able to set its own limits.
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Keep reading for some more airline-specific information.
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 ($10-75)
- Carry-on luggage weight maximum: not specified
- Personal item: 7'' x 15'' x 16''
When booking with a budget airline, it's imperative to read the fine print. In most cases, when the low fare seems like 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 10''
- 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:
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: 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
