Every airline has its own carry-on baggage size limits, whether you’re flying domestically or internationally. There is no one-size-fits-all, but before flying, you need to review the specific policies of your carrier to ensure that your carry-on luggage is not refused with possible extra fees.
Sure, with a bag that’s a little bulky or overweight, you may sometimes be able to slip it aboard, but it’s still better to prepare ahead. Choosing the best carry-on luggage to suit the fine print would result in less travel hassle to ensure you get to your destination smoothly. No TSA negotiating, begging, or, worst of all, last-minute searching needed, simply follow this guide to know what size of luggage you should take in your carry on. Regardless of what airline you are taking.
Domestic Carry On Airline Size Guide
| Airline | Size in Inches | Max Weight in lbs |
| Allegiant Air | 22 x 14 x 9 | Not Specified |
| Alaska Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 | Not Specified |
| American Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 | Not Specified |
| Delta Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 | Not Specified |
| Frontier Airlines | 24 x 16 x 10 | 35 |
| IcelandAir | 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.8 | 22 |
| Japan Airlines | 22 x 16 x 10 | 22 |
| JetBlue Airways | 22 x 14 x 9 | Not Specified |
| Southwest Airlines | 24 x 16 x 10 | Not Specified |
| Spirit Airlines | 22 x 18 x 10 | Not Specified |
| Sun Country Airlines | 24 x 16 x 11 | 35 |
| United Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 | Not Specified |
HOT TIP!
You may also be interested in some of the best travel backpacks for carry on from our list, so check them out.
International Carry On Airline Size Guide
| Airline | Size in Inches | Max Weight in lbs |
| AeroMexico | 21.5 x 15.7 x 10 | 22 |
| Air Canada | 21.5 x 15.7 x 9 | Not Specified |
| Air France | 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.9 | 26 |
| Air New Zealand | 46.5 in linear | 15 |
| Alitalia | 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.9 | 18 |
| All Nippon Airways | 22 x 16 x 10 | 22 |
| El Al Airlines | 22 x 17.7 x 9.8 | 35.3 |
| Japan Airlines | 22 x 16 x 10 | 22 |
| KLM | 21.5 x 13.5 x 10 | 26 |
| Korean Air | 21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 | 25 |
| Lufthansa | 21.7 x 15.7 x 9 | 18 |
| Norwegian Air | 21.7 x 15.7 x 9 | 22 |
| Philippine Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 | 15 |
| Qantas Airways | 22 x 14 x 9 | 15 |
| Saudi Arabian Airlines | 62 in linear | 15.4 |
| Scandinavian Airlines | 21.7 x 15.7 x 9 | 17.6 |
| Singapore Airlines | 45.3 in linear | 15.4 |
| Thai Airways | 22 x 18 x 10 | 15 |
| Virgin Atlantic | 22 x 14 x 9 | 22 |
Frequently Ask Questions
Is a backpack considered a carry on?
If it conforms to the maximum size limits of a particular airline, a backpack will be considered a carry-on object. For a regular carry-on piece, most airlines have a greater size allowance and marginally smaller for a personal item. Read more here.
Can a 24 inch luggage be a carry on?
Some carriers, but not all, will allow a 24 inch suitcase to be a carry-on. Some airlines only specify the max linear dimension such that as long as the other two dimensions were smaller to make the length of 24 inches, this would be perfect, but usually the most commonly known would be a luggage measuring 22 x 14 x 9.
What is the average size of a carry on bag?
On a domestic flight (within the U.S.) the commonly agreed carry-on luggage size is 22″ x 14 “x 9.” That being said, someone who has experienced short-haul commuter flights will tell you that this size will sometimes not fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat and will thus end up being checked at the gate anyway.
What is hand baggage only?
If you have booked a “hand baggage only” fare (sometimes referred to as a basic fare), this means you should only carry hand luggage that is within the guidelines of the airline. No luggage storage is included. This can include 1 standard piece of carry-on and 1 smaller personal item, depending on the airline. Each airline determines its own carry-on size and weight limits, so please consult the above table for more detail.
Is there a weight limit for carry-on luggage?
There are no requirements for maximum weight allowances for carry-on bags, equivalent to size limitations. Each specific airline determines these, with certain airlines not explicitly specifying a restriction, only that you must be able to lift the bag yourself into the overhead compartment.