Airline Carry-On Size Comparison 2026: 20+ Airlines Analyzed

Every airline sets different carry-on size limits. Exceeding them means gate-checking your bag, losing overhead bin space, and arriving without your belongings. This comprehensive chart covers 20+ major carriers.

How Airline Sizing Works

Airlines measure carry-on dimensions as length + width + height = total inches. If your total exceeds their limit, your bag is too large.

Example: A 24" × 16" × 10" bag = 50 inches total. Most US carriers allow up to 51 inches.

Personal items (backpacks, purses, small bags) have separate, smaller dimensions—usually 18" × 14" × 8" or similar.

Key rule: You can almost always bring both a carry-on (overhead bin) AND a personal item (under the seat). Don't waste that second allowance.

US Carriers

| Airline | Carry-On Max | Personal Item Max | Notes | |---------|--------------|-------------------|-------| | American | 22" × 14" × 9" (45") | 18" × 14" × 8" (40") | Basic economy includes personal item only | | Delta | 22" × 14" × 9" (45") | 18" × 14" × 8" (40") | Main cabin allows carry-on + personal item | | United | 22" × 14" × 9" (45") | 18" × 14" × 8" (40") | Economy Plus includes carry-on | | Southwest | 24" × 16" × 10" (50") | 18" × 14" × 8" (40") | Two free checked bags (unique) | | JetBlue | 22" × 14" × 9" (45") | 18" × 14" × 8" (40") | Blue Plus includes carry-on | | Spirit | 21.6" × 13.6" × 9.2" (44.4") | 18" × 14" × 8" (40") | Carry-on costs $35 unless premium tier | | Frontier | 22" × 14" × 9" (45") | 18" × 14" × 8" (40") | Carry-on costs $25-35 on basic fare | | Alaska | 22" × 14" × 9" (45") | 18" × 14" × 8" (40") | No extra fees for carry-on | | Hawaiian | 22" × 14" × 9" (45") | 18" × 14" × 8" (40") | Hawaii routes include carry-on |

European Carriers

| Airline | Carry-On Max | Personal Item Max | Notes | |---------|--------------|-------------------|-------| | Lufthansa | 22" × 15.7" × 9.8" (47.5") | 17.7" × 11" × 8" (36.7") | Economy includes carry-on | | KLM | 22" × 14" × 9" (45") | 17.7" × 9.8" × 7.9" (35.4") | Personal item is strict | | Air France | 22" × 14" × 9" (45") | 17.7" × 9.8" × 7.9" (35.4") | No separate personal item allowance | | British Airways | 22" × 18" × 10" (50") | Included in carry-on | Generous carry-on, no separate personal item | | Ryan Air | 21.6" × 15.7" × 7.9" (45.2") | Personal item only | Carry-on requires paid add-on | | EasyJet | 22" × 17.7" × 9.8" (49.5") | 15.7" × 11.8" × 7.9" (35.4") | Two free items allowed | | Wizz Air | 21.6" × 15.7" × 9.8" (47.1") | 18" × 14" × 8" (40") | Budget airline with generous policy | | Swiss International | 22" × 15.7" × 9.8" (47.5") | 17.7" × 11" × 8" (36.7") | Matches Lufthansa standards | | Brussels Airlines | 22" × 15.7" × 9.8" (47.5") | 17.7" × 11" × 8" (36.7") | SkyTeam alliance rules |

Asian and Pacific Carriers

| Airline | Carry-On Max | Personal Item Max | Notes | |---------|--------------|-------------------|-------| | Singapore Airlines | 22" × 15.7" × 8.7" (46.4") | 17.7" × 11.8" × 7.9" (37.4") | Economy includes carry-on | | Cathay Pacific | 22" × 14" × 9" (45") | 17.7" × 11.8" × 7.9" (37.4") | Conservative carry-on size | | ANA (Japan) | 22" × 14" × 9" (45") | 17.7" × 11.8" × 7.9" (37.4") | Matches Star Alliance standard | | JAL (Japan) | 22" × 14" × 9" (45") | 17.7" × 11.8" × 7.9" (37.4") | Economy includes carry-on | | Korean Air | 22" × 14" × 9" (45") | 17.7" × 11.8" × 7.9" (37.4") | Star Alliance rules | | China Southern | 22" × 14" × 9" (45") | 17.7" × 9.8" × 7.9" (35.4") | Conservative on second item | | Qantas | 22" × 14" × 9" (45") | 17.7" × 14.2" × 7.9" (40") | Personal item fairly generous | | Air New Zealand | 22" × 16" × 9.8" (47.8") | 17.7" × 11.8" × 7.9" (37.4") | Slightly more generous than many |

Middle Eastern Carriers

| Airline | Carry-On Max | Personal Item Max | Notes | |---------|--------------|-------------------|-------| | Emirates | 22" × 15" × 10" (47") | Personal item included | Two pieces (carry-on + personal) | | Qatar Airways | 22" × 15.7" × 9.8" (47.5") | 17.7" × 14.2" × 7.9" (40") | Business class much more generous | | Etihad | 22" × 15.7" × 8.7" (46.4") | 17.7" × 11.8" × 7.9" (37.4") | Premium cabin significantly better | | Saudi Arabian | 22" × 14" × 9" (45") | 17.7" × 11.8" × 7.9" (37.4") | Standard international rules |

Latin American Carriers

| Airline | Carry-On Max | Personal Item Max | Notes | |---------|--------------|-------------------|-------| | LATAM | 22" × 14" × 9" (45") | 17.7" × 11.8" × 7.9" (37.4") | OneWorld alliance standard | | Aeromexico | 22" × 14" × 9" (45") | 17.7" × 11.8" × 7.9" (37.4") | SkyTeam standard | | Copa Airlines | 22" × 14" × 9" (45") | 17.7" × 11.8" × 7.9" (37.4") | Star Alliance rules |

Key Insights

The TSA Size Standard

Most US domestic and US-based international carriers use approximately 22" × 14" × 9" for carry-ons. This is called the "TSA standard" (though TSA doesn't set airline policy—individual carriers do).

British Airways is Generous

BA allows 22" × 18" × 10" (50 inches total), making them one of the most generous carriers. Their bags actually fit better in overhead bins because the width is larger while length is standard.

Budget Airlines Are Strict

Ryanair and Spirit have smaller limits and often charge for carry-ons entirely. If flying budget, verify your bag size beforehand.

Personal Items Are Inconsistent

The most variable dimension is personal items. Some carriers are strict (17.7" × 9.8" × 7.9"), others generous (18" × 14" × 8"). Measure before assuming your item fits.

International Carriers Tend to Match Alliances

• Star Alliance: Standardized around 22" × 14" × 9"
• OneWorld: Standardized around 22" × 14" × 9"
• SkyTeam: Standardized around 22" × 14" × 9"

This makes it easy if you consistently fly one alliance.

Best Carry-On Bags for Compliance

These bags reliably fit most airlines:

Under 45 inches:

• Monos Carry-On: 24" × 16" × 10" (50") — Too large for some US carriers
• Away Carry-On: 24" × 16" × 10" (50") — Too large for some US carriers

At or Under 45 inches:

• Samsonite Freeform: 24" × 16" × 10" (50") — Too large for restrictive carriers
• Calpak Ambeur: 24" × 16" × 10" (50") — Tight fit on conservative carriers

Safest option: Look for bags marketed as 22" × 14" × 9" or smaller. These guarantee compliance across all major carriers.

Measuring Your Bag

To verify your bag complies:

1. Measure length (from rolling handle to bottom)
2. Measure width (side to side)
3. Measure height (top to bottom, with wheels included)
4. Add the three numbers
5. Compare to your airline's stated maximum

Tip: Soft-sided bags compress slightly during security screening, potentially allowing slightly oversized bags through. Hard-shell bags don't compress and are easier to gate-check.

What Happens When You're Over Size?

• At check-in: Bag is measured; you can often reorganize or check it
• At the gate: Flight attendants may require gate-checking if bins fill up
• During boarding: Your bag is collected as you board and checked

Gate-checked bags arrive in baggage claim (not at the door), delaying deplaning and increasing lost luggage risk.

Pro Tips for Compliance

Tip 1: Travel with a personal item only on short trips (1-3 days). You never exceed carry-on limits without luggage.

Tip 2: Pack packing cubes and compression bags. They reduce your bag's effective dimensions by letting you pack tighter.

Tip 3: Wear your bulkiest items on the plane. This reduces what goes in your carry-on.

Tip 4: Check your specific airline's policy before each trip. Policies change, and exceptions exist for premium cabin passengers.

Tip 5: Take a photo of your airline's carry-on policy on your phone. Show it to TSA or agents if your bag is questioned.

Airlines with Most Generous Policies

1. Southwest: 24" × 16" × 10" (50")
2. British Airways: 22" × 18" × 10" (50")
3. Wizz Air: 21.6" × 15.7" × 9.8" (47.1")
4. Air New Zealand: 22" × 16" × 9.8" (47.8")

Airlines with Most Restrictive Policies

1. Ryan Air: 21.6" × 15.7" × 7.9" (45.2%) + Paid carry-on
2. Spirit: 21.6" × 13.6" × 9.2" (44.4%) + Paid carry-on
3. China Southern: Conservative personal item enforcement

Final Checklist

Before each trip:

• [ ] Confirm your specific airline's carry-on dimensions
• [ ] Measure your bag (length, width, height)
• [ ] Confirm total inches don't exceed airline maximum
• [ ] Verify personal item policy if bringing a second item
• [ ] Pack with margins (slight undersize is safer than exact fit)

Prices current as of January 2026.