Carry On Luggage Size & Dimensions

Every airline sets its own rules regarding the size of the carry-on baggage you can take on board.

Whether you’re packing light or adding to your checked luggage, it’s crucial to be aware of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) luggage size restrictions for carry-ons when packing your bag for the airport.

Additionally, there are some airlines that do not allow full-size bags for free, and the majority have slightly different regulations on the size of bags that are allowed. It’s important to be aware of this at the airport, as significant baggage fees and hassles could be waiting for you.

Here’s what you need to know about airlines and TSA size limits for carry-on bags.

Specific rules for carry-on luggage on flights

The dimensions of carry-ons for airlines vary based on the airline. When you book your flight, you’ll have the ability to view your personal item and carry-on limit.

A personal item is usually smaller than a purse, backpack, briefcase, diaper bag, camera bag, or other item comparable in size and weight that will fit under the seat in front of you. A carry-on bag can include anything from a large backpack to a smaller rolling suitcase. However, it’s more about the shape than the size that’s important. Here are the baggage size limits for carry-on bags for all major domestic airlines:

Alaska Airlines

When you board an Alaska Airlines flight, you can carry baggage and a personal item for free.

• Carry-on bags are only allowed to be 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches high, which includes handles and wheels. The sum of these three dimensions shouldn’t exceed 45 inches.
• For personal items, Alaska offers examples such as a laptop, purse, or briefcase.
• Alaska does not have weight restrictions; however, it states that passengers must be able to lift items placed into the overhead bin.

American Airlines

On an American Airlines flight, passengers will receive one personal item and one carry-on item, regardless of the type of ticket purchased (elite members included).

• Carry-on bags must not exceed 22 inches in length, 14 inches in width, and 9 inches in height, including wheels and handles.
• The dimensions of personal items must not exceed 18 inches in length, 14 inches in width, and 8 inches in height.
• There are no weight limitations for carry-on baggage.

Delta Air Lines

Delta airline tickets allow passengers to carry one carry-on bag and one personal item.

• Including wheels and handles, the measurements of the carry-on bag must not exceed 22 inches in length, 14 inches in width, and 9 inches in height. The sum of the length, width, and height of the baggage cannot exceed 45 inches.
• Personal items are intended for personal use. Delta suggests that suitable options for personal items include small backpacks, purses, and laptops.
• There are weight limitations in three locations: Singapore (7 kg, approximately 15.4 pounds), Beijing (10 kg, approximately 22 lbs), and Shanghai (10 kg, approximately 22 pounds).

Frontier

Frontier charges for carry-on and checked luggage, and the cost varies depending on your travel route. It also differs depending on whether you purchase the bags online or through the mobile app, or at the ticket counter or gate.

• Carry-on bags must not weigh more than 35 pounds. They should not exceed 10 inches in depth, 16 inches in width, and 24 inches in height. The bags should fit into the overhead bins.
• Checked bags must not exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + depth) and should weigh less than 40 pounds. Bags weighing more than 40 pounds will incur additional fees per bag, per direction. Bags weighing 41-50 lbs will cost an additional $50, while bags weighing 51-100 pounds will cost an additional $100.
• Personal belongings should not exceed 8 inches in depth, 18 inches in width, and 14 inches in height.

JetBlue

All JetBlue passengers can use the same carry-on baggage policy. Customers who purchase Basic Blue fares are allowed one personal item (except Mosaic customers, who always have an additional carry-on). The Blue Plus, Extra Blue, Blue Plus, and Mint tickets allow for one carry-on bag and one personal item.

• When measuring the dimensions of the carry-on bag, including handles and wheels, the length, width, and height should not exceed 22 inches, 14 inches, and 9 inches, respectively.
• Personal items should not exceed 17 inches in length, 13 inches in width, and 9 inches in height, or be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.
• There are no weight restrictions for carry-on luggage on JetBlue flights.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest is renowned for its generous checked baggage allowance; however, the carry-on limitations are similar to those of the majority of other airlines, allowing for one personal item per passenger.

• Measurements for carry-on bags should not exceed 24 inches in length, 16 inches in width, and 10 inches in height.
• Personal items are restricted to 18.5 inches in length, 8.5 inches in width, and 13.5 inches in height.
• Southwest does not have weight restrictions for baggage items.

United Airlines

Most passengers traveling through United are allowed to carry one carry-on bag and one personal item. If you’re on an economy ticket, you’re permitted one personal item unless you’re a MileagePlus Prime Member traveling internationally or you own a MileagePlus credit card like the United(sm) Business Card.

• Including wheels and handles, the maximum dimensions for a carry-on are 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches tall.
• Personal items are restricted to 17 inches in length, 10 inches wide, and 9 inches tall.
• United does not have weight limits for carry-ons.

Depending on the carrier you travel with and the duration of your trip, you may be wondering if it’s better to opt for a checked bag instead of carrying a carry-on. This is particularly relevant when you have liquids that exceed the TSA limit for liquids in carry-on bags.

TSA liquid limits

Before you reach the departure gate, you must pass through the TSA checkpoint. This means that you have to comply with the TSA’s liquid limit in order to get through security.

What are the minimum weights of ounces that can be carried on the plane?

Containers of 3.4 ounces or less are acceptable, but there are some other guidelines to be aware of as well.

Carry-on liquid limit

It is the TSA liquid rule, also referred to as the 3-1-1 rule (3 ounces, 1 bag per person). The rule is quite simple: “You are allowed to carry a quart-sized bag of aerosols, liquids, pastes, gels, and creams in your carry-on bags and at the security checkpoint. The size is limited to containers that weigh 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.” Larger containers must be placed in checked baggage (and may be subject to overweight charges).

A basic, clear zip-top container is an acceptable quart-sized bag to pass through security.

The size and quantity will be determined by how much you can squeeze inside your quart-sized bag.

3-1-1 liquids rule exemptions

The 3-1-1 liquid rule is a legal requirement with numerous exceptions when traveling with specific liquid medications or infant food items.

Medication:

TSA permits larger quantities of medically required aerosols, gels, and liquids in “reasonable amounts” to be used during your travels. The maximum amount allowed is not specified.

The only restriction? The medication must be declared in front of TSA security officers at the checkpoint to be inspected, along with any other associated accessories like freezer packs or syringes.

Baby food

Breast milk and formula are considered medically essential liquids and are therefore not subject to the carry-on liquid limit. Baby juice and water can be carried in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters.

The aforementioned child and infant food items are allowed in carry-on bags and do not need to fit in a quart-sized bag. You may also bring gel- or liquid-filled teethers and canned/jarred/processed baby food in your carry-on baggage.

Duty-free liquids

The final exemption from TSA limits on liquids applies to liquids purchased duty-free during inbound international flights. It is essential that these bags are securely sealed and tamper-proof, and kept in a clear bag.

Keep the original receipt of your purchase in case a TSA officer requests to view it.

Further TSA carry-on rules

Flammables

The only flammable items allowed in carry-ons are cigarettes, disposable Zippo lighters, and dry batteries (such as AAAs or AAs).

Equipment for sports and camping

You can bring along an air mattress equipped with an integrated pump (by following specific directions). Antlers, basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, baseballs, bicycle chains, and bicycle pumps are allowed. The allowances for bicycles differ by airline. However, baseball bats, bear sprays, bear bangers, and aerosol insecticides are not allowed.

Other items

There are certain items that are banned, including firearms, knives, or box cutters. A complete list is available on the TSA’s website.

Final thoughts regarding TSA rules on carry-ons

Whichever airline you travel with, make sure that you know the maximum size of carry-ons you’re allowed to take on the plane and are aware of (and well-prepared for) the TSA’s restrictions on carry-ons as well. This way, you can expect an easier and less stressful travel experience.

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