Airline Carry-On Luggage Size Guide
Avoid gate-check fees and airport hassles. Here are the exact maximum carry-on and personal item dimensions for all major domestic and international airlines.
The Standard Rule: 22 × 14 × 9 Inches
For most major US domestic carriers (Delta, American, United), the benchmark carry-on limit is 22 × 14 × 9 inches (56 × 36 × 23 cm), including wheels and handles. That equates to 45 linear inches.
⚠️ Crucial Sizing Warning for Travelers
Luggage brands advertise the internal packing dimensions (e.g., 20 inches). However, airline gate sizers measure the total exterior envelope including protruding spinner wheels and top grab handles. A 20″ suitcase with large dual wheels often measures 22.5″ tall, making accurate measurements vital.
2026 Airline Carry-On Size Comparison Table
Dimensions are listed as Height × Width × Depth in both inches and centimeters:
| Airline | Carry-On Size (Inches) | Carry-On Size (CM) | Weight Limit | Personal Item Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | 22 × 14 × 9 in | 56 × 36 × 23 cm | No weight limit | 18 × 14 × 8 in |
| Delta Air Lines | 22 × 14 × 9 in | 56 × 36 × 23 cm | No weight limit | Under seat fit |
| United Airlines | 22 × 14 × 9 in | 56 × 36 × 23 cm | No weight limit | 17 × 10 × 9 in |
| Southwest Airlines | 24 × 16 × 10 in | 61 × 40 × 25 cm | No weight limit | 16.25 × 13.5 × 8 in |
| Alaska Airlines | 22 × 14 × 9 in | 56 × 36 × 23 cm | No weight limit | Under seat fit |
| JetBlue Airways | 22 × 14 × 9 in | 56 × 36 × 23 cm | No weight limit | 17 × 13 × 8 in |
| British Airways | 22 × 18 × 10 in | 56 × 45 × 25 cm | 51 lbs (23 kg) | 16 × 12 × 6 in |
| Air France / KLM | 21.7 × 13.8 × 9.9 in | 55 × 35 × 25 cm | 26.4 lbs (12 kg) | 16 × 12 × 6 in |
| Lufthansa | 21.6 × 15.7 × 9.0 in | 55 × 40 × 23 cm | 17.6 lbs (8 kg) | 15.7 × 11.8 × 3.9 in |
| Emirates | 22 × 15 × 8 in | 55 × 38 × 20 cm | 15 lbs (7 kg) | Briefcase / Handbag |
| Qatar Airways | 20 × 15 × 10 in | 50 × 37 × 25 cm | 15 lbs (7 kg) | Under seat fit |
| Ryanair (Priority) | 21.6 × 15.7 × 7.8 in | 55 × 40 × 20 cm | 22 lbs (10 kg) | 15.7 × 9.8 × 7.8 in |
| EasyJet | 22 × 17.7 × 9.8 in | 56 × 45 × 25 cm | 33 lbs (15 kg) | 17.7 × 14.1 × 7.8 in |
Checked Luggage Rule: The 62 Linear Inch Limit
For checked suitcases on international and domestic flights, airlines impose a standard maximum of 62 linear inches (158 cm).
Linear inches are calculated as:
Linear Inches = Length + Width + Depth (including wheels & handles)
Suitcases measuring 28 to 30 inches generally total between 59 to 62 linear inches. Exceeding 62 inches triggers oversized baggage fees ranging from to per flight segment.
Helpful Airline Travel Advice
- Expandable Zippers: Unzipping the expansion seam adds 1.5 to 2 inches of depth, which may push your bag beyond airline sizer dimensions. Keep expansion zipped until arriving at your hotel.
- Softside vs. Hardside in Overhead Bins: Softside luggage (such as nylon) can compress slightly into tight overhead compartments. Hardside suitcases offer rigid protection for electronics and delicate items but will not deform to squeeze past a sizer bar.
- Weight Limits: International carriers (Lufthansa, Emirates, Singapore Airlines) strictly weigh carry-on bags at check-in or the boarding gate. Choosing a lightweight suitcase under 7 lbs (3.2 kg) saves valuable allowance for your clothes.