Carry-On Luggage Size Guide for Airlines Worldwide (2026)

Quick answer: Most large U.S. airlines limit a standard carry-on to 22 × 14 × 9 inches, including wheels and handles. International limits vary more: many airlines use approximately 55 × 40 × 23 cm, while others allow a narrower bag or enforce a lower weight limit. Always check the operating airline and fare before departure.

Carry-On Size Quick Answers

What size carry-on is allowed on most U.S. airlines?

22 × 14 × 9 inches is the most common maximum for American, Delta, United, Alaska and JetBlue. Measurements normally include wheels, handles and exterior pockets.

What carry-on size is safest for international travel?

There is no single size accepted by every international airline. A common limit is 55 × 40 × 23 cm (about 21.7 × 15.7 × 9 inches), but airlines such as Air France use a narrower 35 cm width and Air Canada limits height to 55 cm. Check the airline operating each flight.

Do carry-on measurements include wheels and handles?

Yes. Compare an airline’s limit with the bag’s overall exterior dimensions, including wheels, handles and any expansion. Do not rely only on the interior packing dimensions.

Does every airline ticket include a carry-on?

No. Carry-on allowance can depend on the airline, route, cabin and fare. For example, some Air Canada Economy Basic itineraries allow only one personal item. Confirm both the size limit and the baggage allowance attached to your ticket.

Popular Airline Carry-On Limits at a Glance

Airline	Maximum Carry-On Size	Published Weight Rule
American Airlines	22 × 14 × 9 in	No general published limit
Delta Air Lines	22 × 14 × 9 in	No general published limit
United Airlines	22 × 14 × 9 in	No general published limit
Southwest Airlines	24 × 16 × 10 in	No general published limit
Air Canada	21.5 × 15.5 × 9 in	No fixed limit; must be liftable unassisted
Lufthansa	21.6 × 15.7 × 9 in	17.6 lb / 8 kg per bag
Air France	21.7 × 13.8 × 9.9 in	Economy: up to 26.4 lb / 12 kg combined, depending on fare

Airline rules can change and may vary by fare, route, aircraft and operating carrier. Use the official airline links above to verify your itinerary.

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Carry-Ons With Published Dimensions to Compare

These products were in stock when this guide was reviewed. Match the bag’s complete, unexpanded exterior dimensions to your airline’s current rule; final acceptance is always determined by the airline.

Carry-Ons Measuring 22 × 14 × 9 Inches

Travelpro Crew Classic Compact Carry-On Spinner — softside, 6.8 lb.
Travelpro Platinum Elite Compact Hardside Spinner — hardside, 7.8 lb.
Travelpro VersaPack+ Compact Carry-On Spinner — softside, 7.4 lb.
Samsonite Silhouette 18 Softside Global Carry-On Spinner — softside, 7.54 lb.
Hartmann Tweed Global Carry-On Spinner — softside, 9.24 lb.

Compact Option for Air France’s Published 21.7 × 13.8 × 9.9-Inch Limit

Victorinox Airox Advanced Frequent Flyer Carry-On measures 21.7 × 13.8 × 9.1 inches and weighs 6.4 lb. Keep it unexpanded and verify the fare’s combined cabin-baggage weight allowance.

Compare all carry-on luggage →

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This global carry-on luggage guide explains the size limits for major airlines around the world and helps travelers choose luggage that fits airline overhead bin requirements.

How to Measure Carry-On Luggage Correctly

Airlines judge the bag’s total exterior size, not just its packing compartment. Measure the suitcase while closed and unexpanded:

Height: from the floor to the top of the case, including wheels and the collapsed handle.
Width: across the widest side, including side handles or protruding trim.
Depth: from front to back, including exterior pockets. Expansion usually increases this measurement.

22 × 14 × 9 inches is the most common U.S. maximum, but it is not a universal international standard. Compare all three overall measurements and the packed weight with the operating airline’s current rule.

North American Airline Carry-On Size Chart

Airline	Carry-On Size	Weight Limit
United Airlines	22 x 14 x 9 in	No official limit
Delta Air Lines	22 x 14 x 9 in	No official limit
American Airlines	22 x 14 x 9 in	No official limit
Southwest Airlines	24 x 16 x 10 in	No official limit
Alaska Airlines	22 x 14 x 9 in	No official limit
JetBlue Airways	22 x 14 x 9 in	No official limit
Spirit Airlines	22 x 18 x 10 in	No official limit
Frontier Airlines	24 x 16 x 10 in	35 lbs
Air Canada	21.5 × 15.5 × 9 in	No fixed limit; must lift unassisted

European Airline Carry-On Size Chart

Airline	Carry-On Size	Weight Limit
British Airways	22 x 18 x 10 in	51 lbs combined
Lufthansa	21.6 x 15.7 x 9 in	17 lbs
Air France	21.6 x 13.7 x 9.8 in	26 lbs
KLM	21.5 x 13.5 x 10 in	26 lbs
Ryanair	21.6 x 15.7 x 7.8 in	22 lbs
EasyJet	22 x 17.7 x 9.8 in	No official limit
Turkish Airlines	21.6 x 15.7 x 9 in	17 lbs
Swiss International	21.6 x 15.7 x 9 in	17 lbs

Asian Airline Carry-On Size Chart

Airline	Carry-On Size	Weight Limit
Singapore Airlines	45 linear inches	15 lbs
Cathay Pacific	22 x 14 x 9 in	15 lbs
ANA	22 x 16 x 10 in	22 lbs
Japan Airlines	22 x 16 x 10 in	22 lbs
Air China	22 x 16 x 8 in	11 lbs
Korean Air	22 x 16 x 8 in	26 lbs

Middle Eastern Airline Carry-On Size Chart

Airline	Carry-On Size	Weight Limit
Emirates	22 x 15 x 8 in	15 lbs
Qatar Airways	20 x 15 x 10 in	15 lbs
Etihad Airways	22 x 14 x 9 in	15 lbs

Australia and Oceania Airline Carry-On Size Chart

Travelers flying with Qantas should ensure their carry-on luggage fits within the airline’s size and weight restrictions.

Airline	Carry-On Size	Weight Limit
Qantas	22 x 14 x 9 in	15 lbs
Virgin Australia	22 x 14 x 9 in	15 lbs
Air New Zealand	22 x 14 x 9 in	15 lbs
Jetstar	22 x 14 x 9 in	15 lbs combined

Latin American Airline Carry-On Size Chart

Airline	Carry-On Size	Weight Limit
LATAM Airlines	21.6 x 13.7 x 9.8 in	22 lbs
Aeromexico	21.5 x 15.7 x 10 in	22 lbs
Avianca	21.6 x 13.7 x 9.8 in	22 lbs
Copa Airlines	22 x 14 x 10 in	22 lbs
Gol Airlines	21.6 x 13.7 x 9.8 in	22 lbs

African Airline Carry-On Size Chart

Airline	Carry-On Size	Weight Limit
Ethiopian Airlines	23 x 15 x 8 in	15 lbs
Kenya Airways	21.6 x 13.7 x 9.8 in	26 lbs
South African Airways	22 x 14 x 9 in	18 lbs
EgyptAir	22 x 16 x 10 in	18 lbs

More European Airline Carry-On Limits

Airline	Carry-On Size	Weight Limit
Iberia	22 x 16 x 10 in	22 lbs
Finnair	22 x 18 x 10 in	17 lbs
SAS Scandinavian Airlines	21.6 x 15.7 x 9 in	18 lbs
Norwegian Air	21.6 x 15.7 x 9 in	22 lbs

More Asian Airline Carry-On Limits

Airline	Carry-On Size	Weight Limit
Air India	21.6 x 15.7 x 9 in	17 lbs
IndiGo	21.6 x 15.7 x 9 in	15 lbs
Thai Airways	22 x 18 x 10 in	15 lbs
Malaysia Airlines	22 x 14 x 9 in	15 lbs

Packing Tips for Carry-On Travel

Roll clothing instead of folding.
Use packing cubes to organize items.
Wear bulky items like jackets while boarding.
Keep liquids in TSA-approved containers.

After confirming your airline's carry-on requirements, explore our Best Carry-On Luggage Guide for top-rated carry-on recommendations. You can also use our Carry-On Finder Tool to match luggage to specific airlines. For brand-specific recommendations, visit our Samsonite Luggage Guide or Travelpro Luggage Guide.

Carry-On Size Frequently Asked Questions

What size carry-on is allowed on most airlines?

For many large U.S. airlines, the standard maximum is 22 × 14 × 9 inches, including wheels and handles. International airlines vary, so check the operating carrier before flying.

Is a 22 × 14 × 9-inch carry-on accepted internationally?

Not always. Some international airlines limit height to 21.5 or 21.7 inches, use a narrower width, or enforce a lower weight limit. A bag that fits common U.S. limits can still exceed an international airline’s rule.

Do international airlines have stricter carry-on limits?

Often. Many publish limits near 55 × 40 × 23 cm and enforce weights around 7–10 kg, but the exact dimensions and allowance depend on the airline and fare.

Can I bring a personal item with my carry-on?

Many fares include one carry-on plus one smaller personal item that fits under the seat, but basic fares can differ. Verify the allowance attached to your ticket.

What happens if my carry-on is too large?

The airline can require the bag to be checked, sometimes with an airport or gate-check fee. Measure the packed bag before travel and avoid using the expansion zipper when it would exceed the limit.