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

Airline carry-on luggage rules vary across airlines and regions. Bringing a bag that exceeds airline size limits can result in checked baggage fees or gate-checking your bag.

Why Trust LuggageBase?

Serving travelers since 1971
Specialized luggage retailer with decades of industry experience
Authorized dealer of leading luggage brands
Expert guidance on carry-on sizing, airline restrictions, and luggage selection
Helping customers choose the right luggage for business, family, and international travel

This guide was created by the LuggageBase team using over 50 years of experience helping travelers select the best luggage for their needs.

Quick Answers About Carry-On Luggage

What is the best carry-on luggage?

The best carry-on luggage is lightweight, durable, and airline-approved. Travelpro is ideal for frequent travelers, Samsonite offers excellent durability, and Osprey is great for flexible backpack-style travel.

What size carry-on is allowed?

Most airlines allow carry-on luggage up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including wheels and handles.

Is a backpack considered a carry-on?

Yes, many travel backpacks qualify as carry-ons or personal items depending on their size and airline rules.

What is better: hard shell or soft luggage?

Hard-shell luggage offers better protection, while soft-sided luggage is more flexible and often expandable.

Which carry-on is best for international travel?

Lightweight and slightly smaller carry-ons like Travelpro Maxlite or compact Samsonite models work best for international airlines.

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.

Standard Carry-On Luggage Size

The most common carry-on luggage size allowed by many airlines is:

22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
Weight limits vary depending on the airline

Luggage within this size typically fits most overhead compartments.

North America Airline Carry-On Size Guide

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 x 15.5 x 9 in	22 lbs

European Airline Carry-On Size Guide

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

Asia Airline Carry-On Size Guide

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 East Airline Carry-On Size Guide

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 & Oceania Airline Carry-On Size Guide

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 America Airline Carry-On Size Guide

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

Africa Airline Carry-On Size Guide

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

Additional European Airline Carry-On Size Guide

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

Additional Asian Airline Carry-On Size Guide

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

Best Carry-On Luggage That Fits Most Airline Rules

Most travelers choose luggage under the standard 22 x 14 x 9 inch size to ensure compatibility across airlines.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-On

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 21" Expandable Carry-On Spinner is lightweight, durable, and designed to fit airline overhead compartments.

View Travelpro Maxlite 5

Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-On

The Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-On Spinner features durable construction and smooth spinner wheels while remaining airline compliant.

View Samsonite Outline Pro

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.