Carry-On Luggage Size Chart
Enter your bag's dimensions and weight to check it against 33 airlines in the US, Canada, Europe, the Middle East and Asia — or browse the full 2026 carry-on size and weight chart below.
01 — Will my bag fit? Interactive carry-on checker
Measure your bag packed, including wheels, handles and expanded pockets. Orientation does not matter: the checker compares your smallest side to each airline's smallest limit, and so on.
02 — Sizer-box simulator
Airports test bags with a metal sizer frame shaped to the airline's maximum dimensions. Pick an airline to see your bag drawn against its sizer (front view, to scale).
03 — Carry-on size chart by airline (2026)
Dimensions include wheels and handles unless noted. PAID means the overhead bag is a paid add-on on the cheapest fare. Limits change — always confirm with your airline before flying.
| Airline | Carry-on max | Weight limit | Personal item | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines US | 22 x 14 x 9 in (55.9 x 35.6 x 22.9 cm) | No published limit | 18 x 14 x 8 in (45.7 x 35.6 x 20.3 cm) | No published weight limit — bag must fit in the overhead bin and be liftable unassisted. Gate sizers removed Oct 2025; staff now use judgment and only force-check clearly oversized bags. |
| Delta Air Lines US | 22 x 14 x 9 in (55.9 x 35.6 x 22.9 cm) | No published limit | — | No published weight limit. Delta also references 45 linear inches total. Personal item allowed but no published dimensions — must fit under the seat. |
| United Airlines US | 22 x 14 x 9 in (55.9 x 35.6 x 22.9 cm) | No published limit | — | No published weight limit. Personal item allowed but no published dimensions — must fit under the seat. Basic Economy may restrict carry-on on some routes. |
| Southwest Airlines US | 24 x 16 x 10 in (61.0 x 40.6 x 25.4 cm) | No published limit | — | Most generous US major: 24x16x10 in including wheels and handles. Carry-on is free. Personal item allowed but no published dimensions. |
| JetBlue US | 22 x 14 x 9 in (55.9 x 35.6 x 22.9 cm) | No published limit | — | No published weight limit. Blue Basic fares may restrict overhead-bin access on some routes — check your fare. |
| Alaska Airlines US | 22 x 14 x 9 in (55.9 x 35.6 x 22.9 cm) | No published limit | — | No published weight limit, dimensions include wheels and handles. |
| Hawaiian Airlines US | 22 x 14 x 9 in (55.9 x 35.6 x 22.9 cm) | 11.34 kg (25.0 lb) | — | One of the few US carriers with a carry-on weight limit: 25 lb (11.34 kg). |
| Spirit Airlines PAID US | 22 x 18 x 10 in (55.9 x 45.7 x 25.4 cm) | No published limit | 18 x 14 x 8 in (45.7 x 35.6 x 20.3 cm) | Carry-on is a PAID add-on (cheapest at booking, up to ~$99 at the gate). Free personal item 18x14x8 in. No published carry-on weight limit. |
| Frontier Airlines PAID US | 24 x 16 x 10 in (61.0 x 40.6 x 25.4 cm) | 15.88 kg (35.0 lb) | 18 x 14 x 8 in (45.7 x 35.6 x 20.3 cm) | Carry-on is a PAID add-on (cheapest at booking). Max 35 lb (15.88 kg). Free personal item 18x14x8 in. |
| Allegiant Air PAID US | 22 x 14 x 9 in (55.9 x 35.6 x 22.9 cm) | No published limit | 16 x 15 x 7 in (40.6 x 38.1 x 17.8 cm) | Carry-on is a PAID add-on. Free personal item 16x15x7 in (38 linear inches). No published carry-on weight limit — must be liftable unassisted. |
| Air Canada Canada | 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 in) | No published limit | 43 x 33 x 16 cm (16.9 x 13.0 x 6.3 in) | No published weight limit — you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin unassisted. |
| Ryanair PAID Europe | 55 x 40 x 20 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 in) | 10 kg (22.0 lb) | 40 x 30 x 20 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 7.9 in) | Overhead cabin bag (55x40x20, 10 kg) requires paid Priority & 2 Cabin Bags. Every fare includes one FREE small bag 40x30x20 cm under the seat — size raised from 40x20x25 cm on 4 Sep 2025. Gate fee up to ~70 GBP for non-compliant bags. |
| easyJet PAID Europe | 56 x 45 x 25 cm (22.0 x 17.7 x 9.8 in) | 15 kg (33.1 lb) | 45 x 36 x 20 cm (17.7 x 14.2 x 7.9 in) | Every fare includes one FREE small cabin bag 45x36x20 cm (max 15 kg) under the seat. Large cabin bag 56x45x25 cm (max 15 kg) is a paid add-on or included with Up Front / Extra Legroom seats, FLEXI fares or easyJet Plus. Strict gate-sizer enforcement. |
| British Airways Europe | 56 x 45 x 25 cm (22.0 x 17.7 x 9.8 in) | 23 kg (50.7 lb) combined | 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 in) | 23 kg is the COMBINED limit for cabin bag + personal item. You must be able to lift the bag into the locker unassisted. |
| Lufthansa Europe | 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 in) | 8 kg (17.6 lb) | 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 in) | Strict 8 kg limit, routinely weighed at check-in and gate. Business/First get 2 bags at 8 kg each. |
| Air France Europe | 55 x 35 x 25 cm (21.7 x 13.8 x 9.8 in) | 12 kg (26.5 lb) combined | 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 in) | 12 kg is the COMBINED limit for cabin bag + personal item in Economy (18 kg in premium cabins). Narrow 35 cm width — the tightest of the majors. |
| KLM Europe | 55 x 35 x 25 cm (21.7 x 13.8 x 9.8 in) | 12 kg (26.5 lb) combined | 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 in) | 12 kg COMBINED limit for cabin bag + personal item, same narrow 35 cm width as Air France. |
| Turkish Airlines Europe | 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 in) | 8 kg (17.6 lb) | — | Strict 8 kg limit like Lufthansa. Personal item allowed but no published dimensions. |
| Aer Lingus Europe | 55 x 40 x 24 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9.4 in) | 10 kg (22.0 lb) | 25 x 33 x 20 cm (9.8 x 13.0 x 7.9 in) | 10 kg typical allowance; weight rules can vary by route and fare — check your booking. |
| Vueling Europe | 55 x 40 x 20 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 in) | 10 kg (22.0 lb) | — | Slim 20 cm depth like Ryanair Priority. Personal item allowed but no published dimensions. |
| SAS Scandinavian Europe | 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 in) | 8 kg (17.6 lb) | — | Strict 8 kg limit. Personal item allowed but no published dimensions. |
| Wizz Air PAID Europe | 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 in) | 10 kg (22.0 lb) | 40 x 30 x 20 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 7.9 in) | Cabin bag (55x40x23, 10 kg) is a paid add-on (WIZZ Priority). Every fare includes one FREE small bag 40x30x20 cm under the seat. |
| Emirates Middle East | 55 x 38 x 20 cm (21.7 x 15.0 x 7.9 in) | 7 kg (15.4 lb) combined | — | Strict 7 kg limit in Economy, regularly weighed — the most common reason US-sized bags fail in the Gulf. Premium Economy 10 kg; Business/First 2 pieces up to 14 kg combined. |
| Qatar Airways Middle East | 50 x 37 x 25 cm (19.7 x 14.6 x 9.8 in) | 7 kg (15.4 lb) combined | — | Shortest length allowance of any major carrier: 50 cm. Strict 7 kg limit. Business/First get 2 pieces up to 15 kg combined. |
| Etihad Airways Middle East | 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22.0 x 14.2 x 9.1 in) | 7 kg (15.4 lb) combined | — | 7 kg cabin bag plus one 5 kg personal item in Economy. Business/First get 2 items up to 12 kg combined. |
| Singapore Airlines Asia | 115 cm linear (L+W+H) | 7 kg (15.4 lb) | — | Uses a LINEAR limit: length + width + height must not exceed 115 cm. 7 kg limit in Economy; premium cabins get 2 pieces at 7 kg each. |
| Cathay Pacific Asia | 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22.0 x 14.2 x 9.1 in) | 7 kg (15.4 lb) | — | 7 kg limit, strictly enforced on many routes. Duty-free purchases count toward the allowance. |
| ANA (All Nippon Airways) Asia | 55 x 40 x 25 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9.8 in) | 10 kg (22.0 lb) combined | 40 x 30 x 10 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9 in) | 10 kg total for up to 2 pieces combined. Size includes wheels and handles. |
| Japan Airlines (JAL) Asia | 55 x 40 x 25 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9.8 in) | 10 kg (22.0 lb) | — | 10 kg total carry-on allowance. Size includes handles, pockets and wheels. |
| AirAsia Asia | 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22.0 x 14.2 x 9.1 in) | 7 kg (15.4 lb) combined | — | 7 kg TOTAL for cabin bag + personal item combined across 2 pieces. Strict enforcement at many airports. |
| Qantas Asia | 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22.0 x 14.2 x 9.1 in) | 7 kg (15.4 lb) | — | 7 kg limit in Economy. |
| China Airlines Asia | 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22.0 x 14.2 x 9.1 in) | 7 kg (15.4 lb) | — | 7 kg limit; weight checks are common on international routes. |
| EVA Air Asia | 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22.0 x 14.2 x 9.1 in) | 7 kg (15.4 lb) | — | 7 kg limit in Economy. |
04 — Standard luggage sizes at a glance
| Bag type | Typical max size | Where it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Standard carry-on (US domestic) | 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm) | American, Delta, United, JetBlue, Alaska, Southwest (up to 24 x 16 x 10 in) |
| Standard carry-on (international) | 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9 in) | Lufthansa, SAS, Turkish Airlines, Air Canada |
| EU budget overhead bag (paid) | 55 x 40 x 20 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 in) | Ryanair Priority, Wizz Air Priority, Vueling |
| Personal item (US) | 18 x 14 x 8 in (45 x 35 x 20 cm) | American, Spirit, Frontier — must fit under the seat |
| Free small bag (EU budget) | 40 x 30 x 20 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 7.9 in) | Ryanair, Wizz Air — under the seat, every fare |
| Standard checked bag | 62 linear in (158 cm), 50 lb (23 kg) | Most airlines, economy |
05 — Carry-on luggage sizes explained
Why there is no single global carry-on size
Carry-on limits are set per airline, not per country, and they reflect each carrier's cabin layout, bin certification and business model. US legacy airlines converged on 22 x 14 x 9 inches because that is what fits their overhead bins wheels-in. European flag carriers standardized a touch smaller at 55 x 40 x 23 cm, while Gulf and Asian carriers mostly accept similar dimensions but add strict 7 kg weight limits. Budget airlines are a separate world: the free allowance is often just an under-seat bag, and the overhead bag is a paid extra with its own size tier.
How to measure your bag the right way
Pack the bag exactly as you will travel, stand it the way it rolls, and measure the three outer sides with a tape measure — including wheels, handles, straps and any expanded pockets. Airlines publish limits that include all of these, and a bag marketed as 22 inches tall commonly measures 23 to 23.5 inches once the wheels are counted. Compare your smallest measured side against the airline's smallest limit side, middle against middle, and largest against largest; orientation does not matter, and the checker above compares exactly this way. For soft-sided bags, compress the bag first, because gate staff judge the bag as presented.
Weight limits: the trap most travelers miss
Size gets all the attention, but weight causes more failures on international trips. Most US airlines publish no carry-on weight limit at all — the rule is simply that the bag must fit in the bin and you must lift it yourself. Fly to Europe or Asia and the picture flips: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines cap cabin bags at 7 kg, while Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines and SAS cap them at 8 kg, and these limits are actually enforced with scales at check-in and at the gate. Watch for combined limits too: British Airways allows 23 kg total across your cabin bag plus personal item, and Air France and KLM allow 12 kg combined in economy. A typical packed US carry-on weighs 8 to 10 kg, so it can pass every size check and still be sent to the hold on weight.
Budget airlines play a different game
On Spirit, Frontier and Allegiant the overhead carry-on is not included in the cheapest fare — it is a paid add-on that costs least at booking time and most at the gate, where fees can reach about 99 USD. In Europe, Ryanair includes only a 40 x 30 x 20 cm under-seat bag for free (raised from 40 x 20 x 25 cm in September 2025); the 55 x 40 x 20 cm overhead bag needs paid Priority. easyJet's free bag is 45 x 36 x 20 cm, with the 56 x 45 x 25 cm overhead bag as a paid extra. These carriers enforce with sizers at the gate, and paying at the airport is always the most expensive option.
Six tips to avoid gate fees
- Buy a 55 x 40 x 20 cm bag if you fly budget carriers in Europe — it is the one size accepted as a paid cabin bag by Ryanair, Wizz Air and Vueling alike.
- Weigh your bag at home with a luggage scale before international trips; 7 kg fills up faster than you think.
- Wear your heaviest items — boots, jackets and jeans on your body do not count toward any limit.
- Keep 1 to 2 cm of margin under the published limit; sizers have zero tolerance for forcing.
- Pre-pay baggage online. Adding a carry-on during booking is routinely half the gate price or less.
- Check the strictest airline on your itinerary and pack to that limit — one short hop on a budget carrier sets the rule for the whole trip.
06 — Worked examples
Example 1: the classic US bag — 22 x 14 x 9 in, 18 lb
Convert to metric: 22 in = 55.9 cm, 14 in = 35.6 cm, 9 in = 22.9 cm, and 18 lb = 8.2 kg. Sorted smallest-to-largest, the bag is 22.9 x 35.6 x 55.9 cm.
PASS — 22.9 ≤ 23, 35.6 ≤ 36, 55.9 ≤ 56.
FAIL — 55.9 cm exceeds the 55 cm length limit, and 8.2 kg exceeds the 8 kg weight limit.
Lesson: the standard US bag is fine on US legacy carriers but fails in much of Europe and Asia on both size and weight.
Example 2: the EU universal bag — 55 x 40 x 20 cm, 9 kg
No conversion needed. Sorted smallest-to-largest: 20 x 40 x 55 cm at 9 kg.
PASS — every side within limits, 9 kg ≤ 10 kg.
FAIL — 40 cm exceeds the 38 cm width limit, and 9 kg exceeds the 7 kg limit.
PASS — fits with room to spare, 9 kg ≤ 23 kg combined.
FAIL — 55 cm exceeds the 50 cm length limit, the shortest of any major carrier.
Lesson: the perfect European budget bag still fails Gulf carriers — width and weight, not length, are the usual culprits.
07 — Frequently asked questions
What is the standard carry-on luggage size?
The most common standard is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), used by American, Delta, United, JetBlue and Alaska Airlines. In Europe the common standard is slightly smaller at 55 x 40 x 23 cm, used by Lufthansa, SAS and Turkish Airlines. Always measure your bag including wheels and handles, because airlines include them in the published limit.
Do wheels and handles count toward carry-on size limits?
Yes. Nearly every airline states that published dimensions include wheels, handles, straps and external pockets. This is the most common measuring mistake: a bag sold as 22 inches tall can measure 23.5 inches with the wheels, which fails a 22-inch limit. Measure the bag packed, standing the way it will roll through the airport.
What happens if my carry-on is slightly too big?
At best nothing, at worst a forced gate check plus a fee. Budget carriers are strictest: Ryanair charges up to about 70 GBP at the gate for a non-compliant bag, and Spirit or Frontier can charge up to about 99 USD. American Airlines removed its gate sizers in October 2025 and now asks staff to use judgment, only force-checking clearly oversized bags. If your bag fails this checker by a small margin on one airline, assume the gate agent will notice.
Do US airlines weigh carry-on bags?
Rarely. Most major US airlines publish no carry-on weight limit at all and only enforce size: your bag must fit in the overhead bin and you must be able to lift it in yourself. The exceptions are Hawaiian Airlines at 25 lb (11.3 kg) and Frontier at 35 lb (15.9 kg). International carriers are far stricter, so a bag that is never weighed domestically can still be weighed on your return leg.
Why are European and Asian carry-on weight limits so strict?
Many international airlines cap cabin bags at 7 to 8 kg: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines allow 7 kg, while Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines and SAS allow 8 kg. These limits are routinely enforced with scales at check-in and at the gate, partly for overhead-bin safety certification. A typical packed US carry-on weighs 8 to 10 kg, so weight, not size, is the most common reason bags fail outside the US.
What is Ryanair's free carry-on allowance?
Every Ryanair fare includes one free small bag up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm that must fit under the seat. This size was raised from 40 x 20 x 25 cm on 4 September 2025. An overhead cabin bag up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm and 10 kg requires the paid Priority and 2 Cabin Bags add-on. Bringing a wheelie bag without Priority risks a gate fee of up to about 70 GBP.
What is the difference between easyJet's free bag and large cabin bag?
Every easyJet passenger gets one free small cabin bag up to 45 x 36 x 20 cm and 15 kg that must fit under the seat. The large cabin bag, up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm and 15 kg for the overhead locker, is a paid add-on unless it is included with an Up Front or Extra Legroom seat, a FLEXI fare or easyJet Plus membership. easyJet enforces the limits with gate sizers, so test your bag before boarding.
What is the difference between a carry-on and a personal item?
A carry-on goes in the overhead bin; a personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. Typical personal-item limits are 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm) on US legacy airlines and 40 x 30 x 20 cm on European budget carriers. On most airlines you may bring one of each. Basic economy and budget fares sometimes include only the personal item, with the overhead bag as a paid extra.
Can I use my US 22 x 14 x 9 inch bag on European or Asian airlines?
Usually for size, but watch two traps. A 22-inch bag measures 55.9 cm, which exceeds Lufthansa's 55 cm length limit, and Qatar Airways allows only 50 cm in length. The bigger trap is weight: 18 lb equals 8.2 kg, which fails the 7 kg limits of Emirates, Qatar Airways and most Asian carriers and the 8 kg limits of Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines. Run your exact bag through the checker above before an international trip.
What do linear inches and linear centimeters mean?
Linear dimensions are the sum of length plus width plus height. Airlines use them as a single-number limit: the standard checked-bag limit is 62 linear inches (158 cm), and Singapore Airlines limits carry-ons to 115 linear cm instead of per-side dimensions. A 56 x 36 x 23 cm bag totals exactly 115 linear cm, which is why it is the largest bag Singapore accepts.
Is a carry-on size chart the same as a packing list?
No, they answer different questions. A carry-on size chart tells you whether your bag's dimensions and weight comply with airline rules, which is what this tool does. A packing list tells you what to put inside the bag. If your bag already fits and you want help deciding what to pack for your trip length and destination, use our packing list generator at https://nrtechstudio.com/tools/packing-list-generator/ — it builds a complete checklist with estimated luggage weight.
How do I measure my bag correctly?
Pack the bag the way you will travel, stand it as it rolls, and measure the three outer sides including wheels, handles and expanded pockets. Then compare smallest side to smallest limit side, middle to middle, and largest to largest — orientation does not matter, which is exactly how the checker above compares. For soft bags, compress them first, because gate agents judge the bag as presented, not as sold.
Why do budget airlines charge for carry-on bags?
Carry-on fees are core revenue for ultra-low-cost carriers. Spirit, Frontier and Allegiant sell the overhead bag as an add-on: it is cheapest when bought with the ticket and most expensive at the gate, where Spirit and Frontier can charge up to about 99 USD. Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air use the same model in Europe. Buying the allowance online during booking is always cheaper than paying at the airport.
What is an airline sizer box and should I test my bag?
A sizer is the metal frame at check-in and at the gate shaped to the airline's maximum dimensions. If your bag does not slide in without forcing, it flies in the hold and you pay the fee. The simulator in the checker section above draws your bag against any airline's sizer so you can see the fit before you leave home. When in doubt, choose the smaller bag: an inch of margin is cheaper than a gate fee.
08 — Your bag fits. Now, what goes inside?
This tool answers one question: does your bag comply with airline size and weight rules? It does not tell you what to pack — that is a different job. Once your bag passes the checker above, our packing list generator builds a complete trip checklist (clothing, toiletries, gear) with an estimated total luggage weight, so you can confirm the weight limit too.
Free tool by NRTechStudio