October 22, 2020 FromAlexandra Maloney
When you sign up for credit cards through affiliate links, we earn a commission. Conditions apply to the offers listed on this page. Here is our full advertising policy:How we make money.
There's nothing worse than arriving at the airport excited and ready for your trip, only to find that your luggage is too big and you have to pay extra. Each airline has different restrictions on the size of carry-on baggage compared to the size of checked baggage, total baggage weight and rules for personal items.
We have theTop 10 tips for checked baggageWhat you need to know before you fly, and now, with our luggage size chart that includes guidelines from 15 major airlines, you're well on your way to becoming a luggage expert before your next trip.
| airline | Maximum hand luggage size | Maximum hand luggage weight | Maximum size of checked baggage | Maximum weight of checked baggage | personal item? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 Zoll /56 x 36 x 23 cm | N / A | 62 inch / 158 cm (length + width + height in total) | Economy: 50 lbs / 23 kg First/Business: 70 lbs / 32 kg | And 18 x 14 x 8 Zoll /45 x 35 x 20 cm |
| faithful air | 22,9 x 35,6 x 55,9 cm | N / A | 80 inch / 203 cm (length + width + height in total) | 18 kg | And 7 x 15 x 16 Zoll / 17,8 x 38,1 x 40,6 cm |
| British Airways | 22 x 18 x 10 Zoll /56 x 45 x 25 cm | 23 kg | 35.5 x 29.5 x 16 in / 90 x 75 x 43 cm | Economy: 50 lbs / 23 kg First/Business: 70 lbs / 32 kg | And 40 x 30 x 15 cm 23 kg |
| Delta Airlines | 45 inches / 114 cm (length + width + height in total, must not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches) | N / A | 62 inch / 158 cm (length + width + height in total) | Economy: 50 lbs / 23 kg First/Business: 70 lbs/32 kg | And |
| Easy Jet | 22 x 17,7 x 9,8 Zoll /56 x 45 x 25 cm | N / A | 108 inch / 275 cm (length + width + height in total) | 33-50 lbs / 15-23 kg (depending on how much passenger pays) | For certain tickets 17,7 x 14,2 x 7,8 Zoll /45 x 36 x 20 cm |
| Emirate | Economy: 22 x 15 x 8 Zoll / 55 x 38 x 20 cm | 15.4 pounds / 7 kg | 300 cm (length + width + height in total) | Economy: 20 kg Business: 88 lbs / 40 kgErstes: 110 lbs /50 kg | Only for Business / First Class 18 x 14 x 8 Zoll / 45 x 35 x 20 cm |
| Frontier Airlines | 10 x 16 x 24 Zoll /25,4 x 40,6 x 61 cm | 15,8 kg | 158 cm (length + height + width in total) | 50 pounds / 23 kg | And 20,3 x 45,7 x 35,5 cm |
| Hawaiian Airlines | 45 inch / 9 x 14 x 22 inch | 25 pounds / 10 kg | 62 inches / 158 cm | Economy: 50 lbs / 23 kg Business: 70 lbs / 32 kg for most international destinations | And |
| JetBlue Airways | 22 x 14 x 9 Zoll /55 x 35,5 x 23 cm | N / A | 158 cm (length + height + width in total) | 50 pounds / 23 kg | And 17 x 13 x 8 Zoll / 43,2 x 33 x 20 cm |
| Lufthansa | 21,6 x 15,7 x 9,1 Zoll /55 x 40 x 23 cm | 8 kg | 158 cm (length + height + width in total) | Economy: 50 lbs / 23kg Business/First: 70 lbs / 32 kg | And 15,7 x 11,8 x 9,1 Zoll / 40 x 30 x 10 cm |
| Southwest Airlines | 10 x 16 x 24 Zoll /25,4 x 40,6 x 61 cm | N / A | 158 cm (length + height + width in total) | 50 pounds / 23 kg | And 18,5 x 8,5 x 13,5 Zoll/47 x 21,5 x 34,2 cm |
| Spirit Airlines | 22 x 18 x 10 Zoll /56 x 46 x 25 cm | N / A | 158 cm (length + height + width in total) | 18,1 kg | And 18 x 14 x 8 Zoll /45 x 35 x 20 cm |
| Turkish Airlines | 21,7 x 15,7 x 9 Zoll /55 x 40 x 23 cm | 8 kg | 158 cm (length + height + width in total) | Economy: 50 lbs / 23 kg Business: 30 kg | And |
| United Airlines | 9 x 14 x 22 Zoll/22 x 35 x 56 cm | N / A | 158 cm (length + height + width in total) | Economy: 50 lbs/ 23 kg Business/First: 70 lbs / 32 kg | And 22 x 25 x 43 cm |
| Virgin Atlantic | 23 x 36 x 56 cm | 22 pounds / 10 kg | 35,5 x 29,5 x 16 Zoll/90 x 75 x 43 cm | Economy: 23 kg Premium Economy: 32 kg | And |
Baggage Restrictions FAQs
All your questions about standard carry-on size, checked baggage and personal items will be answered.
What is the difference between a personal item and a carry-on?
The best way to distinguish between these two pieces of carry-on luggage is to think of it this way: a personal item should fit under your seat on the plane; One piece of carry-on baggage should fit in the overhead compartment of the aircraft.
Your personal item is usually something like a computer bag, purse, tote bag, diaper bag, or briefcase. Your carry-on baggage can be a duffel bag or a small piece (that fits the size limit of the airline you fly with). If you're going on a short trip, you can probably pack everything you need for the time in your carry-on and avoid having to pay for a checked bag.
Is there a weight limit for hand luggage?
For some airlines yes, for others no. Make sure you refer to our luggage size chart before bringing your hand luggage on board!
What if my hand luggage is too big?
If your carry-on baggage is oversized (i.e. exceeds your airline's maximum size and weight limits), gate attendants are likely to notice and let you know at your gate. In most cases, you will have to pay a checked baggage fee there and collect your baggage from baggage claim at the arrival airport instead of taking it on the plane.
What is not allowed in hand luggage?
Your carry-on needs to go through TSA with you, so anything that you can't go through airport scanners you can't bring in your carry-on. This includes sharps, ammunition, any liquid weighing more than 3.4 ounces, aerosol cans, and more. Be sure to stop byThe complete list of the TSAof acceptable items for a carry-on if you have more specific questions!
bottom line
Baggage restrictions are an inconvenient but necessary part of traveling. There is no single code for luggage size and weight, travelers need to be aware of this before each trip. Next time you fly, be sure to check our baggage size chart to ensure you meet all requirements. We can't guarantee smooth skies, but we hope this guide will help you get to the plane with ease!
Alexandra Maloney is a contributor to Million Mile Secrets where she covers points and miles, credit cards, airlines, hotels and general travel. She has worked as a writing consultant for the University of Richmond and is a feature writer for The Collegian UR.
other topics
General travel
Editorial note: We are the Million Mile Secrets team. And we pride ourselves on our content, opinions and analysis, and the comments of our readers. These have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers we often write about. And that's exactly how we like it! :)
Join the discussion!
1Comment
Inline-Feedbacks
Show all comments
You may also like
BonusTracker: Best Credit Card Bonus Offers
14. June 2021 4
Best Hilton Credit Cards: Improved Certificates for Weekend Stays, Bulk Rates & More
12. June 2021 2
FAQs
What size is carry-on luggage for major airlines? ›
Though you might find an inch or two of a difference with various airlines, the standard domestic carry-on luggage size is 22" x 14" x 9", which includes the handle and the wheels. This size limit ensures your bag — and ideally everyone else's — will be able to be stored safely in the overhead bin for your flight.
Can I take a 22.5 inch carry-on bag? ›A carry-on can't be bigger than 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches including handles and wheels and should fit in an overhead bin as well. If your carry-on is too large or a full flight doesn't have enough overhead space, a flight attendant might make you check your bags at the gate.
Is TSA strict about carry-on size? ›First of all, it's important to understand that the TSA has specific guidelines for carry-on luggage size. According to their website, the maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches. This includes the handle, wheels, and any other protrusions.
Can a 24 inch luggage be a carry-on? ›Can a 24 inch luggage be a carry on? Unfortunately no, the standard carry-on size is typically 22” x 14” x 9”, so a 24 inch bag is too large to bring on board of most economy standard airlines. 2.
How lenient are airlines with carry-on size? ›The most commonly allowed airline carry on size is 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 inches) including all handles, side pockets, and wheels. What is this? This varies by airline, though, with some allowing slightly larger or smaller bags, so check with the airline you plan to travel with.
Is carry-on size same for all airlines? ›Whether you're flying domestically or internationally, every airline has its own carry-on luggage size restrictions. There is no one-size-fits-all, so you need to check your airline's specific policy before traveling to ensure your carry-on bag isn't rejected with potential additional charges.
How do you know if a bag is too big to be a carry-on? ›Carry-on bags shouldn't be larger than 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high including handles and wheels. Dimensions of personal items should not exceed 18 inches long, 14 inches wide and 8 inches high. There are no weight restrictions for carry-on luggage.
Do airlines prefer hard or soft luggage? ›“Almost all U.S. airline crew members use soft-sided roll-aboard bags,” Patrick Smith, airline pilot, air travel blogger, and author, tells Reader's Digest. “My roll-aboard of choice is a 24-inch model from Luggage Works, a specialty luggage company that caters to airline personnel.
Can a duffel bag be a carry-on? ›Can You Use a Duffle Bag as a Carry On ? Yes. As long as your duffle bag is within the airline's size requirements for carry on luggage, you can use a duffle bag as a carry on item.
Does toothpaste count as a liquid? ›Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion.
Is deodorant too big for carry-on? ›
Spray, Gel, Liquid, Cream, Pastes, and Roll-On deodorants need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces and placed in a clear quart-sized baggie.
What if my carry-on is one inch too big American Airlines? ›American Airlines carry-on dimensions should be no more than 22 inches X 14 inches X 9 inches (56 cm X 36 cm X 23 cm), including handles and wheels. All carry-on must fit the sizer at the departure gate. If the bag does not fit in the sizer, it will need to be checked.
What if my carry-on is half an inch too big? ›They have a sizer at every gate for carryons and personal items, and if the gate agent thinks your bag looks too big they will ask you to put it in the sizer to confirm that it complies with the requirements. So it is random, but if you take your chances and lose, they will take away your bag and gate-check it.
How strict are carry-on size limits united? ›United Airlines Carry-on Size Restrictions
Carry-on luggage for a United Airlines flight must be no larger than 9 inches X 14 inches X 22 inches (22 cm X 35 cm X 56 cm). When measuring, remember these dimensions include the luggage's wheels and handles.
The size of an extra-large cabin suitcase is around 56 cm or 22 inches in height, with a capacity of up to 50 litres. This is more spacious than the standard large cabin suitcase, adding an extra 5 litres in capacity.