Loading Page...

How strict is carry-on luggage?

Carry-on bags are limited to 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high including wheels and handles. All three measurements shouldn't add up to more than 45 inches. For personal items, Alaska offers examples of a purse, laptop or briefcase.



People Also Ask

Airlines calculate carry-on luggage size measurements using two methods: Height by width by depth: Most – but not all – airlines measure bags by inches or centimeters using this formula: height by width by depth, such as 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

MORE DETAILS

Oversized Carry-Ons Need to Be Checked-in
If your carry-on is oversized (and doesn't physically fit inside the overhead compartments) or you encounter a strict airline employee, they will ask you to check it in at the gate.

MORE DETAILS

Personal items should fit under the seat in front of you. Examples include laptop cases, purses, camera bags, diaper bags, small backpacks and duffels. Some airlines publish maximum dimensions for personal items. Most domestic airlines specify 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches as the maximum size for carry-on baggage.

MORE DETAILS

In general, standard domestic carry-on luggage size is 22 x 14 x 9 inches. If you're flying internationally, that may vary a little to 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches. Remember, those dimensions include the handle, wheels and anything else that may protrude from your suitcase so don't miss them from your measurements.

MORE DETAILS

Carry-on bags are limited to 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high including wheels and handles. All three measurements shouldn't add up to more than 45 inches.

MORE DETAILS

On domestic flights within the United States, a carry-on bag that's smaller than 22 x 14 x 9 inches (45 linear inches), including handles and wheels will meet the size restrictions of all major airlines, such as United Airlines and Alaska Airlines.

MORE DETAILS

Carry-on requirements
  • Shouldn't exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches / 56 x 36 x 23 centimeters (including handles and wheels)
  • Must fit in the sizer at the airport.


MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Oversized Carry-Ons Need to Be Checked-in If your carry-on is oversized (and doesn't physically fit inside the overhead compartments) or you encounter a strict airline employee, they will ask you to check it in at the gate.

MORE DETAILS

While the bag shouldn't exceed the maximum dimensions of 45 linear inches, there may be some leeway depending on the airplane you're flying on. Overhead compartment sizes vary per airplane type. If you fly on an airplane with small overhead compartments, you will likely get busted for having an oversized carry-on.

MORE DETAILS

While personal item size restrictions vary across airlines, most airlines consider a small backpack, purse, briefcase, or laptop bag to be a personal item. These must always fit under the seat in front of you. Many airlines restrict passengers to one personal item and one carry on bag.

MORE DETAILS

The answer is yes. You can use a duffel bag as a carry-on item. However, you should ensure that the duffel bag's size and weight meet the airline's specific restrictions on carry-on luggage. You should also consider the bag's shape, as some airlines have limitations that may affect your duffel bag's usability.

MORE DETAILS

Most regular airlines won't check the size, unless it's obviously way larger or heavier than your allowance, but you may need to consider where is that extra inch, if it's too wide/thick, it may not fit in the baggage overhead compartment and a flight attendant may check it in for you

MORE DETAILS

While this can be confusing, most popular airlines allow you to bring a carry-on and personal item, such as a backpack or purse. In general, your personal item should be smaller than your carry-on and under the specific airline's carry-on dimensions, allowing it to fit under the seat in front of you.

MORE DETAILS

Most airlines allow passengers to bring on both a carry-on and a personal item like a backpack, laptop bag, purse, briefcase, shopping bag, etc. The general rule of thumb is that your personal item is smaller in dimension than your carry-on bag and it can fit underneath the seat in front of you.

MORE DETAILS

Is a 24-inch Carry-On Too Big? Most airlines can accommodate a 24-inch carry-on, but not all. Generally, a carry-on suitcase measuring 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches, commonly seen as 22 x 14 x 9, would be the most widely accepted size.

MORE DETAILS

Most Airlines Allow Bringing One Carry-on Bag and One Personal Item. Contrary to popular belief, air regulators (FAA, TSA, IATA, etc.) don't limit how many bags each passenger can bring. It's up to each airline to determine if each passenger is allowed to bring one or two carry-ons.

MORE DETAILS

Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.

MORE DETAILS

Most airlines will allow you to check one bag and have one carry-on bag. There is normally a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds per checked bag as well as a size restriction. The most common maximum size bag allowed is 62 linear (total) inches. A common size bag for checking through is: 27 x 21 x 14.

MORE DETAILS

Oversized Carry-Ons Need to Be Checked-in
If your carry-on is oversized (and doesn't physically fit inside the overhead compartments) or you encounter a strict airline employee, they will ask you to check it in at the gate.

MORE DETAILS

Does a Duffel Bag Count as a Carry-on or Personal Item? While it may vary by airline, there is one hard-and-fast rule when it comes to personal items: The bag needs to fit under the seat in front of you. If it doesn't, it is considered a carry-on.

MORE DETAILS

A personal item is any type of luggage that fits underneath the plane seat in front of you. Most domestic airlines in the United States require a personal item to be 18” x 14” x 8” or smaller in size. Personal items can include a purse, briefcase, small backpack, laptop bag, weekender or small duffel bag.

MORE DETAILS