Is the first carry-on bag free?

You can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item for free on most domestic and international flights. But there are a few rules you'll need to follow.



Whether the first carry-on bag is free depends entirely on the airline's business model and the specific fare class you purchased. Most "legacy" carriers like Delta, American, and United (for standard economy and above) include one full-sized carry-on bag and one personal item for free. However, if you book a "Basic Economy" ticket on United or JetBlue, a full-sized overhead bin bag is often excluded, and bringing one to the gate can result in a heavy fine and a checked bag fee. Conversely, "Low-Cost Carriers" (LCCs) like Spirit, Frontier, and Ryanair almost never include a free carry-on bag; they only allow a small personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. Southwest Airlines remains a notable exception in the U.S., allowing two checked bags and a carry-on for free. Internationally, weight limits for "free" carry-ons are often strictly enforced at 7kg to 10kg. Always check your specific "Fare Rules" during booking, as the "free" status of a carry-on is no longer a universal industry standard but a tiered perk.

People Also Ask

As long as you hold the card you get the free bag, the term “first” just implies your first bag that you check so if you were to check a second bag on that same flight you would be charged.

MORE DETAILS

Technically, any piece of luggage that you “carry on” to an airplane is a carry-on bag. Most airlines allow one piece of carry-on luggage or “hand baggage” that can fit in the overhead bin, plus a “personal item” (a smaller purse, computer bag, diaper bag, small backpack, etc.

MORE DETAILS

Many airlines will allow you to bring a carry-on bag and personal item for free. However, some airlines may only allow a personal item that fits under your seat for free. Anything larger (e.g. a bag that's too big to fit under the seat but can fit into the overhead compartment) may require extra payment.

MORE DETAILS

A carry on bag is your larger, primary bag, which you'll stow in the overhead bin. A backpack can be your carry on if it meets your airline's carry on size limits. A personal item is a smaller, secondary bag, which you'll stow under the seat in front of you.

MORE DETAILS

In a move which provoked criticism on social media, EasyJet said the changes to its luggage policy will start on 10 February. Customers who don't buy the more expensive tickets will be restricted to putting a small carry-on bag under their seat. EasyJet said the changes would improve punctuality.

MORE DETAILS

Carry-on bags, sometimes known as hand luggage or cabin baggage, are items of luggage that are taken into the plane's cabin. They are not checked in before your flight and are normally stored in the overhead storage compartment above your seat.

MORE DETAILS

A carry-on bag goes on the plane with you and must fit in the overhead compartment. Checked luggage is relinquished to the airline at the airport and stored in the plane's cargo hold area, which is inaccessible to you during your flight.

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. For personal items, Alaska offers examples of a purse, laptop or briefcase.

MORE DETAILS

You can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item for free on most domestic and international flights. But there are a few rules you'll need to follow.

MORE DETAILS

That depends if you have several kg overweight and are asking for the price per kg or if you really just only have one single kg extra. For a singe kg above the limit you most probably will not get charged, especially not on a full service airline. There is usually a tolerance in the range of 2–3kg, sometimes up to 5.

MORE DETAILS

Most airlines let you bring one carry-on and one piece of luggage. As a result, you can use your baggage as a rucksack and vice versa.

MORE DETAILS

Domestic carry-on policies. A good rule of thumb is that if your carry-on bag fits under the seat in front of you, it's considered a personal item. This includes small backpacks, purses, briefcases, laptop bags, etc. Larger bags, including suitcases, must fit in the overhead bin compartment.

MORE DETAILS

Most airlines allow backpacks as carry-ons, but size and weight restrictions vary depending on the carrier. Typically, the bag must be within the cabin baggage dimensions of around 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 22 cm), commonly considered the standard size for carry-on.

MORE DETAILS

Each passenger can bring a small cabin bag (maximum size 45 x 36 x 20cm) on-board when travelling with easyJet with no weight limit. It includes items like a small trolley case, handbag, rucksack and laptop bag. There is no weight limit on small cabin baggage.

MORE DETAILS

Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

MORE DETAILS