While it may vary from airline to airline, the maximum duffel bag carry-on size is typically 22 x 14 x 9 inches for flights within the U.S. Bag size limitations on international flights can vary, so always check ahead of time on the airline's website.

For carry-on luggage in 2026, the largest duffel bag allowed is typically limited by the standard 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) requirement, which equates to roughly 40 to 45 liters in capacity. Because duffels are soft-sided, they are often preferred by 2026 travelers because they can be "squashed" into airline sizers more easily than hard-shell suitcases. For checked baggage, the limit is generally determined by the "Linear Dimension" (Length + Width + Height), which for most major airlines is 62 inches (158 cm). A massive duffel like the 120-liter Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler often hits this limit. In 2026, weight remains the more critical factor; even if your duffel is huge, it must stay under 50 lbs (23 kg) for Economy or 70 lbs (32 kg) for Business Class. Exceeding these limits often triggers "Oversized" or "Heavy" fees that can start at $100 per bag.