Carry-On & Airline Size Guide

Voyage airline guide

Carry-on and personal-item sizes by airline

A carry-on label is a starting point—not a boarding guarantee. Compare the complete packed bag with the current policy for every airline operating your trip.

Airline policy snapshot reviewed August 27, 2026.

Three rules first

Check size, allowance, and aircraft

A bag can fit the published dimensions and still not be included with your fare. A permitted carry-on can also be gate-checked when cabin space is limited.

01

Measure the outside

Include wheels, handles, feet, pockets, and the bag’s packed or expanded depth.

02

Read your exact fare

Carry-on inclusion and fees can depend on fare, bundle, status, route, and when the bag is purchased.

03

Check the operating carrier

Partner and regional flights may use different rules or have smaller overhead bins.

Selected U.S. airlines

Current published maximums

Dimensions below are normalized to the bag’s longest × next-longest × shortest exterior sides for easier comparison. Airlines may label the same sides as height, length, width, or depth in a different order.

Policies can change without notice. Use this table to narrow your choice, then open the airline’s official policy and verify your fare before packing.

Published dimensions as reviewed August 27, 2026. Inches are shown first.
Airline Carry-on maximum Personal-item maximum Important note Official policy
American Airlines 22 × 14 × 9 in56 × 36 × 23 cm 18 × 14 × 8 in45 × 35 × 20 cm Handles and wheels count; the carry-on must fit the airport sizer. View American policy
Delta Air Lines 22 × 14 × 9 in56 × 35 × 23 cm; 45 linear in maximum Must fit under the seatNo numeric maximum is stated on the cited carry-on page. Handles and wheels count; cabin capacity can require gate-checking. View Delta policy
Southwest Airlines 24 × 16 × 10 in Must fit under the seatNo numeric maximum is stated on the cited policy page. Wheels, handles, and attachments count; partner-airline rules may differ. View Southwest policy
Alaska Airlines 22 × 14 × 9 in One smaller personal itemThe cited travel guidance does not list a numeric personal-item maximum. Wheels and handles count. View Alaska guidance
JetBlue 22 × 14 × 9 in55.88 × 35.56 × 22.86 cm 17 × 13 × 8 in43.2 × 33 × 20.32 cm Wheels and handles count; the personal item must go under the seat. View JetBlue policy
Spirit Airlines 22 × 18 × 10 in56 × 46 × 25 cm 18 × 14 × 8 in45 × 35 × 20 cm Wheels and handles count; carry-on inclusion depends on the travel option or separate purchase. View Spirit policy
Frontier Airlines 24 × 16 × 10 inMaximum 35 lb 18 × 14 × 8 inMust fit under the seat Handles, wheels, and straps count; carry-on inclusion varies by purchase or bundle. View Frontier policy

Not seeing your airline? Go directly to the operating carrier’s baggage page. Do not rely on a generic “TSA-approved carry-on size”—TSA screens contents, while airlines set bag dimensions and allowances.

At home

Run a five-minute preflight check

  • Pack and close the bag

    Measure it in the configuration you will use, including expansion and filled exterior pockets.

  • Measure all three exterior sides

    Include wheels, handles, feet, straps, and any projection beyond the main compartment.

  • Weigh it

    Some airlines publish a carry-on weight limit even when others do not. Leave a little margin for last-minute items.

  • Check every flight segment

    Review the operating airline, fare, route, and aircraft notes shown in your booking.

  • Prepare for a gate-check

    Keep medication, identification, valuables, power banks, spare lithium batteries, and other cabin-only items easy to remove.

Packing safety

Size is only one part of carry-on compliance

For U.S. screening, most liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes in carry-on baggage follow TSA’s 3-1-1 rule: containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, inside one quart-size bag, with one bag per passenger. Exceptions and screening requirements apply.

FAA guidance requires spare lithium batteries and power banks to remain in carry-on baggage, with terminals protected from short circuit. If the bag is gate-checked, remove them and keep them in the cabin.

Review the current TSA liquids rule →
Review FAA lithium-battery guidance →

Common questions

Carry-on sizing FAQ

Does TSA set the carry-on size limit?

No. Airlines set their own baggage dimensions, allowances, and fees. TSA determines security-screening requirements for what may be packed.

Can I use an expandable carry-on?

Yes, but only if the packed bag still meets every applicable dimension and weight limit. Measure it expanded if you plan to use the extra space.

Why can a compliant bag still be gate-checked?

Overhead-bin capacity varies by aircraft and can fill before all passengers board. Airlines may gate-check otherwise compliant bags when cabin space is limited.

Is a backpack always a personal item?

No. The name or shape does not decide the category. It must fit within the airline’s personal-item requirements and under the seat; otherwise it may count as a carry-on or checked bag.

What if my itinerary uses two airlines?

Check both airlines and each flight segment. Codeshare and partner-operated itineraries may apply different allowances, and the more restrictive fit may be the practical choice.

Shop carry-on luggage by actual specifications

Compare the product’s full exterior measurements with your airline and fare before purchasing.

Shop carry-ons