Measure the outside
Include wheels, handles, feet, pockets, and the bag’s packed or expanded depth.
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.
Read your exact fare
Carry-on inclusion and fees can depend on fare, bundle, status, route, and when the bag is purchased.
Check the operating carrier
Partner and regional flights may use different rules or have smaller overhead bins.
Aircraft families
How common aircraft affect overhead-bin fit
Airlines set dimension limits, but the aircraft itself determines whether a compliant bag can realistically fit in the overhead bin. Bin geometry varies significantly across narrowbody, widebody, and regional jet families. Use this table as general guidance—configurations differ by airline, cabin zone, and aircraft age.
Dimensions in airline policies are bag maximums, not bin measurements. Bin interior sizes are not standardized across operators or cabin zones. Handles and wheels are part of your bag’s exterior dimensions—always measure your bag with them included. This table is guidance only; verify with your airline and check your booking for the specific aircraft type.
| Aircraft family | Typical routes | Overhead-bin notes | Under-seat / personal item | Carry-on tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 737 family737-700 / -800 / -900 / MAX 8–10 | Most U.S. domestic and short-haul international (Southwest, United, American, Alaska, Delta) | Older variants have shallower pivot-style bins; 737 MAX aircraft have Boeing Space Bins with more vertical clearance. On -700/-800, a 22 in carry-on may need to load wheel-end first or on its side. | Bulkhead and exit rows often have reduced or no under-seat storage. A personal item up to 17–18 in fits most standard rows. | A 22 × 14 × 9 in bag generally fits. MAX-series aircraft have noticeably larger bins. Board early on busy departures. |
| Airbus A320 familyA319 / A320 / A321 / A321neo / A321XLR | Major U.S. domestic and transatlantic routes (American, United, Delta, JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier) | A319/A320 bins are narrower than many 737 variants. A321 has significantly larger bins. Premium-configured A321s (e.g., JetBlue Mint) often have enhanced overhead storage. | Bulkhead rows have limited under-seat space. Standard rows accommodate bags up to roughly 17–18 in. | On A319/A320, load flat or wheel-end in. A321 bins are more forgiving. Spirit and Frontier may gate-check early if the cabin fills. |
| Boeing 757757-200 / 757-300 | Medium-haul domestic and transatlantic (Delta, United, American) | Narrowbody with bins that can be tighter than an A321 or 737 MAX. Overhead space fills quickly on busy transatlantic departures. | Standard under-seat depth; bulkhead rows have reduced space. | A 22 × 14 × 9 in bag fits in most 757 bins, but board early on transatlantic 757 routes. |
| Boeing 767 / 777 / 787Widebody twin-aisle | Long-haul international and premium domestic (Delta, United, American) | Generally larger and taller bins than narrowbody aircraft. 787 Dreamliner has notably high-capacity overhead bins. A standard carry-on typically fits without a specific orientation requirement. Business-class zones may have separate bin allocations. | Under-seat depth is similar to narrowbodies. Center-seat rows may have a structural beam reducing width. Bulkhead rows typically have no under-seat storage. | Widebody aircraft are the most carry-on-friendly for fit. A 22 × 14 × 9 in bag should load without orientation constraints in most rows. |
| Boeing 717 / MD-80 / MD-90Older narrowbody | Select Delta domestic routes (717); legacy routes on MD-80/90 (mostly retired) | Bins are noticeably smaller than current-generation narrowbodies. The 717 has a 2–2 cabin with bins closer to regional jet capacity. A standard 22 in carry-on may not fit upright, and some operators may enforce a smaller limit. | Under-seat space is similarly constrained. | If your itinerary shows a 717, contact your airline to confirm carry-on fit before assuming a standard-size bag will be accepted in-cabin. |
| Embraer E-JetsE170 / E175 / E190 / E195 / E2 series | Regional routes operated by SkyWest, Envoy, Republic, Endeavor under United, American, and Delta Connection banners | 2–2 cabin layout. Bins are smaller than mainline narrowbodies. A full-size 22 in carry-on typically cannot fit and is gate-checked for free by most operators. | Bags up to 16–17 in generally fit under the seat in most rows. | Plan to gate-check a standard carry-on on E175 and similar regional jets. Keep valuables, medications, and lithium batteries in your personal item. |
| Bombardier CRJ seriesCRJ-200 / CRJ-700 / CRJ-900 | Regional routes under United Express, American Eagle, Delta Connection | Very small overhead bins. CRJ-200 bins cannot accommodate a standard carry-on; CRJ-700/900 bins are slightly larger but still generally require gate-checking 22 in bags. Most carriers gate-check carry-ons for free on CRJ flights. | Under-seat space is extremely limited on CRJ-200. CRJ-700/900 is slightly better but still constrained. | Treat any CRJ flight as a gate-check scenario. Pack a compact personal item and remove lithium batteries and medications before boarding. |
| ATR 42 / ATR 72Turboprop regional | Small regional routes on American Eagle, Cape Air, and other regional operators | Very small or no overhead storage on some configurations. Bags are routinely planeside-checked before boarding. | Minimal under-seat space. A small backpack or tote is the practical limit for most seats. | Assume planeside checking for bags larger than a personal item. Confirm with the operator before the flight. |
Your aircraft type appears in your booking confirmation or the airline’s app. Always verify with your carrier—bin configurations can differ between the same aircraft model operated by different airlines, and regional partners may apply different policies.
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.
| 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 stated on the 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 stated on the policy page. | Wheels, handles, and attachments count; partner-airline rules may differ. | View Southwest policy |
| Alaska Airlines | 22 × 14 × 9 in | One smaller personal itemNo numeric personal-item maximum listed. | 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; 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 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
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Pack and close the bag
Measure it in the configuration you will use, including expansion and filled exterior pockets.
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Measure all three exterior sides
Include wheels, handles, feet, straps, and any projection beyond the main compartment.
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Weigh it
Some airlines publish a carry-on weight limit. Leave a little margin for last-minute items.
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Check every flight segment
Review the operating airline, fare, route, and aircraft notes shown in your booking.
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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.