Carry-On Size Guide for All Airlines | Compare Baggage Limits

Carry-on size rules aren’t the same across airlines and that’s where most travelers get caught off guard. This website brings together airline carry-on size limits, cabin baggage dimensions, and weight rules in one place so you can compare quickly and pack with confidence.

Use this table to compare carry-on luggage size across major airlines. These are the actual permitted dimensions used at the gate.

AirlineCarry-On Size (cm)Carry-On Size (inches)Weight LimitAllowance
American Airlines56 x 36 x 2322 x 14 x 9Not specified1 bag
Delta Airlines56 x 35 x 2322 x 14 x 9Not specified1 bag
Southwest Airlines61 x 41 x 2524 x 16 x 10Not specified1 bag
United Airlines56 x 35 x 2322 x 14 x 9Not specified1 bag
Frontier Airlines61 x 41 x 2524 x 16 x 1015.8 kg (35 lb)1 bag (paid)
JetBlue Airlines55.88 x 35.56 x 22.8622 x 14 x 9Not specified1 bag
Spirit Airlines56 x 46 x 2522 x 18 x 10Not specified1 bag (fare-based)
Alaska Airlines56 x 36 x 2322 x 14 x 9Not specified1 bag
Allegiant Airlines55 x 40 x 2522 x 16 x 10Not specified1 bag (paid)
Air Canada55 x 40 x 2321.5 x 15.5 x 9Not specified1 bag
British Airways56 x 45 x 2522 x 18 x 10Not specified1 bag
Lufthansa55 x 40 x 23 cm21.6 x 15.7 x 9 in8 kg1–2 bags (depends on class)


Data verified from official airline baggage policies

Each airline sets its own baggage rules, and even small differences in permitted size can affect whether your bag is accepted onboard.

Every airline has its own baggage allowance, and even small differences in size restrictions can affect whether your bag is accepted.

If you’re not sure how carry-on rules work across airlines, start here. These guides explain how baggage allowance, size restrictions, and weight limits are applied in real situations.

U.S. airlines often don’t enforce weight, but international airlines usually do

When choosing between airlines, direct comparison matters. A bag that works on one airline may not meet another airline’s size limit.

Choosing the right airline can mean the difference between carrying your bag onboard or checking it last minute.

About Author

Lindsey LaGrange is an aviation professional with hands-on experience in airport baggage operations, including bag room coordination and dispatch. She provides practical insights into carry-on size rules, baggage handling, and how airline policies are applied at the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most airlines follow a range close to 55 x 35 x 20 cm (22 x 14 x 9 inches), but exact limits vary slightly.

No. Each airline sets its own carry-on size limit, baggage allowance, and weight rules.

Your bag may be checked at the gate. Depending on the airline, this can include additional charges.

Some airlines don’t specify a weight limit, while others—especially in Europe and Asia—have strict limits.

Most airlines allow one of each, but some low-cost carriers only include a personal item in the base fare.

All carry-on size data, luggage dimensions, and baggage allowance details on this site are sourced directly from official airline policy pages. We review and update this information regularly to reflect the latest airline rules.

Our goal is simple:

  • Data sourced from official airline baggage policies
  • Regularly reviewed and updated
  • Covers latest carry-on size, luggage dimensions, and allowance rules
  • Follow the smallest size limit across your trip
  • Avoid expandable bags (often fail checks)
  • Hard-shell bags leave less margin
  • When unsure → go slightly smaller