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Carry-on size limits by airline

The published carry-on dimensions and weight limits for the major US and international carriers, in one table. Always confirm on the airline's own page before you fly — limits change.

By Stephen V.Updated How we test

Most US airlines cap carry-ons at 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) and do not weigh them; many international and budget carriers are smaller and add a weight limit of 7–10 kgthat includes the bag itself. The table below lists each major carrier's published limit. Airlines change these rules, so treat this as a starting point and confirm on the carrier's own baggage page — every one is linked in Sources.

Read this first:a weight limit is what catches most travelers off guard. US domestic carriers rarely weigh a carry-on; most international and low-cost airlines do, against a 7–10 kg allowance including the bag. That is why our lightweight carry-on picks exist — a sub-6 lb bag hands the weight back to you.

US airlines — carry-on limits

AirlineMax dimensions (in)Max dimensions (cm)Weight limit
American Airlines22 x 14 x 956 x 36 x 23No published limit*
Delta Air Lines22 x 14 x 956 x 36 x 23No published limit*
United Airlines22 x 14 x 956 x 36 x 23No published limit*
Alaska Airlines22 x 14 x 956 x 36 x 23No published limit*
JetBlue22 x 14 x 956 x 36 x 23No published limit*
Southwest24 x 16 x 1061 x 41 x 25No published limit*
Frontier24 x 16 x 1061 x 41 x 2535 lb (16 kg)
Spirit22 x 18 x 1056 x 46 x 25No published limit*

*US carriers generally do not enforce a carry-on weight limit, but the bag must fit the sizer and you must be able to lift it into the bin unaided.

International airlines — carry-on limits

AirlineMax dimensions (cm)Weight limit
Ryanair (with priority)55 x 40 x 2010 kg
easyJet (large cabin bag)56 x 45 x 2515 kg
British Airways56 x 45 x 2523 kg
Lufthansa55 x 40 x 238 kg
Air France55 x 35 x 2512 kg
Emirates55 x 38 x 207 kg
Qantas56 x 36 x 237 kg
Air Canada55 x 40 x 23No published limit*

Figures as published by each carrier for standard economy cabin baggage. Allowances differ by fare class and route, and airlines revise them — always confirm on the airline's own baggage page (linked below) before you travel.

The safe-everywhere size

If you fly a mix of carriers and want one bag that works on all of them, target the strictest common denominator: roughly 55 x 35 x 20 cm (about 21.5 x 13.5 x 8 in) and under 7 kg. A bag that clears that clears almost everything. Our lightweight carry-on roundup is built around exactly this constraint, and the how to pack a carry-on guide gets a week of clothes into it.

Questions

Frequently asked

What carry-on size works for all airlines?
Roughly 55 x 35 x 20 cm (about 21.5 x 13.5 x 8 in) and under 7 kg clears almost every carrier, including strict international and budget airlines. Target that if you fly a mix of airlines.
Do US airlines weigh carry-on bags?
Generally no — American, Delta, United, Alaska, JetBlue and Southwest do not enforce a carry-on weight limit, though you must lift the bag into the bin yourself. Frontier and most international carriers do weigh it.
Which airlines allow a bigger carry-on?
Southwest and Frontier publish a larger 24 x 16 x 10 in carry-on limit than the 22 x 14 x 9 in standard used by most US carriers. Do not assume the larger size on other airlines.
What is the carry-on weight limit for international flights?
It varies: many international carriers allow 7 kg (Emirates, Qantas), some 8 kg (Lufthansa) up to 10 kg (Ryanair with priority) or more. Always check your specific airline — the limit includes the bag itself.

Keep reading

Related

Receipts

Sources

We do not run a testing lab, and we do not pretend to. Specifications come from the manufacturer's own listing or manual, and size and weight limits from the airline's official baggage-policy page. Where we could not verify something, we say so on the page rather than quietly leaving it out. Read our full method.