TL;DR:
As of October 2026, a 22 × 14 × 9 in. carry-on fits most major U.S. airlines, but many basic fares include only an under-seat bag, and checking a bag costs $45 on most major U.S. airlines.
- Carry-on size: A 22 × 14 × 9 in. bag (wheels and handles included) fits American, Delta, United, JetBlue, and Alaska. Southwest and Frontier allow 24 × 16 × 10 in. Many international airlines allow smaller bags.
- Basic fares: United Basic Economy, Air Canada Basic (within North America), and the cheapest fares on Frontier, Ryanair, easyJet, Norwegian, and Lufthansa (within Europe) include only an under-seat bag. American, Delta, and JetBlue basic fares still include a carry-on.
- Checked bags: Most major U.S. airlines charge $45 for the first bag and $55 for the second. That includes Southwest, which started charging in May 2025. The standard limit is 62 linear inches and 50 lbs. (40 lbs. on Frontier).
- Personal items: Size limits vary by airline. Most European airlines adhere to a 15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inch (40 x 30 x 15 cm) size, which makes a bag that size the closest thing to universal there.
- Eagle Creek picks: The Tarmac 22"/36L for domestic carry-on, the Expanse 2-Wheel 21.5"/35L for international carry-on, and the Tour Lite Travel Pack 28L as an under-seat bag.
In This Article:
Major Airlines Baggage Policies
Most experienced travelers have learned to pack carry-on only. The harder part is knowing whether your bag will make it onto an airline you haven't flown, or onto the bargain fare you just booked.
The short version: U.S. size limits haven't moved much. What's changed is what each fare includes.
Below are the current rules, as of October 2026, for major U.S. airlines and several international ones, taken from their published policies. Check the basic-fare column before you book. That's where the surprises tend to be.
Flying internationally? Measure twice. Many international airlines allow smaller cabin bags than U.S. carriers do, which is why our international carry-ons run a little smaller. Or skip the question and travel with just a personal item.
Carry-On Luggage Sizes & Restrictions by Airline
In the U.S., a 22 x 14 x 9 inch bag (wheels and handles included) meets the carry-on limit at American, Delta, United, JetBlue, and Alaska. Southwest and Frontier allow up to 24 x 16 x 10. Size is the easy part. The fare is the catch: United Basic Economy, Air Canada's Basic fare in North America, and the cheapest fares on Frontier, Ryanair, easyJet, Norwegian, and Lufthansa (within Europe) include only an under-seat bag.
| Airline | Max Carry-On Dimensions (L × W × H) | Weight limit | Included on the cheapest fare? |
|---|---|---|---|
| United | 22 × 14 × 9 in. | Not specified | No on Basic Economy for most domestic and short-haul routes |
| Southwest | 24 × 16 × 10 in. | Not specified | Yes |
| American Airlines | 22 × 14 × 9 in. | Not specified | Yes, including Basic Economy |
| Delta | 22 × 14 × 9 in. | Not specified | Yes, including Basic Economy |
| JetBlue | 22 × 14 × 9 in. | Not specified | Yes, including Blue Basic (since Sept 2024) |
| Air Canada | 21.5 × 15.5 × 9 in. | Not specified | No on Basic fares to Canada, the U.S., Mexico, Central America & the Caribbean |
| Alaska Airlines | 22 × 14 × 9 in. | Not specified | Yes |
| British Airways | 22 × 17.7 × 9.8 in. | 51 lbs. | Yes, plus a personal item, on every fare |
| easyJet | 22 × 17.7 × 9.8 in. | 33 lbs. | No; the free bag is under-seat only |
| Emirates | 21.7 × 15 × 7.9 in. | 15 lbs. in Economy | Yes (one piece in Economy) |
| Frontier | 24 × 16 × 10 in. | 35 lbs. | No; paid add-on or bundle |
| Lufthansa | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9 in. | 17.6 lbs. | No on Economy Basic in Europe (since May 2026); yes on other fares |
| Norwegian | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9 in. | 22 lbs. combined with personal item | No; LowFare is under-seat only |
| Ryanair | 21.6 × 15.7 × 7.8 in. | 22 lbs. | No; requires Priority or a higher fare |
Pro tip: Carry-on only means everything you pack goes through security. Here's what TSA allows.
Checked Luggage Size Restrictions & Fees
Checking a bag now costs $45 on most major U.S. airlines, and $55 for a second, after a round of increases in spring 2026. Southwest, which let bags fly free for more than 50 years, started charging in May 2025.
The standard size limit on major airlines is 62 linear inches (length + width + height) and 50 pounds. Frontier caps weight at 40 pounds. Go over either and expect a separate oversized fee on top of the regular bag fee.
| Airline | 1st Bag | 2nd Bag | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United | $45 prepaid / $50 airport | $55 prepaid / $60 airport | - |
| Southwest | $45 | $55 | - |
| American Airlines | $45 online / $50 airport | $55 online / $60 airport | Basic Economy pays $5 more per bag |
| Delta | $45 | $55 | - |
| JetBlue | From $39 | Varies | Price depends on when you add it and peak travel dates |
| Alaska Airlines | $45 | $55 | - |
| Frontier | Varies by route & date | Varies | 40 lb. weight limit |
Fees are for domestic flights, one way.
Need a bigger bag? British Airways accepts checked bags up to 35.5 × 29.5 × 16.9 inches (90 × 75 × 43 cm), well past the usual 62-inch limit. The weight cap doesn't grow with it: Economy bags are still limited to 23 kilograms (about 50 pounds).
Airline status and airline credit cards can take these fees off the table. If you check bags more than a few times a year, it's worth doing the math.
Under-the-Seat Luggage Sizes
On basic fares and budget airlines, the under-the-seat bag is often the only free one, so its limits matter more than they used to. Most European airlines adhere to a 15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inch (40 x 30 x 15 cm) size, which makes a bag that size the closest thing to universal there.
| Airline | Personal Item Size (L × W × H) |
|---|---|
| United | 17 × 10 × 9 in. |
| Southwest | No published size; must fit under the seat |
| American Airlines | 18 × 14 × 8 in. |
| Delta | No published size; must fit under the seat |
| JetBlue | 17 × 13 × 8 in. |
| British Airways | 15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in. |
| easyJet | 17.7 × 14.2 × 7.8 in. (up to 33 lbs.) |
| Frontier | 18 × 14 × 8 in. |
| Lufthansa | 15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in. |
| Norwegian | 15 × 11.8 × 7.9 in. |
| Ryanair | 15.7 × 11.8 × 7.9 in. |
| Vueling | 15.7 × 11.8 × 7.9 in. |
These change often, so always check before you fly. Not seeing your airline? Skyscanner keeps a longer list.
The Best Luggage for Your Next Trip
Shopping for something that fits the rules above? Our luggage buying guide goes deeper. Or start here.
| Looking for a... | Go with the... |
|---|---|
| Domestic wheeled carry-on | Tarmac 22"/36L Carry-On Luggage |
| International wheeled carry-on | Expanse 2-Wheel 21.5"/35L International Carry-On Luggage |
| Lightweight carry-on duffel | No Matter What 40L Duffel Bag |
| Large-capacity checked duffel | Cargo Hauler XT 29"/90L Wheeled Duffel |
| Versatile under-the-seat bag | Tour Lite Travel Pack 28L |
| Convenient personal item | Explore Tote Bag |
Pro tip: Pack-It® packing cubes keep whatever bag you choose organized, which makes the space easier to use.
The information in this article was accurate as of October 7, 2026. Airlines change their rules often (several changed fees twice this year), so check with yours before you fly. Then run through our packing checklist and go.
While Eagle Creek is here to provide tips and insights on travel, we cannot accept any responsibility for any potential consequences arising from the use of this information. Always conduct your own research and use your best judgment.
