{"id":246018,"date":"2026-06-12T18:00:57","date_gmt":"2026-06-12T18:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/12\/airline-carry-on-bag-size-policies-what-you-need-to-know-the-points-guy\/"},"modified":"2026-06-12T18:00:57","modified_gmt":"2026-06-12T18:00:57","slug":"airline-carry-on-bag-size-policies-what-you-need-to-know-the-points-guy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/12\/airline-carry-on-bag-size-policies-what-you-need-to-know-the-points-guy\/","title":{"rendered":"Airline carry-on bag size policies : What you need to know – The Points Guy"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The packing process can be one of the most stressful parts of flying, especially if you’re trying to cram everything into a carry-on to avoid checking a bag<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

Regardless of whether you are flying with a U.S. or international carrier, the number and size of bags you can bring on board depend on the specific airline’s policy<\/a><\/span>. We’ve outlined many of those policies in this guide, including size requirements and weight restrictions.<\/p>\n

Read on for all you need to know about traveling with carry-on bags.<\/p>\n

What size is carry-on luggage?<\/h2>\n
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Carry-on luggage compartment. SUSAN SHELDON\/EYEEM\/GETTY IMAGES<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As you’ve likely observed, most domestic airlines allow passengers one personal item that fits underneath the seat in front of them and one larger carry-on bag suitable for the overhead bin. Note that some basic economy fares only allow one personal item.<\/p>\n

Some airlines specify size requirements for both items, while others only restrict the overhead baggage. Just remember that a carrier’s policy for the larger carry-on accounts for the size of the entire bag, including handles and wheels.<\/p>\n

Generally, items like coats, books, umbrellas, food purchased at the airport, duty-free items, diaper bags, infant car seats and strollers do not count toward your carry-on or personal item allowance.<\/p>\n

The standard size limit across most domestic airlines for your larger carry-on is around 22 by 14 by 9 inches (length by width by height), so that’s a good rule of thumb to keep in mind.<\/p>\n

Below is a breakdown of the carry-on policies for U.S. airlines.<\/p>\n

Southwest Airlines<\/h3>\n

Carry-on items stored overhead must be no larger than 24 by 16 by 10 inches. Your personal item \u2014 such as a briefcase, laptop computer case, backpack, pillow, blanket or camera \u2014 must fit under the seat in front of you. Neck pillows do not count toward the carry-on limit.<\/p>\n

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Southwest carry-on policy<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Delta Air Lines<\/h3>\n

The combined length, width and height of carry-on baggage should be less than 45 inches. Individual items must be less than 22 by 14 by 9 inches. Personal items must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.<\/p>\n

Delta carry-on policy<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

American Airlines<\/h3>\n

Overhead items for American Airlines passengers should measure no more than 22 by 14 by 9 inches, while personal items can measure 18 by 14 by 8 inches.<\/p>\n

American carry-on policy<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

United Airlines<\/h3>\n

Larger carry-on items cannot exceed 22 by 14 by 9 inches; under-seat personal items on United must measure no more than 17 by 10 by 9 inches.<\/p>\n

United carry-on policy<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

JetBlue<\/h3>\n

Like most other domestic carriers on this list, JetBlue requires overhead items to be no larger than 22 by 14 by 9 inches. Personal items must measure less than 17 by 13 by 8 inches.<\/p>\n

JetBlue carry-on policy<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Alaska Airlines<\/h3>\n

Alaska Airlines requires overhead items to be no more than 22 by 14 by 9 inches. Personal items must fit underneath the seat in front of you.<\/p>\n

Alaska Airlines carry-on policy<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Hawaiian Airlines<\/h3>\n

Carry-on items aboard Hawaiian Airlines flights cannot exceed 22 by 14 by 9 inches. Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you.<\/p>\n

Hawaiian Airlines carry-on policy<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Carry-on sizes for international carriers<\/h3>\n

Carry-on size limits for international carriers are more varied than for domestic airlines.<\/p>\n

Below are the carry-on policies for economy passengers on major international carriers.<\/p>\n

Read more: Airline baggage fees: How much it costs to check a bag on major US airlines<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Can I bring a carry-on and a personal item?<\/h2>\n
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SERHII IVASHCHUK\/GETTY IMAGES<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As mentioned, all airlines differentiate between smaller personal items and larger carry-on items. If your carry-on bag fits under the seat in front of you, it’s considered a personal item; this includes small backpacks, purses, briefcases and laptop bags.<\/p>\n

Larger bags, including suitcases that fit in the overhead compartment, are labeled as larger carry-on items.<\/p>\n

Southwest once stood out among carriers for allowing passengers two free checked bags, a carry-on and a personal item, regardless of fare type. However, in 2025, the carrier decided to end this allowance and start charging for checked baggage<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

Most domestic airlines allow passengers to carry one carry-on bag and one personal item free of charge, depending on their fare type.<\/p>\n

Related: How to tell if your backpack counts as a personal or carry-on item<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The cheapest fare type on United (basic economy) restricts flyers to one personal item that can fit under the seat in front of them. Similarly, if you book with an ultra-low-cost airline like Frontier Airlines<\/a><\/span> or Breeze Airways<\/a><\/span>, the basic fare only includes a personal item.<\/p>\n

Among many international carriers, your fare type also determines whether you are eligible to bring one or two carry-on items, so be sure to check baggage allotments when booking.<\/p>\n

Carry-on luggage weight limits<\/h2>\n

Though airlines care about size, most domestic airlines do not have weight restrictions for carry-on bags. Some enforce weight limits for specific routes, though. For example, Delta restricts passengers flying to and from Beijing and Shanghai to a 22-pound carry-on, and it restricts bags to and from Singapore to 15 pounds.<\/p>\n

Low-cost airlines Frontier and Sun Country both have 35-pound limits. Hawaiian Airlines limits carry-on bags to 25 pounds.<\/p>\n

Outside of these, you won’t find a blanket weight policy for carry-on bags for domestic carriers.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, most international carriers specify weight requirements for carry-on bags that vary by fare type. For economy fares, carry-on weight limits vary among major carriers, including:<\/p>\n