Airline policies about carry-on bags and personal items seem to change as often as my tracking hound changes course on the trail. So, if you’ve confirmed your ticket includes a carry-on (or you’re okay with paying the fee), make sure you know what size bag you can bring. Pro tip: Check if your “one allowable personal item” will fit under the seat.
What Size Bag Can You Carry On a Plane?
Carry-on size and weight rules vary slightly by airline, but here’s the lowdown as of now:
- Allegiant, American, Delta, JetBlue, and United allow carry-ons up to 22” x 14” x 9” (55 x 35 x 22 cm) and 22 lbs.
- Frontier and Southwest are more generous, with limits of 24” x 16” x 10” (60 x 40 x 25 cm) and 35 lbs max.
For international travel, it’s safest to go with a carry-on 21” or less to fit all carriers' limits.
Remember, all size limits include wheels and handles. To maximize your carry-on space, consider a wheels-free duffle bag. But if you want a roller bag, go for it. Traditional duffle bags can be a great hands-free travel option too.
Most importantly, always check your airline’s specific carry-on rules before you travel.
What Size Personal Item Can You Carry On a Plane?
Personal items can be a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, camera bag, or diaper bag. Most airlines just need it to fit under the seat in front of you. Here are some specific measurements:
- ALLEGIANT: 16” x 15” x 7”
- AMERICAN, FRONTIER, SPIRIT: 18” x 14” x 8”
- SOUTHWEST: 18.5” x 13.5” x 8.5”
- DELTA: Dimensions not specified
- JETBLUE: 17” x 13” x 8”
- UNITED: 17” x 10” x 9”
Always check for the latest TSA regulations and airline-specific carry-on policies before you travel. Hopefully, this helps you find the best carry-on bag for your trips.
