Ah, air travel.
I’m not quite old enough to have experienced the golden age of air travel (you mean to tell me you received a full hot meal with real silverware instead of just a bag of pretzels and a nasty glare?), but I have witnessed firsthand the sharp shift in luggage restrictions over the past decade.
With budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier spearheading the à la carte baggage model, even legacy carriers now charge for checked baggage. Since travelers are seeking every opportunity to save a little money, more people are flying with carry-on luggage instead—and causing quite a headache.
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To make sure your bags are ready for your next flight, today I thought I’d create a handy cheat sheet with the carry-on and personal item luggage restrictions for all major U.S. carriers. I know all too well how frustrating it can be to root around on airline websites to find out if your luggage makes the cut, so I’ve done all the digging for you (and let’s face it, I’ve selfishly done this for me too – because I often find myself flying on random airlines!).
A big, bold disclaimer before we begin: Because luggage allowances vary wildly by airline, fare class, elite status, credit card issuers, and the direction of the day’s winds, this guide is not intended to serve as a guide to baggage quantity limits, just baggage size restrictions. Essentially, while a carry-on bag size may be listed here, the carrier may charge you to bring it on board.
Wheels up:
U.S. AIRLINES ONBOARD LUGGAGE SIZE GUIDE
My goal with this list is to make sure you’re confident that your bag will fit in the airline’s sizer before you leave for the airport, so grab that measuring tape (don’t have a carry-on or personal item? Scroll on down for some ready-to-fly recommendations).
A quick refresher (or introduction, for first-time fliers!):
A personal item is a small bag intended to be placed under the seat in front of you, typically a tote, purse, briefcase, or small backpack. If you’re flying with a both a purse/belt bag and a personal item, you’ll need to consolidate the two.
A carry-on bag is intended to be stored in the overhead bin, and is typically a small rolling suitcase or larger backpack. This is not the same thing as a checked bag, which is usually dropped at the check-in counter and retrieved from the carousel once you land.
As you’re checking to make sure your bags are compliant, make sure you include the wheels and handles in your measurements. Most U.S. airlines don’t have a carry-on weight restriction, although a few do, as you’ll see below. In any case, you should always make sure you or someone in your party can safely hoist it into the overhead bin to keep the boarding process moving smoothly.
Here is a breakdown of carry-on and personal item size restrictions by airline for all major U.S. carriers:
Alaska Airlines
Like most airlines, Alaska Airlines allows passengers to bring one personal item and one carry-on—but unlike most, they don’t specify how big your personal item can be (so I hope you’re a good guesser?):
- Personal Item Restrictions: None specified (but must fit under the seat in front of you)
- Carry-On Maximum Dimensions: 22” x 14” x 9”
→Note: Some of the older Horizon Air planes may have small overhead bins which will require you to gate-check your carry-on
Allegiant Air
As a budget airline, you should expect to pay for baggage beyond the free personal item on Allegiant Air:
- Personal Item Restrictions: 8″ x 14″ x 18″
- Carry-On Maximum Dimensions: 10″ x 16″ x 22″
American Airlines
As the largest airline in the country, you’re likely to hold an American Airlines ticket at some point. Here are the mainline carrier’s carry-on and personal item restrictions:
- Personal Item Restrictions: 18″ x 14″ x 8″
- Carry-On Maximum Dimensions: 22″ x 14″ x 9″
→Note: American Airlines has many regional partners (Air Wisconsin, Envoy Air, Piedmont Airlines, PSA Airlines, Republic Airways, and SkyWest Airlines), and you may be required to gate-check your bag on a smaller plane (don’t worry, you’ll get it back when you land!)
Avelo Airlines
This Ultra-Low-Cost Carrier has taken the coasts by storm, but flying Avelo Airlines comes with some interesting policies (and bags are just the beginning):
- Personal Item Restrictions: 17″ x 13″ x 9″
- Carry-On Maximum Dimensions: 22″ x 14″ x 9″
→Be sure to check out my Avelo Airlines Guide before your flight for even more helpful tips
Breeze Airways
I usually recommend trying to squeeze everything into a personal item when flying budget carriers like Breeze Airways, but if you need more space, just make sure you fit the restrictions below:
- Personal Item Restrictions: 17″ x 13″ x 8″
- Carry-On Maximum Dimensions: 22″ x 14″ x 9″
Cape Air
As a public air charter, the small planes of Cape Air mean you may face adjusted baggage policies:
- Personal Item Restrictions: 36 linear inches (length + width + height = 36”)
- Carry-On Maximum Dimensions: 45 linear inches (length + width + height = 45”)
→Note: Not all Cape Air planes have under seat or overhead luggage storage; head here to learn more and determine if your plane will have space for your bags
Contour Airlines
Contour Airlines, based in Tennessee, operates a fleet of regional jets with limited overhead space, so you may need to gate-check your carry-on bag.:
- Personal Item Restrictions: 9″ x 10″ x 17″
- Carry-On Maximum Dimensions: 22″ x 14″ x 9″
→Be sure to check out my Contour Airlines Guide before your trip so you’re ready to fly on these petite planes
Delta Airlines
As a mainline carrier, you’d think everything would be clearly spelled out on the Delta website, but they are another airline that doesn’t specify personal item dimensions:
- Personal Item Restrictions: No dimensions given, just “such as a purse, laptop bag or item of similar size that will fit underneath the seat in front of you”
- Carry-On Maximum Dimensions: 22″ x 14″ x 9″
→Note: Partners like Endeavor Air, Republic Airways, and SkyWest Airlines fly under the Delta umbrella; while Delta’s baggage rules will apply, you may need to gate-check your bag on smaller aircraft
Frontier Airlines
Apparently, Frontier Airlines incentivizes its gate agents to charge for bags that don’t fit in the sizer at the gates (you’ve been warned!):
- Personal Item Restrictions: 14″ x 18″ x 8″
- Carry-On Maximum Dimensions: 24″ x 10″ x 16″
- Carry-On Maximum Weight: 35 pounds
→Psst… You’ll want to check out my Frontier Airlines Guide for my top savings tips
Hawaiian Airlines
Flying Hawaiian Airlines? (Can I come too?) You’ll want to heed the weight restrictions—thankfully swimwear is usually light!:
- Personal Item Restrictions: “Must fit under the seat in front of you”
- Carry-On Maximum Dimensions: 9″ x 14″ x 22″
- Carry-On Maximum Weight: 25 pounds
JetBlue
Is it just me, or did JetBlue once feel like a mainline carrier? Today the airline embraces its budget carrier status, but thankfully not in its baggage rules:
- Personal Item Restrictions: 17″ x 13″ x 8″
- Carry-On Maximum Dimensions: 22″ x 14″ x 9″
Ravn Alaska
I admit I hadn’t heard of Ravn Alaska until assembling this guide, but I guess that’s because they only serve Alaska, a state I haven’t visited yet. If you’re traveling within The Last Frontier, you’ll want to be mindful of Ravn’s baggage restrictions:
- Personal Item Restrictions: Only one bag is permitted
- Carry-On Maximum Dimensions: 16″ x 9″ x 14″
- Carry-On Maximum Weight: 20 pounds
Silver Airways
It’s always so fun to spot the bright pink Silver Airways planes on the tarmac; if you’re flying the airline, here’s what you need to know about bags:
- Personal Item Restrictions: 8″ x 10″ x 17″
- Carry-On Maximum Dimensions: 9″ x 14″ x 22″
Southwest Airlines
The Dallas-based airline is known for its laidback policies, which are echoed in its baggage limits; still, Southwest does eventually define its carry-on bag size:
- Personal Item Restrictions: “Goes under your seat”
- Carry-On Maximum Dimensions: 24″ x 16″ x 10″
Spirit Airlines
Oh, the airline travelers love to hate. Hey, at least Spirit Airlines is upfront about their luggage restrictions:
- Personal Item Restrictions: 18″ x 14″ x 8″
- Carry-On Maximum Dimensions: 22″ x 18″ x 10″
→Flying Spirit for the first time? You’ll want to read my Spirit Airlines Guide before your first trip
Sun Country Airlines
I would have never guessed that an airline called Sun Country Airlines was based out of Minneapolis-Saint Paul until I visited. If you get the chance to visit, here’s what you’ll need to know:
- Personal Item Restrictions: 17″ x 13″ x 9″
- Carry-On Maximum Dimensions: 24″ x 16″ x 11″
- Carry-On Maximum Weight: 35 pounds
United Airlines
Flying United Airlines or one of their subsidiaries? Keep these baggage limits in mind as you’re packing:
- Personal Item Restrictions: 9″ x 10″ x 17″
- Carry-On Maximum Dimensions: 9″ x 14″ x 22″
→United has a number of smaller regional partners in its network like CommuteAir, GoJet Airlines, Mesa Airlines, Republic Airways, and SkyWest Airlines (note: only one personal item is permitted on CommuteAir flights)
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But what about…
My tuba?
My wedding dress?
My golf clubs?
Because your special items are, well, special, you’ll need to take measurements and consult with your airline before flying with things like sporting equipment or musical instruments. In some cases, they may be fine to fly as your carry-on in the overhead bin, but in other instances, you may be required to pay additional baggage fees or even purchase a separate seat for your equipment.
While we’re here: assistive devices such as crutches, wheelchairs, CPAP machines, and other equipment intended to help passengers cope with the effects of a disability do not count toward the airline’s baggage limit. However, if you pack an assistive device in the same bag as your clothing or other personal effects, then it does count toward your baggage allotment (moral of the story: pack your medical equipment in a separate bag).
Because knowledge is power and you may need to advocate for yourself, I recommend keeping information like this pamphlet from the DOT handy, just in case your gate agent is unaware of the regulations.
THE BEST CARRY-ON LUGGAGE FOR TRAVELERS
The vast majority of U.S. carriers state their carry-on luggage maximum dimensions are 22″ x 14″ x 9″. Sure, a few airlines like Sun Country, Southwest, and Frontier allow passengers to bring a slightly larger carry-on on board, but why waste precious closet space on a bag that doesn’t fly on every airline? (As for the one airline with smaller dimensions, Ravn, I recommend popping on down to the next section to find a bag that meets its tiny requirements).
While there are things we can all agree that “good” luggage should have, like smooth-rolling wheels (if applicable), sturdy handles, and a secure fastening, personal preference is at play here. Below I’ve rounded up a few highly-rated options (some I personally use and recommend, and for the sake of transparency, others I haven’t tried yet but wouldn’t hesitate to add to cart) that meet the 22″ x 14″ x 9″ limits of nearly all major carriers:
Hard Side Carry-On Luggage
Hard side (or hard shell, whatever you prefer to call it) luggage has been trending in the luggage world for the past decade, and I’ve traveled pretty extensively with three out of the four options here. The Away Carry-On has been my go-to for the longest time (find my review here), and though it shows some surface scratches, it has held up quite well over the years.
The Quince Carry-On is almost a carbon copy of the Away suitcase, but at a gentler price (I wrote an entire blog post comparing the two if you’re interested). And the Solgaard shown here has an ingenious closet system, making unpacking and repacking a breeze for travelers on the go (full review here).
The only suitcase here I haven’t experienced yet is this ultra-light Expandable Carry-On from July. At 4.9 pounds, it’s one of the lightest on the market, making it a great option for travelers who can’t hoist a heavy bag into the bin or who are flying those pesky airlines with carry-on weight limits. Plus, it expands to accommodate just a bit more for road- or train-trips.
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Soft Side Carry-On Luggage
I’m only now beginning to dip my toes back in the soft luggage water again, so I can only offer a firsthand recommendation for one of these suitcases shown here, the Softside Carry-On from Away. With sneaky hidden pockets and a roomy one-compartment interior, it’s a refreshing change from clamshell luggage.
CALPAK has been in the luggage game basically forever, so this plush Luka Carry-On is sure to be a stylish and durable bet (plus I love that the zipper ends lock right into the side!). Over at Antler, they’ve managed to make a sub-five pound ultra-light carry-on, which is especially handy if you plan on traveling abroad on an international airline anytime soon.
The backpacker who is begrudgingly taking a city break will appreciate the familiarity of the Global Bag Roller from Topo Designs. Carry it like a backpack or wheel it along – your choice.
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Carry-On Duffels and Backpacks
A bad back means I rely solely on a rolling suitcase for lengthy journeys, but if you’re flying to a more rugged destination (or one with intense cobblestone streets), a backpack or duffel bag is a practical choice.
These are a few highly-rated, durable bags at all price points. From a budget option at Target that packs like a suitcase to an expandable bag from Bagsmart that has the bonus of flying as a personal item on many airlines when not expanded, this is a category of carry-on that doesn’t have to break the bank.
Of course, at the other end of the spectrum, you get a few more bells and whistles. This Pakt backpack is loaded with features like a water bottle holder, an expandable compartment, and an easy-access pocket for your ID or passport. And the Black Hole bags from backpacker favorite Patagonia are beloved for their functionality and their lifetime warranty. This one can even be carried duffel style, if you prefer.
THE BEST PERSONAL ITEMS FOR TRAVELERS
Looking at the list above, the common denominator (there’s a math term I never thought I’d use again!) is 17″ x 10″ x 8″. But because you may not fly the airline with the smallest dimensions, I’ve included a couple of slightly larger bags that will fly on most of the airlines above (just so you can eke out a little more space). These are denoted with an asterisk (*).
While there are rolling bags that fit the personal item dimensions like this one, I’ve heard reports from travelers that gate agents are forcing them to pay for a carry-on or checked bag if it has wheels, even if it fits the dimensions. Personally, I’m not up for a fight while I’m traveling, so I recommend bringing personal items without wheels just to be safe. Here are some highly rated (and personal favorite) backpacks and totes:
Personal Item Backpacks
Style-wise, I prefer the look of a travel tote, but my back says otherwise. Luckily, I found a great travel partner in this budget-friendly option from Amazon. It’s comfortable, durable, and comes in several sizes, so you can choose the one that maximizes your packing space based on the airlines you typically fly.
Other personal item backpacks that caught my eye and come highly recommended are this one from Solgaard, which comes with the brand’s unique built-in closet system, and this one from Nordace, with a sleek front view. If you prefer a top-load bag, this Target* option may be for you—the interior looks so roomy, perfect for stuffing with souvenirs.
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Personal Item Totes and Duffels
Prefer the look of a shoulder bag instead of a backpack? Here are four highly-rated options from sporty to sleek. The BÉIS* duffel has that classic gym bag styling but includes a trolley pass-through for easy stacking on top of your carry-on. The Away bag (reviewed here) has proven to be a workhorse in my travel wardrobe and comes loaded with organization features.
I also wanted to highlight two leather styles, because it’s a plus for business travel, when you may need to hop off the plane and head straight for the office. Although this Quince bag lacks a luggage pass-through strap, it oozes style. And this option from Lo & Sons has plenty of compartments so you can separate work from play. Okay, and it’s just pretty.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON U.S. AIRLINE’S LUGGAGE SIZE RESTRICTIONS
Umm…Alyssa? You didn’t talk about checked baggage at all.
I know. There’s a reason for that, or actually, there are three reasons for that:
- The more you pack, the more complicated it is to navigate city streets and get ready for your day in tiny hotel rooms
- Checking a bag soaks up precious travel time, as you usually have to arrive at the airport early to drop it off and hang around late to wait for it at the carousel
- Your luggage is more likely to get lost, which can be a frustrating and costly experience (and again, it can take up way too much of your travel time)
Because I value your hard-earned vacation time, I highly encourage you to give a carry-on trip a try, even if you’re used to checking a bag. I know it’s not feasible for everyone (and there’s no shame if it really just isn’t for you), but I think you should try it at least once. You may just find how rewarding it is to travel confidently on your next flight, without the burden of excess luggage and the stress of trying to make it all fit in the sizer.
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Questions for you
Have you ever had an issue boarding a flight with your luggage?
Do you have a favorite airline?
Where to next? You may also enjoy these related posts:
- My Travel Essentials
- A Review of the Away Carry-On
- Comparing the Quince and Away Carry-On Suitcases
- A Review of the Solgaard Carry-On Closet
- Away Everywhere Bag Review + Packing Tips
- How to Pack the Away Carry-On
- How to Pack Faster
- 20 Questions You Should Ask a Potential Travel Partner Before You Leave Home
- 5 Easy Ways to Save Money This Week (for your next trip!)
- What Happens When You Cancel a Non-refundable Trip?
- Dinner Party Survival Kit: 20 Travel-Themed Conversation Starters
- How to Split Travel Costs When One Person Earns More
- Why You Should Always Pack a Bandana When You Travel
- My Flight Got Canceled and All I Had to Wear Was This Dress
- How to Find Cheap Flights
- Style Reviews Index: Every Review, Sorted by Brand
- All of My Packing Lists
- All Travel Guides by Destination
- Avelo Airlines Review
- Contour Airlines Review
- Frontier Airlines Review
- Spirit Airlines Review
- Checking In: Hotel Reviews
- Shop My Closet
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