Airports And Carry-On Weighing: A Traveler's Concern

While carry-on luggage size restrictions are fairly consistent across airlines, weight restrictions are less clear-cut. Most major domestic airlines, such as Delta, Southwest, and JetBlue, don't impose weight restrictions on carry-on bags. However, several international airlines do have weight restrictions for carry-on luggage, and some low-cost carriers are known to be strict about enforcing size and weight limits.

Carry-on luggage size limits are typically around 22 x 14 x 9, including the handle and wheels, though some airlines differ. It's worth noting that while carry-on weight restrictions are often not enforced, weight is an important factor in flight safety, and it's the traveller's responsibility to ensure they can lift their bag into the overhead bin.

Some airlines weigh carry-on luggage at the gate

Most major domestic airlines do not impose a weight limit on carry-on bags; however, several international airlines have weight restrictions for carry-on luggage and, in some cases, personal items. For example, Air France has a 26.4-pound weight limit for carry-on luggage and personal items combined when travelling in economy. Meanwhile, Air Canada has no weight limit, but states that carry-on luggage should be light enough to be lifted into the overhead bin.

It is important to note that any handles and wheels on carry-on luggage count towards the size limits set by airlines. These limits usually range from 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches to 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

Carry-on luggage weight restrictions vary by airline

Airlines with carry-on luggage weight restrictions

• Aer Lingus: 15 pounds
• Aeroméxico: 22 pounds for international flights or basic fare flights within Mexico
• Air Canada: no weight limit, but the bag should be light enough to be lifted into the overhead bin
• Air France: 26.4 pounds for economy, 40 pounds for premium economy and other higher-class cabins
• All Nippon Airways: 22 pounds
• American Airlines: 22 pounds for Beijing and Shanghai, 15 pounds for Singapore
• British Airways: no specific weight limit, but luggage should be light enough to be lifted into the overhead bin
• Cathay Pacific: no weight limit, but passengers are asked to check in any baggage that is too heavy to lift into the overhead compartment
• Delta Airlines: 22 pounds for Beijing and Shanghai, 15 pounds for Singapore
• Emirates: 22 pounds
• Frontier Airlines: no weight limit
• Iberia: 22 pounds
• JetBlue: no weight limit
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: 26 pounds
• Lufthansa: 22 pounds
• Norwegian: 22 pounds
• Qantas: no weight limit, but the bag should be light enough to be lifted into the overhead bin
• Qatar Airways: 22 pounds for tickets issued in Brazil
• Scandinavian Airlines: no weight limit
• Singapore Airlines: 15 pounds
• Southwest Airlines: no weight limit
• Turkish Airlines: 22 pounds
• Virgin Atlantic: 22 pounds

Airlines with no mention of carry-on luggage weight restrictions

The following airlines do not mention any weight restrictions for carry-on luggage on their websites:

• Allegiant Air
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Sun Country Airlines
• United Airlines

Airlines that weigh carry-on luggage at the gate

Some airlines have been known to weigh carry-on luggage at the gate or before security, including:

• Aer Lingus
• Air France
• Air New Zealand
• Austrian Airlines
• EasyJet
• Emirates
• Etihad
• Lufthansa
• Norwegian
• Qantas
• Qatar Airways
• Ryanair
• TAP Portugal
• Turkish Airlines
• WestJet

Tips for avoiding overweight carry-on luggage

To avoid any issues with overweight carry-on luggage, it is recommended to:

• Choose a soft bag that can be compressed or a rigid case that fits within the size restrictions.
• Pack light and only bring essential items.
• Use vacuum-sealed storage bags to save space.
• Distribute weight between carry-on luggage and personal items.

Carry-on luggage size restrictions vary by airline

Each airline has its own restrictions for how large your carry-on luggage can be. When purchasing your flight, you’ll be able to see your carry-on and personal item limits.

A personal item is typically a small backpack, purse, briefcase, diaper bag, camera bag or any item of a similar size that can fit underneath the seat in front of you. A carry-on bag could be anything from a large backpack to a small rolling suitcase. But it’s less shape than size that matters, so here are some examples of carry-on luggage size restrictions for each of the major domestic airlines:

Alaska Airlines

Passengers can bring a carry-on and a personal item for free. Carry-on bags are limited to 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including wheels and handles, and all three measurements shouldn’t add up to more than 45 inches. There are no weight limits, but passengers should be able to lift items that go in an overhead bin.

American Airlines

Passengers get one personal item and one carry-on, no matter what type of fare is bought (elite members included). Carry-on bags shouldn’t be larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including handles and wheels. Dimensions of personal items should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches. There are no weight restrictions for carry-on luggage.

Delta

Flyers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item. Including wheels and handles, measurements may not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches. The total length, width and height of baggage must not exceed 45 inches. There are weight limits in certain locations: Singapore (7 kg), Beijing (10 kg) and Shanghai (10 kg).

JetBlue

Not all JetBlue passengers are allowed the same carry-on items. Passengers who bought Basic Blue fares get one personal item (except Mosaic customers who always get a carry-on). Blue, Extra Blue, Blue Plus and Mint fares allow one carry-on and one personal item. Carry-on and personal item size restrictions are as follows: including wheels and handles, length, width and height measurements may not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches. There are no weight limits for carry-on luggage on JetBlue.

Southwest

Southwest is known for having a generous free checked luggage allowance, but carry-on restrictions are similar to most other airlines — one personal item and one carry-on per traveler. Carry-on measurements should not exceed 24 x 16 x 10 inches. Personal items are limited to 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches. Southwest doesn't list weight limits for carry-on items.

United Airlines

Most travelers can bring one carry-on and one personal item, but if you’re traveling on a basic economy fare, you’re allowed one personal item only (unless you’re a MileagePlus Premier Member, are traveling internationally or have a MileagePlus credit card). Including handles and wheels, the maximum dimensions for a carry-on are 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Personal items are limited to 17 x 10 x 9 inches. United doesn't publish weight limits for carry-ons.

Allegiant Air

Passengers can bring one personal item (18 x 14 x 8 inches) free of charge, which must fit under the seat. A larger carry-on (22 x 16 x 10 inches) is permitted, but fees apply, starting at $28 when you book. The carry-on bag should not weigh more than 25 pounds.

Avelo

Avelo permits one complimentary personal item (17 x 13 x 9 inches) and one larger carry-on item (22 x 14 x 9 inches) for a fee. The personal item must fit under the seat, while the larger carry-on is stored in the overhead bin. Avelo doesn’t specify a weight limit for carry-on bags, but you need to be able to lift it unassisted into the overhead bin. Additional fees for the larger carry-on depend on the time you book the baggage. It may range from $40 to $65.

Breeze Airways

Passengers can bring one personal item (17 x 14 x 8 inches) for free but are charged for larger carry-ons (22 x 14 x 9 inches), unless they purchase one of its ticket bundles. If you don’t purchase a ticket bundle, the fee for a carry-on starts at $35. The personal item must fit under the seat, while the larger carry-on is stored in the overhead bin. Carry-on bags should not weigh more than 35 pounds.

Frontier Airlines

Passengers can bring one personal item (18 x 14 x 8 inches) free of charge, which must fit under the seat. A larger carry-on item (24 x 16 x 10 inches) is allowed, but fees apply, starting at $15 per bag at the time of booking and reaching up to $75 per bag the nearer you are to your travel date. Carry-on bags should not weigh more than 35 pounds.

Spirit Airlines

Passengers can bring one personal item (18 x 14 x 8 inches) for free but are charged for larger carry-ons (22 x 18 x 10 inches), with fees starting at $59. The personal item must fit under the seat, while the larger carry-on is stored in the overhead bin. Spirit’s fees increase as you get closer to the day of travel, topping out at $99 if you pay for your carry-on at the gate. Carry-on bags should not weigh more than 35 pounds.

Sun Country Airlines

Passengers can bring one personal item (17 x 13 x 9 inches) and one larger carry-on (24 x 16 x 11 inches). The personal item must fit under the seat, while the larger carry-on is stored in the overhead bin. Carry-on bags should not weigh more than 35 pounds. Additional fees for the larger carry

Carry-on luggage weight restrictions are more common on small planes and low-cost international carriers

While most major domestic airlines do not impose a weight limit on carry-on bags, several international airlines have weight restrictions for carry-on luggage. These restrictions are more common on small planes and low-cost international carriers. For example, Aer Lingus Regional, which operates smaller planes, enforces a carry-on weight limit of 15 pounds. Low-cost carriers such as Easyjet and Ryanair also have weight restrictions for carry-on luggage.

When it comes to carry-on luggage, the size limit is typically 22" x 14" x 9", including the handle and wheels. However, some domestic airlines like Frontier and Southwest allow 24-inch luggage as carry-on. On the other hand, international flights, especially those operated by smaller, regional airlines or budget carriers, may have tighter limits, such as 21" or even less. Therefore, when travelling on small planes or low-cost international carriers, it is advisable to opt for a smaller carry-on bag to ensure compliance with the weight and size restrictions.

In addition to carry-on luggage, many airlines permit passengers to bring a personal item on board. This can include items such as a laptop bag, purse, briefcase, or beach bag, as long as it is generally small. The definition of a personal item varies among airlines, but it is typically expected to fit under the seat in front of the passenger. It is important to note that some airlines do not include specific restrictions for personal items, leaving it to the passenger's discretion to ensure the item fits under the seat.

While weight restrictions for carry-on luggage are less common among major domestic airlines, it is always a good idea to check with the specific airline you are travelling with to ensure compliance with their policies. Additionally, some airports and planes may have their own unique carry-on restrictions. Being aware of these restrictions and planning accordingly can help ensure a smooth travel experience.

Carry-on luggage size restrictions are enforced using sizing cages

In addition to sizing cages, some airlines also use sizing boxes, which have strict dimensions that luggage must fit within. Failure to comply with size restrictions can result in additional charges or the need to check-in luggage.

The use of sizing cages and boxes varies depending on the airline and airport. Some airlines, like EasyJet, Ryanair, and Etihad, are known for strictly enforcing size restrictions, while others may be more lenient. It is always advisable to adhere to the size restrictions specified by the airline to avoid any issues during travel.

Frequently asked questions