Lois Larson
When travelling by air, it is important to be aware of the size restrictions for carry-on luggage. The allowed dimensions of carry-on bags vary depending on the airline, but the standard limit is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (or 56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. Some airlines, such as American Airlines, Delta, and Alaska Airlines, adhere to this standard size, while others, like Frontier and Southwest Airlines, permit larger luggage as carry-ons, with dimensions up to 24 inches. These restrictions are in place to ensure your luggage fits in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Additionally, each airline has its own specific regulations regarding weight limits and the types of items allowed, so it is essential to familiarise yourself with these rules to avoid unexpected baggage fees.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Standard carry-on luggage size limit | 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including handles and wheels |
| Carry-on size limit for some domestic airlines | 24-inch luggage |
| Carry-on weight limit | No weight limit, but must be light enough to lift into the overhead compartment unaided |
| Personal item size limit | 17/18 x 13/14 x 8 inches |
| Items that don't count towards carry-on allowance | Coats, hats, umbrellas, pillows, child/infant seats, strollers, mobility/medical devices, food, drink, duty-free merchandise |
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What You'll Learn
Carry-on luggage restrictions vary by airline
When packing your carry-on luggage, it's important to keep in mind that restrictions vary depending on the airline you're flying with. While there may be minor variations of an inch or two between airlines, the standard carry-on luggage size limit is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including any handles or wheels. This ensures your bag fits inside the plane's overhead bin. However, some domestic airlines, like Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines, allow larger luggage as carry-ons, with a limit of 24 inches.
Carry-on weight limits also differ by airline. While most domestic US carriers, such as JetBlue, Southwest, Alaska Airlines, and Delta, don't impose a specific weight limit, you must be able to lift your bag into the overhead compartment unaided. In contrast, Hawaiian Airlines enforces a 25-pound weight limit, while Frontier allows up to 35 pounds.
In addition to size and weight restrictions, each airline has specific rules about what you can pack in your carry-on. Generally, dangerous items like firearms and lithium batteries are prohibited, and liquids, pastes, aerosols, gels, or creams must be in containers smaller than 3.4 ounces or 100ml. Some countries have specific programs that allow you to purchase duty-free liquids that can be carried on board.
It's important to note that airlines also have different definitions of "personal items", which are typically smaller bags that can fit under the seat in front of you. While some airlines provide specific dimensions for these items, others only offer examples, such as purses, briefcases, or laptop bags. To avoid any confusion, it's recommended to check your airline's specific restrictions before packing your carry-on luggage.
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Personal item allowances differ
American Airlines, for example, allows personal items with a maximum size of 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Meanwhile, United Airlines restricts personal items to 17 x 10 x 9 inches. Some airlines, such as Air Canada, provide dimensions in centimetres, with a maximum of 33 cm (13 inches) in height, 16 cm (6 inches) in depth, and 43 cm (17 inches) in width.
It is worth noting that some airlines, like Delta, provide examples of acceptable personal items without specifying exact dimensions. These examples include purses, small backpacks, and laptops. Additionally, certain items, such as jackets, umbrellas, and duty-free merchandise, typically do not count towards the carry-on allowance.
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Weight restrictions are inconsistent
While there is a relatively consistent standard for the dimensions of carry-on luggage, weight restrictions vary by airline and even by airport.
Most domestic US carriers, such as JetBlue, Southwest, Alaska Airlines, and Delta, don't impose a specific weight limit. Instead, passengers are expected to be able to lift their carry-on into the overhead compartment without assistance. However, Hawaiian Airlines has a carry-on weight limit of 25 pounds, while Frontier allows up to 35 pounds.
Some airlines have weight limits for specific airports. For example, Delta flyers can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item, but there are weight restrictions for Singapore (7 kg, about 15.4 pounds), Beijing (10 kg, about 22 pounds), and Shanghai (10 kg, about 22 pounds).
American Airlines and United Airlines do not list weight restrictions for carry-on luggage on their websites, but passengers should be aware that carry-on bags must fit in the overhead compartment.
To avoid unexpected fees, it's always best to check the latest guidelines for your airline and airport before packing your carry-on luggage.
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Some items don't count towards allowance
When packing for a flight, it's important to keep in mind that some items don't count towards your carry-on allowance. These items can be brought on board in addition to your standard carry-on luggage. This helps ensure that you have essential items with you during your flight and makes for a more comfortable journey. Here are some examples of items that typically don't count towards your carry-on allowance:
- Jackets and Coats: Many airlines, including United Airlines, allow passengers to bring jackets or coats in addition to their standard carry-on allowance. This is a convenient option, especially when travelling to colder destinations, as you can easily access your outerwear during or after your flight.
- Umbrellas: Small umbrellas are usually permitted in addition to your carry-on bag. This can be helpful when navigating through rainy weather during your travels.
- Hats: Hats are another item that is commonly excluded from the carry-on allowance. You can bring a hat on board to shield yourself from the sun or as part of your travel ensemble.
- Pillows: Bringing your own pillow can make your flight more comfortable, especially on long-haul journeys. Most airlines, such as American Airlines, allow pillows as an extra item.
- Mobility and Medical Assistive Devices: Mobility aids, such as canes, crutches, and walkers, are typically permitted in addition to your carry-on allowance. Medical devices, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines or portable oxygen concentrators, are also allowed. These items are essential for passengers with specific medical needs.
- Child-Related Items: Airlines often make exceptions for items related to travelling with children. This includes strollers, car seats, and child/infant restraint seats. Breast pumps are also usually allowed in addition to the standard carry-on allowance.
- Reading Material: Books and magazines are generally not counted towards your carry-on allowance. If you're a reader, you can bring your favourite book or magazine to keep yourself entertained during the flight.
- Food and Drinks: Food and beverages purchased after passing through the security checkpoint are typically permitted. This includes duty-free merchandise and special items, such as baby formula or medication. However, keep in mind that restrictions may apply to liquids, gels, aerosols, and similar items. These items are usually limited in quantity and must be packed in a clear plastic bag.
It's important to note that while these items don't count towards your carry-on allowance, they may still have specific size and weight restrictions. Additionally, different airlines may have slightly varying policies, so it's always a good idea to check with your specific airline before your travel date to ensure you're compliant with their regulations.
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Liquids, gels, and aerosols have rules
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows travellers to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes in their carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These items must be in travel-sized containers that do not exceed 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) per item. Placing these items in a separate, small bag facilitates the screening process at airport security. Any liquid, gel, or aerosol that is larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 millilitres should be packed in checked baggage.
It is important to note that duty-free liquids purchased internationally and transported in a connecting flight to the United States are exempt from this rule. These liquids must be packed in a transparent, secure, tamper-evident bag by the retailer and not show signs of tampering when presented to TSA for screening.
Additionally, any liquid, gel, or aerosol that alarms during the screening process will require additional screening. If an item cannot be cleared during this additional screening, it will not be permitted in carry-on baggage.
These rules apply to all carry-on luggage and personal items, such as handbags, laptop bags, backpacks, and briefcases. It is important for travellers to be mindful of these restrictions and plan their packing accordingly to ensure a smooth and stress-free airport experience.
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Frequently asked questions
The standard carry-on luggage size limit is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including the handle and wheels. However, there may be minor variations of an inch or two between airlines. Some domestic airlines, such as Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines, permit 24-inch luggage as a carry-on.
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. The size limit for personal items varies between airlines, with some allowing up to 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
While most airlines do not impose weight restrictions on carry-on luggage, your bag must be light enough for you to lift into the overhead compartment unaided.
In addition to the restrictions that apply to checked bags—such as firearms, lithium batteries, and other potentially dangerous items—you cannot bring containers of liquid, paste, aerosol, gel, or cream larger than 3.4 ounces through security.
