Carry on size checker: will your bag fit?

Carry on size is the largest bag an airline lets you take into the cabin and put in the overhead bin. There is no single worldwide size: most US airlines allow 22 × 14 × 9 in (55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 cm) including wheels and handles, while many international airlines use 55 × 40 × 20 cm or 55 × 35 × 25 cm, often with a 7 to 10 kg weight limit. A 22 × 14 × 9 in bag fits 78 of the 195 airlines we track that publish a carry-on limit.

A carry-on suitcase is usually sold as a 20 or 21 inch suitcase, which fits the 22 × 14 × 9 in limit of most US airlines. The size in the product name is often the body only, so check the full height including wheels and handle: it must be 22 in (55.9 cm) or less for US airlines and usually 55 cm or less for international airlines.

Carry-on bags, backpacks and duffels follow the same limits as suitcases: typically 22 × 14 × 9 in (55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 cm) in the US and 55 × 40 × 20 cm or 55 × 35 × 25 cm abroad. Soft bags can be squeezed a little, but they still have to fit the airline’s sizer when packed.

The allowed carry on size is set by each airline and measured on the outside of the packed bag, including wheels, handles and pockets. Many airlines also set a weight limit and check bags with a metal sizer at the gate. Enter your bag in the checker above to see which airlines allow it, or compare every limit in the carry-on size chart.

Delta Air Lines allows a carry-on of up to 22 × 14 × 9 in (55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 cm), including wheels and handles, with no published weight limit. Delta does not publish a personal item size; 18 × 14 × 8 in (45.7 × 35.6 × 20.3 cm) is a safe guideline for the bag under the seat. The carry-on is included on every fare.

American Airlines allows a carry-on of up to 22 × 14 × 9 in (55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 cm), including wheels and handles, with no published weight limit. The personal item that goes under the seat can be up to 18 × 14 × 8 in (45.7 × 35.6 × 20.3 cm). The carry-on is included on every fare.

Southwest Airlines allows a carry-on of up to 24 × 16 × 10 in (61 × 40.6 × 25.4 cm), including wheels and handles, with no published weight limit. Southwest does not publish a personal item size; 16.25 × 13.5 × 8 in (41.3 × 34.3 × 20.3 cm) is a safe guideline for the bag under the seat. The carry-on is included on every fare.

United Airlines allows a carry-on of up to 22 × 14 × 9 in (55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 cm), including wheels and handles, with no published weight limit. The personal item that goes under the seat can be up to 17 × 10 × 9 in (43.2 × 25.4 × 22.9 cm). The carry-on is included on most fares, but not on Basic Economy. Basic Economy on most routes includes only the personal item.

Frontier allows a paid carry-on of up to 24 × 16 × 10 in (61 × 40.6 × 25.4 cm) with a weight limit of 35 lb (15.9 kg), and a free personal item of 18 × 14 × 8 in (45.7 × 35.6 × 20.3 cm). Allegiant allows a paid carry-on of up to 22 × 16 × 10 in (55.9 × 40.6 × 25.4 cm) and a free personal item of 18 × 14 × 8 in (45.7 × 35.6 × 20.3 cm). Spirit Airlines stopped flying on May 2, 2026.

Ryanair includes one small bag of 40 × 30 × 20 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 7.9 in) that must fit under the seat. A larger cabin bag of up to 55 × 40 × 20 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 in) and 10 kg needs Priority or a bundled fare. Bags are checked with a sizer at the gate.

The TSA does not set a carry on size or weight limit. Your airline decides how big the bag can be; the TSA only screens what is inside it. For US flights the usual airline limit is 22 × 14 × 9 in (55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 cm).

Under the TSA 3-1-1 rule, liquids, gels, aerosols and pastes in your carry-on must be in containers of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less, all packed in one quart-size (about 1 liter) clear bag, one bag per passenger. Larger containers go in checked luggage. Medications, baby formula and breast milk are allowed in larger amounts but must be declared at screening.

Toothpaste counts as a gel, so in a carry-on the tube must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or smaller and go in your quart-size liquids bag. A larger tube must go in checked luggage, even if it is partly empty. Solid toothpaste tablets are not liquids and are not limited.

No. A carry-on goes in the overhead bin, while a personal item, such as a backpack, laptop bag or handbag, must fit under the seat in front of you and is smaller, often around 18 × 14 × 8 in in the US and 40 × 30 × 15 cm in Europe. Most airlines allow one of each, but budget airlines often include only the personal item for free.