New carry-on rules for 2026
Carry-on size limits did not change much in 2026, but fees, fares and enforcement did. Bag fees rose about $10 on most US airlines in April, Spirit stopped flying, and more airlines now measure bags at the gate.
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Airlines that accept this bag
Airlines that won’t accept it
* guideline, not published
Current carry-on rules by airline
| Airline | Carry-on | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | 22 × 14 × 9 in55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 cm | No published weight limit |
| Delta Air Lines | 22 × 14 × 9 in55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 cm | No published weight limit |
| United Airlines | 22 × 14 × 9 in55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 cm | No published weight limit |
| Southwest Airlines | 24 × 16 × 10 in61 × 40.6 × 25.4 cm | No published weight limit |
| JetBlue | 22 × 14 × 9 in55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 cm | No published weight limit |
| Alaska Airlines | 22 × 14 × 9 in55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 cm | No published weight limit |
| Frontier Airlines | 24 × 16 × 10 in61 × 40.6 × 25.4 cm | 35 lb |
| Allegiant Air | 22 × 16 × 10 in55.9 × 40.6 × 25.4 cm | No published weight limit |
| Hawaiian Airlines | 22 × 14 × 9 in55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 cm | No published weight limit |
| Ryanair | 21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 in55 × 40 × 20 cm | 22 lb |
| easyJet | 22 × 17.7 × 9.8 in56 × 45 × 25 cm | 33.1 lb |
| British Airways | 22 × 17.7 × 9.8 in56 × 45 × 25 cm | 50.7 lb |
Bag fees went up
After jet fuel prices jumped, American, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska and JetBlue raised checked bag fees in March and April 2026. The first bag now costs about $45 on most of them, and the second about $55.
Southwest no longer flies bags free
Southwest ended its free checked bags policy in May 2025. A carry-on and a personal item are still free, but most fares now pay for every checked bag.
Spirit stopped flying
Spirit Airlines ceased operations on May 2, 2026. Its bag rules are kept on this site for reference only.
Stricter gate checks
Budget airlines and basic economy fares are enforcing sizers more strictly. Measure your bag packed, including wheels and handles, before you fly.
Frequently asked questions
Are there new carry-on rules for 2026?
Carry-on size limits are mostly unchanged, but bag fees rose on most US airlines, and gate checks on budget and basic economy fares are stricter.
What are the airline carry-on rules?
Most airlines allow one carry-on up to 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm) and one personal item that fits under the seat. Budget airlines and some basic fares allow only the personal item for free.
Did TSA change carry-on rules in 2026?
TSA has no carry-on size limit. The 3-1-1 liquids rule still applies at US airports.