TSA carry-on size: what the limit really is
TSA does not set a carry-on size or weight limit. It screens what is inside your bag. The size limit comes from your airline, and most US airlines allow 22 × 14 × 9 inches (56 × 36 × 23 cm).
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Airlines that accept this bag
Airlines that won’t accept it
* guideline, not published
US airline carry-on limits
| 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 |
| Hawaiian 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 |
| Sun Country Airlines | 24 × 16 × 11 in61 × 40.6 × 27.9 cm | No published weight limit |
| Breeze Airways | 22 × 14 × 9 in55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 cm | 35 lb |
| Avelo Airlines | 22 × 14 × 9 in55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 cm | No published weight limit |
Who sets the carry-on size?
Your airline. TSA lets any bag through security that passes screening, but the airline can refuse a bag at the gate if it does not fit its sizer. That is why the airline limit is the one that matters.
What TSA does check
TSA checks the contents: liquids must follow the 3-1-1 rule (3.4 oz or 100 ml containers in one quart-size bag), and some items like sharp objects are not allowed in the cabin.
The safe size for US flights
A bag of 22 × 14 × 9 in or smaller fits American, Delta, United, JetBlue, Alaska and Hawaiian. On Frontier and Allegiant the carry-on is a paid extra, so check the fare before you fly.
Frequently asked questions
Does TSA have a carry-on size limit?
No. TSA does not limit carry-on size. Airlines do, and the common US limit is 22 × 14 × 9 inches.
Is there a TSA carry-on weight limit?
No. TSA has no weight limit. Most US airlines do not weigh carry-ons either, but you must be able to lift the bag into the bin.
What is the TSA carry-on luggage size in cm?
There is no TSA size. The common US airline limit of 22 × 14 × 9 inches equals about 56 × 36 × 23 cm.
Can TSA stop my bag because it is too big?
Only if it does not fit through the X-ray machine. Size problems happen at the gate, where the airline checks the bag.