Carry-On Luggage Size Chart for 64 Major Airlines [Dimensions, Sizes & More]

There’s no industry standard for sizes for carry-on luggage, with every airline assigning their own size and weight restrictions. If you want to purchase a carry-on bag that would be accepted by most airlines, then the most common maximum size would be 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels.

The best carry-on bag depends on your own requirements. For example, do you need a wheelie case or a backpack, or a bag with a laptop compartment or built-in security? We’ve rounded up what we consider the best carry-on luggage bags for any traveler, ranging from soft-sided and hardshell wheelies to convenient backpacks.

A backpack would be considered a carry-on item if it adheres to the maximum size restrictions of a specific airline. Most airlines have a larger size allowance for a standard carry-on piece and slightly smaller one for a personal item (where permitted).

For safety reasons, there are certain items that are prohibited to be stored in carry-on luggage. These include individual containers with liquids over 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or a combined amount of liquids over 1 quart (1 liter); sharp objects such as scissors, blades, or pen knives; firearms; sporting equipment such as baseball bats or hockey sticks; tools; and lighters, matches, or other flammable items.

As with size restrictions, there are no industry standards for maximum weight allowances for carry-on luggage. These are defined by each individual airline, with some airlines actually not publishing a specific weight restriction — just that you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead compartment yourself.

It’s also worth checking whether the airline’s stated weight allowance applies just to your carry-on piece or whether it applies to the combined weight of your carry-on and personal item.

Many airlines allow passengers to bring a personal item in addition to a carry-on bag. A personal item is usually a smaller bag, such as handbag, briefcase, or laptop bag, that can be stored under the seat in front of you. Some airlines specify size and weight restrictions for personal items, while many don’t specify maximum sizes or weights.

If you’ve booked a “hand baggage only” fare (sometimes referred to as a basic fare), this means that you may only bring hand baggage that is within the airline’s restrictions. No checked baggage is included. Depending on your airline, hand baggage may include 1 standard carry-on bag and 1 smaller personal item. Each airline sets its own size and weight restrictions for carry-on, so check the table above for more information.

TSA allows passengers to pack certain items in their carry-on baggage and prohibits others. Liquids may be brought on board under the 3-1-1 rule: a maximum of 3.4 ounces per container up to a total of 1 quart, stored within a clear, zip-top bag, with 1 bag permitted per passenger. Exemptions to this rule are made for infant necessities or required medication. Items such as lighters, blades, and baseball bats are not permitted in your carry-on.

See more information in our guide to how to easily get through TSA airport security.

There are no universal standards for carry-on baggage, with each airline setting its own size and weight restrictions. If you want to purchase a bag that adheres to most airline standards, then look for a case that’s no larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including all handles and wheels.

General chargers for electronic devices can be packed as carry-on or into your checked baggage. If you’re using a portable power bank, then most airlines require you to pack this in your carry-on bag. This is because of the risk of lithium batteries catching fire in the hold.

A 24-inch suitcase would be considered a carry-on by some airlines — but not all. Some airlines state maximum linear dimension only, so as long as your other 2 measurements are smaller to allow for the 24-inch length, then this would be fine. But generally, a suitcase measuring 22 x 14 x 9 inches would be the most widely accepted. This includes American Airlines and United Airlines.