Tired of guessing whether or not your suitcase actually fits in the overhead cabin?
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For the most part, companies that produce carry-on suitcases stick to official size restrictions from America’s ‘big four’ airlines, which include American, Delta, Southwest, and United. All new releases fit size requirements from the country’s most popular airlines.
However, as with seat size, carry-on size restrictions are subject to change. Just because your carry-on suitcase fits with one carrier, that doesn’t mean it will work across the board—especially when it comes to smaller regional airlines.
For this reason, I’ve stuck to a below-average-sized Muji carry-on for almost a decade. It’s a challenge to pack thanks to its compact size, but I never have to worry about whether it will fit in the overhead compartment.
Before you buy your next carry-on suitcase, double-check that it fits your preferred airline. And make sure to double-check size restrictions with smaller carriers. Below, you can find carry-on suitcase size restrictions from major US airlines, along with other handy information about carry-on bags and personal items.
Carry-on size restrictions: three largest allowances
- Southwest Airlines: 24” x 16” x 10”
- Frontier Airlines: 24” x 16” x 10”
- Allegiant Air: 22” x 16” x 10”
Carry-on size restrictions from major US airlines
American Airlines
- Carry-on suitcase size limit: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including handles and wheels
- Personal item details: Must fit under the seatback in front of you; diaper bags, breast pumps, soft-sided coolers for breast milk, strollers, and medical devices don’t count as a personal item
Delta Air Lines
- Carry-on suitcase size limit: 22” x 14” x 9” (56 cm x 35 cm x 23 cm)
- Personal item details: Must fit under the seatback in front of you; jackets, umbrellas, food, drinks, duty-free merchandise, pet supplies, and child-related items like strollers don’t count as a personal item
Southwest Airlines
- Carry-on suitcase size limit: 24” x 16” x 10” including wheels and handles
- Personal item details: Must fit under the seatback in front of you; pet carriers count as either a personal item or carry-on bag
United Airlines
- Carry-on suitcase size limit: 9 x 14 x 22 inches (23 x 35 x 56 cm) including handles and wheels
- Personal item details: Size limit of 9 x 10 x 17 inches (22 x 25 x 43 cm)
Alaska Airlines
- Carry-on suitcase size limit: 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including wheels and handles
- Personal item details: Must fit under the seatback in front of you
Hawaiian Airlines
- Carry-on suitcase size limit: 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including wheels and handles
- Personal item details: Must fit under the seatback in front of you
JetBlue Airways
- Carry-on suitcase size limit: Including wheels and handles, carry-on bags must not exceed 22″ L (55.88 cm) x 14″ W (35.56 cm) x 9″ H (22.86 cm)
- Personal item details: Personal items must not exceed 17″ L (43.2 cm) x 13″ W (33 cm) x 8″ H (20.32 cm)
Allegiant Air
- Carry-on suitcase size limit: Maximum size is 10 in. x 16 in. x 22 in. (25cm x 40cm x 55cm)
- Personal item details: Maximum dimensions are 8 in. x 14 in. x 18 in. (20cm x 35cm x 45cm)
Frontier Airlines
- Carry-on suitcase size limit: 24” H x 16” W x 10” D and should weigh no more than 35lb
- Personal item details: No larger than 14” H x 18” W x 8” D, including handles, wheels, and straps, for purses, totes, computer bags, briefcases, and kids’ backpacks