Knowing the maximum dimensions for airline carry-ons and personal items is necessary to avoid checked baggage fees. While many airlines have overlapping maximum dimensions, there can be some variations in baggage policies.

In this June 7, 2021, photo a person reaches for their carry on luggage in an overhead bin as people ... [+] wait to deplane after an American Airlines flight landed at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

What Is The Standard Carry-On Luggage Size?

Most airlines permit carry-on luggage as large as 22 (length) x 14 (width) x 9 (height) inches. However, the piece may be gate-checked (usually at no extra cost) if it doesn’t fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat due to overcrowding or flying on a small plane.

With a handful of exceptions, there usually isn’t a weight limit. There can be exceptions for passengers traveling with an infant in arms or with a pet. Below are the standard policies.

While most domestic airlines have a common standard, personal item dimensions vary.

International airline policies can differ from domestic carriers. Carry-ons can be 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches. The personal article can be 17 x 13 x 6 inches.

Alaska Airlines follows the standard carry-on size limits of 22 x 14 x 9 inches, along with one small personal item. Due to TSA screening limitations, carry-on luggage isn’t permitted for flight departures from Cold Bay (CDB) airport.

Allegiant permits one carry-on luggage up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches and must fit in the overhead compartment. Personal items must stow underneath the seat and can measure up to 16 x 15 x 7 inches.

Carry-ons can be up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including handles and wheels. Soft-sided garment bags up to 51 inches can qualify as a carry-on. Musical instruments are considered a carry-on but must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat.

Personal items up to 18 x 14 x 8 without weight measurements must also fit under the seat or in an overhead bin.

British Airways allows a carry-on cabin bag to be 22 x 18 x 10 inches. The handbag (personal item) is 16 x 12 x 6 inches.

Delta flights permit carry-ons up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches (45 linear inches). Approved personal items can include a purse, laptop bag, or another item of similar or smaller measurements.

Carry-on can size up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches and weigh up to 25 pounds. Personal items must be small enough to fit under the seat and can be a purse, laptop bag, small backpack, or similar.

Frontier allows carry-ons up to 22 x 16 x 10 inches but charges a fee. The free personal item can be as big as 14 x 18 x 8 inches.

JetBlue permits carry-ons up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches and a personal item as big as 17 x 13 x 8 inches.

While Spirit charges for carry-ons, its size limits are a tad bigger than the industry standard. Carry-ons can be as large as 22 x 18 x 10 inches, and personal items are 18 x 14 x 8 inches.

Southwest Airlines is already popular for offering the first two checked bags free. They also have a friendlier carry-on and personal item size limits.

Carry-ons can be as big as 24 x 16 x 10 inches and as much as 16.25 x 13.5 x 8 for your personal item.

United Airlines adheres to the standard carry-on size (22 x 14 x 9), but the personal item can only measure 9 x 10 x 17 inches.

If you fly the major airlines, you will be fine with a carry-on as big as 22 x 14 x 9 inches. The size limits can be slightly bigger for international airlines. In addition to the carry-on limits, ensure your personal item complies and can fit under the seat.