What Is the Size of Carry on Luggage on a Plane?

Before you pack your bags for air travel, check your airline's carry-on luggage guidelines and restrictions.

With the luggage restrictions implemented by airlines, packing your bags, particularly your carry-on bag, involves more than choosing what outfits to pack and remembering your tooth brush. To avoid delays and fees for an over-sized carry-on, follow your airline's guidelines and restrictions regarding the amount and size of carry-on bags and personal items you can bring on your flight.

Carry-On Luggage

According to Federal Aviation Administration regulations, the total height, width and depth of your carry-on bag cannot exceed 45 linear inches, or 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches. Check with your airline for its carry-on luggage guidelines, as restrictions vary among airlines.

Personal Items

Most airlines allow passengers to bring one personal item in addition to a carry-on bag. For example, American Airlines allows passengers to bring both a carry-on bag and one personal item, such as a purse, laptop or briefcase, as long as the item can fit under your seat and its combined height, width and depth does not exceed 36 inches. Check with your airline for personal item guidelines and restrictions.

Other Approved Carry-On Items

Approved carry-on items that do not count as either carry-on luggage or a personal item include a jacket or other outerwear; an umbrella; a book or newspaper; a stroller, diaper bag and child restraint devices; and mobility devices, such as a wheelchair, a walking cane or crutches

References

• Federal Aviation Administration: Carry-On Baggage Tips
• Southwest Airlines: Carry On Baggage
• American Airlines: Carry-On Baggage Allowance
• Delta Airlines: Carry-On Baggage