Airline Carry On Regulations
How large can my carry-on luggage be? Airline carry-on restrictions vary from airline to airline as well as from airplane to airplane. For accurate information please contact the airline you are flying with for their baggage limitations in advance. Carry On size can even vary depending on whether you are traveling International or Domestic within the same airline.
How Large Can My Carry-On Suitcase Be?
Carry-On sizes can be a bit confusing. Airline carry-on restrictions vary from airline to airline as well as from airplane to airplane. For accurate information please contact the airline you are flying with for their baggage limitations in advance. Carry On size can even vary depending on whether you are traveling International or Domestic within the same airline.
A general guideline you can use for a maximum size carry-on bag is 45 linear inches (the total of the height, width, and depth of the bag). A standard size that fits this requirement is, 22 x 14 x 9”. Anything larger should be checked. If you have a bag that is an unusual shape but still within the total number of inches, you may find it being rejected. Also keep in mind the limitations are going to be different for international flights.
Airlines have restrictions on the number of pieces you can carry-on and some will even limit the weight of the bags. Don’t forget, for up to date accurate information contact your airlines. Below are links to luggage information for each airline.
One of Going In Style's favorite carry on luggage brands is Briggs & Riley Carry On Suitcases. Briggs & Riley carry on luggage comes is super durable and comes with a Briggs & Riley lifetime guarantee.
TIP: When purchasing carry on luggage in store, Going In Style recommends bringing along a tape measure. Measure the luggage to make sure it actually fits withing the size of carry on regulations including the wheels. Sometimes luggage on sale or discounted carry ons are discounted because they don't quite meet airline carry on sizing regulations. You don't want to buy a brand new carry on luggage and then be charged for an oversize carry on once you get to the airport.
LINKS TO AIRLINE LUGGAGE INFORMATION
Domestic
- Airtran
- Alaska/Horizon
- Allegiant Air
- American
- American Eagle
- Delta
- Frontier
- Hawaiian Air
- Jet Blue
- Spirit
- Southwest
- United
- US Airways
- Virgin America
International
- AeroMexico
- Air Canada
- Air India
- Air France
- Air New Zealand
- Air Pacific
- Alitalia
- All Nippon Airlines
- American British Airways
- Cathay Pacific
- China Air
- Delta
- Czech Airlines
- EL AL
- Emirates
- EVA Air
- Fiji Airways
- Gulf Air
- Iberian Air
- Icelandair
- Japan Airlines
- Korean Airlines
- KLM
- LATAM
- Lufthansa
- Malaysia Airlines
- Philippines Air
- Qantas
- Singapore Airlines
- Swiss Air
- Saudi Arabian Airlines
- Thai Airways
- United Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic
Carry-On Bag Dimensions by Airline
Alaska Airline Carry-On Baggage Requirements
Carry on Bag Dimensions 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches / 56 cm x 35 cm x 22 cm including wheels and handles.
Personal Item such as purse or briefcase
Note: Alaska Airline changed to these dimensions as of June, 4, 2018
American Airline Carry On Baggage Requirements
Carry on Bag Dimensions 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches / 56 cm x 35 cm x 22 cm including wheels and handles.
Personal Item Dimensions 18 inches x 14 inches x 8 inches / 45 cm x 35 cm x 20cm
Delta Airline Carry-On Baggage Requirements
Carry on Bag Dimensions 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches / 56 cm x 35 cm x 22 cm including wheels and handles.
Personal items that are approved are 1 purse, briefcase, camera bag, diaper bag, or laptop computer.
Hawaiian Airlines Carry-On Baggage Requirements
Carry On Bag Dimensions maximum outside dimensions of 45 linear inches including wheels and handles and fit in the overhead bin.
Personal Item such as purse, daypack, backpack, briefcase, shopping bag, laptop computer or diaper bag.
United Airline Carry-On Baggage Requirements
Carry On Bag Dimensions 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches / 56 cm x 35 cm x 22 cm including wheels and handles.
Personal Item Dimensions 17 inches x 10 inches x 9 inches / 43 cm x 25 cm x 10cm (If you are flying Basic Economy ticket, your personal item will be the only item you can bring on board).
Virgin America Carry-On Baggage Requirements
Carry On Bag Dimensions maximum outside linear dimensions of 51 inches including wheels and handles and fit in the overhead bin.
Personal Item such as purse, daypack, backpack, briefcase, shopping bag, laptop computer or diaper bag.
TSA TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS & REGULATIONS 3-1-1 Rule
3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3.4 ounce bottle or less; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3.4 oz. container size is a security measure.
3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3.4 ounce bottle or less; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3.4 oz. container size is a security measure.
Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening.
Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.
3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.
Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.
Come early and be patient. Heavy travel volumes and the enhanced security process may mean longer lines at security checkpoints.
TSA working with our partners. TSA works with airlines and airports to anticipate peak traffic and be ready for the traveling public.
Acceptable Identification at check out include:
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS "Trusted Traveler" cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Military ID (active duty or retired military and their dependents, and DOD civilians)
- Permanent Resident Card
- Border Crossing Card
- DHS-designated enhanced driver's license
- Drivers Licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- A Native American Tribal Photo ID
- An airline or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)
- A foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) card
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
TSA: Prohibited Sharp Items
Box Cutters: Carry-on: No Checked: Yes
Ice Axes/Ice Picks: Carry-on: No Checked: Yes
Knives – except for plastic or round bladed butter knives: Carry-on: No Checked: Yes
Meat Cleavers: Carry-on: No Checked: Yes
Razor-Type Blades – such as box cutters, utility knives, and safety razor blades (disposable razors and their cartridges are permitted): Carry-on: No Checked: Yes
Sabers: Carry-on: No Checked: Yes
Scissors – metal with pointed tips and blades shorter than four inches: Carry-on: Yes Checked: Yes
Swords – cutting or thrusting weapons, including fencing foils: Carry-on: No Checked: Yes
NOTE: Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.
For the full list of prohibited items go to the TSA Travel Website.
MyTSA Mobile Application Now Available
MyTSA has multiple functions, including the following tools:
- Airport Status: Users can see what airports are experiencing general delays (not flight specific) or search for conditions at a specific airport. This information is provided by the FAA.
- ‘Can I Bring?’: Users can type in an item they plan to bring on a trip to find out if it is permitted or prohibited, and whether they can pack it in carry-on or checked bags.
- Guide: Users can get travel tips on an array of some of the most popular topics of air travel, including traveling with children, 3-1-1 rules for liquids, gels and aerosols, special medical needs, packing tips, tips for how to dress for airport security, tips for military members, and traveling with food and gifts.
- Security wait times: MyTSA gives passengers the ability to share their wait time and see what wait times other passengers have posted for U.S. airports.
- Wait Times: Passengers can also post the approximate amount of time it took them to get through security for other travelers to view.
To get MyTSA on your mobile device, type in www.tsa.gov/mobile.
You can find the MyTSA iPhone app on iTunes.
For any additional, up-to-date information with TSA, please visit their website: www.tsa.gov