Travel much? These are the four different carry-on sizes allowed by the major U.S. airline companies
For those who like to travel light and avoid checking in any luggage, having the right-sized carry-on is vital. Here’s a look at what each airline allows.
Traveling light with just a carry-on suitcase can save you not only time but money as many airlines make you pay extra for checking in luggage nowadays. However, they also set rules for just how big that carry-on bag can be and if it exceeds those limits, it will be going in the hold.
The chances that the size of your carry-on bag will be checked has increased precisely because more people are trying to bring everything they are traveling with on to the plane to avoid check-in fees. That has been one of the concerns at Southwest airlines with the implementation of their new seating and luggage policies.
What carry-on sizes are allowed when packing light for a flight
Knowing the allowable size of carry-ons can help you avoid confrontations at the boarding gate with airline staff. Below are the maximum permitted dimensions by major US carriers for carry-on bags that can go in the overhead compartment:
Height: 24”, Width: 16”, Depth: 11”
- Sun Country
Height: 24”, Width: 16”, Depth: 10”
- Frontier (Must be less than 35lbs.)
- Southwest
Height: 22”, Width: 18”, Depth: 10”
- Alaska
- Allegiant
- American (The dimensions of a soft-sided garment bags (H+W+D) can add up to 51”)
- Delta
- Hawaiian
- JetBlue
- United
Height: 22”, Width: 14”, Depth: 9”
- Spirit
The height is measured from the bottom of the wheels to the highest point of the suitcase. For the width you need to take into account any handles, pockets, or wheels that extend outwards when measuring from side to side. And the depth is the measure from the bottom of the suitcase, where the clothes and objects would rest, to the front where it typically open, taking into account any pockets or protrusions.
Tighter carry-on regulations could be on there way
There are expectations that tighter regulations in Europe could have a knock-on effect in the United States to avoid confusion for passengers that are traveling between the two. Even within the US there are airports like Miami International that have gained a reputation as being real sticklers with carry-on baggage size which can be a headache for airline staff and passengers alike.
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