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Carry-on luggage size and weight limits (2024).

Just like checked bags, carry-on luggage size restrictions can vary by airline.

Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline

If you're traveling with carry-on luggage and/or a personal item, you'll need to adhere to size restrictions in the same way you do with checked bags . These rules include the dimensions of your carry-on bag and, in some scenarios, even the weight.

What size luggage is a carry-on?

While carry-on luggage sizes can vary by airline, several major carriers go by these dimensions.

Airlines calculate carry-on luggage size measurements using two methods:

• Height by width by depth:  Most – but not all – airlines measure bags by inches or centimeters using this formula: height by width by depth, such as 22 x 14 x 9 inches. (Note: The dimensions listed below, which are given according to that formula, may differ slightly from the way each individual airline formats its size requirements.)
• Linear inches:  A few airlines have linear inch restrictions for carry-on baggage, meaning the airline gives one number for the total of all three dimensions. As long as the combined height, width and depth don't exceed that number, you're in the clear.

Can a 24-inch bag be a carry-on?

Yes, a 24-inch bag can be used as a carry-on suitcase when flying with the following airlines: Frontier, Southwest and Sun Country . However, if you're shopping for new carry-on luggage , it's best to opt for something that meets the requirements for most major airlines (22 x 14 x 9 inches or smaller).

Is there a weight limit for carry-on bags?

Most major domestic airlines do not impose a weight limit on carry-on bags; however, several international airlines have weight restrictions for carry-on luggage and, in some cases, personal items.

Carry-on vs. personal item: What's the difference?

A carry-on bag is typically stored in a plane's overhead bin, while a personal item should fit under the seat in front of you. Most airlines allow economy passengers to bring one carry-on and one personal item – such as an underseat bag – at no extra cost.

Carry-on luggage sizes by airline

Click on the major domestic and international airlines below to see their carry-on luggage size restrictions in inches for economy passengers – and note that any handles and wheels on your bags count toward size limits as well.

Domestic Airlines

Alaska airlines, allegiant air, american airlines, delta air lines, frontier airlines, hawaiian airlines, southwest airlines, spirit airlines, sun country airlines, united airlines, international airlines, all nippon airways, british airways, cathay pacific, klm royal dutch airlines, qatar airways, scandinavian airlines, singapore airlines, turkish airlines, virgin atlantic.

See all Alaska Airlines carry-on policies.

The fee is often around $20 if you pay for your carry-on baggage at the time of booking; it costs a hefty $45 if you add a carry-on bag later – and up to $75 at the gate.

See all Allegiant Air carry-on policies.

The above rules also apply to basic economy tickets.

See all American Airlines carry-on policies.

Note that if you're flying to or from Beijing or Shanghai, there is a 22-pound weight limit for a carry-on; for Singapore, there is a 15-pound limit.

See all Delta Airlines carry-on policies.

There are two instances where the carry-on bag fee is waived:

• You're an elite member of the  FRONTIER Miles rewards program .
• You bought a specialty ticket like the WORKS bundle.

Also note that carry-on bag fees, which typically start at around $30, depend on your destination, and that prices are cheapest if you add baggage when you make your booking. You'll pay more to add it later, especially if you do so at the airport. Sometimes it's actually cheaper to purchase a checked bag instead of a carry-on.

See all Frontier Airlines carry-on policies.

See all Hawaiian Airlines carry-on policies.

If you booked a Blue Basic ticket, you're only permitted to bring a personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. If you bring a carry-on bag, you will have to pay $65 to check it at the gate (or up to $180 if you've already checked two other bags). However, select customers with Blue Basic fares can bring carry-on bags for free. These include:

• Active U.S. military personnel
• Unaccompanied minors
• Customers flying to London

If you purchase a higher-class seat or if you reach Mosaic status on JetBlue's TrueBlue rewards program , you can also bring a carry-on bag for free on a Blue Basic ticket.

See all JetBlue carry-on policies.

See all Southwest Airlines carry-on policies.

Spirit's carry-on bag fees vary between flights, but they tend to start at around $25 to $30 for U.S. domestic flights. If you need to bring carry-on luggage, it's always cheapest to pay for it when you first book your flight. It will cost you more to add a bag afterward – and at least double the initial fee if you do it at the airport.

See all Spirit Airlines carry-on policies.

The Sun Country Airlines fee for a carry-on bag is around $30 if you pay for it when booking, or more if you add it later.

See all Sun Country carry-on policies.

There's one notable exception for carry-on baggage with United: Passengers with a basic economy ticket can only   take one personal item on board – no carry-on bag. This policy applies to travelers flying basic economy domestically or between the U.S. and Canada. If you have a basic economy ticket and are going to Central or South America (including Mexico) or taking trans-Atlantic or trans-Pacific flights, you can bring a full-size carry-on bag.

See all United Airlines carry-on policies.

Aer Lingus' carry-on policy depends on where you're flying. For trans-Atlantic flights, you can bring one carry-on bag within the dimensions above, plus a small personal item for free. If you're flying within Europe on Aer Lingus, the rules are a bit different: You'll have to pay a fee to bring a carry-on with you on board, starting at 5.99 euros. However, you can check that same bag for free.

If you're flying Aer Lingus Regional (a service with smaller planes, flying mostly around Ireland and the U.K.), a smaller carry-on limit applies: 18.5 x 13 x 8 inches, with a weight limit of 15 pounds.

See all Aer Lingus carry-on policies.

All Aeroméxico customers can bring a standard carry-on bag and a personal item on board. Be careful with the weight limit, though: For international flights or basic fare flights within Mexico, these two items combined cannot weigh more than 22 pounds. So, if your carry-on bag weighs 15 pounds, for example, your personal item cannot be more than 7 pounds.

See all Aeroméxico carry-on policies.

While there's no weight limit for carry-on luggage, Air Canada says your carry-on bag should be light enough that it can easily be lifted into the overhead bin. Also note that airport purchases (for example, larger duty-free items) count toward your baggage limit.

See all Air Canada carry-on policies.

Note that both your personal item and carry-on bag (referred to as "hand baggage") combined must not weigh more than 26 pounds if you're traveling economy. The weight limit is 40 pounds for premium economy and other higher-class cabins.

See all Air France carry-on policies.

A variety of personal items (think a handbag and umbrella) are permitted as long as they fit under the seat in front of you; this includes any items purchased at the airport.

See all All Nippon Airways carry-on policies.

If airline staff put a yellow tag on your bag, it should be stored under the seat in front of you.

See all British Airways carry-on policies.

Cathay Pacific has shifted from a weight allowance to a piece allowance, and this policy varies by itinerary. Passengers are generally permitted to bring one carry-on bag plus a small personal item (and assistive devices like a walking stick), but it's best to check your booking carefully to confirm the exact allowance. You're asked to check in any baggage that's too heavy to lift into the overhead compartment.

See all Cathay Pacific carry-on policies.

Since easyJet is a budget airline, standard fares only allow customers to bring one personal item (called a "small cabin bag") aboard for free. Fees for standard carry-on bags are between 5.99 and 32.99 British pounds, depending on your destination and when you add an extra bag to your reservation.

See all easyJet carry-on policies.

The above rules apply to all economy passengers except those traveling from Brazil, whose carry-on luggage can weigh up to 22 pounds. Emirates only allows economy passengers to bring one item on board; whether you bring a carry-on bag for the overhead bin or a personal item to tuck under the seat, this bag must comply with the size limits.

See all Emirates carry-on policies.

Be aware that the 22-pound weight limit applies to both your personal item and carry-on combined. If your flight was booked through Iberia but is operated by Vueling, similar rules apply, but the size limits for your carry-on bags are slightly smaller.

See all Iberia carry-on policies.

If you're traveling on the cheaper Light ticket, you may be asked to check your carry-on bag for no extra cost, if space is limited.

See all KLM Royal Dutch Airlines carry-on policies.

See all Lufthansa carry-on policies.

The above rules apply to LowFare+ customers. Passengers who fly LowFare (comparable to Basic Economy fare) can only bring a personal item (underseat bag) measuring 15 x 11.5 x 7.5 inches.

See all Norwegian carry-on policies.

Qantas 

Economy passengers can opt to bring a nonrigid garment bag measuring 45 x 24 x 4 inches (or 73 linear inches) instead of a standard 22 x 14 x 9-inch carry-on bag. The above rules apply to all economy tickets and vary for higher classes on international and domestic flights with Qantas.

See all Qantas carry-on luggage policies.

Qatar Airways allows passengers to bring multiple personal items provided they fit under the seat in front of you. Unlike with other airlines, laptops and laptop bags do not count as personal items and must fit within your main hand baggage allowance. For tickets issued in Brazil, the carry-on weight limit is 22 pounds.

Be careful: Qatar doesn't accept carry-ons longer than 20 inches, which is shorter than many other airlines.

See all Qatar Airways carry-on policies.

Ryanair is a low-cost carrier, so unless you pay extra, you can only bring one small bag that fits under the seat in front of you, per the personal item guidelines above. To bring a larger carry-on bag, travelers need to purchase Ryanair's Priority & 2 Cabin Bags option, which typically costs between 6 and 32 euros depending on your destination.

See all Ryanair carry-on policies.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Most (but not all) Scandinavian Airlines fares allow you to bring one traditional carry-on bag, plus a personal item, which SAS calls an "underseat bag." There's one exception: Passengers traveling within Europe on the Go Light fare must pay for a larger carry-on bag. If you booked a Go Light ticket for intercontinental flights, a carry-on bag is included.

See all Scandinavian Airlines carry-on policies.

Singapore Airlines has an unusual method for measuring carry-on bags – the dimensions of the bag must not add up to more than 45 linear inches total. For example, a bag measuring 15 x 15 x 15 inches would be suitable. All passengers can bring one bag of this size, plus a smaller personal item. The personal item, whose dimensions are specified above, does not count toward the 15-pound carry-on limit.

See all Singapore Airlines carry-on policies.

See all Turkish Airlines carry-on policies.

Virgin Atlantic lets every passenger bring a carry-on bag, including children younger than age 2. You can bring a bag weighing no more than 13 pounds for your child, in addition to a collapsible stroller and/or car seat. Each passenger is also allowed to bring a handbag or small backpack, an umbrella, a walking stick and airport purchases. Take note: Laptops do not count as personal items on Virgin Atlantic and should fit into your main carry-on bag. There's no specific size limit on the other personal items, but bags or airport purchases should fit under the seat in front of you.

See all Virgin Atlantic carry-on policies.

Note that the above rules apply to passengers who book a TimeFlex or Premium Fare, as well as anyone traveling with a child under age 2 and/or requiring special assistance at the airport.

See all Vueling carry-on policies.

See all WestJet carry-on policies.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Amanda Norcross is a seasoned traveler who packs just one carry-on bag and a personal item – even when adventuring with her toddler . She used her personal experience and research skills to put together this guide, and notes that even if your carry-on bag meets size restrictions, you may still need to check it at the gate because of limited space in the overhead bin. Luckily, it's still free.

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The best carry-on backpacks.

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Travel right: Carry-on luggage size and weight guide

Unclear if your carry-on bag is allowed on? This article has everything you need to know to avoid last-minute encounters with TSA, excess baggage fees and a stressful start to your vacation. Use this airline-by-airline guide to see what size and how heavy your carry-on luggage can be .

In this post

• What size is carry-on luggage?
• What is the carry-on luggage weight limit?
• What is a personal item on a plane?
• What is the standard international carry-on luggage size?
• Carry-on luggage vs. a personal item: what’s the difference?
• Carry-on luggage policies for domestic airlines
• Carry-on luggage policies for international airlines

And with KAYAK’s Baggage Fee Assistant , you can see whether your luggage is included in the overall flight price. Just search for your flights on KAYAK, add the bags you want to take using the tool on the left and watch your results instantly update.

1. What size is carry-on luggage?

Most airlines follow very similar size regulations when it comes to carry-on luggage. The majority go by a standard height, width and depth measurement.

In general, standard domestic carry-on luggage size is 22 x 14 x 9 inches. If you’re flying internationally, that may vary a little to 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches. Remember, those dimensions include the handle, wheels and anything else that may protrude from your suitcase so don’t miss them from your measurements.

A few airlines, including Delta, American Airlines, Air Canada and Southwest Airlines, measure their carry-on using what’s called “linear inches”. This is a measurement that adds up the height, width and depth of your carry-on to create a single total number.

For example, Delta’s carry-on limit is 45 linear inches – so if the combined height, width and depth of your luggage is less than 45 inches, you can take it as carry-on:

✅ 22 (h) + 14 (w) + 9 (d) = 45 inches ✅ 25 (h) + 10 (W) + 10 (d) = 45 inches ❌ 24 (h) + 14 (w) + 8 (d) = 46 inches

Carry-on size limits are there to make sure everyone’s luggage will fit in the overhead bins. I always try to fly with only carry-on luggage no matter where I go or for how long. Apart from it forcing me to not overpack, I always travel easier knowing my luggage is in reach rather than in the hold, or even worse, still back at the airport!

2. What is the carry-on luggage weight limit?

Weight limits for carry-on luggage are even more of a minefield than size restrictions, although generally they’re not as strictly enforced. That doesn’t mean, however, that you can fill your case to bursting and make it so heavy it requires a group effort to get it in the overhead bin.

Many major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue and United Airlines have no weight limits at all. As long as you can lift your bag over your shoulders, high enough to get it in the overhead storage bin, you’re fine.

Other limits vary dramatically by airline, and can even change for the same airline depending on where you’re flying from and to. From a lightweight 15 lbs with Qantas, Qatar and Singapore Airlines to a more manageable 51 lbs with British Airways, it’s always important to check in advance.

As long as you’re sensible and within a few pounds though, you shouldn’t have any problems.

3. What is a personal item on a plane?

You may see some airlines include carry-on luggage and “one personal item” in their size guidelines. That personal item refers to a small bag – typically a laptop bag, purse or briefcase . Airline size regulations for personal items vary wildly, but as long as it’s small enough to fit easily under the seat in front of you, there shouldn’t be any problems.

If you have something specific to carry such as a baby bag for diapers and food, a pair of crutches or something particularly fragile, airlines tend to be quite accommodating in including it as carry-on. To be on the safe side, you should always check directly with the airline in advance.

4. What is the standard international carry-on luggage size?

Carry-on luggage sizes can vary between domestic and international flights, although not by much. For most international flights, the maximum carry-on luggage size is 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches or 46 linear inches . If your luggage fits within these dimensions, you’ll have no problems treating it as carry-on.

There are some exceptions such as Qatar Airways, which states measurements of 20 x 15 x 10 inches or 45 linear inches for its carry-on baggage. Pay attention in particular if you’re flying in Europe or with smaller regional airlines, as they can have very different restrictions depending on the airplane.

5. Carry-on luggage vs. a personal item: what’s the difference?

The practical difference between carry-on luggage and a personal item is that the former is for storage in the overhead bin and the latter for under the seat in front of you.

Your carry-on luggage is the bag you don’t hand over at check-in. If you’re traveling light, using your carry-on luggage allowance can prevent you having to check any bags at all. That’s always a win, as your bags will never get lost or left behind and you don’t have to wait at baggage collection once you’ve landed.

Many airlines include a carry-on luggage allowance in their ticket price. Some – especially small and budget airlines – charge extra for it, although it’s usually still cheaper than paying for checked luggage .

Personal items are things like your purse or laptop, briefcase or camera, and are usually permitted on top of your carry-on luggage free of charge. Size allowances vary by airline but most simply follow the ‘fit under the seat in front of you’ guideline.

If you’re not sure what you can take in your carry-on or personal item, check out our FAQs .

Not sure if your carry-on luggage size fits your airline policy?

To take the anxiety out of boarding and make sure your carry-on is always compliant, we created a fun  Bag Measurement tool . Download the  KAYAK app  and you’ll never need a tape measure again.

Just open the app and tap on “Measure your bag.” Using your camera, capture your luggage and our app will do the math for you to give your bag’s exact measurements. Handily, it also compares airline baggage policies in one place too, so you can quickly check your carry-on fits no matter who you’re flying with. Watch the video below to see how it works.

6. Carry-on luggage policies for domestic airlines

Although there are differences in carry-on luggage size and weight restrictions between lots of different airlines, many also now tow a similar line to each other.

When it comes to carry-on baggage, few domestic airlines now specify a weight limit. Of those we’ve detailed below, only Hawaiian Airlines and Frontier Airlines impose weight restrictions. The rest go by dimensions only.

For personal items, Delta, Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines all dispense with measurements, instead simply asking that it fits under the seat in front of you. None of the domestic airlines impose a weight limit.

To make it easier for you to search, we’ve gone through the main domestic US airlines and detailed the size and weight limits for both carry-on luggage and personal items. We’ve also included any other relevant information, tools and tips we think you might find useful when flying with each specific airline.

Alaska Airlines

American Airl ines

Hawaiian Airlines

Southwest airlines, spirit airlines, united airlines.

• Carry-on luggage size: 22 x 14 x 9 inches
• Carry-on luggage maximum weight: Not specified
• Personal item size: Must fit under the seat in front of you
• Personal item maximum weight: Not specified

The Alaska Airlines carry-on luggage allowance includes one carry-on bag and one personal item for all fares.

American Airlines

• Personal item size: 18 x 4 x 8 inches

The American Airlines carry-on luggage allowance includes one carry-on bag and one personal item for all fares, Basic Economy included.

• Carry-on luggage size:  22 x 14 x 9 inches or 45 linear inches
• Carry-on luggage maximum weight:  None (with exceptions)
• Personal item size:  Must fit under the seat in front of you
• Personal item maximum weight:  Not specified

All  Delta fares include one carry-on bag  and one personal item. Most routes have no weight limit for carry-on with a few exceptions. Flying to or from Beijing or Shanghai in China comes with a 22lb weight limit, and from Singapore it’s a 15lb limit.

• Carry-on luggage size:  24 x 10 x 16 inches
• Carry-on luggage maximum weight:  35 lbs
• Personal item size:  14 x 18 x 8 inches

Frontier fares include only a personal item  and no carry-on luggage. That means you’ll need to add and pay for carry-on luggage, with prices varying by route and when you add it. As always, adding it when you book your flights will be cheapest.

As always, there are exceptions. If you buy one of the WORKS or PERKS fare bundles, carry-on (as well as checked) baggage is included. And if you’re an Elite member of the FRONTIER Miles rewards program you too are blessed with carry-on included.

• Carry-on luggage size:  22 x 14 x 9 inches
• Carry-on luggage maximum weight:  25 lbs

Hawaiian Airlines includes carry-on luggage  and a personal item on all fares, but watch out for that weight limit.

• Carry-on luggage maximum weight:  None
• Personal item size:  17 x 13 x 8 inches

You can take a carry-on bag and personal item on all fares except a Blue Basic ticket, where you can only bring a personal item – most of the time. There are, of course, some exceptions.

If you’re in the US military, are an unaccompanied minor, or are traveling to or from the UK or Europe,  including connecting flights , you can  take carry-on with a Basic Blue fare . The same applies if you upgrade your seat or reach the giddy heights of Mosaic status in JetBlue’s TrueBlue rewards program.

• Carry-on luggage size:  24 x 16 x 10 inches
• Carry-on luggage maximum weight:  Not specified
• Personal item size:  16.25 x 13.5 x 8 inches

Note: As well as offering comparatively generous  carry-on and personal item sizes, Southwest  also includes both in all its fares.

• Carry-on luggage size:  22 x 18 x 9 inches
• Personal item size:  18 x 14 x 8 inches
• Personal item maximum weight:  None

Spirit keeps its flight prices low by charging for carry-on  baggage and allowing only a smaller personal item for free. Fees vary depending on the route and when you buy it.

If you add when booking your flight, the average fee is $37, although that can be lower for domestic US flights. Add it later and it gets more expensive the longer you leave it, rising to $65 if you pay at the gate. The moral being, always add luggage when you book to get the best deal.

• Personal item size:  17 x 10 x 9 inches

If you’re flying domestically or between the US and Canada, you can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on all fares except Basic Economy, where you can only bring a personal item.

If you’re flying to South America or across the Atlantic or Pacific on a Basic Economy fare, you can bring carry-on luggage and a personal item.

Certain MileagePlus, Premier and Star Alliance Gold members also qualify to bring a carry-on to all flights no matter their fare. Check the  United carry-on guide  for details.

7. Carry-on luggage policies for international airlines

Many of the international airlines have different fares and a confusing array of classes, from economy to first. These come with different carry-on and personal item restrictions, so be sure to check which class ticket you have before packing.

Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and Turkish Airlines all have the same carry-on size limit but weight allowances vary. Almost all of the International airlines we’ve listed impose carry-on weight restrictions, and many on personal items as well. The only exception is Air Canada.

British Airways

Qatar airways, scandinavian airlines (sas), turkish airlines.

• Carry-on luggage size:  21.5 x 15.5 x 9.5 inches
• Carry-on luggage maximum weight:  22 lbs
• Personal item size:  13 x 10 x 8 inches

Aer Lingus has gone to town on the complexity of its carry-on policies and prices.

If you’re flying trans-Atlantic, your carry-on and personal item are included in your fare. If you’re flying in Europe, you’ll need to book a “Carry-on bag with priority boarding” ticket and pay upwards of €9.99. Or you can check your bag into the hold, in which case it’s free.

There are a raft of exceptions to this including different fare types and connections, so you should check carefully when you book.

If you’re flying Aer Lingus Regional (that uses smaller planes limited mostly to Ireland and the UK), the allowances shrink. Your carry-on must be a maximum of 18.5 x 13 x 8 inches and weigh no more than 15 lbs.

Air Canada lets you bring a carry-on bag and personal item on all its fares, but does stress that you must be able to lift your carry-on into the overhead bin unassisted.

• Carry-on luggage size:  21.6 x 13.7 x 9.8 inches
• Carry-on luggage maximum weight:  26.4 to 40 lbs (fare dependent) including personal item
• Personal item size:  15.7 x 11.8 x 5.8 inches
• Personal item maximum weight:  26.4 to 40 lbs (fare dependent) including carry-on luggage

If you’re traveling with Air France on an Economy ticket, you can take one carry-on and a personal item with a combined weight of 26.4 lbs. If you’re flying in Premium Economy, Business, or La Première, you can take two carry-on bags and one personal item with a combined weight of 40 lbs. Air Canada lets you bring a carry-on bag and personal item on all its fares but does stress that you must be able to lift your carry-on into the overhead bin unassisted.

• Carry-on luggage size:  22 x 18 x 10 inches
• Carry-on luggage maximum weight:  51 lbs
• Personal item size:  16 x 12 x 6 inches
• Personal item maximum weight:  51 lbs

British Airways includes a carry-on bag and personal item in all its fare prices, with generous size allowances.

• Carry-on luggage size:  22 x 17.5 x 9.5 inches
• Carry-on luggage maximum weight:  33 lbs
• Personal item size:  17.5 x 14 x 8 inches
• Personal item maximum weight:  33 lbs

Another of Europe’s huge budget airlines, easyJet offers only a personal item to take free on board, which they market as a “small cabin bag.” For a proper size carry-on bag you’ll need to book a FLEXI Fare or an Up Front or Extra Legroom seat, or just add a large cabin bag separately. Prices start from £5.99.

• Carry-on luggage size:  22 x 15 x 8 inches
• Carry-on luggage maximum weight:  15 to 30 lbs (fare dependent)
• Personal item size:  22 x 15 x 8 inches
• Personal item maximum weight:  15 lbs

Economy class passengers can bring a single carry-on weighing 15 lbs. Premium Economy passengers can up that to 22 lbs. Business and First Class can bring two carry-ons of up to 15 lbs each. As with Qatar Airways, tickets issued in Brazil have a weight limit of 22 lbs.

Beware too that Emirates only allows one item for Economy and Premium Economy fares – either a carry-on or a personal item, not both. It also notes that if you carry a garment bag it must be no more than eight inches thick when folded.

• Carry-on luggage size:  21.5 x 13.5 x 9.5 inches
• Carry-on luggage maximum weight:  26 to 40 lbs (fare dependent) including personal item
• Personal item maximum weight:  26 to 40 lbs (fare dependent) including carry-on luggage

KLM’s policies change with their fares. Economy gets one carry-on and one personal item up to 26 lbs in combined weight. Premium Comfort gets two carry-ons and a personal item but the same combined weight of 26 lbs. Business Class gets the same as Premium Comfort but with a weight increase to 40 lbs.

And if you bring a baby on your lap, you can take one extra carry-on weighing up to 26 lbs.

• Carry-on luggage size:  21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches or 22.5 x 21 x 6 inches for foldable garment bags
• Carry-on luggage maximum weight:  17.5 lbs
• Personal item size:  15.5 x 11.5 x 4 inches

All Lufthansa Economy Class and Premium Economy Class fares include one carry-on bag and personal item, with size and weight restrictions. Business and First Class fares include two carry-on bags, although the second bag may need to be checked in on flights from Italy, India and the USA.

• Carry-on luggage size:  20 x 15 x 10 inches
• Carry-on luggage maximum weight:  15 to 33 lbs (fare dependent)
• Personal item size:  Not specified

Economy Class Qatar Airways passengers can take one carry-on and one personal item weighing up to 15 lbs. Business and First class can take two carry-on bags and one personal item weighing up to 33 lbs. Tickets issued in Brazil have a weight limit of 22 lbs.

It’s worth noting that Qatar Airlines considers your laptop and case part of your carry-on and not a personal item. Note too that 20 inch luggage length is shorter than most other carriers.

• Carry-on luggage size:  21.5 x 15.5 x 8 inches
• (Priority fares) Carry-on luggage maximum weight:  22 lbs
• (Priority fares) Personal item size:  15.5 x 8 x 10 inches

Budget airline Ryanair keeps its prices low by allowing only a smaller personal item as part of the fare price. You’ll need to buy its Priority & 2 Cabin Bags option if you want to take a carry-on bag weighing up to 22 lbs. Prices vary by route and when you book.

Ryanair’s Priority bundle also lets you board the plane early, but don’t be fooled! This often means standing at the front of the queue in a corridor instead of relaxing at the gate while waiting for the plane to be ready.

• Carry-on luggage size:  21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches

All SAS fares allow you to take one carry-on bag and a personal item with the exception of the Go Light fare – but only if you’re traveling in Europe. On this fare you’ll need to pay for your carry-on bag. If you’re on a Go Light fare to or from Asia, Canada or the US, your carry-on is included.

Plus and Business Class passengers can take two carry-on bags with them. SAS also notes you can bring airport purchases and Duty Free bags onboard with you at no cost.

• Personal item size:  15.5 x 11.5 x 6 inches
• Personal item maximum weight:  9 lbs

Turkish Airlines Economy Class passengers can take one carry-on and one personal item on board. Business Class passengers can take one extra carry-on of the same weight and dimensions.

For both domestic and international flights, infant passengers are also allowed one more carry-on bag.

• Personal item size:  16 x 12 x 8 inches

All fares can take a personal item on board , but you can only take a carry-on bag if you’re on a TimeFlex Fare, are a Premium customer, require assistance at the airport or are traveling with a child younger than two.

How was this guide created?

Experience and research! I’ve been traveling the world and writing stories about it for 20 years and have one mantra: carry-on is king. Unless I’m nervously checking in surfboards or skis, I only ever  pack a carry-on  and personal item.

Over time I’ve learned a lot about the tricks to success and pitfalls of getting carry-on wrong. This guide is a culmination of that experience combined with extensive research into US and international airline luggage policies. I also got great advice from the KAYAK teams who build the features and tools you use to book your travel.

If you found this article helpful, we’ve got plenty more inspiration and information to share. Unsure where to travel this year? Check out our guide to  traveling with a carry-on vs checked bag  and if you’re thinking of traveling off-season, this  in-betweasons guide  has an in-depth breakdown of prices and places to visit. Dive in!

This post is part of our Flight guide. Want to make sure you get the most out of your trip? Read about how to find cheap flights in our guide.

Carry-on luggage FAQs

A backpack is generally considered a personal item rather than a carry-on, as long as it fits below the seat in front of you or meets the dimensions specified by the airline.

If you’re traveling with a full size backpack that can only be stored in the overhead bins, this would qualify as carry-on luggage. As always, check the permitted dimensions and weight before you travel.

A duffel bag is typically considered carry-on luggage, yes. This does, of course, depend on its dimensions which are almost always the deciding factor for airlines over the type of luggage you have.

If it’s too big to fit under the seat in front of you and has to go in the overhead bin, you should consider it to be carry-on luggage rather than a personal item.

None of the international airlines we’ve mentioned in this guide would allow a 24-inch suitcase as carry-on, as it doesn’t meet their size requirements. Domestically, both Frontier and Southwest Airlines would allow you to take your 24-inch suitcase as carry-on thanks to their generous size limits.

Generally, I’d say a 24-inch bag will be treated as check-in luggage more often than carry-on, so think carefully before traveling with it!

The TSA has strict rules around what you can take in your carry-on luggage. Generally speaking you can take most things you’ll need for your journey.

Foods including fruits are fine. If you’re taking baby foods and medicines it’s worth checking with the airline first to make sure they don’t breach liquid limits. If you have support devices like crutches, walking stick, stroller or wheelchair, you shouldn’t have any problems but let the airline know in advance, just to be sure.

The TSA has strict rules around what you can’t take in your carry-on luggage . Rules against carrying weapons and ammunition are obvious, but it’s liquid allowances that catch most people out.

Currently, you can’t bring any liquid, gel, aerosol, cream or paste containers bigger than 3.4 ounces (100ml if you’re in Europe). If you do, it’ll be confiscated at security or you’ll be turned away if you’re not willing to relinquish it. Exceptions include medications and children’s foods but it’s always worth checking in advance to be sure.

Disclaimer: prices and information are correct as of 21.07.2023 and may vary with time.

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Carry on Luggage: Size, Weight and Rules for All Airlines

Traveling with a carry on luggage is always challenging since there are many rules to respect, different sizes  and weights allowed for each airline. How many carry-on bags are allowed? What are the maximum size and weight allowed? With my previous guide I tried to answer the question: can you bring a drone on a plane? While now, with this guide, I’ve put together the most important rules that need to be followed if you want to bring your hand luggage on a plane .

In general, airlines refer to your cabin baggage as hand luggage , hand baggage and carry on luggage – but we’re always talking about that piece of luggage that is allowed inside the cabin and that you can place either under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin.

I always recommend choosing a carry on luggage that could also fit under the seat in front of you. Why? Because you want to be sure that, in case there’s no more space available in the overhead bin, you’re still able to store it right under the seat in front of you. This assures you that, even with a full flight, the cabin crew won’t take away your carry-on luggage to put it in the hold.

If you have any tips or find any errors feel free to leave a comment below, I’ll also try to keep this guide up to date but, as always, make sure to verify directly with the airline and the local airport regulations before departure .

I’ve organized the carry on luggage rules and sizes by airlines in alphabetic order so you can easily find each and use it as a reference – you can also use the quick menu below to jump to the specific airline section.

TSA Carry On Rules

The Transportation Security Administration has very clear and detailed rules on what you can bring on a plane.

Their main interest is regarding the content of your carry on luggage rather than the size. TSA actually doesn’t even have a size limit for your hand luggage, but it has a 3-1-1 liquids rule that goes as follows:

• 3.4 ounces (100ml) containers (or smaller)
• 1 quart-size, clear plastic bag1 bag per traveler
• 1 bag per traveler

There’s also a complete list of permitted and prohibited items. In general, food is allowed and if in a liquid state (even semi-liquid such as peanut butter) it needs to follow the 3-1-1 TSA liquids rule .

AirAsia Hand Luggage

AirAsia allows one cabin bag that can’t exceed the following size 56cm x 36cm x 23cm including handles, wheels and side pockets. It needs to fit in the overhead bin. In addition, you can also bring one small bag as carry-on of the maximum size of 40cm x 30cm x 10cm which needs to fit under the seat in front of you.

Air France Carry On

Air France has a variable policy which states that you’re allowed 1 or 2 hand baggage items, depending on the route, as well as a smaller accessory bag.

The size of the carry-on must not exceed 55 x 35 x 25 cm, as always, including pockets, wheels and handles. They also have a weight limit which, depending on your travel cabin, must not exceed 12 kg / 26 lb or 18 kg / 39.7 lb.

In addition, Air France has also created a useful baggage calculator that shows how much carry on you can bring on the plane based on the route.

Air India Hand Baggage

The dimensions of the hand baggage for Air India are based on the type of airplane and are the following:

• Airbus or Boeing – Height 55cm x Length 35cm x Width 25cm with a Total Dimension of 115cm
• ATR – Height 55cm x Length 35cm x Width 20cm with a Total Dimension of 110cm

The maximum weight allowed for the hand baggage is 8 kg. In addition, passengers may bring one personal item such as a laptop, a lady’s hand bag, an overcoat, a rug/blanket, a camera and other small items as mentioned on their website .

Alitalia Carry On

Alitalia allows one hand luggage of the following size: 56 x 35 x 25 with a max weight of 8 kg. In addition, you can also bring a personal item such as a laptop or a briefcase which needs to be placed under the seat in front of you and that will be labeled by the groundcrew.

American Airlines Carry On

American Airlines allows one personal item of small size and one bag as carry-on baggage.

The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you and the size must be maximum: 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 30 x 20 cm). From January 2017 the basic economy fare allows passengers to bring only the personal item which needs to fit under the seat in front of you and no additional bag.

The carry on size for American Airlines can’t exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm). There’s no reference to the carry on weight limit which shouldn’t be an issue.

British Airways Hand Luggage

British Airways has a different hand luggage policy based on your flight’s route. If flying from/to Brazil adults are allowed to bring:

• 1 handbag/laptop bag of maximum 23kg / 51lb of weight and up to 45 x 36 x 20 cm or 18 x 14 x 8 inches of size
• 1 cabin bag of maximum 23kg / 51lb of weight and up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm or 22 x 18 x 10 inches of size

For all other flights, adults can bring:

• 1 handbag/laptop bag of maximum 23kg / 51lb of weight and up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm or 16 x 12 x 6 inches of size

Brussels Airlines Hand Luggage

Brussels Airlines allows two pieces of hand luggage with a total combined weight of 12 kg. The size of the first piece of hand luggage has to be maximum 55 x 40 x 23 cm, while the second piece (which is more precisely a personal item such as a handbag, a laptop case, etc.) has to fit under the seat in front of you with a size of maximum 40 x 30 x 10 cm.

Delta Carry On

Delta’s carry on rules allow two pieces on board: one carry on bag and one personal item. Here are the dimensions:

• The combined length, width and height cannot exceed 45 inches (114 cm)
• The dimensions can’t exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 cm)

The personal item can be a purse, camera bag, laptop or similar. While the weight depends on the route and goes as following:

• Singapore Changi International Airport 15 lbs (7kg)
• South Korea Incheon International Airport 22 lbs (10kg)
• China Beijing Capital International Airport 22 lbs (10kg)
• China Shanghai Pudong International Airport 22 lbs (10kg)
• No weight restrictions for all the other routes

Easyjet Hand Luggage

Easyjet’s hand luggage allowance consists of one cabin bag per passenger with no weight limit. There’s the possibility to bring an additional bag on board (that needs to be placed under the seat in front of you) if you’re an Easyjet Plus member, you purchased a Flexi fare, Up Front or Extra Legroom seat or when traveling with an infant under 2 on your lap. Easyjet’s hand luggage size is as following: 56 x 45 x 25 cm, while for the additional bag it can’t exceed 45 x 36 x 20 cm.

Emirates Hand Luggage

Emirates has a hand luggage rule that changes based on the service class on which you’re flying.

• First Class and Business Class passengers are allowed two pieces of hand luggage: one briefcase and one handbag. The max size for the briefcase is 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 25 x 20 cm), while the max size for the handbag is 22 x 15 x 8 inches (55 x 38 x 20 cm). The maximum weight can’t exceed 7kg (15lb) for each item.
• Economy Class passengers are allowed one piece of hand luggage with a max size of 22 x 15 x 8 inches (55 x 38 x 20 cm) and a max weight of 7kg (15lb)

Also, don’t forget to check out my Emirates A380 First Class Review with my full experience flying in the most luxurious cabin and lounges of the Emirates network!

Finnair Carry On

Finnair allows you to bring one piece of carry-on baggage of maximum 56 x 45 x 25 (22 x 18 x 10 in) and one personal item that needs to be placed under the seat in front of you and measure max 40 x 30 x 15 cm (16 x 12 x 6 in). The combined weight cannot exceed 8kg (17.5 lbs). If you’re flying in business class or are a Finnair Plus Platinum, Gold and Silver member you can bring two pieces of carry-on plus the personal item for a maximum combined weight of 10kg.

Iberia Hand Luggage

Iberia allows, in general, to bring one carry on and one personal item as hand luggage. The maximum size of the carry on is 56 x 45 x 25 cm, while the personal item needs to fit under the seat in front of you. Additionally, business class passengers on long haul flights can bring 2 pieces of hand luggage onboard plus the personal item.

Jetblue Carry On

JetBlue carry-on baggage requirements are clear and mention that each passenger can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item. The carry-on bag which needs to be stored in the overhead bin can have a max size of 22” L x 14” W x 9” H and has no limits in terms of weight. The personal item needs to fit under the seat in front of you, can have a max dimension of 17” L x 13” W x 8” H – also, in this case, there’s no weight limit.

KLM Hand Luggage

KLM has a general rule for free hand luggage based on your class.

• Economy Class can bring one piece of hand luggage of max 55 x 35 x 25 cm, plus one accessory of 40 x 30 x 15 cm. The total weight can’t exceed 12kg
• Business Class can bring two pieces of hand luggage of max 55 x 35 x 25 cm, plus one accessory of 40 x 30 x 15 cm. The total weight can’t exceed 18kg

KLM also has a baggage calculator to help you identify the exact personal luggage allowance based on your route and flight.

Lufthansa Carry On

Lufthansa’s carry on allowance depends on your travel class.Economy and Premium Economy can bring one piece of

• Economy and Premium Economy can bring one piece of carry on baggage up to 8 kg
• Business and First can bring two pieces of carry on baggage each up to 8 kg

The size of the carry on is 55 x 40 x 23 cm. You’re also allowed to bring an additional item in the cabin such as a laptop bag, handbag, etc. with a max size of 30 x 40 x 10 cm.

Malaysia Airlines Hand Luggage

Malaysia Airlines has a hand baggage allowance that depends on your travel class.

• Economy Class can bring one piece of hand luggage of max 7kg
• Business Class and First Class can bring two pieces of hand luggage of max 14kg in total

The size of each piece can’t exceed 56 x 36 x 23 cm. In addition, you can bring a personal item for free, such as a laptop bag, a briefcase, a small camera bag, etc. (max 4kg)

Qantas Carry On

Qantas has different rules for carry on based on your destination and route. If traveling Australian Domestic you can bring

• 2 bags 105cm or
• 1 bag 105cm and 1 bag 185cm non-rigid or
• 1 bag 115cm

If traveling Internationally it changes based on your travel class

• 2 bags 115cm or
• 1 bag 115cm and 1 bag 185cm non-rigid or
• 1 bag 115cm or
• 1 bag 185cm non-rigid

The carry on max weight is of 7kg per piece for all routes and classes. The measures indicated are the combined length, height and depth for each piece. In addition to the carry-on with Qantas you can bring one small personal item such as a handbag, a laptop computer, an overcoat, etc.

Qatar Airways Hand Luggage

Qatar Airways hand luggage allowance changes based on your travel class.

• First Class and Business Class passengers can bring two pieces of hand luggage with a total weight of 15kg
• Economy Class passengers are allowed one piece of hand luggage of max 7 kg – If your ticket has been issued in Brazil you are allowed a max weight of 10 kg.

The maximum dimensions for each piece of hand luggage are 50 x 37 x 25 cm. In addition, you can bring a personal item such as a lady’s handbag, a small briefcase, etc.

Ryanair Hand Luggage

Ryanair allows you to bring one bag of maximum 55cm x 40cm x 20cm and 10 kg of weight. In addition, you can also bring on board one small bag such as a laptop bag, a handbag, etc of that can’t exceed 35cm x 20cm x 20cm which needs to fit under the seat in front of you.

Singapore Airlines Carry On

Singapore Airlines carry on allowance depends on your travel class. When flying Suites, First Class and Business Class you can bring 2 pieces of hand luggage on board, with a weight limit of 7kg each and with a sum of length, width and height not exceeding 115cm. While in Economy Class you can bring 1 piece of hand luggage still with the weight limit of 7kg and the size not exceeding 115cm combined.

Southwest Airlines Carry On

Southwest Airlines carry on rules are as following:

• One carry on bag limited to 10 x 16 x 24 inches
• One personal item (including a purse, a briefcase, a laptop case, etc.) that needs to fit under the seat in front of you and with a size of 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches

Swiss Air Hand Luggage

Swiss Air has hand luggage rules that change based on your travel class. If flying Economy you can bring one baggage of max 8 kg, while if flying Business or First you can bring two pieces of baggage of max 8 kg each. The size for each baggage can’t exceed 55cm x 40cm x 23cm. In addition, you’re allowed to bring on board a personal item such as a laptop bag, shoulder bag, etc. of max 40 x 30 x 10 cm.

Thai Airways Carry On

Thai Airways allows one carry on of maximum 56 x 45 x 25 cm with a weight of 7kg. Passengers can also bring an additional item for free such as a handbag or laptop of maximum 37.5 x 25 x 12.5 cm and a weight not exceeding 1.5kg.

Turkish Airlines Carry On

Turkish Airlines allows up to two pieces of carry on luggage depending on your travel class. If flying Business Class you can bring two pieces of carry on baggage, while if traveling Economy Class only one piece is allowed. In both cases the maximum weight per piece of carry on is 8kg and the maximum size is 55 x 40 x 23 cm.

United Airlines Carry On

United Airlines allows travelers to bring on board one piece of carry on plus one smaller personal item free of charge. However, if you have purchased a Basic Economy ticket you can only bring one personal item. The carry on bag can have the following max dimensions 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 x 35 x 56 cm), while the personal item has to fit under the seat in front of you and have a max size of 9 x 10 x 17 inches ( 22 x 25 x 43 cm).

8 responses to “Carry on Luggage: Size, Weight and Rules for All Airlines”

What a great guide! Thank you so much for sharing it.

Thanks Paul!

Has Ryanair changed the carryon policy now? What is allowed with a standard fare?

they have indeed changed the carry on policy.

At the moment Ryanair allows you to bring one small bag of max. 35cm x 20cm x 20cm and one cabin bag not exceeding 55cm x 40cm x 20cm with max. weight of 10kg.

During boarding your bigger cabin bag will be placed in the hold at no additional cost, while you can bring in the cabin the smaller bag.

I hope this helps!

Thanks so much for this guide! It’s a mess each time to find the baggage allowance and the carry on rule for all airlines.

Hi Rita, thanks for your kind comment.

I’m glad you found it helpful and I agree there are so many rules and restrictions for hand luggage that it’s easy to get lost!

“THANKS,!!!” for such detailed information. It is such a blessing, to know; makes travelling less hectic; much easier.

Thanks for putting this together. Bookmarked for my next trips!

Airline carry-on luggage size: Everything you need to know

One of the most stressful parts of flying can be the packing process, especially if you're trying to fit your items into one or two carry-on bags.

Regardless of whether you are flying a U.S. carrier or internationally, your flying with both a full-sized carry-on and personal item depends on the policy of the specific carrier. We've outlined many of those policies in this guide. Additionally, all airlines have size requirements, and some have weight restrictions.

Read on for all you need to know about traveling with carry-on bags.

What size is carry-on luggage?

As you've likely observed, most domestic airlines allow passengers one personal item that fits underneath the seat in front of them and one larger carry-on suitable for the overhead bin.

Some airlines specify size requirements for both items, while others only restrict the overhead baggage. Just remember that a carrier's policy for the larger carry-on accounts for the size of your entire bag, including your luggage's handles and wheels.

The standard size requirements across the board for most domestic airlines for your larger carry-on is around 22 by 14 by 9 inches, so that's a good rule of thumb to keep in mind.

Here are the carry-on policies broken down by U.S. airlines:

Carry-on items stored overhead must be 24 by 16 by 10 inches. Personal items for under the seat – including purses, briefcases, cameras, food containers, laptops and backpacks — cannot be larger than 16 1/4 by 13 1/2 by 8 inches.

The combined length, width and height of carry-on baggage should be less than 45 inches. Individual items must be less than 22 by 14 by 9 inches.

American Airlines passengers should heed the 18 by 14 by 8-inch limit for personal items and 22 by 14 by 9 inches (including handles and wheels) for overhead items, which also must fit in the sizer at the gate.

All under-seat personal items on United must measure within 9 by 10 by 17 inches, while larger items cannot exceed 22 by 14 by 9 inches, including handles and wheels.

Similar to the other domestic carriers on this list, JetBlue says that personal items must measure less than 17 by 13 by 8 inches, handles and wheels included, while overhead items shall be smaller than 22 by 14 by 9 inches.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines recently changed their carry-on bag size limit for overhead items to be within 22 by 14 by 9 inches, including the wheels and handles.

Hawaiian Airlines

Carry-on items aboard Hawaiian Airlines flights cannot exceed 22 by 14 by 9 inches.

The standard carry-on size for international carriers is slightly smaller than that of the U.S., measuring overall at 21.7 by 15.7 by 9 inches, including handles and wheels.

Here are the carry-on policies for economy passengers on major international carriers:

• Air Canada: 21.5 by 15 by 9 inches.
• British Airways: 22 by 18 by 10 inches.
• Emirates: 21 by 14 by 7 inches.
• Singapore Airlines: The sum of length, width and height of each piece should measure less than 45 inches.
• Cathay Pacific: 22 by 14 by 9 inches.
• Air New Zealand: The sum of length, width and height of each piece must measure less than 46.5 inches.
• Turkish Airlines: 21 by 15 by 9 inches.
• Virgin Atlantic: 22 by 14 by 9 inches.
• ANA: 22 by 16 by 9 inches.
• Korean Air: The total dimensions of the bag must be less than 45 inches (20 by 21 by 15 inches).
• Japan Airlines: 22 by 16 by 10 inches.
• La Compagnie: 21 ⅔ by 13 ¾ by 9 ⅚ inches.

Read more: Your essential guide to duty-free shopping at the airport

Is a carry-on considered a personal item?

As mentioned, all airlines differentiate between smaller personal items and larger carry-on items. If your carry-on bag fits under the seat in front of you, it's considered a personal item, which includes small backpacks, purses, briefcases and laptop bags.

Larger bags, including suitcases that fit in the overhead bin compartment, are labeled as larger carry-on items.

Most domestic airlines allow passengers two carry-on items, depending on their fare type. For example, Southwest stands out among carriers for allowing passengers two free carry-on bags and two checked bags, regardless of fare type. That's also the case for Delta, American, Alaska and Hawaiian passengers.

The cheapest fare types on both United (basic economy) and JetBlue (Blue Basic) restrict fliers to one personal item that can fit under the seat in front of you.

Among international carriers, your fare type also determines whether you are eligible to bring one or two carry-on items, so be sure to pay attention to baggage allotments when booking.

For carry-on guidelines for specific airlines, see our guide for the current carry-on baggage policies for 10 major U.S. and international carriers .

Carry-on luggage weight limits

Though airlines care about size, most domestic airlines do not have weight restrictions for carry-on bags, but some enforce weight limits for specific routes. For example, Delta restricts passengers flying to and from Beijing and Shanghai to a 22-pound carry-on, while bags are limited to 15 pounds to and from Singapore.

Low-cost airlines Frontier and Sun Country both have 35-pound limits, while Hawaiian Airlines limits their carry-on bags to 25 pounds.

Otherwise, you won't likely find a blanket weight policy for carry-on bags for domestic carriers.

Just make sure your bag does not weigh too much that it becomes oversized.

On the other hand, the majority of international carriers specify weight requirements for carry-on bags dependent on the fare type. For economy fares, carry-on weight limits vary among major carriers, including:

• Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Air New Zealand: 15 pounds.
• Turkish Airlines: 17 pounds.
• Virgin Atlantic, ANA, Korean Air, Japan Airlines: 22 pounds.
• La Compagnie: 39 pounds.
• British Airways: 51 pounds.

What is allowed in a carry-on bag?

The U.S. Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) monitors carry-on bags just as they do with checked luggage, prohibiting certain items, including firearms, lithium batteries and other potentially hazardous items outlined here .

Within those confines, you're further restricted to liquids less than 3.4 ounces per their 3-1-1 rule, limiting items like toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion to 3.4 fluid ounces within a quart-sized bag. TSA recommends you pack full-sized liquids in your checked luggage.

In addition to liquids, your carry-on is the safest place for your most valuable items, such as your purse, electronics, passport, jewelry and medicines.

For inbound international flights to the U.S., you can carry on liquids exceeding 3.4 ounces if purchased duty-free and remain in their secure, tamper-evident bags. You'll also want to hold on to your original receipt to show the purchase was made within the preceding 48 hours, which TSA may request for screening.

Other international border agencies have similar rules prohibiting bringing certain items on airplanes, so be sure to check with your individual airline regarding those rules.

Bottom line

Depending on your fare type, most domestic airlines generally permit travelers to carry on two items — one that fits underneath the seat in front of you, generally labeled as a personal item, and a second item that fits overhead. However, you must meet certain dimension thresholds, which vary by airline.

Personal items include small backpacks, purses, briefcases and laptop bags, while larger bags, including suitcases that lie fit in the overhead bin compartment, are labeled as larger carry-on items.

Carry-on policies greatly vary by international carriers, depending on the fare type, which also determines weight requirements for carry-on bags. However, U.S. airlines generally do not have weight restrictions for carry-on items.

Related: Here's what to pack in a carry-on bag every time you travel

Airline Carry On Luggage Size and Weight Limits: A Detailed Guide

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When you travel with just carry-on luggage you avoid airline luggage fees, the risk of having your bags lost, and long waits at the baggage carousel on arrival.

To make sure you can take your bag on the plane, though, you need to be familiar with airline restrictions as only bags of a certain size and weight are allowed.

We’ve been travelling the world full-time for over 12 years with carry-on luggage only.

In this post, we share our tips for dealing with airline restrictions including the carry on luggage size and carry on weight limit and how strict airlines really are. 

Carry On Luggage Size 

How strict are airlines with carry on size, recommended carry-on luggage, carry on luggage weight limit, additional personal item , list of airline carry on luggage size and weight allowances, more posts on travelling carry-on only.

How big can a carry on be?

The most commonly allowed airline carry on size is 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 inches) including all handles, side pockets, and wheels.

This varies by airline, though, with some allowing slightly larger or smaller bags, so check with the airline you plan to travel with. We’ve included a list of carry on luggage dimensions for many airlines at the end of this post. 

Airlines have luggage sizers at the gate and while boarding the plane they could ask you to place your bag inside. If it doesn’t fit, you could be forced to check the bag in the luggage hold (and most airlines charge fees for this).

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We’ve found that most airlines aren’t too strict about the exact size of carry on luggage.

In over 12 years we’ve never had our bags measured, although our luggage has been a little over the size restrictions of some airlines such as Ryanair.

It has helped that for most of that time we’ve travelled with backpacks, which are less likely to draw the attention of airline staff than suitcases. 

It’s best to try to board the plane as early as possible as space in the overhead bins can run out, and some budget airlines (like Ryanair and Easyjet) don’t guarantee that there will be space for your cabin luggage even if you meet the restrictions.

We’ve never had an issue with this, but if you are worried, you might want to pay extra for priority boarding, which many budget airlines offer.

We do find this worth the upgrade as it reduces stress about whether your bag will make it on or not, plus there’s less waiting to get on the plane. 

To be sure you can take your bag on the plane, it’s best to choose luggage that fits the restrictions of the airlines you’ll be travelling on. See the list of allowed sizes at the end of this post. 

If you’ll be travelling with a backpack, look for one in the range of 30 to 45 litres, but do check the dimensions as well, and be aware that overpacking can make the backpack expand over the stated measurements.

We recommend the Tortuga Outbreaker 45L backpack  if you’re looking for the maximum airline carry on size or the Osprey Farpoint 40 for something a bit smaller for stricter airlines.

See our Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack review for more details. 

After nearly a decade of travel with backpacks, we switched to carry on size suitcases.

We both have the Away Bigger Carry-On which is technically larger than most airlines allow (at 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches), but it was designed to fit in the sizers of most US airlines (which are actually a little larger than they say). 

This is the best option if you want to maximise the amount so you can take on the plane, but there is a chance you’ll be asked to check it in.

We haven’t had any problems so far travelling on international long-haul flights and budget airlines in Europe including these:

• Norwegian Air
• British Airways
• American Airlines
• Singapore Airlines
• Air New Zealand
• Virgin Atlantic
• Virgin Australia
• Hawaiian Airlines (Interisland as well as from mainland USA)
• Japan Airlines

If you are worried the Away Bigger Carry-On will be denied boarding, a smaller, safer option is the Away Carry-On . This measures 21.7 x 13.7 x 9 inches and is designed to meet the carry on requirements for as many airlines as possible. 

How much can a carry on bag weigh?

While US domestic airlines don’t usually have carry on bag weight limits, the rest of the world does. Cabin luggage usually has a weight restriction from 5 kg to 12 kg, with most airlines in Asia and Australia limiting it to 7 kg.

This is a big concern for many people, as by the time you’ve added up the weight of your bag and perhaps a laptop, it doesn’t leave much for other things.

The weight of our luggage varies, but it is usually over the limits for the airlines we fly.

Do airlines weigh carry on bags?

In over 12 years of full-time travel, our carry-ons have only been weighed twice. Most of the time we find that airlines don’t bother, but that’s partly because we follow the tips below. 

We aim not to draw attention to ourselves—if the bag doesn’t look big and heavy then the airline is less likely to weigh it.

It was easier when we travelled with a backpack rather than a suitcase, which is more conspicuous and looks heavier. Backpacks also tend to use up less of your weight limit than heavier suitcases. But we have managed it with our Away carry-ons.

There are a few things you can do to help reduce the weight of your luggage and avoid getting it weighed at the airport:

Check-in online – Print your boarding pass in advance (we ask our hotel) or save it to your phone if the airline allows it, so you can avoid the check-in desk and go straight to security. The check-in desk is where your bag is most likely to be weighed.

Use your personal item – If you have to use the check-in desk and the airline allows an extra personal item (see below for details), remove something heavy from your bag like a laptop, camera, or packing cube while you are checking in. You can always put it back in your bag afterwards.

You could also do this if you get weighed at the gate—there’s no need to check your luggage if you haven’t maximised your personal item allowance. Most airlines don’t include your personal item in the weight limit but a few do, so always check before you fly.

Wear it – Wear your heaviest clothes and shoes on the plane—we did this for a ski trip to Finland . If it’s too warm to wear your jumper or jacket, carry it or tie it around your waist rather than pack it.

Compress – Be careful how you pack your bag so it doesn’t look too bulky. Use packing cubes or compression bags to reduce the size of your clothes and compress the straps on the outside of your backpack to make it smaller. If it doesn’t look big, the airline is less likely to weigh it.

One bag – If you travel with just one bag you’ll be less conspicuous—the aim is not to draw attention to yourself. The airline is more likely to weigh the bags of people who look loaded down with luggage.

Fill your pockets – If the airline is really strict you could fill your pockets with some of your heavier items—cargo pants or a jacket with pockets would be ideal. We’ve never had to do this but Benny Lewis managed to carry on 15 kg of gear in his jacket!

Beg! – One time when our backpacks were weighed while checking-in for a domestic flight in Thailand, they were found to be overweight. We politely explained to the staff member that we couldn’t check our bags as they were full of laptops and cameras. They let us take them with us, with a warning that we might be stopped at the gate (we weren’t). It’s always worth asking (nicely, of course). 

The worst-case scenario is that your bag gets weighed and you’re forced to check it in. Have a backup plan for this situation if you don’t already have a second personal item.

The only time we’ve had to check our luggage was on a tiny seaplane in the Maldives. When that happened we moved our valuables (laptops and camera) to our packable daypack and tote bag that we had in our main bags and used those as our carry-on luggage (this was before we started travelling with two items of luggage). 

Don’t let the weight issue stop you travelling with a carry-on. Try to keep the weight down, apply some of the above tips, and remember that if you do end up having to check it in, it’s unlikely to happen on every flight, and it’s still better than checking your luggage all the time.

Note: One airline that does regularly weigh hand luggage at the gate is Jetstar in Australia and Asia. They only allow 7 kg combined weight for your cabin bag and personal item and will charge you AUD $50-160 to check in over the limit bags at the gate. We travelled with them on a domestic flight in Vietnam without a problem though. 

Most airlines allow one piece of carry-on luggage plus an additional personal item which must fit under the seat in front of you.

Some airlines allow any small bag including a backpack, handbag, laptop case, or shoulder bag, while others only allow a small purse or handbag. Check with the airline you’ll be travelling with for the size and weight restrictions on personal items.

A few airlines don’t allow personal items, so we used to manage without a second bag. Instead, we used a packable backpack as a day bag that we packed inside Simon’s backpack when needed and took out when a personal item was allowed (our current favourite is the Matador Freefly 16 ).

We now travel with a suitcase plus personal item each—see our carry on packing list for details of why we changed. 

For our personal items, I have the Away Everywhere Bag and Simon has the Tortuga Setout Laptop Bag (no longer available but the Tortuga Outbreaker Laptop Bag is similar).

They both have sleeves that pass through our suitcase handles so we don’t need to carry them—this makes airports so easy. 

In addition to your carry-on and personal item, some airlines allow extra articles such as a jacket, umbrella, small bag of food, and bag of duty-free items. Check with the airline as allowances vary. If weight is a concern carry rather than pack these things.

These are the carry on luggage dimensions and weights allowed for your main piece of cabin baggage on major airlines.

A smaller personal item is also allowed unless I’ve stated otherwise—check with the airline for the size.

These are the allowances for flying economy. Extra bags may be allowed if flying premium economy, business, or first class. 

Luggage rules do change, so check the airline’s website before you fly.

North America

US airlines have the most generous carry-on bag size allowances, often with no weight limit. 

There is no TSA carry on size—the luggage allowances are set by each airline. 

Aeromexico: 21.5 x 15.7 x 10 inches (55 x 40 x 25 cm), 22 lb (10 kg) Basic Rate, 33 Ib (15 kg) Classic Rate, AM Plus, and Premier on domestic flights.

Air Canada: 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm), no weight limit.

Alaska Airlines: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), no weight limit.

American Airlines: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), no weight limit.

Delta: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), no weight limit.

JetBlue Airways: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), no weight limit.

Southwest Airlines: 24 x 16 x 10 inches (61 x 41 x 25 cm), no weight limit.

Spirit Airlines: 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 46 x 25 cm). No weight limit.

United: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), no weight limit. If you travel on a Basic Economy ticket domestically, you can only take a personal item or pay $25 for a large carry-on. 

Volaris: If you travel Zero only one personal item that fits underneath a seat is allowed, pay between $47-55 for additional carry-on. The Basic option allows one personal item and carry-on of 22 x 16 x 10 inches (56 x 41 x 25 cm), maximum weight with all items 44lb (10kg).

European airlines tend to be stricter than US airlines, especially about luggage weight and personal items (which are sometimes not allowed). Avoid getting your bag weighed if possible (see the tips above). 

Air France: 55 x 35 x 25 cm (22 x 14 x 10 inches), 12 kg (26 lb).

British Airways: 56 x 45 x 25 cm (22 x 18 x 10 inches), 23 kg (51 lb).

EasyJet: 45 x 36 x 20cm (18 x 14 x 8 inches), 15 kg (33 lb). If you book an Up Front or Extra Legroom seat, or pay to add a large cabin bag, you get an additional item 56 x 45 x 25 cm (22 x 18 x 10 inches), 15 kg (33 lb).

Jet2: 56 x 45 x 25 cm (22 x 18 x 10 inches), 10 kg (22 lb). 

KLM : 55 x 35 x 25 cm (22 x 14 x 10 inches), 12 kg (26 lb).

Lufthansa: 55 x 40 x 23 cm (22 x 16 x 9 inches), 8 kg (18 lb).

Norwegian: LowFare tickets allow only one underseat bag of 30 x 20 x 38cm (12 x 8 x 15 inches), 10 kg (22lb) for free. LowFare+ allows an additional overhead cabin bag of 55 x 40 x 23cm (22 x 16 x 9 inches), both bags combined up to 10 kg (22 lb). Flex allows up a combined weight limit up to 15 kg (33 lb).

Ryanair : Only small bags of 40 x 20 x 25 cm (16 x 8 x 10 inches) are allowed for free. You must pay extra to take a large bag of 55 x 40 x 20 cm (22 x 16 x 8 inches) weighing up to 10 kg (22 lb), which includes priority boarding. 

Scandinavian Airlines: 55 x 40 x 23 cm (22 x 16 x 9 inches), 8 kg (18 lb).

Turkish Airlines: Usually 55 x 40 x 23 cm (22 x 16 x 9 inches), 8 kg (18 lb).

Virgin Atlantic: 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 inches), 10 kg (22 lb).

The weight restrictions on airlines in Asia are even stricter than in Europe.

Air Asia: 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 inches), 7 kg (15 lb).

Air China : 55 x 40 x 20 cm (22 x 16 x 8 inches), 5 kg (11 lb).

Air India: 55 x 35 x 25 cm (22 x 14 x 10 inches), 8 kg (18 lb).

Cathay Pacific: 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 inches), 7 kg (15 lb).

Emirates: 55 x 38 x 20 cm (22 x 15 x 8 inches), 7 kg (15 lb). No personal item.

Japan Airlines: 55 x 40 x 25 cm (22 x 16 x 10 inches), 10 kg (22 lb).

Lion Air: 40 x 30 x 20 cm (16 x 12 x 8 inches), 7 kg (15 lb). No personal item except a small purse or camera.

Qatar Airways: 50 x 37 x 25 cm (20 x 15 x 10 inches), 7 kg (15 lb). No personal item except a small purse, briefcase, or camera.

Singapore Airlines: Sum of length, width and height of each piece should not exceed 115cm (45 inches), 7 kg (15 lb).

Thai Airways: 56 x 45 x 25 cm (22 x 18 x 10 inches), 7 kg (15 lb).

Tigerair (Asia): 54 x 38 x 23 cm (21 x 15 x 9 inches), 10 kg (22 lb) including personal item.

As in Asia, weight limits are low.

Air New Zealand: Not exceeding total linear dimensions (length + width + height) of 118 cm (46.5 inches), 7 kg (15 lb).

Jetstar: 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 inches), 7 kg (15 lb). They regularly weigh hand luggage at the gate and charge high fees to check in overweight bags. You can pay extra for a 14kg (30 lb) allowance. 

Qantas: 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 inches), 7 kg (15 lb).

Virgin Australia : 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 inches), 7 kg (15 lb).

Check out our other posts about packing light:

• Our Carry-On Packing List (Updated)
• Carry-On Travel in 10 Easy Steps
• Allbirds Review: The Best Travel Shoes
• How to Pack Carry-On Only For Cold Weather 
• Ski Trip Packing List

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33 Comments

Hi. I’ve been. looking at the Away Bigger Carry On and use my Away BackPack as a daily bag for work. My concern was that we regularly fly Wirth Virgin Atlantic. Can I ask how many times you’ve used the Bigger Carry On as an actual carry on with Virgin?

Reply ↓

We’ve only flown Virgin Atlantic once since we’ve had the Bigger Carry On. We haven’t had an issue on any airlines we’ve travelled with it on though (including budget airlines, which are the ones that are most likely to be an issue).

Thanks. The Bigger Carry On is 0.6” and 0.7” bigger and I imagine the handles on the top and side almost account for that. It’s also 40% off at the minute so I was thinking of getting myself and my wife one for our upcoming holidays!

Hi Erin! I love your website, especially the packing section! Thank you for all the incredibly specific and helpful information! I just have a quick question if you don’t mind…. What size Away Everywhere Bag do you use, the medium or large? You guys are the best! Liz

Thanks, Liz! I use the medium and it fits on top of the suitcase and under a plane seat perfectly.

Hi! I’m looking to travel with an Away Bigger Carry On and the Away Everywhere Bag on Air Canada — have you had any issues with them with those Away items? Thanks for any feedback on it :)

That’s what I travel with. I haven’t travelled on Air Canada but I’ve travelled on many airlines (listed in this post) with no problems.

Hello! I’ll be going to Europe next soon & I’ll be going on like 8 different flights in Europe. For example, one airline is AirFrance & my carry on bag (filled w clothes) seems to fit the criteria. But do you know if I’m allowed to bring a backpack? So I can put my wallet & personal things in there? I know it’s a broad question but I just wanted to see if knew any more info on that (backpack AND a carry on bag that I can physically carry. Not the ones w wheels) Also, I read your whole post & I was just wondering if you think those measurements are also okay for the trains there? I’m taking the train from the airport (Spain) to a city & it’s like 4 hours. But in your travel experience, have you had any issues with trains in Europe? Sorry for the long comment. I loved your post & everything was so informative! Thank you !

Air France allows one carry on bag and one personal item, so you’ll be fine taking a small backpack as well. It just needs to fit under the seat in front of you (the larger bag can go overhead).

I think you’ll be fine on the trains. There will be people with much bigger suitcases, and if yours doesn’t fit above your seat, there are luggage racks at the end of each carriage.

Have a great trip!

Anxious to hear how the Away bag worked on your flights to Europe! Please keep use posted. I was considering the Away Bigger Carry On for a flight to France this September. Thanks!

We were totally fine on an Easyjet flight from London to Greece last month! They actually have a feature on their app where you can check the bag fits the sizers and it does! We will update the post once we’ve taken more European flights (we have one on Wizzair next week).

Any additional updates on the use of the Away Bigger Carry On in Europe this summer?

We’ve had no problems taking it on any airlines including Ryanair and Easyjet. We did check in online though.

Hello Erin, I was researching how strict KLM is with the luggage dimensions and found your blog. I will be traveling to Europe for three weeks this Sept and I wonder if you know the Away’s Bigger Carry On will fit on the plane. One check-in luggage costs $75 for KLM and I would like to avoid the fee. Thank you!

Technically the Bigger Carry On is over the allowed carry-on size for KLM. I don’t know how strict they are – sometimes you can get away with a bigger bag but if you want to be sure, the smaller Away Carry On is within their allowed size of 55 x 35 x 25 cm (21,5 x 13,5 x 10 inch).

Someone on the Tom Bihn forum has started a website called Bags VS Airlines. It’s a hobby project that they work on as they have time, but the goal is to have a comprehensive drop down menu for most carry on bags and most airlines so that you can check if your bag will fit in the sizer bin no matter who you are flying with.

That’s handy! Although our personal experience is that we’ve been able to take bags on as carry on luggage that we technically shouldn’t have been able to according to the tool.

Absolutely! The luggage regulations are rarely enforced, and when they are they usually apply more to wheeled bags that can’t squish into the overhead bins on an airplane.

This website is a great tool for someone travelling for the first time and feeling pretty stressed about all the different regulations to be aware of. It’s also a good comparison for airlines from different countries, since I’m from Canada and some of the local airlines have huge luggage allowances compared to budget airlines overseas.

Great write-up folks… :) Really helps..

I am just in the process of buying either Osprey 40 or Tortuga backpack. I want to have “universal” carry on backpack, which should also fit new Ryanair restrictions (40x25x20 cm). By fitting I mean that the backpack can be half packed and squeezed to that size.

The biggest problem with Osprey I see, is that it has a metal wire around the frame and I think you cannot squeeze ist height not even for a centimeter. The Ryanair allowance might be a bit overkill, but could you guys please report what are the minimum dimensions of both backpacks that they can be squeezed too?

You’re right. The frame on the Osprey means the height can’t be reduced at all so it wouldn’t fit those dimensions. I would just pay the £6 for priority boarding (which we find makes flying less stressful anyway) and be able to take a larger bag on board. The new Ryanair rule means you can only take a very small backpack on that will fit under your seat.

Question: when you reach your destination and want to head to a workspace or the beach, do you re-use your carry-on bags? or do you carry smaller backpacks as “day packs”? I find the carry-on bags so big and bulky for daily use, they don’t look cool

We have a cotton shoulder bag that packs away inside Simon’s backpack on travel days. If we need something a more robust bag for a long hike or both our laptops, we use my Osprey backpack. There are plenty of packable backpacks that you can use as a day bag, like this one from Sea to Summit: http://amzn.to/1Uam7SF .

It’s good that the IATA paused this Cabin Ok idea because it doesn’t make any sense. Let the airlines decide for themselves what they want to do. Here’s a list of the carry-on limits for most major American airlines which are a bit larger then what the IATA proposed as new carry-on luggage restrictions.

Whatever I do I just can’t make that carry on size for my upcoming 15 month trip. I think if I was just going to a summer climate or just going to a winter climate I could swing it- but having to pack for both makes it extremely difficult.

I have the 52L Osprey Farpoint (I’m the women’s size) and it is seriously just borderline carry on. It’s frustrating because I just can’t trim that little bit of extra space I need for everything. Oh well I still get most of the benefits of packing light (no crappy back or having to be married to your luggage), just not the full benefits of being able to go carry on.

You might find you can get away with it on less strict airlines. It’s always worth a try!

I’ve written a bit about packing for multiple climates here: http://www.neverendingvoyage.com/carry-on-only-packing-list-cold-weather/ but the main thing to consider is not packing winter gear if you won’t need it for months. You can always buy stuff when you get there, which is what we do when we get to really cold places.

Thank you for this. My husband and I are about to finish the first leg of our trip around the world. We have been driving across Mexico. We will be heading to Europe without a car. Because we have had the car, we have been carrying a lot more than we want/can when we switch gears.

Your article is helpful. I have an Osprey Porter 46 and would love to be able to carry everything in one bag plus a handbag for my wallet, passport, etc. How do you deal with clothing for both hot and cold climates? We are photographers, so perhaps trying to do everything in a carry on is a fantasy. I have a DSLR and three lenses, plus laptop, hard drives, power cables, etc. To go in my bag, plus clothes. I have packing compression bags for my clothes, which are a great help, but I am trying to wrap my head around carrying winter and warm weather clothes at the same time.

Also, how do you deal with restocking toiletries? Finding travel sizes isn’t as easy as in the US. So we have gone to buying full-sized bottles of shampoo, deoderants, etc. But those sizes aren’t possible with carry on luggage and airline security restrictions.

We take some basic warm clothes in layers and then buy extras when we go to cold destinations. You can read more about it here: http://www.neverendingvoyage.com/carry-on-only-packing-list-cold-weather/

We start with travel size toiletries and then buy larger ones when we’re in a place for a while and leave them behind or refill small bottles when we fly. We also go solid as much as possible – so solid shampoo bars from Lush and solid deoderant.

Thanks for the tips !! For me this is a big problem i always put a lot of things in my carry- on and i realize that i put things that doesnt need

Yep you are definitely right about Jetstar in Australia being strict. It’s not worth risking it if your bag weighs more than 7kg because it costs a lot more to check it at the gate rather than online in advance. Tiger Air in Australia are the same

It does sound like the one airline we wouldn’t risk it. Why are Australian airlines so strict about this? Most American airlines don’t even have a weight limit.

Emirates is strict as well. They only allow 1 bag in the cabin with a max weight of 7kg. No second bag (handbag) allowed. If I had realized I wouldn’t have booked our return trip with them. No biggie since it’s a return flight with only 1 stop prior to US customs. I plan to just pack a camera bag in my Tortuga and then use that as my carry on and check the Tortuga on the way home. Unless I can manage to keep the Tortuga to 7 Kg :-).

We haven’t flown with Emirates recently but we find that while international airlines like this may have low carry on limits they don’t enforce them. We flew with Singapore Airlines a few months ago and they also have a 7 kg limit, but they didn’t weigh our bags. It’s usually worth a try.

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2024 Checked Luggage Size Chart and Allowances for 62 Airlines [Dimensions, Sizes and More]

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Checked Luggage Allowances by Airline

Can i prepay for baggage, recommended cards that reimburse your baggage fees, checked luggage options.

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With no universal set of rules for checked luggage allowances, you need to review what you’re permitted to bring with you every time you travel in order to avoid excess charges.

Allowances can differ from airline to airline, with some allocating a total weight allowance and some restricting passengers to a specific number of pieces. Airline policies can also vary depending on the route and will nearly always vary based on the cabin you’re traveling in.

Your ticket will give you the most accurate information for your specific flight. If baggage details are not included on your ticket, you can check out our handy table below that details allowances for over 60 popular airlines.

Where available, you can also click the airline name for a more detailed overview of the airline’s baggage policy, including excess charges and frequent flyer allowances.

When talking about baggage allowances, many airlines refer to “maximum linear dimensions” or something similar. This is merely the number you get when you add together the length, width (or height), and depth of a piece of luggage. For example, if you had a suitcase that’s 26 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 16 inches deep, then its linear dimensions are 62 inches, or right at the maximum for many airlines.

Traveling light? We’ve also covered carry-on luggage allowances with a similar size chart.

Your airline may allow passengers the ability to prepay luggage online for less than at the airport. Individual airlines’ baggage policies can be found by clicking the airline name in the preceding table or by visiting the airline’s website.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does checked baggage have to be a suitcase.

Checked luggage can come in various forms, from hard-shell suitcases to soft duffel bags or backpacks. Passengers can often also check-in boxes or different shaped packages, providing they adhere to maximum size restrictions imposed by the airline.

What is the largest suitcase you can check on a plane?

There are no set restrictions for checked luggage, so airlines define their own baggage policies. A standard size that is seen consistently across many airlines is 62 inches (158 cm) linear. The weight will depend on the cabin, but quite often the maximum weight a piece can be (with or without overweight charges) is 70 pounds (32 kg).

Do checked bags get searched?

Checked baggage is generally screened using scanners so it’s not usually necessary for a physical bag inspection. TSA has the right to search checked luggage if they choose to and will leave a note inside your bag if an inspection has taken place.

Do wheels count when measuring luggage?

Most airlines will count wheels and handles within the measurements, so you should include these when measuring your luggage.

What is considered oversized luggage?

There is no standard measurement for oversized luggage as this is defined by the airline. A common size seen regularly with many airlines (but not all) is maximum linear dimensions of 62 inches (158 cm).

How do I avoid overweight baggage fees?

Be sure to check the policy for your airline, cabin, and particular route before packing your luggage. Use your bathroom scales or a dedicated bag weighing scale. If you find yourself with excessive weight at the airport, try to transfer some items into your carry-on bag.

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About Alex Miller

Founder and CEO of Upgraded Points, Alex is a leader in the industry and has earned and redeemed millions of points and miles. He frequently discusses the award travel industry with CNBC, Fox Business, The New York Times, and more.

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• At the airport

Checked bag policy

Checked bag allowances.

Changes to bag allowances and fees have been updated as of February 20, 2024.

Travel within / between the U.S., Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands – 1st checked bag fee is $40 ($35 if you pay online) and the 2nd checked bag fee is $45.

Travel to / from Canada, Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Guyana – 1st checked bag fee is $35 and the 2nd checked bag fee is $45.

All bag fees are non-refundable and apply per person, at each check-in location, each way, even if you purchase or get an upgrade that includes free checked bags. If you believe you've been incorrectly charged for bag fees, contact an American representative for help or file a refund claim within 45 days.

• Bag limitations
• Bag and optional fees

How many bags can you take?

Check up to 10 bags on american airlines operated flights if your trip is:.

• Transatlantic
• Transpacific

Check up to 5 bags on American-operated flights if you’re traveling to / through / from:

• Mexico / Caribbean / Central America*
• South America*
• Bag regions

*There are seasonal and year-round bag restrictions

We calculate the size limits of your bag by adding the total outside dimensions of each bag, length + width + height.

For all regions, except to / from Australia or New Zealand, your checked bag allowance is:

• Dimension: 62 in / 158 cm
• Weight: 50 lbs / 23 kgs
• For First / Business, weight is 70 lbs / 32 kgs for complimentary bags and 50 lbs / 23 kgs for excess charged bags

For all confirmed customers on flights to / from Australia or New Zealand:

• Weight: 70 lbs / 32kgs for complimentary bags and 50 lbs / 23 kgs for excess charged bags
• Oversize and overweight bags

What it will cost

In some cases, you won't have to pay the fees for up to 3 bags when traveling on itineraries marketed and operated by American Airlines. If you qualify for complimentary bags based on your AAdvantage ® status or one world ® status, the benefits are based on your highest status level at time of ticketing or check-in.

If your status level is:

• Higher at ticketing than at check-in, show your ticket receipt to the airport agent
• Lower at ticketing than at check-in, current benefits will automatically apply

Free checked bags may not apply to codeshare flights operated by our partners. Visit the website of the airline operating your flight for details.

Other airlines

1st checked bag is complimentary for:

• Eligible AAdvantage ® Aviator ® and Citi ® / AAdvantage ® cardmembers (on domestic American Airlines operated itineraries)
• AAdvantage Gold ® status
• oneworld ® Ruby

or when traveling to these destinations:

• El Salvador*
• New Zealand^
• South Korea^
• Transatlantic*

*Excluding Basic Economy

^Excluding Basic Economy for tickets issued on / after June 7, 2023

1st and 2nd checked bags are complimentary for:

• AAdvantage Platinum ® status
• one world ® Sapphire members
• Confirmed Domestic First customers
• Confirmed Business customers
• Confirmed Premium Economy customers

1st, 2nd and 3rd checked bags are complimentary for:

• Confirmed Flagship ® First and Flagship ® Business Plus customers*
• AAdvantage Executive Platinum ® status
• AAdvantage Platinum Pro ® status
• one world ® Emerald
• Active U.S. military and / or dependents with ID traveling on orders (1st - 5th bags free of charge)**
• Active U.S. military with ID on personal travel**

*Applicable only to Flagship ® First International, Flagship ® First Transcontinental and Flagship ® Business Plus. AAdvantage Executive Platinum ® status, AAdvantage Platinum Pro ® status and oneworld ® Emerald members traveling in Flagship ® First may check a 4th bag at no charge

**Free checked bags apply when traveling on American marketed and operated itineraries. Free checked bags don't apply to codeshare flights operated by our partners.

Save time, pay online

Don’t wait in line at the airport – get the best price available and check up to 3 bags when you check-in on aa.com or in the app.

Pay for your checked bags online within 24 hours of departure and receive the best price available for travel on domestic flights within and between the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska, and select markets in the Caribbean and Central America.

For tickets issued on / after February 20, 2024, save $5 on the 1st checked bag fee for travel within and between the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands.

For more information about paying for your bags online, visit our customer service FAQs.

Customer service FAQs

All published bag fees apply at each check-in location and are base rates according to travel dates and destination; applicable taxes are not shown.

All bag fees are non-refundable and apply per person, each way, even if you buy or get an upgrade that includes free checked bags. If you believe you were incorrectly charged for bag fees, contact an American representative for help or file a refund claim within 45 days.

^Main Plus includes 1 extra free checked bag in addition to the Main Cabin allowance (max of 2)

^^A $30 1st checked bag fee and a $40 2nd checked bag fee applies for tickets issued on / before February 19, 2024. A $40 1st checked bag fee ($35 if paid online) and a $45 2nd checked bag fee applies within / between the U.S. (including HI / AK), Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands for tickets issued on / after February 20, 2024. Otherwise, a $35 1st checked bag fee and a $45 2nd checked bag fee applies for tickets issued on / after February 20, 2024.

*Free bag excludes Basic Economy: For Basic Economy travel to / from Haiti, a $30 1st bag fee applies for tickets issued on / before February 19, 2024 and a $35 1st bag fee applies for tickets issued on / after February 20, 2024. For Basic Economy travel to/from Panama / Colombia / Ecuador / Peru a $45 1st bag fee applies. For Basic Economy travel to / from South America (excluding Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname) a $45 1st bag fee applies for tickets issued on / before September 19, 2023 and a $60 1st bag fee applies for tickets issued on / after September 20, 2023. For Transatlantic Basic Economy travel, a $75 1st bag fee applies. For Transpacific Basic Economy travel for tickets issued on / after June 7, 2023 a $75 1st bag fee applies and for tickets issued on / before June 6, 2023 there is no 1st bag fee.

**For travel to / from Honduras, a $65 2nd bag fee applies seasonally for travel November 27, 2023 – January 10, 2024 for tickets issued on / before September 19, 2023 and for tickets issued on / after September 20, 2023 a $40 2nd bag fee applies year round. For travel to / from Panama and South America (except Guyana and Suriname), a $65 2nd bag fee applies for tickets issued on / before September 19, 2023 and a $100 2nd bag fee applies for tickets issued on / after September 20, 2023.

If your region isn’t listed, we can still help:

• Reservations and ticket changes

Through checked bags

We only through check bags if all your tickets are in the same reservation and you’re connecting to another American Airlines or one world ® flight.

Each passenger traveling to Cuba may only check up to 2 bags* with a maximum weight of 70 lbs / 32 kgs per bag, plus 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item.

• Carry-on bags

*Seasonal exceptions apply to Havana, Cuba effective for travel on / after March 14, 2023

*For travel to Cuba, a $30 1st bag fee applies to Basic Economy and Main Cabin for tickets issued on / before September 19, 2023. For tickets issued on / after September 20, 2023 a $30 1st bag fee applies to Basic Economy and there is no 1st bag fee for Main Cabin. For tickets issued on / after February 20, 2024 a $35 1st bag fee applies to Basic Economy and there is no 1st bag fee for Main Cabin.

**For travel to Cuba, a $150 2nd bag fee applies for tickets issued on / after March 14, 2023 for travel on / before November 15, 2023 or travel on / after January 10, 2024. A $200 2nd bag fee applies otherwise. Excludes Main Plus for tickets issued on / after September 20, 2023.

^Main Plus includes 1 extra free checked bag in addition to the Main Cabin allowance (max of 2).

What else can you travel with?

• Mobility and medical devices
• Traveling with pets
• Special items and sports equipment

Restricted items

There are some items that are only allowed in checked bags or your carry-on. Check to see how to pack and travel with restricted items.

Flying on a partner airline?

Find helpful information if your trip includes 1 or more flights with our partner airlines.

• British Airways
• Japan Airlines
• Qatar Airways

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• Paying for bags online

The Ultimate Guide to Luggage Sizes: What Size Should You Get?

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Did you know that choosing a suitcase (or multiple cases, for that matter) in the right size can save you some money in luggage fees and help you become a more organized traveler?

On one end, unused space in your luggage will result in wrinkled clothes and a messy suitcase. Not to mention the extra weight and possible luggage fees. And on the other – having too little space will limit your packing capacity. That’s why nailing the correct luggage size is very, very important.

In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about all the different luggage sizes, restrictions, and more, so you can understand what size luggage is better for you. Make sure to check out our FAQ section at the bottom if you still have any questions!

Luggage Size Chart

But before we begin this article, down below you can check out our infographic and table with the most common luggage sizes, which will offer an easier way to grasp the differences between them.

Measuring Luggage

Basically, each airline has different size and weight restrictions for hand and checked luggage. Usually, premium airlines will allow slightly larger bags, and cheaper ones will allow smaller ones with tighter weight limits. Your job as the passenger is to find out the restrictions yourself because they change all the time, and it would be impossible for us to list and update each airline individually.

There are two types of size restrictions that you need to know. The first one is dimensions – height (top to bottom), width (side to side), and depth (front to back). It will usually be applied for personal items and carry-ons and could be stated as follows: 55 x 35 x 25 cm (22 x 14 x 9 inches). Airlines will usually offer measuring boxes inside airports, where you can put in your bags to check if they fit.

The second measurement is linear inches. Linear inches just means the total sum of height, width, and depth, and it’s mainly used for checked luggage, which needs to be under 62 linear inches. So to get linear inches, measure the height, width and depth individually and add them all up.

To measure the dimensions of your suitcase, you can place it next to a wall and measure the height, width, and depth by placing a measuring tape next to the wall. To get a more exact measurement, you can place a book or something flat on the other end of the measuring tape. Make sure to include the wheels, handles, and anything else that’s sticking out! Another thing to keep in mind is that fabric suitcases might become a bit larger once they’re packed to the brim, so before measuring, pack your suitcase full and measure in the widest end.

Hand Luggage

Hand luggage means all the bags that you’re allowed to take with you on the plane without checking them in. Usually, it’s a carry-on, a personal item, and any other items that aren’t counted towards the allowance, such as duty-free items .

Hand luggage has to be stored under each passenger’s front seat or in the overhead compartments, which are located above each seat. You won’t be able to access it during take-off and landing because they have to be tucked away securely in case of an emergency.

When you arrive at the airport, you won’t need to go to the check-in desks if you have just hand luggage, and you’ve already printed your tickets back home. You’ll be able to go straight to security , where TSA (Transport Security Agency) will screen your hand luggage for any prohibited items. After that, you’re free to do duty-free shopping or wait at the designated gate until boarding starts.

Carry-on Luggage vs Personal Items

The main difference between carry-on luggage and personal items (other called “underseat luggage”) is that carry-ons need to be stored in the slightly-larger overhead compartments and personal items under each passenger’s front seat. Usually, most people choose smaller rolling suitcases as their carry-ons and backpacks, duffels, or tote bags as their personal items. That said, you can use any type of bag as a carry-on or a personal item, whether it’s a briefcase, rolling suitcase, duffel bag , backpack, tote, or even a regular shopping bag.

You won’t really be able to access stuff from your carry-on during the first and last 15-30 minutes of the flight, as well as any turbulence, so pack your most necessary items in your personal item, such as your laptop , headphones, e-reader , any medicine, e.t.c.

Personal Item Size and Weight Requirements

Most airlines won’t specifically mention an exact size requirement for personal items, and instead, they’ll just say that it has to fit under the front seat. On average though, it should be 6-9 inches in width, 10-14 inches in height, and 17-18.5 inches in length . They avoid stating the exact measurements because each airline has different types of aircraft in their fleet and each aircraft has a different amount of space under each seat. To get the exact personal item size requirements, you should probably ask the airline directly, or check our list where we compiled personal item restrictions for most popular airlines .

Some airlines also have individual weight restrictions for personal items. But most of them just have some kind of weight limit for the total weight of your personal item and carry-on.

Tip: Looking to purchase a personal item? Check out the Matein Travel laptop backpack , which I’ve used as my personal item on multiple flights without any issues. It always fits under the front seat and it’s surprisingly spacious.

Carry-on Size and Weight Requirements

On average, carry-ons usually have to be 8-10 inches in width, 13-15  inches in height, and 19-23 inches in length. Each airline has different carry-on size requirements, however, the most popular one is 22 x 14 x 9 inches . The restrictions are so different between airlines because the overhead compartments tend to differ in capacity across different aircraft.

In terms of weight, each airline has different weight requirements for carry-on luggage. Most airlines in America don’t have any weight requirements for hand luggage but some do, especially budget airlines. If the airline has a carry-on weight limit, it’s usually between 15-35 lbs (7-16 kg) . Some airlines will also have a specific weight limit for the total weight of carry-ons and personal items.

Tip: Looking for a new carry-on? I’ve used the Travelpro Maxlite 5 19-inch fabric carry-on for a while now and I love it. It’s spacious, lightweight, and very durable. Even though it’s slightly over the limit in width, I’ve never had any issues with that on international flights.

Domestic Carry-Ons vs International Carry-Ons

When you’ll be shopping for a new carry-on, you’ll notice that some of them will be marked as “international carry-on” and some as “domestic carry-on.” That’s because carry-on size restrictions are usually stricter for international flights and looser for domestic ones. If you’re flying domestically, you might get away with a 23-inch (longest side) carry-on, but on an international flight, you’ll probably be limited to 19-21 inches.

So essentially, domestic carry-ons will be slightly larger than international ones. If the carry-on is too large , you will be asked to check it in, and you’ll have to pay additional fees. That’s why it’s important to buy a smaller carry-on if you’re planning on flying internationally. Usually, international carry-ons will have to be under 22 x 14 x 9 inches .

Hand Luggage Fees

Almost all airlines will allow bringing one personal item completely for free. When it comes to carry-ons though, most airlines allow bringing one for free, but budget airlines might charge a fixed fee depending on your class, which could be anywhere from 10$ to 50$. For instance, Spirit airlines will charge 31-50$ for carry-on luggage and Ryanair will charge about 6-20 EUR.

Keep in mind that most of these items are usually allowed for free in addition to other hand baggage:

• Assistive devices for the disabled
• Other wearable clothes
• Walking canes
• Food in disposable containers meant to consume on the airplane
• Child restraint seats
• Duty-free items
• Reading materials
• Cameras ( some airlines consider cameras as personal items, while others don’t. )
• Pet carriers ( Some airlines consider pet carriers as personal items, while others don’t. )

Read Next : 12 Best Underseat Bags Without Wheels in 2022

Hand Luggage Advantages and Disadvantages

Using only hand luggage and avoiding checked luggage altogether is a technique used by many, me included because it offers many benefits:

• No need to wait in line at the check-in counter
• Most of the time, completely for free
• Less likely to be stolen or lost because it’s on you at all times
• Easier to carry around, especially if you use a backpack as a personal item together with a carry-on suitcase
• The best place for keeping valuables and fragile items
• You can access all of your items during the flight
• Less likely to break because it isn’t exposed to baggage handling

However, there are some drawbacks to using only hand luggage, such as:

• Less packing space
• Harder to manage for families because they usually need to bring more items
• It needs to be lugged around the airport after security instead of being handed over at the check-in desks
• Usually, has much stricter weight limits

Tips for Buying Hand Luggage

• If you’re flying on short flights, consider using only an underseat rolling suitcase or backpack. People who fly for business often only need to fly out domestically for a quick meeting, so a lot of them travel with only a personal item. You can easily fit a spare shirt in there as well as some toiletries and a laptop, which is really all you need.
• For up to two-week vacations, a carry-on and a personal item offer more than enough space. Personally, I’m a light packer, and I can travel for up to three weeks or even a month using only a carry-on and a personal item. For most people, this offers enough space.
• Consider getting a backpack with a back strap as your choice of personal item. That way, you can secure it around the retractable handle on top of your carry-on, which makes it incredibly easy to lug around. Especially in crowded areas, such as public transport and airports.
• If you’ll be flying internationally, get a carry-on under 22 x 14 x 9 inches with wheels and handles included. On domestic flights, you’ll probably be able to use something larger, but if you want to avoid paying extra fees down the line, make sure your carry-on is under this limit.
• Make sure to get lightweight hand luggage. The weight restrictions are pretty strict as it is already, so make sure to get a lightweight carry-on and personal item. Especially the carry-on, because you’ll have to stow it in the overhead compartments. So instead of going with a hardside carry-on, get a fabric one instead, which will most likely be lighter.

Read Next: Airport Travel Terminology 101 – The Ultimate Guide

Checked Luggage

Checked luggage is all baggage that’s too large or too heavy to be carried on the flight, and has to be checked in instead. This means that you’ll need to hand it over at the check-in counters at the airport. The baggage will then be transferred over to baggage handling and it will be loaded in the cargo hold of the airplane . When you land, you’ll have to pick up your checked luggage from the luggage conveyor belts in the baggage reclaim area.

You can use other kinds of baggage as well for checked luggage, not just suitcases. You can also use large backpacks, duffel bags, totes, musical instruments in their cases, large trunks, and other oversized items. A lot of times, you’ll have to check in specialty items, such as large musical instruments and all kinds of sporting equipment, such as bicycles, snowboards, golf clubs, e.t.c.

Read Next: What to Put in Carry-on and What in Checked Luggage (Guide)

Checked Luggage Size and Weight Restrictions

Most commonly, checked luggage will have a size restriction of 62 linear inches (height + width + length) and a weight limit of 50 or 70 lbs. These are the IATA guidelines that are enforced in the EU and US which are there to keep the baggage handlers from handling too heavy bags. Oversized and overweight baggage will be accepted, but it will be labeled as oversized/overweight and you’ll have to pay a fee for that unless it’s sporting equipment. For instance, American Airlines will accept oversized bags up to 126 linear inches (320 cm) and overweight bags up to 100 lbs (45 kg.)

Small vs Medium vs Large Checked Luggage

Checked luggage comes in different sizes, and usually, the longest dimension is 23-32 inches long. Depending on the longest side, checked luggage is usually divided into three sizes, which are small, medium, and large. Small checked suitcases usually are 23-24 inches on the longest size, medium ones 25-27 inches, and large ones in 28-32 inches. Quite often, suitcases above 30 inches will actually be oversized, because they’re over 62 linear inches with wheels and handles included.

For most people, a medium checked suitcase will be the best option, because it will be just within the checked luggage size limits and offer a large amount of space for all of their items.

Read Next: 8 Best 62-Inch Checked Suitcases in 2022

Checked Luggage Fees

On most international flights, airlines will allow you to bring one or two checked bags completely for free. On domestic flights, usually, they’ll offer either one free checked bag or none at all. This depends a lot on the airline though. Additional bags will cost on a per-bag basis, starting with cheaper rates and continuing with more expensive ones. For instance, for American Airlines on domestic flights, the first checked bag will cost 30$, the second 40$, and the third one 100$ .

If you aren’t flying alone and you’re carrying a lot of checked bags, it’s usually a better idea to split them evenly among all the passengers to save some money on the checked baggage fees. It also isn’t advisable to bring more than two checked bags because the fees start to get pretty costly after that.

The fees for overweight and oversized luggage can get very expensive, upwards of 100-200$ for each bag, so before you arrive at the airport, make sure that each bag is under the weight limit.

Checked Luggage Advantages and Disadvantages

Although there are a lot of disadvantages for flying with checked luggage, there are some advantages as well, such as:

• Checked bags offer much more space
• Better for families who carry a lot of items
• Checked bags don’t need to be carried around the airport after checking them in
• No need to worry about size and weight, as the restrictions are pretty hard to reach
• You should be able to get away with a slightly oversized checked bag because they’re rarely measured

However, there’s a reason why I don’t travel with checked luggage. In my opinion, it has more disadvantages, such as:

• With a personal item, carry-on, and a checked suitcase, it’s much more difficult to use public transport
• Checked luggage is mostly a paid service, especially with budget airlines
• There’s just too much space if you’re a light packer
• Checked bags can get damaged from baggage handling
• Items get lost or stolen much more frequently when packed in checked luggage
• You won’t be able to access the contents of checked luggage during the whole flight
• In case checked baggage gets lost, you’ll be left without a lot of items and your trip might be ruined
• You’ll have to wait in the check-in line at the airport

Tips for Buying Checked Luggage

• Avoid plastic checked suitcases. Hardside ABS, Polycarbonate, or Polypropylene suitcases can crack pretty easily. When they’re thrown in the baggage area under a pile of other suitcases, this can happen very easily. That’s why you should choose an aluminum checked suitcase or a fabric one, which will be much less likely to break.
• Before buying a checked suitcase, double-check that it’s below 62 linear inches.  Oversized checked luggage fees can get pretty expensive, usually between 100-200$. To avoid this hefty fee make sure that your suitcase is below 62 linear inches (height + width + depth) with handles and wheels included. A very large amount of large checked suitcases, in fact, about 50-80% of them are oversized, so pay close attention to the dimensions.
• A medium checked suitcase (25-27 inches) is more than enough for most people. Usually, medium checked suitcases are 58-61 linear inches in size, which is just below the 62 linear inch size limit, so when you’re looking for a checked suitcase, get one in this size.
• Get a bright or patterned checked suitcase. Checked luggage gets lost much more frequently. So when you’re shopping for a new case, make sure to get one that’s colorful and easy to recognize . It will be much easier to spot on the baggage carousel and if it gets lost, the chances of finding it will be much better because you’ll be able to describe it better. If you already own a dark checked suitcase, get a colorful patterned luggage cover .
• Avoid checked luggage with spinner wheels. Rolling, inline (2 wheels) suitcases are better options for checked suitcases because they’re much less likely to break while the bag is checked in. Spinner wheels are much more likely to fall off because they’re extended out from the main shape of the suitcase. It’s actually one of the most common things that break on checked bags.
• Consider getting a pelican trunk instead of a typical checked suitcase. They’re basically indestructible and they’re one of the most popular choices for climbers, camera crews, and other people who need to bring a lot of expensive checked gear.

What Size Luggage Should You Get?

There are all kinds of different factors that determine what kind of suitcase you should get. Before buying any luggage, you should understand how often and where you’ll be traveling, how many people you’ll be flying with, what are your packing traditions, and so on.

Are You an Over-Packer?

There’s nothing wrong with being an over-packer, but it will affect what kind of luggage you should choose and how much you’ll be paying in fees. Most over-packers like to travel with a checked suitcase and a personal item, such as a small backpack, skipping the carry-on entirely. You’ll be able to pack your valuables and essentials in the personal item and be left with a very large amount of space in your checked suitcase, where you can pack all of your clothing and anything else you’d need. A medium checked suitcase will usually offer about 90-100 l of space while a carry-on only 35-50 l, so the difference is pretty significant.

How Long You’ll Be Traveling?

The length of your trips/vacations also determines what kind of luggage you should get. If you’ll be traveling for months, unless you’re an extreme minimalist, you’ll need to bring some kind of checked luggage. But for two to three-week trips, it’s perfectly fine to bring only a carry-on and a personal item, unless you’re an over-packer or you need to bring other kinds of gear for your job, planned activities, e.t.c.

Where You’re Flying to and What Are Your Planned Activities?

Think about what you’ll be doing and what gear you’ll need. Do you need scuba diving or skiing gear? Are you into photography and need to bring a large tripod? Are you flying to a cold-weather country and you need to bring a lot of extra warm clothing? The kind of travel that you’ll be doing, determines what size luggage you should get.

Think about valuable and fragile gear specifically. Try to keep the most valuable items in your hand luggage. If that isn’t possible, remember to ensure your gear and invest in a durable, large enough, checked suitcase or trunk. A good option for that is the pelican trunk , which is the industry standard for professionals.

Tip: It’s Better to Buy a Smaller Suitcase, Instead of a Larger One

Many people will probably disagree but I personally think that it’s always a smarter choice to buy a smaller suitcase instead of a larger one. This will make you become a lighter packer, which could end up saving you some money in the long run on checked baggage fees.

A lot of times, people are bringing gear that they don’t really need and end up with heavier, oversized suitcases. Remember that you’ll also have to carry your luggage around the town and to the airport. You’re on a vacation to get new experiences, not buy a lot of unneeded stuff, and be exhausted from carrying an oversized suitcase. Of course, if you’re traveling for work, that may not be true, but for general leisure travel, it’s a better idea to get a slightly smaller suitcase than you think you’d need.

What Size Luggage I Use Personally

I usually travel one or two weeks at a time, so a personal item (backpack) and an international carry-on are more than enough to fit in everything that I need. I rarely use checked luggage because I’m a minimalistic packer.

My favorite has become the B06XZTZ7GB ?tag=cleverjourney-general-th-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1′ title=’Matein laptop backpack’ target=’_blank’ rel=’nofollow noopener sponsored’ data-aawp-product-id=’ B06XZTZ7GB ‘ data-aawp-product-title=’Matein laptop backpack’>Matein laptop backpack for a personal item, which fits perfectly under the front seat and has many neat compartments for everything that I need. It’s 18 x 12 x 7.8 inches large, but I never pack it full, so it always fits under the front seat.

And for the carry-on, I use the B07BM9DFX9 ?tag=cleverjourney-general-th-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1′ title=’Travelpro Maxlite 5 International 19-inch carry-on’ target=’_blank’ rel=’nofollow noopener sponsored’ data-aawp-product-id=’ B07BM9DFX9 ‘ data-aawp-product-title=’Travelpro Maxlite 5 International 19-inch carry-on’>Travelpro Maxlite 5 International 19-inch carry-on , which is pretty light and small enough for domestic luggage restrictions. It’s 21.75 x 15.75 x 7.75 inches large with wheels and handles included, so sometimes it’s a little bit above international limits, but I’ve never had any issues with it. I’ve tried squeezing it inside the measurement boxes myself, and I managed to fit it in with a tight squeeze.

My laptop backpack has a rear strap that wraps around the carry-on’s retractable handle so my backpack can be secured on top of it. It’s handy because my carry-on has spinner wheels, and it’s super easy to move around. In tight spaces, for instance, in the subway, it’s much easier to store the backpack on top of the carry-on.

If you’re a light packer like me, I’d suggest going with a backpack and a carry-on. It’ll be enough for 1-2 week trips, but if you wash some clothes midway and don’t buy too many souvenirs, you can stretch that to three weeks or even a month. If you’re traveling longer than that or you’re an over-packer, you should get a 25-27-inch medium checked suitcase instead of the carry-on.

Also check out: Airplane seat upgrades

Frequently Asked Questions About Luggage Sizes

What’s the largest luggage size for checked-in luggage ( 62-inch luggage ).

In order to comply with the 62-linear-inch checked luggage size requirement, you shouldn’t get a suitcase larger than 29-30 inches (longest side.) Almost all 31 and 32-inch suitcases will be oversized. Even a lot of 28-30-inch suitcases are oversized, so you have to double-check the product description and find out how large they really are. Count the total sum of the height, width, and depth, with wheels and handles included to get the true linear-inch measurement. The largest suitcases within the 62-linear-inch restriction are about 100-120l in volume.

To maximize the amount of space that you can have inside, choose a fabric suitcase, which will open from the top, instead of the middle, as you see on most hardside cases. This means you’ll have a larger main compartment. Also, make sure to get it with inline rolling wheels, instead of spinner ones, which results in a lot of unused space.

Tip: If you want to maximize the amount of space you get from a 62-linear-inch checked suitcase, get the Pelican 1615 travel case , which is exactly 62 linear inches in size and is virtually indestructible.

What’s the largest size for hand luggage?

When we talk about hand luggage, there are different restrictions for personal items and carry-ons. There are also different restrictions for each airline. In general, personal items should be below 17 x 10 x 7 inches in dimensions and carry-ons under 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

The largest size restriction for personal items that we found was on Southwest airlines, where personal items need to be under 18.5 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches. The largest size restriction for carry-ons was on Alaska Air, which was 24 x 17 x 10 inches. Generally, more expensive airlines will have looser restrictions for hand luggage.

What are the 3 luggage sizes?

If we’re talking about dimensions, the three luggage sizes are height (from top to bottom), width (from side to side), and depth (from front to back).

If, however, we’re talking in terms of luggage types, what people most likely mean with the 3 luggage sizes is personal items, carry-ons, and checked luggage, which have three different size and weight restrictions.

What’s the best luggage size for 20 and 23 kg?

The most common weight restriction for checked luggage on budget airlines is 20 or 23 kg (44 or 50 lbs). The best luggage size for this weight restriction is between 25-29 inches (longest size) . That’s because 20 or 23 kg checked luggage has to be under 62 linear inches (157 cm). You can calculate the linear inches by adding up height, width, and depth. Most suitcases above 29 inches will be over this limit, which means you’ll have to pay oversized baggage fees. You should always include the wheels and handles in these measurements.

Can I use backpacks and duffel bags as hand/checked luggage?

Yes, you can use backpacks and duffel bags as checked luggage. Theoretically, you can use any type of bag as checked luggage, as long as it’s durable enough to withstand baggage handling. You could even use a cardboard box , although it may not be a wise idea.

Personally, I’ve only traveled with a large backpack as my checked luggage. That’s because I do a lot of hiking and my hiking backpack is much larger than a carry-on. It’s pretty common for people to travel only with a large backpack (not only hike) and keep their essentials in a plastic bag or a tote bag during the flight. This gives you a lot of freedom because everything you need is packed inside one large backpack.

Do I need to include wheels and handles when measuring luggage?

You always need to include wheels, handles, and other elements that are sticking out when measuring luggage. A lot of people don’t know this and they end up purchasing oversized luggage, only to regret it later. You also need to take into account that if you’re buying an expendable suitcase, it will become a few inches wider when expanded.

What size luggage should I use for a week-long trip?

For a week-long trip, everyone should be able to fit everything they’d need in a carry-on and a personal item. Some people struggle with over-packing and end up using checked luggage for week-long trips, which can be avoided with smarter packing choices. When packing for your trip, always lay everything out and re-evaluate each individual item individually. Ask yourself if you’ll be using these items on your trip. And if the answer is “Maybe” you should leave that specific item at home. Personally, I can fit everything I’d need for 2-4 weeks in a single carry-on and a personal item.

What if my checked luggage is oversized?

IATA, which is the largest worldwide airline regulator, states that checked bags can’t be over 62 linear inches in order to keep the baggage handlers from working with oversized bags. Anything over 62 linear inches will be labeled as “oversized” and will cost you an extra 100-200$, depending on the airline.

Even if you pay the hefty oversized luggage fees, there is a limit to how large checked luggage you can bring. Each airline considers this individually, and, for instance, American Airlines will allow oversized bags up to 126 linear inches (320 cm).

The rules are slightly different for sporting equipment, though. Bicycles, for instance, will almost always be allowed, even if they’re oversized, and their luggage fees won’t be as expensive.

What if my checked luggage is overweight?

Overweight checked luggage is allowed, but will be marked as overweight and will cost an additional 100-200$, depending on the airline. IATA states that checked baggage can’t weigh over 70 lbs (31 kg), to protect the baggage handlers from working with overweight items, so anything over that will be marked as overweight. Each airline has a different limit on overweight checked luggage. For instance, American Airlines will allow checked baggage up to 100 lbs (45 kg).

Do carry-on measurements need to be exact?

Unfortunately, carry-on measurements need to be exact. Most airlines have measurement boxes inside airports, which are in the exact measurements of their restrictions. If your carry-on looks oversized, they’ll ask you to put it inside the measurement box. Carry-on suitcases aren’t really flexible, so you won’t be able to get away with an oversized carry-on. If, on the other hand, you’re using a duffel bag or a backpack as your carry-on, then you might get away with a slightly oversized bag, as you’ll be able to squeeze it inside the measurement box.

Should I get hard or soft luggage ?

There are pros and cons for both, but I personally tend to lean towards fabric luggage. It’s lighter, less likely to crack or break, and you can extend it slightly outwards if you’ve over-packed. On the other hand, hardside luggage offers more protection to your items and is better-looking in my opinion. Modern hardside suitcases made from Polycarbonate are also pretty durable and don’t weigh much more than comparable fabric alternatives. So it doesn’t really matter that much whether you choose a hardside or softside bag – it’s more a matter of preference.

The only real instance where I wouldn’t use a hardside plastic suitcase is in checked luggage. They’re put under a lot more pressure from baggage handling and quite often, they get thrown around and placed at the bottom of a pile of checked suitcases. They’re much more likely to each up with cracks or dents, so using a fabric-checked suitcase would make more sense.

Should I get a rolling or spinner suitcase ?

There are advantages to both, but generally, it’s better to stick with spinner suitcases for carry-on luggage and rolling ones for checked luggage. That’s because while spinner suitcases are much easier to move around, they’re much easier to break off the suitcase. And in checked luggage, they’re much more likely to break off from luggage handling.

Rolling suitcases will usually be more spacious because the wheels are somewhat integrated within the main frame. On spinner suitcases, they’ll extend outwards of the suitcase, which results in a lot of unused space underneath the suitcase. Remember that the wheels are counted towards the total measurements.

But if you’re having back problems or in general lugging around a suitcase gives you hard time, then a suitcase with spinner wheels might make more sense. Compared to inline rolling suitcases, they’re much, much easier to move around – they practically roll by themselves.

How much luggage can I bring on international flights ?

Most airlines will allow one personal item and one carry-on for free on international flights. As for checked luggage, most airlines will allow one or even two checked bags for free for each passenger, and the rest will need to be paid for with additional fees, ranging from 30-100$. In general, the fees increase for each next checked bag and could be as follows: 30$ for the first checked bag, 40$ for the second, and 100$ for each next one.

You’ll be able to bring up to 10 checked suitcases (even though it’ll cost a small fortune!) but on some international destinations, a bit less. Airlines operate within the rules set by airline regulators, and in some countries, each passenger can have only two or three checked bags.

How many pieces and what size should a luggage set be?

Most luggage sets come in three pieces: one carry-on (19-23 inches), one medium checked suitcase (25-27 inches), and one large checked suitcase (28-32 inches). I would advise against getting a 3-piece luggage set like this because quite often, the largest piece in the set is oversized, which means that it’s above the 62 linear inch limit and you’ll have to pay oversized luggage fees.

Instead, it would be much more beneficial to get a 2-piece set containing a carry-on and a medium checked suitcase, or a 3-piece set that also contains a personal item (underseat bag). If you’re getting a 3-piece set with a large checked bag, make sure that it isn’t oversized.

Luggage sets are often cheaper to get than buying each piece individually, so it’s quite often a smarter choice to buy a whole set.

Final Words

Getting the right size luggage is really important because if it’s oversized, you might end up paying extra in fees, or just end up with a lot of unused space. For anyone new to traveling, I’d advise getting a small backpack as a personal item and a carry-on that’s within 22 x 14 x 9 inches. This is more than enough for most trips, and I’m usually able to squeeze in everything needed for 2-4 weeks in there. If you’re an over-packer, you might need to swap that carry-on with a medium checked suitcase, which would be 25-27 inches in size (longest end).

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Understanding Luggage Weight International Flights Restrictions

For travelling internationally, packing can be a daunting task. One of the most important things to consider is the weight of your luggage, as airlines have strict restrictions on how much you can bring on board.

Understanding these rules can save you time, money, and hassle at check-in and throughout your travels. We will discuss everything you need to know about luggage weight international flights . We’ll also explore the consequences of packing too much and how to avoid them.

Understanding luggage weight restrictions is crucial whether you’re a seasoned traveller or embarking on your first international adventure. We’ll share tips and tricks for packing efficiently and maximizing your luggage allowance. You’ll feel confident and well-prepared for your next journey, knowing exactly how much luggage you can bring.

Table of Contents

How Much Is Luggage Weight International Flights

As travel becomes increasingly global, it is important to understand luggage weight international flights Restrictions. Regarding international flights, luggage weight allowances can vary depending on the airline and the specific fare class you have booked.

Typically, most airlines allow passengers to check one or two bags with a maximum weight limit of around 50 pounds (23 kilograms) per bag. However, it is important to check with your specific airline for their exact policies, as some may have different weight limits or charge additional fees for exceeding the allowance.

Additionally, it is worth noting that certain destinations may have stricter baggage restrictions, so it is always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of your specific travel destination before packing. To avoid any surprises or extra fees at the airport, it is recommended that you weigh your luggage before heading to the airport and make sure it falls within the allowed limits.

International Flight Luggage Policies Of Major Airlines

International flight luggage policies of major airlines are often confusing and frustrating for travellers. With so many different airlines and varying policies, it can be difficult to track what is allowed and what isn’t. Some airlines have strict weight restrictions, while others allow a certain number of bags regardless of weight. Many airlines also charge extra fees for checked luggage, which can quickly add up.

It is important to research the luggage policies of the airlines you plan to fly with before booking your ticket. This will help you avoid surprises or unexpected fees when arriving at the airport. Some airlines even offer discounts for pre-purchasing baggage allowances online. It is also important to pack carefully and efficiently to avoid exceeding weight limits or paying extra fees.

Overweight Luggage Fees And Charges

Knowing the overweight luggage fees and charges is crucial for anyone planning to travel, especially regarding air travel. This is because airlines have strict weight limits for luggage, and exceeding these limits can result in hefty fees and charges. If you are unaware of these fees, you may pay more than you anticipated.

Moreover, the extra fees and charges can vary significantly from one airline to another, so it is important to research before booking your flight. Knowing the overweight luggage fees and charges can also help you to pack smartly and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Knowing the weight limits allows you to plan your packing accordingly and avoid carrying items that may weigh you down. You can also opt for lightweight luggage and carry-on bags to minimize the risk of exceeding the weight limits.

Calculating Excess Weight Charges

To calculate excess weight charges, you must know the airline’s fee structure for overweight baggage. This can typically be found on their website or by contacting their customer service. Once you have this information, simply subtract the allowed weight limit from the actual weight of your luggage.

The resulting number will give you an idea of how much excess weight you carry and how much you may be charged. Packing light and weighing your luggage before heading to the airport is always a good idea to avoid any surprises at check-in.

Strategies To Avoid Overweight Luggage Fees

One of the biggest headaches with international travel is airlines’ strict luggage weight requirements. Overweight luggage fees can quickly add up and damage your travel budget. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to avoid these fees. Firstly, invest in a good quality luggage scale to weigh your bags before leaving for the airport.

This will help you avoid surprises at check-in and give you enough time to redistribute items between your bags. Secondly, consider using a lightweight suitcase or packing cubes to help you save on weight. Thirdly, wear your heaviest items, such as jackets and boots, on the plane rather than packing them in your suitcase.

1.Choosing The Right Luggage

There are a few things you need to consider for choosing the right luggage. One of the most important factors is the weight of your luggage. Many airlines have strict weight limits for checked and carry-on luggage, especially for international flights.

It is crucial to ensure that your luggage does not exceed the weight limit, as you may be required to pay additional fees or leave some items behind. To avoid this, it is recommended that you invest in lightweight luggage that is sturdy and durable.

Another important consideration is the size of your luggage. Choosing luggage that is the appropriate size for your needs is important. If you are travelling for a short period, a smaller suitcase may suffice, but if you are going on a longer trip, a larger suitcase may be necessary.

2.Packing Light And Smart

Regarding international travel, packing light and smart is essential, especially regarding luggage weight restrictions. Airlines have strict guidelines on the maximum weight, size, and number of bags you can bring onboard, and exceeding these limits can result in hefty fees.

Packing light is the way to go to avoid these extra charges and make your journey more comfortable. The first step is to choose a lightweight suitcase and packing cubes or compression bags to organize your belongings. These tools help you maximize space and keep your items organized.

Also, consider wearing your heaviest clothes and shoes on the plane to reduce the weight of your checked luggage. When it comes to packing, stick to the essentials, such as versatile clothing items that can be worn multiple times, and leave behind anything you can easily purchase at your destination.

3.Wear Your Heaviest Items

Airlines have specific rules and restrictions on how much weight passengers can carry; exceeding those limits can result in extra fees. To avoid this inconvenience, one useful tip is to wear your heaviest items while travelling. This means wearing your jacket, boots, and other bulky clothing instead of packing them in your suitcase.

By doing so, you can free up some space and reduce the weight of your luggage. Additionally, you can also use the pockets of your clothing to store smaller items, such as your phone, wallet, and passport, which will make them easily accessible and keep them safe. Another advantage of wearing your heaviest items is that they can provide warmth and comfort during your journey.

How To Handle Excess Luggage

Knowing how to handle excess luggage is essential, especially on international flights with strict luggage weight restrictions. If you find yourself with extra bags or overweight luggage, there are a few options to consider. First, you can try to redistribute your belongings by packing some items in a carry-on bag or wearing heavier items such as jackets or boots during the flight.

Another option is to ship some of your belongings to your destination ahead of time. This may be more expensive but can alleviate the stress of dealing with excess luggage at the airport. Alternatively, you can pay the extra baggage fees at check-in, which can add up quickly and may not be feasible for everyone.

It’s important to check your airline’s baggage policies beforehand and weigh your luggage at home using a scale to avoid any surprises at the airport.

Conclusion:

Understanding and adhering to luggage weight restrictions on international flights are essential to a smooth and stress-free travel experience. Airlines impose these weight limits for safety and efficiency and to ensure a fair and consistent policy for all passengers.

Travellers must familiarize themselves with the airlines’ specific luggage weight allowances, as these limits can vary between carriers and travel classes. By doing so, passengers can avoid the inconvenience of having to repack or pay excess baggage fees at the airport.

Being mindful of luggage weight international flights is a responsible and practical approach that enhances travel convenience, ensures compliance with airline policies, and allows passengers to make the most of their time exploring new destinations.

Can I Carry Extra Weight As Part Of My Cabin Baggage?

Airlines have strict weight restrictions for cabin baggage, and exceeding the limit may incur additional charges. It’s best to check the airline’s specific rules before packing. For checked baggage, the weight limit may vary depending on the airline and the class of travel.

Are There Any Items I Cannot Carry In My Checked Baggage?

Certain items, such as flammable materials and sharp objects, are not allowed in checked baggage for safety reasons. Make sure to review the prohibited items list provided by the airline. It’s important to note that luggage weight restrictions can vary depending on the airline and the class of travel.

Do All Airlines Have The Same Luggage Weight Allowance?

No, luggage weight allowances vary among different airlines and can also depend on the class of travel. It’s crucial to check the specific policies of the airline you are flying with. Most airlines provide detailed information on their website regarding baggage allowances and fees, so visiting their site and familiarising yourself with their policies before packing your bags is recommended.

Can I Pre-Pay For Excess Luggage To Save Money?

Many airlines offer the option to pre-pay for excess luggage, which can be more cost-effective than paying at the airport. Check with the airline about their pre-payment options. It is important to note that different airlines may have varying luggage weight limits and fees, so it is always a good idea to check with the airline beforehand to avoid surprises or additional costs.

Is There A Maximum Limit For The Weight Of A Checked Bag?

Yes, there is typically a maximum weight limit for checked bags. Exceeding this limit may result in additional charges or the baggage being rejected for transport. It’s important to note that the weight limit can vary depending on the airline and the destination.

Michael C. Herrera

I’m a travel blogger with a focus on safety. I’ve been to all seven continents, and I love sharing my tips for staying safe while traveling. I also have a lot of experience with travel hacking and finding the best deals on airfare and hotels. My blog features reviews of restaurants, hotels, and attractions around the world.

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Baggage & Travel Fees

When you travel with us, we want to help you feel prepared and that includes understanding everything you need to know about your baggage — before, during and after your trip. We encourage you to explore below to learn more about what you can and cannot travel with, possible baggage and travel service fees and more.

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Common Baggage Fees

The baggage fees shown below are for Delta Comfort+® and Main Cabin customers traveling on domestic flights within the U.S., without a Delta SkyMiles® American Express Card , Medallion Status or Active Military exceptions:

For your first standard checked bag under 50 lbs. (23 kg), each way +1 Free Carry-On Bag and 1 Personal Item

For your second standard checked bag under 50 lbs. (23 kg), each way

• Baggage size must not exceed 62 inches (158 cm) when you total LENGTH + WIDTH + HEIGHT
• Visit Carry-On Baggage to find sizing and requirements for carry-on bags
• Customers may check in, select the number of bags they plan to check and pay for or redeem miles (domestically, at most airports) toward bags during the 24-hour check-in window on delta.com, in the Fly Delta app or at a kiosk upon arrival at the airport
• Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and select Delta SkyMiles® American Express Card Members can check their first standard checked bag for free
• The checked baggage allowance each way price varies by route and fare class

Other Terms & Conditions:

• CAD or EUR base amounts will be charged when exiting Canada or Europe, respectively, and converted to local currency; for itineraries between Europe/India, fees will be converted from EUR into local currency.
• All passengers traveling to or from Key West, Florida are limited to one checked bag. This supersedes all exceptions.
• Boxes are accepted as checked baggage to/from Central or South America ONLY if they are in the original, factory-sealed box.
• Exception – Boxes are NOT permitted to/from Brazil, Mexico, and Chile at any time of the year.
• Regional Jet Service — No excess baggage (weight, size, or piece) will be accepted on Delta Connection® or other regional jet flights to/from cities in Mexico.
• Weight restrictions at no extra charge vary by cabin. Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Delta Comfort+  and Delta Premium Select passengers should follow the standard 50 lb limit per piece. Delta One, First, and Business passengers should follow the 70 lb limit per piece.
• First bag fee does not apply in the following markets if traveling to/from the United States and Canada: PTY, SAL. Not applicable to passengers with a Basic Economy ticket.
• Additionally, lower fees may apply depending on your date of purchase. See previous checked fees.
• SkyMiles members with flights originating from most domestic airports can pay for standard checked bags fees with miles instead of paying in cash during check-in on Delta.com, the Fly Delta app and at a kiosk at the airport. Excess and overweight baggage cannot be purchased with miles. Members traveling from qualifying airports will see standard checked bag fees displayed in cash or miles amounts when paying for their checked baggage. Member must have sufficient miles balance to cover all bags checked in the reservation. SkyMiles Program Rules apply.

Baggage Rules & Fee Exceptions

Find more information about baggage, restricted or prohibited items and exceptions for Active Military and Medallion Members. All baggage fees listed are current and applicable for all ticketing on or after today when Delta's baggage rules are determined to apply. If you ticketed at a much earlier date, please refer to Delta's previous checked baggage page for more details.

Excess & Overweight Baggage Know how many bags you're allowed to check on your flight, plus the cost to bring excess baggage depending on your destination.

Military Baggage You serve us, and we’re delighted to serve you. Please review the bags allowed for active duty United States military personnel.

Medallion Member & Delta SkyMiles AMEX Card Member Baggage We’re thankful for your loyalty. Review the complete policy for bags allowed for Medallion members and Delta SkyMiles American Express Card members.

Special Item Requirements See requirements for fragile items like musical instruments, sporting equipment, medical equipment or more.

Prohibited or Restricted Items For the safety of all passengers, review what items are banned items (flammables, aerosols); and restricted items (batteries).

Flight Partner Baggage

Travel changes, same-day travel changes.

Most fares for domestic travel on Delta are eligible for same-day flight changes. Some tickets don’t offer change eligibility, such as international travel and Basic Economy (E) fares.

Same-day Confirmed

If there is space available in the fare class you originally purchased, you may be able to select the Same-Day Change check-in option and pay a $75 Same-Day Change Fee to confirm a seat on a new flight. This fee does not apply to Delta Gold, Platinum and Diamond Medallion Members.

Same-day Standby

At the time of your change request, you may be able to select this option for a standby seat on a new flight for free. You won’t lose your seat on your original flight unless your standby seat clears.

Standard Flight Changes

For all tickets purchased on/after March 31, 2021 in order for you to keep the value of your ticket, be sure to cancel or make changes prior to departure. Based on the fare rules, you may have to pay a change fee and/or a difference in fare. Basic Economy tickets cannot be changed. However, you may cancel Basic Economy tickets and a cancellation charge will be deducted from the value of your ticket; remaining value will be issued as an eCredit .

How the Change Fee Works

• If you want to make a change, check your original ticket for specific fare rules regarding change fees
• Pay the price difference between your original ticket
• Pay the change fee according to your flight’s origin, if applicable
• Receive confirmation for your new flight

Award Ticket Changes

We continue to simplify travel by eliminating change fees and redeposit fees for Award Tickets and mileage upgrades for travel within the U.S. (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), as well as international travel originating in the U.S. and Canada. Changes can be made any time prior to departure. Basic Economy Award Tickets cannot be changed in most cases. However, you may cancel your Basic Economy Award Travel for a cancellation fee of 9,900 miles for domestic travel (within the United States and Canada) and 19,900 miles for international travel. The fee will be deducted from the value of your ticket, and any remaining mileage will be redeposited into your SkyMiles account.

Redeposit of Miles for Award Tickets/Mileage Upgrades

In addition to eliminating change fees for tickets originating in the United States and Canada to anywhere in the world,* we have also eliminated the redeposit fee for Award Tickets and mileage upgrades originating in the United States or Canada. There are no change fees for travel within the U.S. (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), international travel originating in the U.S. and Canada and travel between the Caribbean and the U.S.* You may redeposit miles any time prior to departure. A redeposit fee of $150 will still apply for Award Tickets and mileage upgrades for travel originating outside of the United States and Canada.

*Excluding Basic Economy tickets which are non-refundable and non-changeable in most cases. However, you may cancel your Basic Economy Award Travel for a cancellation fee of 9,900 miles for domestic travel (within the United States and Canada) and 19,900 miles for international travel. The fee will be deducted from the value of your ticket and any remaining mileage will be redeposited into your SkyMiles account.

Change and Cancel Fees

Review the change and cancel fees below that range from $0 to $400* based on your origin, destination and type of ticket. For Main Cabin and above travel originating from the 50 United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the change fee is $0, but a fare difference will apply for ticket changes. If your new flight costs less than your current flight, you may be issued an eCredit for the difference (minus any applicable change fees). Remember that a fare difference will still apply for any ticket changes.

The  Change and Cancel Waiver  is still in effect for flights originating from Asia, Oceania and Israel so customers may continue to change or cancel their flight from these regions without incurring a fee.

*Unless expressly stated otherwise, all fee amounts are stated in US Dollars.

Travel Originating in the United States and Canada

Please review the change and cancel fees below based on your ticket type and destination, when departing from the United States (including the USVI and Puerto Rico) or Canada. 

Travel Originating in the Caribbean

Please review the change and cancel fees below based on your ticket type and destination, when departing from the Caribbean.

Travel Originating in Mexico

Please review the change and cancel fees below based on your ticket type and destination, when departing from Mexico.

Travel Originating in Central America

Please review the change and cancel fees below based on your ticket type and destination, when departing from Central America.

Travel Originating in South America

Please review the change and cancel fees below based on your ticket type and destination, when departing from South America.

Travel Originating in Europe

Please review the change and cancel fees below based on your ticket type and destination when departing from Europe.

*For Main Cabin through Delta Premium Select tickets issued prior to March 21, 2024, there are no change or cancel fees.

**For Basic Economy tickets issued prior to March 21, 2024, tickets can be changed or canceled for €200. For Basic Economy tickets issued on or before February 23, 2023, the change or cancel fee is €150.  

Travel Originating in the United Kingdom

Please review the change and cancel fees below based on your ticket type and destination when departing from the United Kingdom.

**For Basic Economy tickets issued prior to February 23, 2023, the change or cancel fee is £150. 

Travel Originating in Africa, the Middle East and India

Please review the change and cancel fees below based on your ticket type and destination when departing from Africa, the Middle East or India.

*For Main Cabin through Delta Premium Select tickets issued prior to March 21, 2024, there are no change or cancel fees. For Main Cabin through Delta Premium Select tickets originating from Israel, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal, there are no change or cancel fees.

**For Basic Economy tickets issued on or before March 21, 2024, the change or cancel fee is $200. For Basic Economy tickets issued on or before February 23, 2023, the change or cancel fee is $180. For Basic Economy tickets originating from Israel, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal, the change or cancel fee is $200.

Travel Originating in Asia & Pacific

Please review the change and cancel fees below based on your ticket type and destination when departing from Asia and the Pacific regions.

Travel Services

Unaccompanied minors.

The unaccompanied minor program provides an employee escort and amenities for children traveling alone between the ages of 5 to 14; or 15 to 17 with guardian request. For a $150 fee each way, up to 4 children will be supervised by Delta staff as they travel. Focused on safety, the program gives each child a barcoded wristband scanned at each location and children receive access to Delta Sky Zone lounges for unaccompanied minors, where available.

Infant in Arms

Traveling with a child under two years of age? It’s free to hold an infant in your arms or in an FAA-approved travel harness on flights in the U.S. & Canada. For international flights only, it is 10% of the cost of an adult fare.

We know the furry members of your family matter too. That’s why Delta allows small dogs, cats and household birds (limited to the U.S.) to travel with you in the cabin on your flight in an approved carrier for a fee. For our most up to date fees by region, please visit our Pet Travel Overview page. Size and other restrictions apply. Travel options and exceptions for service animals, U.S. Military personnel and other special cases are also available.

Direct Ticketing & Fee Updates

We offer a direct ticketing service for customers who wish to purchase their tickets over the phone through Reservation Sales or in person at airports and other ticket office locations. A Direct Ticketing international charge applies to tickets issued in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK. The service is complimentary for all other points of origin.

$25 - $35 USD Round trip for tickets issued in select European countries

This fee will be waived for phone reservations on request.

FREE for all other points of origin.

Most domestic Delta airport locations are designated "cashless stations" and do not accept cash from customers.

Please see the list of included airports . Note that as of April 1, 2024, Delta will no longer accept cash in any U.S. airport locations.

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How to Maximize Your Luggage by Understanding Suitcase Sizes

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Table of Contents

Check in luggage size chart

How to measure luggage size, how to get free checked luggage, luggage sizes recapped.

Odds are you're going to bring along some luggage with you on your next trip. This is true whether you're boarding a plane, train or automobile — but the mode you choose could impact the bags you bring, especially when taking to the skies.

Let's look at each airline's luggage size restrictions, how to measure your bags and ways to get free checked luggage on airlines. 

If you're traveling on an aircraft, where you're traveling may impact how large your bags can be. Also, international sizes aren't necessarily the same as domestic sizing requirements, so double-check your suitcase size before bringing your bags along. 

Here are the measurements for check-in luggage sizes when flying with airline carriers in the United States. 

Note that some airlines may also have different baggage policies based on where you're traveling. American Airlines, for instance, allows passengers flying to Australia or New Zealand to check bags up to 70 pounds. This is great news if you're traveling with a large suitcase.

» Learn more: Which airlines have the best (and worst) fees?

Large checked luggage sizes can be problematic, especially if traveling on a low-cost carrier like Spirit Airlines or Frontier Airlines.

To avoid oversized baggage fees, you'll want to measure any checked luggage before your flight. This includes both the size and the weight. 

Luggage scales are a cheap and effective way to get an accurate weight measurement on your suitcases. 

Measuring the size of your luggage isn't tricky. Most airlines require that your bag be 62 linear inches or less. Therefore, your bag's length, width and height cannot exceed 62 inches. This measurement includes the wheels and the handle of your luggage. 

To measure your bag, you'll want to grab a tape measure. First, lay your bag flat on the ground, then measure its height. Next, you'll want to measure how long and wide it is. 

If your bag has an expandable feature that you plan to use, be sure to expand it before you measure. 

Once you've gathered all three data points, add them together. For example, if your bag is 24 inches tall, 20 inches long and 18 inches wide, its total linear length is 62 inches. 

Note that using modern spinner bags, which include four wheels on the bottom of your suitcase, means you'll have less space within your actual bag. This is thanks to the requirement to include wheels and handles in your measurements. 

If this all sounds a little overwhelming, don't worry. Most luggage companies design their bags to fit within these standards. So if your bag isn't huge or a strange shape, the odds are that it'll fit within the dimensions required by airlines. 

» Learn more: Ways to avoid paying checked baggage fees

Want to avoid checked luggage fees? There are a few ways to do so. 

Elite status

The first way to avoid those fees is to achieve elite status with a specific airline. Often, even the lowest elite status tiers have the advantage of free checked bags. 

Active duty military and veterans can take advantage of complimentary checked bags on many airlines. 

On United Airlines, for example, Silver elite members get one free checked bag on all flights, even when flying basic economy. Even better, their baggage allowance is bumped up to 70 pounds — an additional 20 pounds over those without elite status.

» Learn more: The beginner's guide to airline elite status

Co-branded credit cards

Many airlines offer co-branded credit cards that'll give you a free checked bag on flights. This includes airlines such as:

Alaska Airlines .

American Airlines .

Delta Air Lines .

United Airlines .

These cards may charge an annual fee, but if you fly just a few times yearly, it pays for itself with free checked luggage. 

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

Travel cards

Don't want to commit yourself to a single airline but still want free checked bags? A few different travel cards come with an annual airline fee credit.

This credit will reimburse you for expenses you incur while traveling, including checked luggage fees, seat assignments and lounge access. 

The Platinum Card® from American Express is one, as is the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card . 

Terms apply.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

No matter how you're traveling, it's essential to understand the size of your suitcase. After all, you don't want to be maxed out on a trip before you even depart — where would you put your souvenirs?

If you plan on hopping on a plane, look at our detailed checked luggage size chart and recommendations for avoiding checked luggage fees. 

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Luggage shop by size

Checked Luggage: The Complete Guide

There are many trips where you can’t get what you need into a carry-on bag. But sometimes, it's easier to bring a bigger bag. When you check a bag, you can pack luxuries that won't fit in your carry-on and bring items that aren't allowed through TSA.

So, what is checked luggage? How does it differ from a personal item? What are the checked baggage fees, and what are the rules around the maximum size and maximum weight of checked suitcases? Let’s explore.

How Much Does it Cost to Check a Bag?

The budget-savvy traveler may use a carry-on only – it just costs too much to check a bag, right? It actually depends. Your first checked bag can set you back as much as $75 or more unless you know how to get that fee waived.

Domestic vs International – Depending on the airline and class you fly in, overseas travel usually includes one or two free checked bags.

Airline Member Perks – If you are a frequent flier with elite status, a member of the airline’s rewards program, or carry the airline’s credit card, you may be rewarded with one free checked bag per flight.

First-Class or Economy – Most airlines offer a free checked bag to their first-class and business-class passengers. Those flying in economy or basic economy usually pay for checked baggage.

Heavy Bags – Whether or not you paid check bag fees, if your checked luggage weighs more than the weight limit (usually 50 lbs), you can be charged hefty overweight bag fees.

Each airline varies, but fees usually land around $100 for bags weighing 1-20 lbs over the limit and $200 for bags 21-50 lbs over. If your bag exceeds 101 pounds, don't be surprised if the airline won't check it or charges you $300 or more.

What Counts as Checked Luggage?

Airlines refer to three types of bags: your personal item, your carry-on, and your checked luggage. Size is more important than the type of luggage in determining whether you can carry on or it needs to be checked. But you may wonder, "Can I check a box as luggage"? The short answer: yes, you can!

When using a cardboard box as checked luggage, be sure that it's durable enough to withstand the trip and – perhaps more importantly – the box doesn't exceed weight or size limits established by your chosen airline. For most travelers, using a box to transport items is not convenient nor practical. There are so many styles of luggage that may be better for your needs. Check out  our luggage guide to find the right luggage for your needs.

Checked Luggage Sizes and Restrictions

Each airline publishes its own baggage size and weight limits. Size limits for checked luggage focus on overall dimensions. For most airlines, the largest luggage size for check-in is 62 linear inches. This means the total length + width + depth must equal 62 inches or less.

RELATED: Our  luggage size guide takes the guesswork out of measuring your bags before you get on the plane.

Some airlines have different size restrictions, but that 62-inch rule is pretty standard. The below chart represents the published size and weight limits for individual airlines.

US DOMESTIC AIRLINES

International airlines.

These are the restrictions for economy fare classes. Many airlines allow larger or heavier bags for their first-class and business-class passengers.

Carry-On Luggage Weight Restrictions

Checked luggage has weight and size restrictions, but what about your carry-on or personal item? Before heading to the airport, check out how we  put carry-on luggage to the test .

Airlines limit the size of carry-on luggage to fit into the overhead bins, but most do not have restrictions on weight. Just remember, you need to be able to lift it to store it in the bin above your seat.

To get the most in your carry-on or checked bag without being weighed down, choose lightweight luggage. Travelpro has a broad selection of luggage that is lightweight but ultra-durable. Our  Maxlite 5 series is among the lightest and most durable luggage you can buy.

What to Pack in Your Checked Luggage

If you travel light, you might be able to get by with just a carry-on. However, there are times when you want to check a bag to bring items that might not be allowed in your carry-on.

What is allowed in checked baggage differs considerably from what is allowed in carry-on luggage.

Most sporting equipment, anything sharp, and items that could be used as a weapon must be in your checked baggage. Your carry-on, however, can be used for most things that you might need quick access to, including toiletries under 3.4 oz., medication, and a change of clothes. Take a look at our article on  what not to bring in your carry-on for a list of items that are and are not allowed.

Checking your luggage helps free up space in your carry-on, making your trip a lot more pleasant. Know the guidelines so you don't get hit with an additional charge when checking in for your next adventure.

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Carry-on baggage rules at lufthansa.

In the information below, we tell you how many items of carry-on baggage you may take with you according to your travel class, which items must be transported in carry-on baggage and how to stow your carry-on baggage in the cabin in a space-saving way.

You can also find the free baggage allowance for your flight as well as the maximum weight and dimensions of carry-on baggage at a glance in our baggage calculator – based on route, travel class and fare.

Current information

Make sure you have attached your name and (mobile) telephone number to each piece of baggage before checking it in at the airport. In addition, print out the following contact form and, after completing it, place it in your item of baggage.

To avoid long waiting times at security, please pack only the bare essentials in your carry-on baggage.

Less carry-on baggage, more comfort

For a smooth boarding procedure, more stowage space on board and a punctual departure, it is essential that your carry-on baggage corresponds to the regulations. That is why we check your carry-on baggage against the permitted dimensions, quantity and weight at departure airports.

Please note that Lufthansa checks during boarding whether the carry-on baggage rules are being adhered to. Carry-on baggage that is too large or too heavy will be taken at the gate and loaded into the cargo hold for a fee. The fees for this are significantly higher at the gate than in the check-in hall and can only be settled by credit card.

Since storage space in the cabin is limited, we may also have to load carry-on baggage that conforms to the rules into the hold at the gate. This takes time and can lead to delays.

In both the above instances, please ensure that you take personal items, such as valuables and medications, into the cabin with you. Devices such as mobile phones and tablets, powerbanks, or e-cigarettes that contain batteries or rechargeable batteries may also not be carried in checked baggage.

The smart way to pack carry-on baggage

Here’s a video giving tips on how to pack your carry-on baggage case in the most space-saving way.

Tips on how to stow carry-on baggage correctly on board

• For larger items of carry-on baggage, such as trolley cases, please use the overhead locker above your seat
• Please stow your personal items, such as laptop bags, shopping bags or handbags, under the seat in front of you.
• Jackets and coats can simply be hung up on the hook on the seat in front of you.
• Please note that the overhead lockers above the emergency exit rows are reserved for the passengers who are sitting there.

Carry-on baggage rules according to travel class

As carry-on baggage, you can take one item of baggage with you, such as a trolley case, a compact, foldable baby buggy or a foldable garment bag, or two items in Business or First Class. The permitted amount of carry-on baggage for HON Circle Members, Senators, frequent flyers and passengers with Star Alliance Gold or Silver status is determined by the respective travel class.

• Dimensions for carry-on baggage: max. 55 x 40 x 23 cm
• Dimensions for foldable garment bags: max. 57 x 54 x 15 cm

You can check your free baggage allowance in just a few steps with our baggage calculator – based on route, travel class and fare. You’ll also find the maximum dimensions and weight for your carry-on baggage there.

1 item of carry-on baggage up to 8 kg

2 items of carry-on baggage, each up to 8 kg

Additional items of baggage that can be taken into the cabin free of charge

Another small item of baggage (max. x=30 cm y=40 cm z=10 cm, e.g. handbag, laptop bag).

Per child, either a baby carry cot, a child seat or a foldable pushchair.*

Mobility aids, such as wheelchairs and orthopaedic aids.

* You can take foldable pushchairs on board as part of your permitted carry-on baggage allowance if they have been suitably packed up and no longer look like a pushchair.

Special rules apply to the transportation of musical instruments in carry-on baggage.

Additional carry-on baggage rules

On certain flights with Lufthansa Regional or where country-specific variations apply (flights from India and the USA), First and Business Class passengers must check in their second piece of carry-on baggage.

On nearly all Lufthansa Regional flights, passengers can keep their carry-on baggage with them until boarding and get it back again immediately on disembarkation at the aircraft steps.

Lufthansa transports larger items of carry-on baggage, within the free baggage allowance, in the hold. If the permitted free baggage allowance is exceeded in number, dimensions and/or weight, the flat rates for excess baggage apply. You’ll find the free baggage allowance for your flight as well as prices and dimensions for optional baggage in our baggage calculator.

If you subsequently check in your carry-on baggage, please remove all items from the baggage that may not be transported in the hold.

Personal documents, medicines, valuables, mobile phones and laptops should also only be carried in your carry-on baggage.

Dangerous goods and items forbidden in carry-on baggage

The carriage of certain items either in checked baggage or in carry-on baggage is not permitted by law.

Rules for the carriage of liquids

The following regulations apply to liquids in carry-on baggage for flights within the EU and connecting flights from the EU (including German domestic flights):

• Containers with liquids and gel-like substances may hold up to 100 ml (maximum capacity must be printed on container).
• All containers must be carried in a plastic bag (transparent, resealable, max. capacity 1 litre). One bag per person.
• The bag must be presented separately at security.
• Liquid duty-free goods purchased at an international airport or on board an aircraft outside the EU must be transported in a tamper-proof, certified bag on connecting flights via an EU airport. The proof of purchase must be inside the bag and the bag must be sealed by the retailer.
• Medicines and special food (e.g. baby food) can be carried outside the plastic bag and must also be presented at security.

Items and bags that do not meet these requirements may not be taken on board.

Please take your liquids out of your carry-on baggage at the security screening point and present them separately. In exceptional cases, liquids may be opened in the course of security checks and removed from their outer packaging.

These rules are statutory requirements. The local interpretation of the EU directive is the responsibility of the local public authority. Lufthansa has no influence in this regard.

Please also check the website of the respective airport before you travel regarding regulations that apply at your departure airport.

Rules for travel with several airlines

When booking a trip with several airlines, the carry-on baggage rules of the airline operating each flight apply.

Example: You have booked flights from Vienna to Johannesburg with a connection in Munich:

• From Vienna to Munich with flight number OS 1152 (OS = Austrian Airlines), operated by Lufthansa.
• Continue from Munich to Johannesburg with flight number LH 9542 (LH = Lufthansa), operated by South African Airways.

In our example, the carry-on baggage regulations of the first flight from Vienna to Munich comply with Lufthansa’s carry-on baggage rules, and those of the second flight from Munich to Johannesburg comply with South African Airways’ carry-on baggage rules.

Please check the carry-on baggage regulations on the websites of the relevant airlines before your trip and follow the regulations of the airline that has the most restrictive carry-on baggage rules.

Simple Flying

What are the most important weight measurements from a pilot's perspective.

Fuel, cargo, bags, passengers and the plane itself all have defined values that pilots know by heart.

• Zero fuel weight is crucial for structural balance and determines the aircraft's total gross weight.
• Takeoff weight is used to measure takeoff thrust settings to meet specific climb gradients.
• Fuel is measured in weight, distribution is important for handling, and total gross weight impacts landing performance.

Flight is a balance of forces. In the vertical plane of motion, weight and lift must be appropriately balanced for every phase of flight. For this reason, various weights are important to pilots, dispatchers, and plane manufacturers alike. Here's a summary of some of the most essential weights pilots consider on every flight.

Zero fuel weight

Like most other weight categories, the zero fuel weight (ZFW) is rather self-explanatory. It is the weight of the plane and its payload before fuel is factored into it. In most airliners, inputting the zero fuel weight gives the flight management computer enough data to determine the aircraft's total gross weight.

The zero fuel weight is adjustable based on how much fuel a flight needs. Things like international contingency fuel and alternate fuel are non-negotiable. When the fuel requirement goes up, the zero fuel weight might need to come down to stay within the maximum weight limit for the plane on that day. It is also important to understand the zero fuel weight for structural balancing .

Every plane has a maximum ZFW to ensure the wings' and fuselage's structural integrity during high g-load maneuvers or severe turbulence. When fuel is added, it's usually put in the wing tanks before the center tanks to mitigate adverse aerodynamics and keep wing loading to a minimum.

Takeoff weight

The takeoff weight is simply how much the plane weighs when takeoff thrust is set. On most flights, the takeoff weight doesn't push the boundaries of the plane's certified maximum takeoff weight. However, pilots must keep an eye on the takeoff weight to ensure their performance numbers are valid.

Every airline takeoff is engineered to meet the particular climb gradients should an engine fail on departure. Engine thrust is reduced so that it's enough to meet these figures while also not burning extra fuel or putting unnecessary strain on the engines. For this practice, takeoffs are assumed to be at or below a specified weight, which is why it's important for pilots to verify the takeoff weight.

Unmarketable: Why Can't Airlines Always Sell Every Seat?

Some airports surrounded by terrain have special procedures that require higher-than-normal performance gradients, further reducing the takeoff weight.

A plane might only be allowed to carry an 85% passenger load factor (with limited cargo) out of a place like Reno or Bogotá on a hot afternoon to meet engine-out climb gradients despite being well below the manufacturer's certified max gross takeoff weight. The number one priority on departure is terrain clearance in an engine-out scenario, and the takeoff weight validates performance figures.

Fuel isn't measured by volume (gallons or liters) in aviation. Instead, it's measured in weight—usually in pounds and sometimes in kilograms, depending on where you are. The dispatcher and pilots agree to fuel loads based on these weights and must ensure enough has been onloaded for a flight before it leaves the gate. A gallon of jet fuel weighs about 6.8 pounds or 3.1 kilograms. This is significantly less than a gallon of water, which weighs 8.3 pounds or 3.8 kilos.

Pilots don't just care about the total weight of the fuel onboard but also about how the weight is distributed. Every plane has a maximum allowable imbalance between tanks for takeoff, cruise, and landing. Pilots can crossfeed fuel between capable tanks, but this can take time and isn't allowed during takeoff or landing. Imbalanced fuel can lead to handling problems depending on the plane and could also invalidate the trim settings used for takeoff.

Gross weight

The gross (or total) aircraft weight is dynamic. It changes at the gate as bags and passengers go off and on, and fuel as fuel is added. Likewise, the gross weight constantly reduces in flight as fuel is burned. The plane's gross weight determines how high pilots can cruise based on their performance calculations. ATC will often ask if pilots can accept a higher altitude, and it's essential that the crew understand whether their current gross weight will allow them to climb. The margins between stable flight and stall speed are narrow if pilots climb too high for their current weight.

Gross weight also plays a massive role in landing. Upon arrival, the gross weight becomes the landing weight, and pilots predicate their landing performance (flap and auto brake settings) based on it. Furthermore, the calculated landing distance depends on an accurate landing weight. This value influences which runway pilots request and accept for their approach based on its available length.

Weight matters

From a passenger's perspective, it might seem like airlines are obsessed with weight . To a large extent, this is true—and for good reason. Passengers and their carry-bags are the most nebulous weights that airlines contend with. The plane's weight, fuel, and regular cargo are all known. On the other hand, passengers are not weighed before they board, nor are their carry-on bags.

Airlines must be intentional about the average weight assigned to passengers and bags that haven't been weighed. Census data is used for passengers, and spot-checks for carry-on bags determine how much weight airlines assign people and their belongings.

This is also seasonally dependent, with a few pounds added per winter passenger for warmer clothes. Even when it comes down to the weights of people and items that aren't explicitly measured, their value is important for the validity of the overall performance equation.

Want answers to more key questions in aviation? Check out the rest of our guides here .

While so many weights matter to pilots, one weight matters more than anything to passengers. Fifty pounds, or 23 kilograms, is the standard delineation between a regular checked bag and a "heavy" checked bag. It seems that the line has to be drawn somewhere because weight matters. Nevertheless, it's remarkable how stuffing a few more t-shirts in a carry-on bag can save $75.

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Zeynep Tufekci

You Don’t Need to Freak Out About Boeing Planes (but Boeing Sure Does)

By Zeynep Tufekci

Opinion Columnist

“Ah, it’s a Boeing Max,” I exclaimed to my travel companions after we boarded our plane a few weeks ago. I looked to see if we were seated next to a hidden door plug panel like the one that blew out on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 in January. We weren’t, but joining a trend on social media , we cracked a few jokes at Boeing’s expense: “Maybe they can charge extra, saying it’s potentially an even bigger window seat.”

The F.B.I. recently informed the passengers on that ill-fated Alaska Airlines flight that they might have been crime victims . The agency hasn’t explained why, but Boeing has told the Senate that it cannot find documentation of exactly how the door plug was removed and reinstalled, even though the company acknowledged it is supposed to have kept such records. Facing all this, the company announced last week that it was replacing its chief executive . But the bad news wasn’t over: On Thursday a New York Times investigation reported a disturbing pattern of sloppy safety procedures and dangerous cost cutting. One expert who had spent more than a decade at Boeing told The Times, “The theme is shortcuts everywhere — not doing the job right.”

Is it any wonder that some travelers are trying to avoid Boeing planes? Kayak, the travel booking site, noticed an uptick in the number of people trying to weed them out ; it recently made that search filter more prominent and even added an option to specifically avoid certain models.

Boeing’s problems, great as they are, are just one reason that consumers might be wary of taking flight. United Airlines now also faces scrutiny for a series of safety incidents, although many experts say the issues there do not appear to be systemic. The biggest danger of all may be understaffing in air traffic control and overstuffed runways , which lead to far too many near misses.

Personally, I am not worried about flying, and other than cracking some ill-advised jokes, I have not changed my behavior. That’s why I hadn’t bothered to check whether I’d be flying on a Boeing Max or any type of Boeing plane until after I boarded.

The trajectory of Boeing as a corporation, however, is another matter. It’s going to take a lot more than a shuffle at the top to fix that company’s problems. But the fact that Boeing managed to cut as many corners as it did is testament to the layers and layers of checks, redundancies and training that have been built into the aviation industry. Aviation safety is so robust because we made it so.

Two seemingly contradictory things are both true: U.S. commercial passenger airlines have gone an astonishing 15 years without a single death from a crash. And there is a huge safety crisis in commercial aviation that we urgently need to fix.

Commercial aviation is a complex system involving many dynamics — technology, engineering, corporate culture, regulation, weather, human factors, politics and more.

It’s extremely hard to predict what will emerge from so many different things interacting all at once — an example of the so-called butterfly effect, in which a tiny insect flapping its wings leads to major weather events on the other side of the world. And though testing every part of the system on its own is necessary, it’s insufficient, since it’s the interaction of many moving parts that creates those hard-to-foresee problems. Solving equations won’t be enough to manage it all because such systems defy easy calculations.

We do, however, have methods to manage complex and safety-critical systems, and if done right, they can work very well.

Perhaps the most important measure is redundancy, the layering of precautions. Since even a minor failure could set off a catastrophic chain of events, it’s important to shore up everything. That’s why many plane parts have duplicates or backups and much of planes’ production and maintenance is subject to inspections by multiple people.

Redundancy, however, while great for safety, is expensive.

The first Boeing 737 Max crash occurred in Indonesia in 2018 . Everyone on board was killed. The next was in 2019 in Ethiopia. There were no survivors of that flight, either. After that, the planes — which had been flying globally for more than a year — were grounded by the F.A.A. (About 387 of them had been delivered at that time, and 400 or so more were in production.)

The public later learned Boeing had added a new software system to the planes to help keep them stable. Because the system made the planes behave more like older Boeing models that pilots were already familiar with, the company got permission from the F.A.A. to avoid retraining pilots on the new planes (a cost savings for the airlines that bought them) or even telling pilots about it.

Those two flights proved the danger of that approach. The new system relied on a single sensor, even though the planes were equipped with two. When that sensor failed, pilots lacked the information to diagnose the problem and avoid disaster. Boeing’s actions were a violation of those core tenets of aviation of building in redundancy and understanding how complicated interactions can create problems that no one predicted.

Given the impossibility of testing for every outcome, keeping complex systems safe also depends on another crucial signal: near misses. If something goes wrong but disaster is averted, the correct response should not be a “whew” and back to normal. It should be caution and investigation.

The Times investigation shows how alarmingly different Boeing’s approach was.

The Boeing plane that crashed in Indonesia experienced the exact same problem with the new stabilization system the day before. But on that flight there happened to be a third pilot, riding off duty in the back of the cockpit . When things went haywire, he was able to suggest the correct sequence of actions and saved the day. Had Boeing updated pilots about the system, would the passengers on the airplane’s next flight have landed safely? We’ll never know.

That third pilot — in that case, present purely by luck — was an example of how redundancy can save lives. So is a co-pilot. Planes fly on autopilot all the time and can even land on their own. Still, regulations require a second person in the cockpit for many types of passenger flights not just to handle things in the extremely rare event that the primary pilot gets sick or dies midflight but also to help manage emergencies and equipment failures . It’s the same reason that planes have more engines, more tires and more ways to extend the landing gear than they need for any individual flight, just in case one of those things fails, as has happened many times.

An extra layer of safety helped avert the Alaska Airlines blowout from turning into a catastrophe: Because the incident occurred so soon after takeoff, all the passengers were still required to wear their seatbelts.

Pilots even do walk-arounds of their planes just before takeoff to conduct final visual inspections. Commercial aviation works because of the principle of trust nothing and check everything.

It’s hard to escape the conclusion that those at the company who took all those shortcuts figured the system, with all its redundancies, would save them. But that’s a gamble. Eventually, two or three or four rare mishaps will align.

A Boeing representative told me that the company was taking responsibility and working to improve quality. But we need to see action, not promises.

So why should anyone still fly on Boeing’s planes? Or fly at all? Because the statistics still show that commercial aviation is miraculously safe, far more so than all the alternative ways of traveling.

While I don’t check for who manufactured the planes I fly on, I do keep my seatbelt on even when the captain says I don’t have to. Other than that, I’m as comfortable as possible while flying. I know that on balance, air travel is a well-regulated system staffed by highly trained crews with layers and layers of safety precautions and a dedication to learning from accidents. Let’s keep it that way.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

Follow the New York Times Opinion section on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , WhatsApp , X and Threads .

An earlier version of this article misidentified the agency that informed passengers of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 that they might have been crime victims. It is the F.B.I., not the Federal Aviation Administration.

How we handle corrections

Zeynep Tufekci  ( @zeynep ) is a professor of sociology and public affairs at Princeton University, the author of “Twitter and Tear Gas: The Power and Fragility of Networked Protest” and a New York Times Opinion columnist. @ zeynep • Facebook

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Annual spring weight restrictions changing on Michigans roads

March 26, 2024

LANSING, Mich. ­- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) continues to adjust spring weight restriction areas in an annual move to protect roads.

Effective 6 a.m. Monday, April 1, weight restrictions will be lifted on all state trunkline highways from the southern Michigan border north to and including US-2/US-141 at the Menominee River bridge west of Iron Mountain then east on US-2 to St. Ignace, then north on I-75 to M-134, then east to and including M-134 on Drummond Island.

Frost restrictions are still in effect for the remainder of the state and will be imposed and enforced on all state trunkline highways north of US-2, I-75, and M-134 and on M-185 on Mackinac Island. State routes typically carry M, I, or US designations.

In the restricted areas, the following will apply:

• On routes designated as "all-season" (designated in green and gold on the MDOT Truck Operators Map), there will be no reduction in legal axle weights.
• All extended permits will be valid for oversize loads in the weight-restricted area on the restricted routes. Single-trip permits will not be issued for any overweight loads or loads exceeding 14 feet in width, 11 axles, and 150 feet in overall length on the restricted routes.
• On routes designated as "seasonal" (designated in solid or dashed red on the MDOT Truck Operators Map), there will be a posted weight reduction of 25 percent for rigid (concrete) pavements and 35 percent for flexible (asphalt) pavements, and maximum speed of 35 mph for some vehicles.

Drivers must follow the speed limits for weight restricted roads, per state law. Go online for speed restrictions for trucks and the rules for propane fuel delivery and public utility vehicles .

When roads that have been frozen all winter begin to thaw from the surface downward, melting snow and ice saturate the softened ground. During the spring thaw, the roadbed softened by trapped moisture beneath the pavement makes it more susceptible to damage. This contributes to pothole problems already occurring due to this winter's numerous freeze-thaw cycles.

MDOT determines when weight restrictions begin each spring by measuring frost depths along state highways, observing road conditions, and monitoring weather forecasts. Weight restrictions remain in effect until the frost line is deep enough to allow moisture to escape and the roadbeds regain stability.

County road commissions and city public works departments put in place their own seasonal weight restrictions, which usually, but not always, coincide with state highway weight restrictions. Signs are generally posted to indicate which routes have weight restrictions in effect.

For weight restriction information and updates, call 800-787-8960, or you can access this information on MDOT's website at www.Michigan.gov/Truckers , under "Restrictions." All-season routes are designated in green and gold on the MDOT Truck Operators Map, which is available online . You also may sign up to receive e-mail alerts .

Media Contact:

Dan Weingarten

MDOT Superior Region Media Representative

[email protected]

906-250-4809

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How strong is a 4.8 earthquake? Quake magnitudes explained.

The 4.8 magnitude earthquake that struck New Jersey on Friday generated shaking that could be felt from Washington, D.C., to north of Boston.

About 55 earthquakes a day – 20,000 a year – are recorded by the National Earthquake Information Center . Most are tiny and barely noticed by people living where they happen. Click here to see the USDA shake map for the most recent earthquakes.

Worldwide, there are on average about 16 major earthquakes in any given year, 15 in the magnitude 7.0 range and one 8.0 or greater, according to records going back to 1900.

The United States typically has around 63 earthquakes between magnitude 5.0 and 5.9 each year, according to the U.S. Geological Survey , about five between 6.0 and 6.9 and fewer than one between 7.0 and 7.9.

A major 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit Taiwan on Wednesday morning , killing 12 people and injuring over 1,000. The strongest earthquake there in a quarter century was followed by a series of aftershocks, reaching up to 6.4 magnitude.

More earthquakes are being recorded around the globe, but that doesn’t mean there are more earthquakes happening , according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Instead, it’s because there are more measurement devices, called seismometers, that record vibrations and they have been deployed in more places.

Earthquakes are a natural part of life on Earth, a geologically active planet with seven major tectonic plates. These are continent-size slabs of rock that glide over the planet’s mantle, constantly but very slowly reshaping Earth’s landscape.

What does magnitude mean in an earthquake?

Magnitude is a measurement of the strength of an earthquake . Officially it's called the moment magnitude scale . It's a logarithmic scale , meaning each number is 10 times as strong as the one before it. So a 5.2 earthquake is moderate, while a 6.2 is strong.

The magnitude and effect of an earthquake, according to Michigan Technological University :

• Below 2.5: Generally not felt
• 2.5 to 5.4: Minor or no damage
• 5.5 to 6.0: Slight damage to buildings
• 6.1 to 6.9: Serious damage
• 8.0 or greater: Massive damage, can destroy communities

Intensity scales, measured in Roman numerals, are used to describe how strong the earthquake felt to people in the area.

According to the California Earthquake Authority , an intensity of I is typically felt only under especially favorable conditions. An intensity of IV, which leads to light shaking, is felt indoors by many, but not typically outdoors. It might awaken some people at night and lead to a sensation like a truck striking a building. A parked car would rock. Intensities VI and above would be strong, frightening and felt by all, with the damage increasing up to an X, where the shaking would be violent. Some well-built wooden structures would be destroyed and most masonry and frame structures along with their foundations would be ruined.

You might have heard the term " the Richter Scale " used to describe earthquakes, but it is no longer commonly used because it was only valid for certain earthquake frequencies and distance ranges.

Why does an earthquake's depth matter?

Magnitude measures how strong a quake is. That said, how much the ground shakes depends on an earthquake's intensity, which in turn depends on two things: how far away the actual site of the temblor was and the kind of soil it which it occurs.

This is why an earthquake's depth is often given. The epicenter of the Northridge earthquake in Los Angeles in 1994 was in the San Fernando Valley, the point where the quake was strongest. But the hypocenter , the location where the quake actually occurred, was more than 11 miles underground. If it had been closer to the surface, the 6.7 magnitude quake would have been even more devastating.

The type of ground matters , too. Bedrock shakes least, sand and gravel as much as two times more, and mud and landfill as much as five times more. This was a major factor in why some areas of San Francisco suffered more than others in the Loma Prieta quake of 1989 .

Why real earthquakes aren't like in the movies

Though movies like " San Andreas" and "Earthquake" show entire coastlines dropping into the ocean, it's not going to happen.

According to the U.S. Geological Service, while a "mega-quake" with a magnitude of 10 or larger is "theoretically possible," it's very unlikely .

The magnitude of an earthquake depends in part on the length of the geological fault on which the quake occurs. Longer faults result in stronger earthquakes.

There are no known faults capable of generating a magnitude 10 or larger. The San Andreas fault of movie fame couldn't produce a quake larger than about 8.3 given its length, according to the USGS.

The largest earthquake in U.S. history was the 1964 Good Friday quake in Alaska , a 9.2 magnitude temblor that killed 131 people. It lasted four and a half minutes and ran along the Aleutian fault.

What's the chance of an aftershock?

Any time there's an earthquake, one concern is that it was merely a foreshock to a bigger quake that's coming.

Globally, the probability that one earthquake will be followed by a large earthquake within three days is somewhere just over 6%, according to the USGS .

That means whenever there's an earthquake, there's about a 94% chance that it wasn't a foreshock and there won't be any more quakes linked to it.

The numbers are a little different for California, which is very seismically active. There, about half of the biggest earthquakes were preceded by foreshocks, according to the USGS. But that means half were not.

Unfortunately, it's impossible to know if any one quake is a foreshock.

Aftershocks  are defined as smaller earthquakes that happen in days after a larger quake. As the USGS puts it, they represent "minor readjustments along the portion of a fault that slipped at the time of the mainshock."

• Solar Eclipse 2024

See the 2024 Solar Eclipse’s Path of Totality

A total solar eclipse is expected to pass through the United States on April 8, 2024, giving stargazers across the country the opportunity to view the celestial phenomenon in which the sun is completely covered by the moon.

The eclipse will enter the U.S. in Texas and exit in Maine. It is the last time a total solar eclipse will be visible in the contiguous United States until 2044.

Here's what to know about the path of the eclipse and where you can see it.

Read More : How Animals and Nature React to an Eclipse

Where can you see the total solar eclipse?

The eclipse will cross through North America, passing over parts of Mexico, the United States, and Canada. 

The eclipse will enter the United States in Texas, and travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse.

Much of the eclipse's visibility depends on the weather. A cloudy day could prevent visitors from seeing the spectacle altogether.

When does the solar eclipse start and end?

The solar eclipse will begin in Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT. It will exit continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NDT.

The longest duration of totality—which is when the moon completely covers the sun — will be 4 minutes, 28 seconds, near Torreón, Mexico. Most places along the path of totality will see a totality duration between 3.5 and 4 minutes.

Read More : The Eclipse Could Bring $1.5 Billion Into States on the Path of Totality

Where’s the best place to see the total solar eclipse?

The best place to witness the event is along the path of totality. Thirteen states will be along the path of totality, and many towns across the country are preparing for the deluge of visitors— planning eclipse watch parties and events in the days leading up to totality.

In Rochester, NY, the Rochester Museum and Science Center is hosting a multi-day festival that includes a range of events and activities. Russellville, Arkansas will host an event with activities including live music, science presentations, tethered hot-air balloon rides, and telescope viewings.

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Write to Simmone Shah at [email protected]

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