Carry-on size limits are not universal. The difference between a bag that slides into the overhead bin and one that gets gate-checked can be a single inch. Here's the definitive 2026 comparison.
💡 Want to check your specific bag against your airline? Use our Carry-On Size Checker — enter your dimensions and get an instant answer.
US Carriers
| Airline | Max Size (in) | Max Size (cm) | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | 22 × 14 × 9 | 56 × 36 × 23 | No weight limit |
| Delta | 22 × 14 × 9 | 56 × 36 × 23 | No weight limit |
| United Airlines | 22 × 14 × 9 | 56 × 36 × 23 | No weight limit |
| Southwest | 24 × 16 × 10 | 61 × 41 × 25 | No weight limit |
| Alaska Airlines | 22 × 14 × 9 | 56 × 36 × 23 | No weight limit |
| JetBlue | 22 × 14 × 9 | 56 × 36 × 23 | No weight limit |
| Spirit Airlines | 22 × 18 × 10 | 56 × 46 × 25 | 40 lbs / 18 kg |
| Frontier Airlines | 24 × 16 × 10 | 61 × 41 × 25 | 35 lbs / 16 kg |
European Carriers
| Airline | Max Size (cm) | Weight Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryanair | 55 × 40 × 20 | 10 kg | Priority boarding required for overhead bin |
| easyJet | 56 × 45 × 25 | 15 kg | Large cabin bag needs FLEXI or bundle |
| Wizz Air | 55 × 40 × 23 | 10 kg | Only Priority passengers use overhead bin |
| Lufthansa | 55 × 40 × 23 | 8 kg | Includes handle and wheels |
| British Airways | 56 × 45 × 25 | 23 kg | Generous allowance |
| Air France | 55 × 35 × 25 | 12 kg | Economy only |
| KLM | 55 × 35 × 25 | 12 kg | Same as Air France (same group) |
Asian Carriers
| Airline | Max Size (cm) | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|
| ANA | 55 × 40 × 25 | 10 kg |
| JAL | 55 × 40 × 25 | 10 kg |
| Singapore Airlines | 55 × 38 × 20 | 7 kg |
| Cathay Pacific | 56 × 36 × 23 | 7 kg |
| Korean Air | 55 × 40 × 20 | 10 kg |
| China Eastern | 55 × 40 × 20 | 5 kg |
Which Airlines Actually Enforce These Limits?
Here's the truth most guides skip: most US carriers rarely measure carry-on bags at the gate. Delta, United, and American almost never enforce size unless your bag is obviously oversized. Their focus is overhead bin space, not exact dimensions.
The airlines that do enforce strictly:
- Ryanair and Wizz Air — they have bag sizers at many gates and will charge you €50+ on the spot
- Spirit and Frontier — they enforce because carry-on fees are a significant revenue source
- Asian carriers — Japan, Singapore, and Korean carriers enforce weight limits more consistently than size limits
What "Fits in the Overhead Bin" Actually Means
A bag that's 22×14×9 inches fits lengthwise in most US domestic overhead bins. International overhead bins on wide-body aircraft (777, 787, A350) are larger. Regional jets (CRJ-700, Embraer 175) have smaller bins — standard roll-aboards often can't fit and get gate-checked even when they meet size rules.
If you're flying regionally, a soft-shell bag or backpack is more reliable than a hard-shell suitcase, because soft bags can be compressed to fit where rigid ones can't.
The Bottom Line
For US domestic flights, any bag around 22×14×9 inches works on every major carrier. For European budget airlines (especially Ryanair), be exact — 55×40×20 cm and no more. Asian carriers care more about weight than size, so weigh your bag before you leave.
Check Your Specific Bag vs. Your Airline
Enter your bag's dimensions and pick your airline — we'll tell you if you'll make it through.
Try the Carry-On Checker →