It does not matter if you are flying domestically or internationally, every airline has its own rules when it comes to carry-on luggage. There is no one size fits all, so you must carefully read the airline you are flying with policies to avoid paying extra at the airport.


Rules also differ depending on whether you are flying economy or have paid for a premium ticket. For the sake of this article, we will list the carry-on restrictions for several full-service carriers and budget airlines for people traveling in economy.

A carry-on is more convenient

Last summer was a nightmare as understaffed airlines and airports welcomed back thousands of holidaymakers eager to get away after two years of COVID-19 restrictions. The downside was the long lines to drop off your luggage and the fact that many bags never even made it onto the plane. To avoid the headache of lost luggage, try and take what you need in a carry-on.

Determining what the best carry-on is based on personal requirements. Some people like a bag with wheels, while others prefer a backpack they can sling over their shoulders. One thing to remember if buying a bag with wheels is that the airline measures the bag from the wheels up, so pay special attention when buying one. As for a hard case or a soft shell, again, it is a personal choice. A hard case may offer better protection to your luggage but is probably heavier than a soft case carry-on.

Some airlines allow for a personal item

In the list below, you will notice that many airlines allow you to bring a personal item and a carry-on bag. A personal item is a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag that can be stored under the seat in front of you.

Alaska Airlines:

One carry-on bag with the dimensions 22 x 14 x 9 inches plus one personal item.

American Airlines:

One carry-on bag with the dimensions 22 x 14 x 9 inches plus one personal item with a maximum size of 18 x 14 x 8 inches.

Delta Air Lines:

One carry-on bag with the dimensions 22 x 14 x 9 inches plus one personal item.

Frontier Airlines:

One carry-on bag with the dimensions 24 x 16 x 10 inches plus one personal item not larger than 18 x 14 x 8 inches.

Hawaiian Airlines:

One carry-on bag with the dimensions 22 x 14 x 9 inches plus one personal item.

JetBlue Airways:

One carry-on bag with the dimensions 22 x 14 x 9 inches plus one personal item no larger than 17 x 13 x 8 inches.

Southwest Airlines:

One carry-on bag with the dimensions 24 x 16 x 10 inches plus one personal item not larger than 13.5 x 8.5 x 18.5 inches.

Spirit Airlines:

One carry-on bag with the dimensions 22 x 18 x 10 inches plus one personal item not larger than 18 x 14 x 8 inches.

United Airlines:

One carry-on bag with the dimensions 22 x 14 x 9 inches plus one personal item not larger than 17 x 10 x 9 inches.

European airlines

British Airways:

One carry-on bag with the dimensions 22 x 18 x 10 inches plus one personal item not larger than 16 x 12 x 6 inches and a maximum weight of less than 51lbs.

easyJet:

One carry-on bag with the dimensions 22 x 17.7 x 9.8 inches plus one personal item not larger than 17.7 x 14.2 x 7.8 inches.

Air France/KLM:

One carry-on bag with the dimensions 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.9 inches plus one personal item not larger than 16 x 12 x 6 inches.

Ryanair:

One carry-on bag with the dimensions 21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 inches plus one personal item not larger than 15.7 x 7.9 x 9.9 inches.