Carry-On Luggage Size Chart for 130+ Airlines

When travelling by air one of our biggest concerns is our luggage, more specifically carry-on luggage. The hoard of new airlines and routes is cropping up to change the way we look at flying.

With the ever-changing schemes of unbundling offered by airlines these days, airlines’ classic mandatory services such as a meal or seat or check-in baggage, flight travel are being re-invented.

Today several airlines require us to pay for a seat selection. Also, several want us to purchase check-in luggage and to pay and pre-book the meal.

This means that many customers choose to take with them only carry-on luggage and do away entirely with the additional costs of purchasing check-in baggage, particularly students and backpackers.

To understand how much carry-on luggage we can freely take to the plane cabin, we should know the carry-on suitcase size allowed by the different airlines.

Here we have researched all the major airlines worldwide to understand the carry-on suitcase size allowed by the different airlines.

Are you ready for your flight? It’s crucial to note for a delayed or cancelled flight, you may get compensation under EU law. Explore your rights to European Flight Delay Compensation.

What is the Standard Size for Carry-on Baggage?

Different airlines have varying size restrictions for carry-on baggage. Most airlines require carry-on dimensions to be 22 x 14 x 8 inches, including handles and wheels. This size fits comfortably in the overhead bins of economy seats.

Larger sizes are allowed in Premium Economy, Business Class, etc., but it’s best to ensure your suitcase stays within the above dimensions.

What is a Personal Item?

A personal item is an additional piece of luggage that many airlines allow you to bring along with your carry-on bag. It can be a purse, laptop case, briefcase, or a small bag—anything compact and manageable. Each airline has different rules for personal items, and some don’t provide specific guidelines.

Generally, a personal item should be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. The main difference between a personal item and carry-on luggage is size. For example, a diaper bag typically counts as a personal item, while a travel stroller is considered a carry-on.

Depending on its size, a musical instrument could qualify as either a personal item or carry-on. A garment bag is usually classified as a carry-on due to its size, but many airlines allow both a small suitcase and a garment bag. If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to confirm with the airline in advance.

Carry-On Luggage Size Chart for Airlines across the World

The size chart below is updated as of September 2024. You can check the different carry-on luggage sizes and weights in both imperial (i.e. inch & lbs) and metric (i.e. cm & kg) systems.

This chart has also been updated with information on personal item sizes and bag types that are allowed to carry on the flight with you.

11 Packing Tips That Could Help You Travel With Only Carry-on Baggage:

1. Roll your Clothes. This way they take much less space than if you folded them.
2. Make travel-sized portions of your toiletries/make-up.
3. Travelling for short trips is easier with only carry-on luggage. It also helps to save on time and the added check-in luggage purchase for which you may have to wait later to pick up on arrival.
4. Small scissors, disposable/electric razors, and nail clippers are usually permitted in the carry-on.
5. Carry only what you need. A staggering 80% of travelers pack more than necessary, so try to leave behind items you can do without.
6. Include multipurpose clothes that you can mix and match. For example, a simple black dress or zip-off pants for vacations, and a neutral-colored suit for business trips.
7. Ensure that your carry-on items don’t include sharp or inflammable articles.
8. Don’t forget flight essentials like earplugs/headphones, an eye mask, and a travel pillow for long-haul flights.
9. Buy a luggage scale to weigh your luggage. So that before you head to the airport you can keep a check on the weight restrictions.
10. And most importantly, buy a cabin-friendly suitcase. Also, make sure that it is lightweight. The most expensive may not be the best.
11. Generally, all bags are stowed under the seat in front of you. If the bag doesn’t fit under the seat, it must be stowed in the overhead cabins.

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