Carry-On Luggage Size Chart for 130+ Airlines

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When travelling by air, one of our biggest concerns is our luggage, more specifically, carry-on luggage. A horde of new airlines and routes is emerging to change the way we think about flying.

With the ever-changing schemes of unbundling offered by airlines these days, airlines’ classic mandatory services, such as meals, seats, or check-in baggage, are being reinvented for flight travel.

Today, several airlines require us to pay for the privilege of selecting seats, purchasing checked luggage, and pre-booking meals.

This means that many customers, particularly students and backpackers, opt to take only carry-on luggage and avoid the additional costs associated with purchasing check-in baggage.

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

We have researched the carry-on suitcase size limits of all major airlines worldwide to understand each airline’s specific baggage policies.

Standard Carry-on luggage size

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

Personal Item

A personal item is an extra piece of luggage many airlines let you bring with your carry-on, like a purse, laptop case, briefcase, or small bag. Rules vary by airline, and some don’t have clear guidelines.

Usually, a personal item should fit under the seat in front of you. The key difference between a personal item and a carry-on is size. For example, a diaper bag is a personal item, while a travel stroller is a carry-on.

Depending on its size, a musical instrument can be a personal item or a carry-on. A garment bag is typically a carry-on, but many airlines allow a small suitcase and a garment bag. If unsure, check with the airline.

Carry-On Luggage Size Chart for International Airlines

The size chart below is updated as of March 2025. You can check the different carry-on luggage sizes and weights in imperial (i.e., inch and lbs) and metric (i.e., cm, and kg) systems.

This chart has also been updated with information on the sizes of personal items you can take on the flight.

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

1. Roll your Clothes. This way, they take up 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 flammable 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. This way, before you head to the airport, you can check on the weight restrictions.
10. Most importantly, buy a cabin-friendly suitcase that is lightweight. The most expensive may not be the best.
11. Generally, all bags are stowed under the seat in front of you. The bag must be stowed in the overhead cabins if it doesn’t fit under the seat.

Frequently Asked Questions

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