Quick answer: the most common domestic carry-on limit is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including wheels and handles. Budget airlines are stricter and some charge for carry-ons — check your airline in the chart below. Updated July 2026; always confirm with your airline before flying.
Carry-On & Personal Item Size Chart — Major North American Airlines
| Airline | Carry-on (inches) | Personal item (inches) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 | 18 x 14 x 8 | Free carry-on all fares |
| Delta | 22 x 14 x 9 | Must fit under seat | Free carry-on all fares |
| United | 22 x 14 x 9 | 17 x 10 x 9 | Basic Economy: personal item only |
| Southwest | 24 x 16 x 10 | 18.5 x 13.5 x 8.5 | Most generous carry-on size |
| Alaska | 22 x 14 x 9 | Must fit under seat | Free carry-on all fares |
| JetBlue | 22 x 14 x 9 | 17 x 13 x 8 | Blue Basic includes carry-on |
| Spirit | 22 x 18 x 10 | 18 x 14 x 8 | Carry-on costs extra |
| Frontier | 24 x 16 x 10 | 18 x 14 x 8 | Carry-on costs extra |
| Air Canada | 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 | 17 x 13 x 6 | Includes wheels/handles |
| WestJet | 21 x 15 x 9 | 16 x 13 x 6 | Includes wheels/handles |
The Rules Airlines Don’t Print in Bold
- Wheels and handles count. A “22-inch” suitcase is often 23+ inches with wheels — measure the true outside dimensions
- Sizers at the gate are enforced hardest on budget carriers and full flights
- Soft bags forgive an inch; hard shells don’t compress
- Weight limits are rare in North America but common internationally (often 15–22 lbs)
How to Actually Fit a Week in a Carry-On
The size limit isn’t the real problem — wasted air inside your bag is. Three fixes:
- Compression packing cubes squeeze bulky layers flat — up to 40% more capacity from the same case
- Roll-up compression bags handle sweaters and jackets, no pump needed
- A slim cube set organizes the personal item, turning “free bag” into real capacity
FAQ
What happens if my carry-on is slightly too big?
On strict airlines you’ll gate-check it — free on standard carriers, $50–$79 on budget airlines. Measure with wheels included before you fly.
What is the best carry-on size that fits every airline?
21 x 14 x 8 inches clears every major North American carrier including Air Canada and WestJet, with an inch of buffer.
Do packing cubes add weight?
A full ultralight set weighs about 7 oz — less than a pair of socks, and they typically save far more in avoided checked-bag fees.