Carry-On Luggage
Luggage & Travel · 8 specs
Direct Answer
Standard airline carry-on dimensions are capped at 22 × 14 × 9 inches (56 × 36 × 23 cm) or 45 linear inches on major US domestic carriers, and 55 × 40 × 20 cm on international European carriers, inclusive of wheels and handles.
Source: FAA Advisory Circular AC 121-29B / IATA Cabin Baggage Guidelines · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026
Specs
| Governing Guidelines | FAA AC 121-29B / IATA Cabin Baggage Standard |
| US Domestic Standard (Delta, United, AA) | 22 × 14 × 9 inches (56 × 36 × 23 cm) | 45 linear inches max |
| Southwest Airlines | 24 × 16 × 10 inches (61 × 41 × 25 cm) | 50 linear inches max |
| International Standard (IATA Benchmark) | 55 × 35 × 20 cm (21.5 × 13.5 × 7.8 in) |
| European Carriers (Lufthansa, Air France, BA) | 55 × 40 × 20 to 23 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 7.8–9.0 in) |
| European Low-Cost (Ryanair, EasyJet Overhead) | 55 × 40 × 20 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 7.8 in) | 10 kg (22 lb) max |
| Typical Carry-On Internal Volume | 35 to 45 Liters (2,135 to 2,746 cu in) |
| Inclusion Rule | All measurements MUST include exterior wheels, top/side handles, and exterior pockets |
Major Airline Carry-On Dimensional Comparison Matrix
| Airline / Standard | Max Dimensions (Inches) | Max Dimensions (Metric) | Linear Limit (L+W+H) | Max Carry-On Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAA Maximum Recommendation | 22" × 14" × 9" | 56 × 36 × 23 cm | 45 linear inches | No federal weight limit (must lift unaided) |
| American / Delta / United | 22" × 14" × 9" | 56 × 36 × 23 cm | 45 linear inches | No weight limit (Singapore/Hawaii routes excepted) |
| Southwest Airlines | 24" × 16" × 10" | 61 × 41 × 25 cm | 50 linear inches | No weight limit |
| British Airways | 22" × 18" × 10" | 56 × 45 × 25 cm | 50 linear inches | 23 kg (51 lbs) |
| Lufthansa / Air France / KLM | 21.7" × 15.7" × 9" | 55 × 40 × 23 cm | 46.4 linear inches | 8 kg to 12 kg (17.6–26.4 lbs) |
| Ryanair (Priority Overhead) | 21.7" × 15.7" × 7.8" | 55 × 40 × 20 cm | 45.2 linear inches | 10 kg (22 lbs) |
| EasyJet (Large Overhead) | 22" × 17.7" × 9.8" | 56 × 45 × 25 cm | 49.5 linear inches | 15 kg (33 lbs) |
Why Carry-On Sizers Catch Travelers
Airport gate sizers have rigid interior metal dimensions machined to the airline's exact published maximums:
- Wheel & Handle Protrusion: Sizers measure the outermost envelope. A suitcase advertised as '20-inch' refers to the interior packing volume; spinner wheels add 2.0 to 2.5 inches (5–6.5 cm), bringing the total height to 22.5 inches, which fails rigid gate boxes.
- Two-Wheel Rollaboard vs 4-Wheel Spinner: Two-wheel rollaboard bags feature recessed wheels built into the chassis, maximizing usable interior volume (40–44 L), whereas 4-wheel spinners sacrifice 4–6 L of interior packing space to exterior caster clearance.