Side-by-Side Comparison
Luggage & Travel
Carry-On Luggage vs. Checked Luggage
Comparing 2 standards across 16 specifications. 16 key differences identified.
Comparing:
Carry-On Luggage
Checked Luggage
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.
Standard airline checked baggage is governed by the universal 62 linear inch rule (Length + Width + Height ≤ 158 cm) with a standard economy weight limit of 50 lbs (23 kg) and an oversized/heavy maximum limit of 70 lbs (32 kg).
Specification Comparison Table
16 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
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 | — |
|
Governing Standard
|
— | IATA Recommended Practice 1724 / Commercial Airline Tariffs |
|
Universal Size Limit
|
— | 62.0 linear inches (157.5 cm) total Length + Width + Height |
|
Standard Medium Checked Bag (24-26")
|
— | 26 × 18 × 10.5 inches (66 × 46 × 27 cm) | 54.5 linear in | 60–75 L |
|
Standard Large Checked Bag (28-30")
|
— | 30 × 20 × 12 inches (76 × 51 × 30 cm) | 62.0 linear in | 95–115 L |
|
Standard Weight Allowance (Economy)
|
— | 50.0 lbs (23.0 kg) |
|
Business / First Class Allowance
|
— | 70.0 lbs (32.0 kg) |
|
Absolute Maximum Weight Cap (Baggage Handler Safety)
|
— | 70.0 lbs (32.0 kg) | Above 32kg must ship as cargo |
|
Oversized Baggage Threshold
|
— | > 62 linear inches up to 115 linear inches (subject to excess fee) |