International Carry On Luggage Size Chart 2023 Update

Before you head out to the airport you should understand your airline’s carry on size limits for luggage. We’ve seen people get told at the gate that their bag is too large and does not satisfy the airline’s luggage size maximum limit. This can force you to check your carry on which can cost money and also increases the odds your bag could get lost.

The FAA allows all airline passengers to bring onboard one carry on bag and one personal item (sometimes for a fee). The key is to be prepared before you go by using our international carry on size chart below:

International Carry on Size Restrictions for 2023

AirlineMax. DimensionsMax Weight
air asia carry on restrictionsAir Asia22" L x 14.1" W x 9" H
(56cm X 36cm X 23cm)
15.4 lbs
(7kg)
Air Canada Carry On SizeAir Canada21.5" L x 15.5" W x 9.5" H
(23 cm x 40 cm x 55 cm)
n/a
Air France Carry On SizeAir France21.5" x 13.75" x 9.75"
(55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm)
26.5 lbs
(12 kg)
Air New Zealand Carry On SizeAir New Zealand46.5" (linear)
(118 cm)
15 lbs
(7kg)
Alaska Airlines Carry On SizeAlaska Airlines22" L x 14" W x 9" H
(55.88 cm x 35.56 cm x 22.86 cm)
n/a
Allegiant Airlines Carry On SizeAllegiant Air22" L x 14" W x 9" H
(55.9 cm x 35.6 cm x 22.9 cm)
n/a
American Airlines Carry On SizeAmerican Airlines22" L x 14" W x 9" H
(56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm)
n/a
Delta Carry On Bag SizeDelta Airline22" L x 14" W x 9" H
(56 cm x 35 cm x 23 cm)
n/a
Frontier Airlines Carry On SizeFrontier Airlines24" L x 16" W x 10" H
(61 cm x 40.6 cm x 25.4 cm)
35 lbs
(15.9 kg)
Hawaiian Airlines Carry On SizeHawaiian Airlines22" L x 14" W x 9" H
(56 cm x 35 cm x 23 cm)
25 lbs
(11.5 kg)
Jet Blue Airways Carry On SizeJetblue Airways22" L x 14" W x 9" H
(56 cm x 35 cm x 23 cm)
n/a
nokair baggage limitsNok Air22" L x 14" W x 9" H
(56 cm X 36 cm X 23 cm)
15.4 lbs
(7 kg)
Southwest Airlines Carry On SizeSouthwest Airlines24" L x 16" W x 10" H
(61 cm x 40.6 cm x 25.4 cm)
n/a
Spirit Airlines Carry On SizeSpirit Airlines22" L x 18" W x 10" H
(56 cm x 46 cm x 25 cm)
n/a
United Airlines Carry On SizeUnited Airlines22" L x 14" W x 9" H
(56 cm x 35 cm x 23 cm)
n/a
Virgin America Carry On SizeVirgin Atlantic
24" L x 16" W x 10" H
(61 cm x 40.6 cm x 25.4 cm)
n/a

The table above was created using up-to-date 2023 data from each respective airline. However, we highly recommend that you double check with your airline’s website just in case anything does change.

FAQ

What is linear measurement for luggage?

The maximum number of all 3 dimensions added up (Ex: 24” x 16” x 10” = 50 linear inches). Some airlines list their max carry on dimensions as linear instead of the usual three dimensions.

Do the carry on dimensions include the handles/wheels?

Yes. When airlines say your bag can’t be longer than 22”, they mean literally end-to-end. That includes handles, wheels, and anything else that is part of the bag.

How can I weigh my bag pre-flight?

There are special scales made for weighing luggage accurately. Try to anticipate the return flight and if your bag may get heavier with souvenirs or other items.

Can I weigh my luggage with a bathroom scale?

Sure, as long as it’s accurate, weigh yourself first to check the scales accuracy. Be aware that a Wall Street Journal report found that 8% of airline baggage scales in New York were inaccurate. So add a couple of pounds to your total to account for any airport inaccuracies.

Are international carry ons smaller?

Yes, international carry on suitcases tend to be smaller than their counterparts. This is because the international carry on size for luggage is smaller than domestic flights and is usually stricter in enforcing those rules.

What is the standard carry-on size for international flights?

The standard international carry-on size limit is about 22″ long by 14″ wide by 9″ tall. Not all airlines will check the weight of a carry on but those who do limit it do about 25-50lbs. We know that’s a wide range so please reference the chart above for your specific airline.

International vs Domestic Carry on Size Difference

International sized luggage are smaller, typically 20” long, while continental carry on sizes are 21-22” long. This is because international airlines tend to have stricter carry on luggage regulations. Many of the best luggage brands offer carry on luggage in both continental and international sizes.

Americans will be looking for carry-on luggage size in measurements. while international travelers are likely paying more attention to the carry-on luggage size cm measurements – this is why our chart shows both.

How do I buy a bag that will fit, guaranteed?

Here are two things to consider:

  • A 20” international carry on will fit in any overhead compartment. You should have similar luck with a 21-22”, but some international airlines may have smaller compartments. So especially if you’re a frequent overseas traveler, go with a 20” bag if size is a concern.
  • A bag with a soft, fabric exterior will have more flexibility than a hard-shell carry on, which could give you some extra room.

Below is a screenshot of the above table, it may be used as long as you link back to The Luggage List as a source.

carry on luggage size chart for international and domestic

Traveling internationally can be such a rewarding experience and we know problems will come up. It’s our personal goal to help you limit those problems when it comes to your luggage and being compliant with the international carry on size restrictions for your specific airline. Happy traveling!

4 thoughts on “International Carry On Luggage Size Chart 2023 Update”

  1. According to jetblue’s website today, the allowance is 22″ L (55.88 cm) x 14″ W (35.56 cm) x 9″ H (22.86 cm), which is certainly not 62 linear inches.

    Reply
    • Hi Linda! It does not need to be exact, but those are the maximum dimensions. Basically the airline may have a carry on size tester, and if they ask you to see if your bag will fit and it doesn’t, they have the right to make you pay to check the bag, unfortunately.

      Reply

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