As you hear more and more luggage getting lost or delayed in transit, many are choosing to travel with carry on luggage only. Traveling with carry on bag only is doable. However, it takes a little more planning and research prior to your travel.
In this article, we lay out the different carry on bag requirements from different major international airlines that fly from USA. These requirements are based on the basic economy fare and flying with a lap infant, not purchasing an additional seat for your child. We also include personal item requirements, weight restrictions, so you can find out at a glance the information you need.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) states that the carry on allowance differs across different airlines. It also depends on as the cabin class you are traveling in as well as the size of the aircraft. However, as a general rule, carry on baggage should be within these dimensions of 56 x 45 x 25 cm/22 x 18 x 10 inch. Be mindful that these dimensions include, wheels, handles and side pockets.
It is also interesting to note that, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not have regulations regarding the weight or even size of carry on baggage. It is up to the airlines to determine the size and weight restrictions.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the other hand, requires that carry on bags be stored in the overhead bin or under the passenger seat. In an instance where your carry on bag does not fit in the overhead compartment, it would have to be gate checked. According to the FAA, most airlines have a maximum carry on size of 45 linear inches (which is the total of the height, width and depth of the bag). For example, if the airline's limit is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, the total of the height, width and depth works out to be 45 linear inches.
Table of Contents
How Many Carry-On Bags Are Allowed?
Generally, airline rules allows for one free carry on luggage and one personal item. Purses, briefcases, laptop bags and umbrellas are classified as a personal item. Every airline has different dimensional requirements for your carry on luggage sizes as well as personal item. Make sure you check with your airlines before purchasing your ticket. All your carry ons need to safely fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you.
Does a Diaper Bag Count Towards Carry On?
In general, most airlines allow 1 diaper bag to be brought on board in addition to your carry on allowance. However, every airlines has different policies. Please check the following airlines about diaper bag allowance.
Read here for tips on diaper bag organization.
Does a Breast Pump Bag Count Towards Carry On?
A breast pump is considered a medical device hence it doesn't count as a carry on item. Formula or breast milk is also exempt from the 3.4 ounce rule and does not need to fit within a quart sized bag. However, TSA officers will have to screen the formula or breast milk and may need to test the liquids for explosive. Note that screening will never include placing anything into medically necessary liquid.
Does a Stroller Count as Carry On?
Every airline have their own carry ons policies. All airlines have their own guidelines on a carry on luggage size. Some airlines have restriction on carry on weight whereas others don't. Hence, it is best to research the airlines before you book your ticket. Saying that, we made it easy and summarised a list of airlines that commonly fly around the USA.
As a general rule of thumb, many airlines allow one stroller and one car seat to be allocated for every baby. It is free to check these items as checked bags. If you decide to bring your stroller on board as carry on, your stroller will count as on carry on. This is because there is limited space in the overhead compartment. Otherwise, by gate checking your stroller and having it in the hold, that will not count towards your carry on bags.
Read here for the best stroller to fly with.
Does Duty Free Count as Carry On?
Note that all duty free purchases count towards your carry on luggage. So don't go on a shopping spree especially if you are traveling with a budget airline. Check carry on restrictions and ensure you have sufficient space available prior to making any dury free purchases.
Airlines in USA
Aeromexico Carry On Size
Carry on luggage: Aeromexico allows one carry on bag size of 21.5 x 15.7 x 10"/55 x 40x 25cm with a weight limit up to 22lbs/10kgs.
Personal item: No dimensions listed for personal item but needs to fit under the seat. Briefcases, purses, computers, umbrellas, fanny packs are considered personal items.,
Stroller: Can be gate checked or checked in for free. Stroller can be brought on board as part of your carry on allowance.
Diaper bag: One diaper bag allowed and doesn't count towards carry on allowance.
Air Canada Carry On Size
Carry on luggage: Air Canada allows one carry on luggage size of 21.5 x 9 x 15.5"/54 x 23 x 39cm and no weight restrictions but light enough for you to lift and store in the overhead bin.
Personal item: Maximum dimension of 6 x 13 x 17"/15 x 33 x 43cm to be placed under the seat.
Stroller: Small strollers within the dimensions of 10 x 36" can be checked in or gate checked free.
Diaper bag: One diaper bag allowed and doesn't count towards carry on allowance.
Alaska Airlines Carry On Size
Carry on luggage: Alaska Airlines allows one carry on bag size of 22 x 14 x 9"/55 x 35 x 23cm and no weight restrictions.
Personal item: No dimensions listed but personal item includes purses, laptop bag and briefcase.
Stroller: Can be checked in or gate checked for free. Stroller can be brought on board as part of carry on luggage allowance.
Diaper bag: No carry on allowance for infants.
Allegiant Carry On Size
Carry on luggage: Allegiant allows one carry on bag size of 22 x 16 x 10"/55 x 40 x 25cm with a weight limit up to 40lbs/18kgs. Please note Allegiant charges for carry on luggage.
Personal item: Maximum dimension of 7 x 15 x 16"/18 x 38 x 40cm with a weight limit of up to 25lbs/10kgs and must fit under your seat in front of you.
Stroller: Can be checked in or gate checked for free. Stroller can be brought on board and considered part of your carry on.
Diaper bag: One diaper bag allowed and doesn't count towards carry on allowance.
American Airlines Carry On Size
Carry on luggage: American Airlines allows one carry on luggage size of 22 x 14 x 9"/55 x 35 x 23cm and no weight restrictions.
Personal item: Maximum dimensions of 18 x 14 x 8"/45 x 35 x 20cm.
Stroller: Can be checked in or gate checked for free. Strollers over 9kg have to be checked in at ticket counter. Stroller can be brought on board as part of your carry on allowance.
Diaper bag: One diaper bag allowed and doesn't count towards carry on allowance.
Avianca Carry On Size
Carry on luggage: Avianca Airlines allows one carry on bag size of 22 x 14 x 10"/55 x 35 x 25cm with a weight limit up to 22lbs/10kgs.
Personal item: Maximum dimension of 18 x 14 x 10"/45 x 35 x 25cm and must fit under the seat in front of you.
Stroller: Can be checked in or gate checked for free. Stroller can be brought on board as part of carry on allowance.
Diaper bag: One diaper bag allowed and doesn't count towards carry on allowance.
Delta Carry On Size
Carry on luggage: Delta Airlines allows one carry on luggage size of 22 x 14 x 9"/55 x 35 x 23cm and no weight limit.
Personal item: No dimensions listed by personal item includes laptop bag, purse, or item of similar size that has to fit underneath the seat.
Stroller: Can be checked in or gate checked for free. Stroller can be brought on board as part of carry on allowance.
Diaper bag: One diaper bag allowed and doesn't count towards carry on allowance.
Frontier Carry On Size
Carry on luggage: Frontier Airlines allows one carry on luggage size of 24 x 10 x 16"/60 x 25 x 40cm with a weight limit of up to 35lbs/16kgs.
Personal item: Maximum dimension of 18 x 14 x 8"/45 x 35 x 20cm and has to fit under the seat.
Stroller: Can be gate checked or checked in for free.
Diaper bag: One diaper bag allowed and doesn't count towards carry on allowance.
Hawaiian Airlines Carry On Size
Carry on luggage: Hawaiian allows one carry on bag size of 22 x 14 x 9"/55 x 35 x 23cm or 45 linear inches with a weight limit of up to 25lbs/11kgs.
Personal item: No dimensions noted online but your personal item must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.
Stroller: Can be brought on board without counting towards your carry on allowance if you are traveling with a child and there is room to store the stroller in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Otherwise, the stroller will count towards your carry on allowance if you are not traveling with a child.
Diaper bag: One diaper bag that holds baby food for consumption on the flight will be allowed on board in addition to your carry on luggage.
Jetblue Carry On Size
Carry on luggage: Jetblue Airlines allows carry on luggage size of 22 x 14 x 9"/55 x 35 x 23cm and no weight limits. Blue basic fares do not include carry on.
Personal item: Maximum dimension of 17 x 13 x 8"/43 x 33 x 20cm and no weight limit noted.
Stroller: Can be gate checked or checked in for free. Can be brought on board as part of carry on luggage. Please note blue basic fares will incur carry on charges.
Diaper bag: One diaper bag allowed and doesn't count towards carry on allowance.
LATAM Airlines Carry On Size
Carry on luggage: LATAM Airlines allows carry on luggage size of 24 x 14 x 10"/60 x 35 x 25cm with a weight limit up to 22lbs/10kgs.
Personal item: Maximum dimension of 18 x 14 x 8"/45 x 35 x 20cm and no weight limit noted online.
Stroller: Collapsible stroller can be brought on board free as long as there is space available in the overhead compartment.
Diaper bag: One diaper bag allowed and doesn't count towards carry on allowance.
Lufthansa Carry On Size
Carry on luggage: Lufthansa allows carry on bag size of 22 x 16 x 9"/55 x 40 x 23cm with a weight limit up to 18lbs/8kgs.
Personal item: Maximum dimension of 12 x 16 x 4"/30 x40 x 10cm and no weight limit noted online.
Foldable pushchair: Can be brought on board as your permitted carry on bag allowance as long as they are suitably packed and no longer look like a pushchair.
Diaper bag: One diaper bag allowed within dimensions of 22 x 16 x 9"/55 x 40 x 23cm with a weight limit of 18lbs/8kgs and doesn't count towards carry on allowance.
Spirit Carry On Size
Carry on luggage: Spirit Airlines allows carry on bag size of 22 x 18 x 10"/55 x 45 x 25cm with a weight limit of 40lbs/18kgs. Be mindful that Spirit Airlines charges for carry on luggage.
Personal item: Maximum dimension of 18 x 14 x 8"/45 x 35 x 20cm and no weight limit noted online. Personal item is free.
Stroller: Can be checked in for free. Can be brought on board as part of carry on luggage.
Diaper bag: One diaper bag allowed and doesn't count towards carry on allowance.
Southwest Carry On Size
Carry on luggage: Southwest Airlines allows carry on bag size of 24 x 10 x 16"/60 x 25 x 40cm with a weight limit of up to 35 lbs/16kgs.
Personal item: 16.25 x 13.5 x 8"/41 x 34 x 20cm and no weight limit noted online but has to fit under the seat.
Stroller: Can be gate checked for free. Can be brought on board as part of carry on luggage.
Diaper bag: One diaper bag allowed and doesn't count towards carry on allowance.
Sun Country Carry On Size
Carry on luggage: Sun Country Airlines allows carry on bag size of 24 x 16 x 11"/60 x 40 x 28cm with a carry on weight limit of up to 35lbs/16kgs. Carry on luggage allowance required to be purchased.
Personal item: Maximum dimensions of 17 x 13 x 9"/43 x 33 x 23cm with no weight limit mentioned online.
Stroller: Can be gate checked for free. Can be brought on board as part of carry on luggage.
Diaper bag: Can be counted as personal item as long as within dimensions of 17 x 13 x 9"/43 x33 x 23cm.
Turkish Airlines Carry On Size
Carry on luggage: Turkish Airlines allows carry on bag size of 22 x 16 x 9"/55 x 40 x 23cm with a carry on weight limit of up to 18lbs/8kgs.
Personal item: Maximum dimension of 16 x 12 x 6"/40 x 30 x 15cm with a weight limit of 9lbs/4kgs.
Stroller: Can only be checked in or gate checked for free. Can be brought on board as part of carry on luggage.
Diaper bag: One diaper bag allowed and doesn't count towards carry on allowance.
United Carry On Size
Carry on luggage: United Airlines allows carry on bag size of 22 x 14 x 9"/ 55 x 35 x 23cm and no weight limits.
Personal item: Maximum dimension of 9 x 10 x 17"/23 x 25 x 43cm with no weight limits.
Stroller: Collapsible strollers can be brought on board as long as within dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9"/55 x 35 x 23cm. Standard strollers can be checked for free.
Diaper bag: One diaper bag allowed and doesn't count towards carry on allowance.
Volaris Carry On Size
Carry on luggage: Volaris allows carry on bag size of 22 x 16 x 10"/55 x 40 x 25cm with a carry on weight limit up to 44lbs/20kgs.
Personal item: No dimensions listed but needs to fit under the seat. Combined weight of carry on luggage and personal item cannot exceed 44lbs/20kgs.
Stroller: Can be checked in or gate checked for free. Can be brought on board as part of carry on luggage.
Diaper bag: One diaper bag within dimensions of 9.8 x 15.7 x 15.7"/25 x 40 x 40cm no more than 22lbs/10kgs can be brought as carry on lugggage.
Westjet Carry On Size
Carry on luggage: Westjet allows one carry on bag size of 21 x 15 x 9"/53 x 38 x 23cm and no weight limits but needs to be light enough to be stored in the overhead bin.
Personal item: Maximum dimension 16 x 6 x 13"/40 x15 x 33cm.
Stroller: Can be checked in or gate checked for free. Can be brought on board as part of carry on luggage as long as dimensions are within 21 x 15 x 9"/53 x 38 x 23cm.
Diaper bag: One diaper bag allowed and doesn't count towards carry on allowance.
Airlines in Europe
Aer Lingus Carry On Size
Carry on luggage: If carry on allowance is included in your fare, Aer Lingus allows one carry on bag size of 22 x 16 x 10"/55 x 40 x 25cm with a weight limit of 22lbs/10kg.
Personal item: Maximum dimension of 10 x 13 x 8"/25 x 33 x 20cm no weight limit.
Stroller: One stroller can be checked in free. Stroller can be brought on board as part of your carry on allowance.
Diaper bag: No extra allowance for child, diaper bag counts towards your carry on allowance.
Aeroflot Carry On Size
Carry on luggage: Aeroflot allows one carry on bag size of 22 x 16 x 10"/55 x 40 x 25cm with a weight limit of 22lbs/10kgs.
Personal item: Maximum dimension of a rucksack not exceeding 80cm.
Stroller: Can be checked in or gate checked for free. Stroller can be brought on board as part of your carry on allowance as long as it is within maximum dimensions of 20 x 16.8 x 8"/50 x 42 x 20cm.
Diaper bag: No carry on allowance for infants.
Air France Carry On Size
Carry on luggage: Air France allows one carry on bag size of 22 x 14 x 10"/ 55 x 35 x 25cm with a weight limit up to 26.4lbs/12kgs.
Personal item: Maximum dimension of 16 x 12 x 6"/40 x 30 x 15cm.
Stroller: Can be checked in or gate checked for free. Stroller can be brought on board as long as within carry on allowance.
Diaper bag: One diaper bag allowed within dimensions of 22 x 14 x 10"/ 55 x 35 x 25cm up to a weight limit of 26.4lbs/12kgs and doesn't count towards carry on luggage.
British Airways Carry On Size
Carry on luggage: British Airways allow one carry on bag size of 22 x 18 x 10"/55 x 45 x 25cm with a carry on weight limit of 51lbs/23kgs.
Personal item: Maximum dimension of 16 x 12 x 6"/40 x 30 x 15cm with a weight limit of 51lbs/23kgs.
Stroller: Can be checked in or gate checked for free but has to be a single piece and fully collapsible, within the dimensions of 46.8 x 15.2 x 15.2"/ 38 x 117 x 38cm. Can be brought on board as part of your carry on luggage.
Diaper bag: Counts towards your carry on luggage allowance.
EasyJet Carry On Size
Carry on luggage: EasyJet allows one carry on bag size of 22.4 x 18 x 10"/56 x 45 x 25cm with a weight limit of 33lbs/15kgs if you have purchased extra legroom seat or booked a large cabin bag for your flight.
Personal item: Maximum dimensions of 18 x 14.4 x 8"/45 x 36 x 20cm with a weight limit of 33lbs/1kgs.
Stroller: One stroller can be checked in or gate checked for free. Stroller can be brought on board as part of your carry on allowance and you must purchase 'large cabin bag'.
Diaper bag: One diaper bag allowed and cannot exceed dimensions of 18 x 14.4 x 8"/45 x 36 x 20cm.
Ryan Air Carry On Size
Carry on luggage: You have to purchase Priority and 2 Cabin Bags to bring carry on bag on board. Ryan Air allows one carry on bag size of 22 x 16 x 8"/ 55 x 40 x 20cm with a weight limit of 22lbs/10kgs.
Personal item: Maximum dimension of 16 x 8 x 10"/40 x 20 x 25cm, no weight limit.
Stroller: Can be checked in or gate checked for free. Stroller can be brought on board as part of your carry on allowance.
Diaper bag: One diaper bag allowed within dimensions of 18 x 14 x 10"/45 x 35 x 25cm and under 11lbs/5kgs.
TUI Airways Carry On Size
Carry on luggage: Tui Airways allow one carry on bag size of 22 x 16 x 8"/55 x 40 x 20cm with a weight limit of up to 22lbs/10kg.
Personal item: One personal item like laptop, handbag or briefcase allowed and must be stored under seat.
Stroller: Can be checked in or gate checked for free. Stroller can be brought as part of your carry on allowance.
Diaper bag: No carry on allowance for infant.
Virgin Atlantic Carry On Size
Carry on luggage: Virgin Atlantic allows one carry on bag size of 22 x 14 x 9"/ 55 x 35 x 23cm with a weight limit of up to 22lbs/10kgs.
Personal item: No specific dimensions mentioned however handbag, small backpack, umbrella is allowed in addition to carry on.
Stroller: Can be checked in or gate checked for free. Stroller can be brought on board as part as your carry on allowance.
Diaper bag: One diaper bag allowed for child with a weight limit of 13lbs or 6kgs.
Wizz Air Carry On Size
Carry on luggage: Wizz Air allows one carry on bag size of 22 x 16 x 9"/ 55 x 40 x 23cm with a weight limit of up to 22lbs/10kg. Carry on luggage has to be purchased.
Personal item: Maximum dimension of 16 x 12 x 8"/40 x 30 x 20cm and must fit under seat in front of you.
Stroller: Can be checked in or gate checked for free. Stroller can be brought on board as part of your carry on allowance.
Diaper bag: One diaper bag allowed with maximum dimensions of 16 x 12 x 8"/
40 x 30 x 20cm.
Know the Size of Your Luggage for Carry On and Fly Hassle-Free
No matter you are flying domestic flights or internationally, now that you have a clear understanding of the different carry on luggage sizes for different airlines, it makes planning and packing easier. Plan your vacation and start creating amazing memories with your family.
Read here for tips on packing and traveling light with kids.
Read here for to bring or not to bring: Your guide to carry on luggage as a parent.
