What size is carry on luggage for international flights

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 2022

 AirlineMax. DimensionsMax Weight
What size is carry on luggage for international flights
Air Asia 22" L x 14.1" W x 9" H
(56cm X 36cm X 23cm)
15.4 lbs
(7kg)
What size is carry on luggage for international flights
Air Canada 21.5" L x 15.5" W x 9.5" H
(23 cm x 40 cm x 55 cm)
n/a
What size is carry on luggage for international flights
Air France 21.5" x 13.75" x 9.75"
(55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm)
26.5 lbs
(12 kg)
What size is carry on luggage for international flights
Air New Zealand 46.5" (linear)
(118 cm)
15 lbs
(7kg)
What size is carry on luggage for international flights
Alaska Airlines 22" L x 14" W x 9" H
(55.88 cm x 35.56 cm x 22.86 cm)
n/a
What size is carry on luggage for international flights
Allegiant Air 22" L x 14" W x 9" H
(55.9 cm x 35.6 cm x 22.9 cm)
n/a
What size is carry on luggage for international flights
American Airlines 22" L x 14" W x 9" H
(56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm)
n/a
What size is carry on luggage for international flights
Delta Airline 22" L x 14" W x 9" H
(56 cm x 35 cm x 23 cm)
n/a
What size is carry on luggage for international flights
Frontier Airlines 24" L x 16" W x 10" H
(61 cm x 40.6 cm x 25.4 cm)
35 lbs
(15.9 kg)
What size is carry on luggage for international flights
Hawaiian Airlines 22" L x 14" W x 9" H
(56 cm x 35 cm x 23 cm)
25 lbs
(11.5 kg)
What size is carry on luggage for international flights
Jetblue Airways 22" L x 14" W x 9" H
(56 cm x 35 cm x 23 cm)
n/a
What size is carry on luggage for international flights
Nok Air 22" L x 14" W x 9" H
(56 cm X 36 cm X 23 cm)
15.4 lbs
(7 kg)
What size is carry on luggage for international flights
Southwest Airlines 24" L x 16" W x 10" H
(61 cm x 40.6 cm x 25.4 cm)
n/a
What size is carry on luggage for international flights
Spirit Airlines 22" L x 18" W x 10" H
(56 cm x 46 cm x 25 cm)
n/a
What size is carry on luggage for international flights
United Airlines 22" L x 14" W x 9" H
(56 cm x 35 cm x 23 cm)
n/a
What size is carry on luggage for international flights
Virgin 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 2022 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.

What size is carry on luggage for international flights

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!

Is carry

Outside of the U.S. the standard carry-on baggage size is smaller (this relates to flights originating outside the U.S. and with a destination outside the U.S.) Here, the rule of thumb is about 21", and not the 22" and above carry-on size.

Can a 24 inch luggage be a carry

Can a 24 inch luggage be a carry on? Unfortunately no, the standard carry-on size is typically 22” x 14” x 9”, so a 24 inch bag is too large to bring on board of most economy standard airlines.

What size luggage is best for international travel?

While size guidelines vary based on airline, destination, and even frequent flyer status and seat location, a good rule of thumb to abide by is keeping your carry-on luggage less than a length of 22 in (56 cm), width of 18 in (45 cm) and depth of 10 in (25 cm), according to the International Air Transport Association ( ...

What is the max size for carry

Carry-on bags shouldn't be larger than 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high including handles and wheels. Dimensions of personal items should not exceed 18 inches long, 14 inches wide and 8 inches high. There are no weight restrictions for carry-on luggage.