How Much Luggage Is Allowed on a Plane?

You are really excited about your upcoming vacation. As you begin to load your bags, you become aware that they might be too large to take as carry-on luggage. Now you must choose between checking them and attempting to fit everything into a smaller bag. But before you do, make sure you know the latest restrictions for carry-on and checked luggage for major airlines. Otherwise, you might pay a hefty fee.

As you prepare for takeoff, it’s essential to remember the TSA carry-on luggage size limit if you plan on packing light or adding extra baggage. Even a small misstep can set off alarms and hold up your next flight, so keep these restrictions in mind!

Ultimately, not all airlines have complimentary full-size carry-on bags, and their standards on size can vary.

Size limitations for carry-on bags for particular airlines

As a general guideline, A personal item can typically fit under the seat right in front of you, including tiny backpacks, handbags, briefcases, diaper bags, camera bags, or anything similar.

Any size bag, from a roomy backpack to a compact rolling suitcase, can be used as a carry-on. Here are the carry-on luggage size requirements for each major domestic carrier because size is more important than shape.

American Airlines

No matter the type of fare an American Airlines passenger purchases, whether from elite members or otherwise, they are still entitled to one personal item and carry-on for their flight.

The maximum dimensions for carry-on luggage are 14 inches wide, 22 inches long and 9 inches high, including handles.

Personal objects shouldn’t have dimensions longer than 18 inches, wider than 14 inches, or taller than 8 inches.

Carry-on luggage has no weight limitations.

Related: How Much Luggage Can I Take on International Flight – 2023 Guide

Alaska Airlines

When flying with Alaska Airlines, you are limited to bringing one free carry-on bag and one free personal item.

When bringing a carry-on bag on board, the maximum size threshold is 45 inches. This includes all three measurements: length (22in), width (14in) and height (9in); handles and wheels should include in these calculations.

Alaska gives examples of a purse, laptop, or briefcase for personal items.

Alaska specifies that passengers should be allowed to lift objects that fit in an overhead bin but does not specify any weight restrictions.

United Airlines

For most United travellers, one carry-on and a personal item are allowed. However, if you have a basic economy fare ticket, then it restricts your belongings to only one unique thing.

The maximum carry-on dimensions, including handles and wheels, are 22 inches long by 14 inches wide by 9 inches high.

The maximum size for personal things is 17 inches long by 10 inches broad by 9 inches high.

For carry-on luggage, United doesn’t have weight restrictions.

Delta Air Lines

You can bring one personal item and one carry-on bag for Delta airlines.

To ensure that your luggage meets the size requirements, ensure it is at most 22 inches in length, 14 inches in width and 9 inches in height. Additionally, its total measurements (length + width + height) must be no greater than 45 linear inches.

In terms of personal items, Delta cites computers, compact backpacks, and handbags as size examples.

For a single bag weighing less than 50 pounds, the cost is just $30. It will only cost you an additional $40 to check in a second piece of luggage. However, there are a few notable outliers. For instance, according to Delta, all passengers flying to or from Key West, Florida, are only allowed to check one bag, without any exclusions.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest differs from other airlines in that it offers a generous amount of free checked luggage, but it has the same carry-on limitations as most other airlines—one personal item and one bag per passenger.

The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are 24 inches in length, 16 inches broad, and 10 inches high.

The maximum size for personal things is 18.5 inches long by 8.5 inches broad by 13.5 inches high.

Southwest doesn’t specify any carry-on baggage weight restrictions.

Taking advantage of its “Bags Fly Free” policy, the airline allows passengers to check their first and second bags for free. If more luggage is needed, a fee of $75 will charge per additional bag.

Related: What to write on Luggage Tag – Complete guide 2023

Frontier

Both checked and carry-on bags are subject to a fee from Frontier, and the cost varies by route. It also depends on whether you buy the bags at the ticket counter, the boarding gate, or in advance via a website or mobile app.

The maximum dimensions for carry-on luggage are 10 inches deep by 16 inches wide by 24 inches high, and they cannot weigh more than 35 pounds. The overhead bins must have room for the bags.

The combined length, width, and weight of checked luggage cannot exceed 62 linear inches, nor may they exceed 40 pounds. Bags that weigh more than 40 pounds will be charged extra for each bag in each route. You will be charged an additional $50 for baggage weighing 41 to 50 pounds and $100 for luggage weighing 51 to 100.

Personal goods cannot be wider than 18 inches, deeper than 8 inches, or higher than 14 inches than the seat in front of you.

JetBlue

Only some JetBlue passengers are allowed to bring the same items with them. Basic Blue ticket holders are entitled to one personal item (except Mosaic customers, who always get a carry-on). One carry-on bag and one personal item are permitted on Blue, Extra Blue, Blue Plus, and Mint tickets.

Measurements, including wheels and handles, may not exceed 22 inches long, 14 inches broad, and 9 inches high.

Personal objects you bring with you must fit under the seat in front of you and be no larger than 17 inches long, 13 inches wide, and 9 inches high.

JetBlue has no carry-on luggage weight restrictions.

For instance, the Blue fare charges $30 for the first bag to be checked, $40 for the second, and $150 for each extra bag. If you choose the Blue Flex price, you can check two bags without paying additional fees (three or more bags will still cost $150 each).

Luggage restrictions for airlines on international flight

One free checked bag is now allowed on several airlines’ international flights. This implies that you can often bring three pieces of baggage overseas. One carry-on, one checked bag, and one personal item. Please, nonetheless, confirm with the airline you are using.

Final words

Depending on the airline you are flying with, there are limits to how much luggage you can bring on board.

Low-cost airlines often only provide one complimentary personal item bag. It should be placed under the front seat because it is smaller than a carry-on.

A low-cost airline typically charges a carry-on luggage fee if you want to bring two bags. This charge for a carry-on bag can occasionally be higher than the airfare itself!

So before going on board, be aware of airlines luggage restrictions.