A comprehensive carry-on luggage guide

One of our favorite things about setting off on a guided tour is the anticipation leading up to departure. We love dreaming about exploring serene temples on a tour of Japan or sipping wine in sun-warmed vineyards on a trip to Portugal. We understand that there are a lot of less fun logistics that go into planning a trip, some of which can even cause travel anxiety (though going guided can help with that). That’s why we like to take care of all of the important details—like making sure you know everything you need to about your carry-on luggage.

From picking the right bag for your trip to determining the carry-on luggage size for the airline you’re flying with, preparing the perfect suitcase brings you one step closer to your dream trip—and lets you spend the time before you depart researching the best things to do in Bali or checking out the menus of the best restaurants in Reykjavik. Check out our comprehensive carry-on luggage guide, and get excited to prepare for your next unforgettable adventure!

What size luggage can you carry on a plane?

This is one of the most popular travel questions. To start, it’s best to point out that luggage policies, from carry-on size guidelines to weight restrictions, can vary depending on which airline you’re flying with and where you’re traveling; flights originating in the U.S. often have different restrictions than flights originating in Europe and other parts of the world, for example. Here are some general rules shared by many of the world’s most popular airlines. We’ll go into specifics about several leading airlines below.

• Size: From airline to airline, you may see a difference by an inch or two when it comes to carry-on luggage size limits. We’ll go into more detail about individual airlines below, but 22” x 14” x 9” is standard for most airlines. Keep in mind that suitcase dimensions include all parts of your luggage (that means the wheels and handles attached to the bag). If your suitcase handle is retractable, you can measure your bag with the handle collapsed since that’s how you’ll store it in the overhead bin (but make sure to include any protruding parts in your measurements).
• Weight: Normally, carry-on luggage requirements do not include weight restrictions for U.S. carriers; you just need to be able to physically lift your bag into the plane’s overhead compartment. Keep in mind that the rules may be different on flights in other parts of the world.
• Number of carry-ons you can bring: If you’re flying business or first class, you might be allowed extra pieces of carry-on luggage, whereas travelers in the economy cabin are usually only allotted one. And these days, with the recent introduction of basic economy or economy light, you may not even be allowed to bring carry-on luggage at all. But that’s not something you have to worry about when you book flights with us thanks to our relationships with the world’s best airlines. We always make sure that our travelers can take to the sky in style with a piece of carry-on luggage in tow.
• Personal item size: Personal items can include purses, laptop cases, diaper bags, briefcases, and even backpacks. Many airlines don’t specify the maximum dimensions of personal items but require them to fit under the seat in front of you. Check out our guide below for a specific airline’s requirements.
• Carry-on liquid size: Per TSA guidelines, all carry-on liquids must be 3.4 oz or less per container, and all of the containers must fit in a single, clear, quart-size bag. These rules apply to all flights departing the United States and Canada, regardless of the airline.
• Connecting flight restrictions: For trips that include air transfers between two different airlines, it’s important to be extra prepared by knowing how their carry-on luggage size policies might differ. Often, suitcase dimensions allowed on the larger aircraft won’t be honored on a connecting regional flight. On a recent trip to southern Spain, traveler Chadner had to pay extra to gate-check his carry-on luggage. “Crossing the Atlantic, I flew on a huge jet that allowed the typical carry-on size,” he said. “Unfortunately for me, the connecting regional flight used a smaller plane that couldn’t accommodate the size of my suitcase.”
• Small aircraft restrictions: Island hopping in Hawaii, touring safari lodges deep in the African bush, and visiting other remote locales could require flying on very small aircraft. In these cases, your luggage will be weighed to meet safety standards. Take it from Go Ahead staffer Brittany, who had to take a smaller plane between Melbourne and Cairns during a trip to Australia and New Zealand. She was required to lighten her carry-on suitcase for the flight. “I basically had to wear a lot of the clothes I packed to meet the carry-on weight requirement,” she said.

Our airfare package is more than just round-trip flights. Check out everything you get when you book flights with us →

Carry-on luggage guidelines for common airlines

Here’s what to know if you’re flying any of these major airlines. Of course, it’s always a good idea to check your airline’s website for specifics in case of any changes or updates.

Aer Lingus carry-on size guidelines

• Carry-on luggage dimensions: 21.5” x 15.5” x 9.5”
• Carry-on weight restrictions: 22lbs
• Personal item allowance: 13” x 10” x 8”. It must fit under the seat in front of you.
  Note: Aer Lingus has a 15lb weight limit and 18.5” x 13” x 8” size limits for checked bags on regional flights. If you’re flying Aer Lingus on a transatlantic flight with a connecting regional flight, this limit will apply to checked bags for both flights.

Alaska Airlines carry-on size guidelines

• Carry-on luggage dimensions: 22” x 14” x 9”
• Carry-on weight restrictions: None specified
• Personal item allowance: One personal item, such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag. Dimensions are not specified.

American Airlines carry-on size guidelines

• Carry-on luggage dimensions: 22” x 14” x 9”
• Carry-on weight restrictions: None specified
• Personal item allowance: 18” x 14” x 8”. It must fit under the seat in front of you.
  Note: One soft-sided garment bag is allowed in place of a carry-on but must not exceed 51 linear inches (length + width + height).

British Airways carry-on size guidelines

• Carry-on luggage dimensions: 22” x 18” x 10”
• Carry-on weight restrictions: 51lbs
• Personal item allowance: 16” x 12” x 6”. It must be placed under the seat in front of you.
  Note: British Airways refers to carry-on bags as “cabin bags” and personal items as “hand bags.”

Delta carry-on size guidelines

• Carry-on luggage dimensions: 22” x 14” x 9”
• Carry-on weight restrictions: None specified
• Personal item allowance: One personal item, such as a purse, laptop bag, or item of similar size that will fit underneath the seat in front of you. Dimensions are not specified.

Emirates carry-on size guidelines

• Carry-on luggage dimensions: 21.5” x 15” x 8.5”
• Carry-on weight restrictions: 15lbs for economy and business class, 22lbs for premium economy class
• Personal item allowance: One personal item is allowed for business class travelers only. It must not exceed 15lbs and 21.5” x 13.5” x 8” for a handbag or 17.5” x 15” x 8.5” for a briefcase.

Japan Airlines carry-on size guidelines

• Carry-on luggage dimensions: 22” x 16” x 10”
• Carry-on weight restrictions: 22lbs
• Personal item allowance: One personal item. Dimensions are not specified.

JetBlue carry-on size guidelines

• Carry-on luggage dimensions: 22” x 14” x 9”
• Carry-on weight restrictions: None specified
• Personal item allowance: 17” x 13” x 8”
  Note: Blue, Blue Plus, Blue Extra, and Mint travelers are allowed one carry-on and one personal item, whereas Blue Basic travelers are only allowed a personal item.

Lufthansa carry-on size guidelines

• Carry-on luggage dimensions: 21.5” x 15” x 9”
• Carry-on weight restrictions: None specified
• Personal item allowance: 15.5” x 12” x 4”
  Note: Lufthansa allows two carry-ons plus one personal item for passengers traveling business class or first class within Europe, but only one carry-on and a personal item for passengers traveling from the United States.

Southwest carry-on size guidelines

• Carry-on luggage dimensions: 24” x 16” x 10”
• Carry-on weight restrictions: None specified
• Personal item allowance: One personal item, such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag. Dimensions are not specified, but it must fit under the seat in front of you.

Spirit Airlines carry-on size guidelines

• Carry-on luggage dimensions: 20” x 18” x 10”
• Carry-on weight restrictions: None specified, but Spirit charges more for checked bags over 40 lbs.
• Personal item allowance: 18” x 14” x 8”
  Note: While Spirit Airlines’ personal item size may be larger than many other airlines, it’s worth noting that they do charge for both carry-on and checked bags. One personal item is included with your ticket purchase.

United carry-on size guidelines

• Carry-on luggage dimensions: 22” x 14” x 9”
• Carry-on weight restrictions: None specified
• Personal item allowance: 17” x 10” x 9”

How to pick carry-on luggage

The perfect carry-on luggage is as important to your travels as the sturdy pair of walking shoes that will help you conquer the cobblestone streets on a trip to Rome or the high-tech camera that seamlessly captures once-in-a-lifetime moments on a safari tour. Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind when you’re shopping for your next carry-on bag.

Only bring what you’re physically comfortable traveling with. While our tours include porterage at all hotels—which means you won’t have to lug your larger, checked luggage up hotel stairs—remember that you’ll usually be the one who takes care of your carry-on luggage. That’s especially true in airports, where you may want to explore the duty-free stores. Would you prefer something you can roll along? Or would a backpack offer easier mobility?

Consider where you’re traveling. A lightweight duffle is ideal for a safari, where hard-shell suitcases aren’t allowed (check out our African safari packing tips for more details). But if you’re planning on buying ceramics on the Amalfi Coast or on a tour of Spain and Portugal, you may want the protection that same hard-shell suitcase provides.

Look at the climate and landscape where you’re going. If you’re spending a few days on a rainy tour of London, you may prefer waterproof luggage that can keep your belongings dry. Or, if you’re joining us on a multi-country tour, you’ll want to make sure your luggage has sturdy wheels that can smoothly roll over all types of streets.

Look ahead to what you’ll be doing in your destination. If you’re planning to fill all your free time clothes shopping on one of our Paris tours, go for a soft-shell suitcase. “I often travel with my soft-sided carry-on luggage to places where there’s especially fantastic shopping,” traveler Chadner said. “The material usually stretches, so you can really stuff extra souvenirs in there.”

Stick to your style! It might sound like an impractical piece of advice, but just like everything else in travel, you should select a piece of luggage that suits your personal taste and style. If you fancy something sleek for a trip to Scandinavia, take a minimalist leather weekender. But your dream trip discovering charming villages on our Amalfi Coast Walking Tour might be better complemented with a brightly colored, wheeled suitcase. The best piece of luggage is one you love.

What to pack in your carry-on luggage

Once you’ve picked out the carry-on luggage that best suits you and your travel style, it’s time to start strategizing what to pack, which can be a fun way to get excited for your trip. If you’re planning on traveling only with a carry-on, then you’ll have to pack small, even for a big trip. Even if you’re going to check a larger piece of luggage, it always helps to keep the following essentials with you on a flight, because a well-organized carry-on can make traveling so much easier. For more tips, check out our carry-on packing guide.

• If you take any daily medication, it’s best to keep it close rather than packing it in your checked luggage. You’ll thank your lucky stars that you have this essential in your carry-on if your checked bags get delayed or lost. Travel tip: Be sure you have enough medication for each day of your adventure, plus a little extra in case any travel delays pop up.
• A travel wallet for your passport and documents can help you avoid those moments of panic when you’re standing in front of the immigration officer and you can’t seem to find your passport or boarding pass. Don’t forget to include a pen for filling out landing forms. Get more tips in our carry-on packing guide → 
• Traveler Chadner doesn’t go anywhere without a toiletry bag filled with TSA-approved moisturizing products like lip balms and face mask sheets. “Airplanes can be awfully dry,” he said. “A flight is actually a great time for a hydrating face mask—you put it on, you read for 10 minutes, and then you’re set. It might look weird, but you’ll feel great!” See more wellness travel essentials → 
• Pack an extra change of clothing in case you run into issues with your checked luggage. Don’t forget that a scarf will keep you warm, but it can also be bundled into a pillow.
• Your tech gadgets and their matching chargers will keep you entertained for hours. And for added comfort, noise-canceling headphones are a great investment, especially if you’re a frequent traveler. “My Bose headphones were pricey, but I’ve used them for six years, so I’ve definitely gotten my money’s worth,” said Go Ahead staffer Sarah.
• An eco-friendly water bottle is a must. “I fill mine up at the airport before boarding,” traveler Chadner said. “You never know how long you’ll have to wait for on-board service during a flight.” And they’re pretty easy to refill while on the road, especially in Europe where tap water is top-notch. Cities in Switzerland, for instance, are packed with historic water fountains. Check out more eco-friendly travel essentials →
• Traveling with jewelry and other valuable accessories requires a little bit of extra care. You don’t want your dainty necklaces and rings to get tangled up. A jewelry bag is great for keeping your favorite items separated and secured. Read our DIY guide to traveling with jewelry →
• In addition to that toiletry bag, you may want to pack a separate kit of first-aid essentials that includes anti-bacterial wipes, face coverings, Band-Aids, and hand sanitizer. Read our hacks for making a DIY first aid kit →

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