Size Matters; Guidelines For Carry-ons
The standard size for carry-on luggage in the U.S. is considered to be 22"x14"x9", but as you will see in the chart, it pays to check the policy of your specific carrier. This may be of great interest if you are looking to spend a few bucks on a nice carry-on bag. You don't want to show up at your gate with a bag that is 2" longer (or deeper, or wider) than what you airline will allow, and if you are loyal to one carrier, you might want to buy a bag specific to their size guidelines. When you see a single number guideline, it is the measurement of the 3 dimensions (L+W+H) added together.
"Airline Luggage Allowance Policies and Guidelines
Domestic and International Carryon Luggage Policy variations:
International flights often have much stricter carry-on policies, particularly with regard to the weight of carry-on bags.
Although most domestic airlines have no limit on carry-on bag weight, internationally, you will find that some airlines set such ridiculously low carry-on weight limits (sometimes as little as 11 lbs) that the weight of an empty carry-on bag is more than the total weight you're allowed to take with you!
You need to be aware of these rules, or else the next time you see someone desperately unpacking and repacking their luggage on the floor by the checkin counter, that person might be you!
International airlines may have different size limits on your carry on bags, too - sometimes smaller in one dimension, even if perhaps larger in a different dimension. If you want a bag that is always accepted on both domestic and international flights, you'll need to choose a size or two smaller than the maximum allowable domestic sizes.
If your flight is on a really small plane, you might find that your luggage allowances for both checked and carry-on items are substantially reduced. For example, some light aircraft operators limit passengers to 20lbs of luggage (both carry on and checked).
General Notes about the Luggage Information Below:
This information has been taken from the various airline websites.
Policies do change. The information in the table below is shown as of 7/10/08.
Baggage rules can be complicated, and what is shown is a simplification and may not apply to your particular flight. For the absolutely most accurate information, you should visit the airline's website or phone the airline and get exact confirmation of your luggage entitlements before your flight.
The airlines are also moderately free to vary their carry-on rules as it suits them, and they sometimes do this, particularly on full flights. One reader told a story of being on an American Airlines flight where the gate agent announced that absolutely no wheeled items of any kind would be allowed on the flight!
The appropriate page of each airline website is linked to the airline name in the tables below to make it easy for you to conveniently check the current accuracy of the information shown here. If you should find something out of date, please let us know so we can correct and update this information."
Domestic Airline/Flight Policies - Carry On Luggage
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Here is a link for international airlines carry-on luggage guidelines:
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