Carry-On Size Rules by Airline (2026)

The "universal" carry-on size of 22 × 14 × 9 inches (56 × 36 × 23 cm) is universal until you fly outside North America. Then the rules change, the weight limits appear, and the gate agent breaks out the measuring frame. Here's what you actually need to know.

The North American standard

For all four major US legacy carriers plus Air Canada and most Latin American airlines, the carry-on rule is:

• Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches (56 × 36 × 23 cm), including wheels and handles
• Weight: No published limit on most US carriers. Air Canada: 22 lb / 10 kg.
• Personal item: One additional under-seat item, usually up to 18 × 14 × 8 in

European carriers

European legacy carriers (Lufthansa, Air France-KLM, British Airways, Iberia) generally allow:

• Dimensions: 55 × 40 × 23 cm (slightly smaller than the US standard)
• Weight: 8–12 kg, strictly enforced. Lufthansa is 8 kg.

This is the biggest trap for Americans flying intra-Europe: your 22-inch US carry-on is legal in dimensions but illegal at 18 lb on a Lufthansa flight.

Middle Eastern and Asian carriers

• Emirates (economy): 55 × 38 × 20 cm, 7 kg max
• Qatar Airways (economy): 50 × 37 × 25 cm, 7 kg max
• Singapore Airlines: 115 cm total linear, 7 kg max
• ANA / JAL: 55 × 40 × 25 cm, 10 kg max

Low-cost carrier traps

This is where most people get gated.

• Ryanair: Basic fare only allows a 40 × 25 × 20 cm small bag for free. A full carry-on (55 × 40 × 20 cm, 10 kg) requires Priority Boarding (€6–€30).
• Wizz Air: Same structure as Ryanair.
• Spirit / Frontier (US): Personal item free; carry-on is paid ($45–$65).
• EasyJet: Small under-seat bag free; larger overhead carry-on is paid.

How to measure your own bag honestly

1. Include the wheels and handles. Most airline sizers measure from wheel tip to top of handle. So should you.
2. Use the longest, widest, deepest point. Soft-side bags bulge when packed. Measure them packed.
3. Subtract nothing for "squish." If your bag is 23 in tall and the limit is 22, you will be challenged.

Tips for keeping your carry-on out of the hold

• Board early. Last-on passengers are the first ones forced to gate-check.
• Stand your bag upright in line. A vertical bag looks compliant; a horizontal one looks oversized.
• Use a slightly soft-sided bag for European travel — it will compress to fit the measuring frame.
• Know the day-of weight. If you bought souvenirs, weigh your bag in the hotel before leaving for the airport.

For the full size chart including checked baggage and oversize, see our 2026 Luggage Size Guide.