The Ultimate Carry-On Luggage Size Guide for N.A. Airlines

Traveling can be stressful at the best of times, and it can get even worse when you are forced to check your carry-on bag if the airline agent is being especially picky that day. After all, the main benefits of flying with carry-on luggage only are knowing that your baggage won’t get lost and that you won’t have to wait at the luggage carousel after your flight, saving you valuable time.

Knowing that your carry-on luggage is compliant with airline luggage size rules means that you won’t need to stress about having any luggage-related problems during your next flight. Plus, being aware of the maximum sizes makes it easier to purchase the right size bag when looking to add a new piece of onboard luggage to your travel gear.

The guide below focuses on the baggage size restrictions for each of the major airlines in North America, not the carry-on baggage quantity limits. Depending on the ticket or fare class that you purchase, you may or may not be eligible to bring a carry-on suitcase, so look into those details before you pack for your next flight.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at all of the details you need to know about carry-on luggage sizing when flying with the top airlines in North America.

Carry-On Luggage Basics

Before we get into the carry-on luggage sizing requirements of the major airlines in North America, there are a few basics you should be aware of as a smart traveller.

A personal item is a small bag that must be placed under the seat in front of you, except if you are flying in the bulkhead row, as then you will have to stow it in the overhead bin. 

Personal items for most travelers are usually backpacks, totes, or purses, and while many airlines state dimensions for personal items, the savvy traveller knows that as long as you can fit it under the seat in front of you, it typically shouldn’t be an issue.

A carry-on bag is always stored in the overhead bin, and is usually a rolling suitcase or larger backpack.

Luggage sizes are often communicated via dimensions that are listed as height, depth, and width. Height is how tall the piece of luggage is, while width is how wide the piece of luggage is. The smallest value will always be depth.

If you are measuring your luggage, ensure that you include any wheels or handles in the total dimensions. Many pieces of luggage are marketed as a certain size in the product name. However, when you measure or look at the actual specifications, the piece of luggage is actually much bigger than the named dimensions as a result of the spinner wheels and handles.

This is a common gotcha for inexperienced travelers, especially when they are looking at purchasing a new piece of luggage. Always take into account the overall dimensions, and not just the dimensions of the case.

Finally, if there are any weight restrictions for carry-on luggage or personal items on certain airlines, we have included them in the relevant section below. If there is no weight restriction listed, the only expectation is that you can get your carry-on baggage into the overhead bin without any assistance from the airline crew.

Canadian Airlines: Carry-On Luggage Size Guide

Air Canada

Whether you are flying domestically or internationally, Air Canada is a popular choice amongst Canadians as the largest airline in Canada. Here are Air Canada’s carry-on luggage sizing guidelines:

• Personal Item Restrictions: 33cm Height x 16cm Depth x 43cm Width
• Carry-On Luggage Maximum Dimensions: 55cm Height x 23cm Depth x 40cm Width

If you plan on checking luggage on Air Canada, consider adding one of the best Aeroplan credit cards to your wallet to benefit from a feature that gives you your first piece of checked luggage for free, for yourself and up to eight guests on the same itinerary.

Air Transat

Air Transat is a popular airline choice for vacation packages and travel to sun destinations. Here are Air Transat’s carry-on luggage sizing guidelines:

• Personal Item Restrictions: 31cm Height x 13cm Depth x 43cm Width
• Carry-On Luggage Maximum Dimensions: 55cm Height x 23cm Depth x 40cm Width

Flair Airlines

Since Flair Airlines is a budget carrier, you’ll most likely need to pay to bring a piece of carry-on luggage with you. Here are Flair Airlines’ carry-on luggage sizing guidelines:

• Personal Item Restrictions: 33cm Height x 15cm Depth x 43cm Width
• Personal Item Maximum Weight: 15.5 pounds
• Carry-On Luggage Maximum Dimensions: 55cm Height x 23cm Depth x 40cm Width
• Carry-On Luggage Maximum Weight: 22 pounds

Porter Airlines

Porter Airlines continues to grow in popularity and is one of the best airline choices for travelers in Ontario. Here are Porter Airlines’ carry-on luggage sizing guidelines:

• Personal Item Restrictions: 33cm Height x 16cm Depth x 43cm Width
• Carry-On Luggage Maximum Dimensions: 55cm Height x 23cm Depth x 40cm Width

If you plan on checking luggage on Porter Airlines, consider adding the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard to your wallet to receive several powerful benefits, including one that gives you your first piece of checked luggage for free, for yourself and up to eight guests on the same itinerary.

WestJet Airlines

Western Canadians know that WestJet Airlines is one of the most convenient ways to travel in North America. Here are WestJet’s carry-on luggage sizing guidelines:

• Personal Item Restrictions: 33cm Height x 14cm Depth x 41cm Width
• Carry-On Luggage Maximum Dimensions: 56cm Height x 23cm Depth x 36cm Width

If you plan on checking luggage with WestJet, consider adding the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard to your wallet to receive your first piece of checked luggage for free, for yourself and up to eight guests on the same itinerary.

U.S. Airlines: Carry-On Luggage Size Guide

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines is a major carrier that operates flights across the United States, not just in Alaska. Here are Alaska Airlines’ carry-on luggage sizing guidelines:

• Personal Item Restrictions: None Specified
• Carry-On Luggage Maximum Dimensions: 56cm Height x 23cm Depth x 35cm Width (or a combined 114 linear centimeters)

Allegiant Air

As a budget airline, Allegiant Air may expect you to pay for any carry-on luggage outside of your personal item. Here are Allegiant Air’s carry-on luggage sizing guidelines:

• Personal Item Restrictions: 45cm Height x 20cm Depth x 35cm Width
• Carry-On Luggage Maximum Dimensions: 55cm Height x 25cm Depth x 40cm Width

American Airlines

American Airlines is the largest carrier in the United States, and thankfully, their carry-on sizing guidelines are very reasonable. Here are American Airlines’ carry-on luggage sizing guidelines:

• Personal Item Restrictions: 45cm Height x 20cm Depth x 35cm Width
• Carry-On Luggage Maximum Dimensions: 56cm Height x 23cm Depth x 36cm Width

Breeze Airways

Breeze Airways is a budget airline carrier, so there may be more scrutiny on your personal and carry-on baggage by gate agents. Here are Breeze Airways’ carry-on luggage sizing guidelines:

• Personal Item Restrictions: 43cm Height x 20cm Depth x 33cm Width
• Carry-On Luggage Maximum Dimensions: 56cm Height x 23cm Depth x 36cm Width

Delta Airlines

One of the biggest airlines in the United States, Delta Airlines doesn’t provide any details regarding sizing for personal items. Here are Delta Airlines’ carry-on luggage sizing guidelines:

• Personal Item Restrictions: None Specified
• Carry-On Luggage Maximum Dimensions: 56cm Height x 23cm Depth x 35cm Width (or a combined 114 linear centimeters)

Frontier Airlines

An ultra-low-cost carrier, Frontier Airlines may check your luggage against a bag sizer at the gate, so pay close attention to the dimensions before traveling. Here are Frontier Airlines’ carry-on luggage sizing guidelines:

• Personal Item Restrictions: 46cm Height x 20cm Depth x 35cm Width
• Carry-On Luggage Maximum Dimensions: 60cm Height x 25cm Depth x 41cm Width
• Carry-On Luggage Maximum Weight: 35 pounds

Hawaiian Airlines

If you are traveling on Hawaiian Airlines, you’ll want to be aware that they are one of the few U.S. airlines that have a maximum weight requirement for onboard luggage. Here are Hawaiian Airlines’ carry-on luggage sizing guidelines:

• Personal Item Restrictions: None Specified
• Carry-On Luggage Maximum Dimensions: 56cm Height x 23cm Depth x 35cm Width
• Carry-On Luggage Maximum Weight: 25 pounds

JetBlue

JetBlue bills itself as a budget carrier, but it still feels a bit more luxurious than the alternatives. Here are JetBlue’s carry-on luggage sizing guidelines:

• Personal Item Restrictions: 43cm Height x 20cm Depth x 33cm Width
• Carry-On Luggage Maximum Dimensions: 56cm Height x 23cm Depth x 35cm Width

Silver Airways

If you are traveling to a sun destination on the East Coast of the United States, Silver Airways might be one of the options you are considering. Here are Silver Airways’ carry-on luggage sizing guidelines:

• Personal Item Restrictions: 43cm Height x 20cm Depth x 25cm Width
• Carry-On Luggage Maximum Dimensions: 55cm Height x 22cm Depth x 35cm Width

Southwest Airlines

A major U.S. carrier, Southwest Airlines has generous carry-on luggage sizing dimensions. Here are Southwest Airlines’ carry-on luggage sizing guidelines:

• Personal Item Restrictions: None Specified
• Carry-On Luggage Maximum Dimensions: 61cm Height x 25cm Depth x 41cm Width

Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines will get you where you need to go on a budget, provided you are ok with a tolerable experience at best. Here are Spirit Airlines’ carry-on luggage sizing guidelines:

• Personal Item Restrictions: 45cm Height x 20cm Depth x 35cm Width
• Carry-On Luggage Maximum Dimensions: 56cm Height x 25cm Depth x 46cm Width

United Airlines

Another major carrier in the United States, you’ll definitely find yourself flying with United Airlines at some points during your travels in North America and internationally. Here are United Airlines’ carry-on luggage sizing guidelines:

• Personal Item Restrictions: 43cm Height x 22cm Depth x 25cm Width
• Carry-On Luggage Maximum Dimensions: 56cm Height x 23cm Depth x 35cm Width

The Best Carry-On Luggage For Travelers

When it comes to the best carry-on luggage for travelers, there is such a wide range of options available, including various designs and at several different price points. Additionally, depending on the frequency with which you travel, it may be worth it to spend more on a premium product that might be made of better materials or one that has a better warranty.

However, we do recommend soft-shell luggage for carry-on baggage. It is easier to squeeze into the overhead bins, as it provides some flex. Carry-on luggage also shouldn’t take the beating that checked luggage does, negating much of the value that hard-shell luggage provides.

While a more premium product, I love my Briggs & Riley Baseline Global 2-Wheel Carry-On luggage. This was a splurge and is typically far more than I would typically spend, but it is an excellent bag that fits the majority of airline size requirements. It also offers compression technology, making it much easier to fit more clothes in your bag for those longer trips.

On the other hand, Reed is a big fan of Travelpro luggage and always travels with his Crew VersaPack Max Carry-On Expandable Spinner. While it is slightly oversized compared to some airline size restrictions, he hasn’t run into any issues in his travels.

Most importantly, when you are looking for a new piece of carry-on luggage, we recommend purchasing a bag that fits the sizing requirements in North America, as it will mostly be okay internationally as well. It can be tough to find the perfectly sized bag, but it is possible to purchase a carry-on bag that is compliant with the sizing requirements 95% of the time.

As always, double-check the overall dimensions before purchasing to ensure your sizing measurements include the handles and wheels to avoid frustration at the airport.

The Best Personal Items for Travelers

When it comes to the best personal item to travel with, the most important detail is to ensure that it fits under the seat. The right personal item can significantly increase the amount you can carry on board, which is great when you are trying to travel for an extended period of time without checking luggage.

My significant other loves her Travelpro backpack. It offers many different compartments, allowing travelers to pack effectively, plus enough room that this bag alone can easily be used for 2 or 3 night trips if packing wisely.

My Briggs & Riley cabin bag has served me well over the years, even to the point where I have had many short trips where I only travel with this bag. It easily fits under the seat on all aircraft I’ve flown on, and can be expanded to fit a few more articles of clothing.

Typically, a backpack or messenger bag will get you the most bang for your buck when it comes to packing the most effectively and fully utilizing your personal item allotment. Choose a brand that fits your budget and a design that will work best for your travel needs.

Conclusion

Understanding carry-on luggage sizing and weight requirements on the major airlines in North America will go a long way in ensuring your travels are as stress-free as possible. Whether you are interested in purchasing a new piece of luggage or simply looking to be prepared with knowledge in advance of your next vacation, we hope this guide adds value to your future travels.