When gearing up for air travel, it’s essential to stay informed about the specific regulations set by each airline and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for the dimensions of your carry-on. Having a clear understanding of the rules, especially the best free budget-friendly options, can help you avoid unforeseen charges and hassles during your airport experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide on airline and TSA carry-on size allowances:
Airline-Specific Carry-On Luggage Rules:
Alaska Airlines:
Carry-On Dimensions: Up to 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches high (including wheels and handles).
Personal Item Examples: Purse, laptop, or briefcase.
Weight Limit: Not specified, but passengers should be able to lift items into an overhead bin.
American Airlines:
Carry-On Dimensions: Up to 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches high (including handles and wheels).
Personal Item Dimensions: Up to 18 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 8 inches high.
Weight Limit: No specified weight restrictions for carry-on luggage.
Delta Air Lines:
Carry-On Dimensions: Up to 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches high (including wheels and handles).
Personal Item Examples: Purses, small backpacks, and laptops.
Weight Limits: Varied weight limits for specific locations.
Frontier:
Carry-On Dimensions: Up to 10 inches deep, 16 inches wide, and 24 inches high (must weigh less than 35 pounds).
Personal Item Dimensions: Up to 8 inches deep, 18 inches wide, and 14 inches high.
Checked Bag Dimensions: No longer than 62 linear inches and must weigh under 40 pounds.
JetBlue:
Carry-On Dimensions: Up to 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches high (including wheels and handles).
Personal Item Dimensions: Up to 17 inches long, 13 inches wide, and 9 inches high.
Weight Limit: No specified weight limits for carry-on luggage.
Southwest Airlines:
Carry-On Dimensions: Up to 24 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 10 inches high.
Personal Item Dimensions: Up to 18.5 inches long, 8.5 inches wide, and 13.5 inches high.
Weight Limit: Southwest doesn’t list weight limits for carry-on items.
United Airlines:
Carry-On Dimensions: Up to 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches high (including handles and wheels).
Personal Item Dimensions: Up to 17 inches long, 10 inches wide, and 9 inches high.
Weight Limit: United doesn’t publish weight limits for carry-ons.
TSA Carry-On Size Allowances:
- TSA allows one carry-on bag and one personal item per traveler.
- Personal items include small backpacks, purses, briefcases, diaper bags, camera bags, or similar-sized items that fit under the seat.
It’s essential to check the specific rules of the airline you’re flying with, as well as TSA guidelines, to ensure your carry-on complies with size restrictions. By being well-informed, you can breeze through security and enjoy a smoother travel experience.