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Last updated: September 29, 2026
Nothing ruins the start of a trip faster than being told at the gate that your “carry-on” is too big, and paying to check it. Every airline sets its own limits, and budget airlines charge for carry-ons on their cheapest fares. Here’s what the major U.S. airlines allow, and the one bag size that works on all of them.
The Short Answer
A bag no bigger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches, wheels and handles included, fits the carry-on rules of every major U.S. airline below. Buy that size and you won’t have to think about it again. Just check whether your fare includes a carry-on.
Carry-On Limits by Airline (2026)
| Airline | Carry-on bag (inches) | Personal item (inches) | Cheapest-fare catch |
|---|---|---|---|
| American | 22 x 14 x 9 | 18 x 14 x 8 | Carry-on included |
| Delta | 22 x 14 x 9 | Must fit under the seat | Carry-on included |
| United | 22 x 14 x 9 | 17 x 10 x 9 | Basic Economy: personal item only on most U.S. flights |
| Southwest | 24 x 16 x 10 | Must fit under the seat | Carry-on included |
| JetBlue | 22 x 14 x 9 | 17 x 13 x 8 | Carry-on included on all fares, including Blue Basic |
| Alaska | 22 x 14 x 9 | Must fit under the seat | Carry-on included |
| Spirit | 22 x 18 x 10 | 18 x 14 x 8 | Carry-on costs extra on the basic “Value” fare |
| Frontier | 24 x 16 x 10 | 18 x 14 x 8 | Carry-on is a paid add-on (35 lb limit) |
Sources: American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, JetBlue, Upgraded Points (United, June 2026) and The Points Party airline chart (Sept. 2026). Airlines change these rules, so always check your airline’s website before you fly.
Four Rules That Catch People
- Wheels and handles count. The airlines measure the whole bag. Some luggage makers list the size without wheels, so measure your bag yourself, as Consumer Reports recommends.
- Expanded bags may not fit. Consumer Reports warns that an expandable suitcase, once expanded, may not fit in the overhead bin. Zip it closed before you fly.
- Basic economy is where the rules change. On United’s cheapest fare, most U.S. flights allow only a personal item. On Spirit and Frontier, the carry-on costs extra. Add it when you book, since it usually costs more at the airport.
- Full flights get gate-checked. Even a legal carry-on can be checked at the gate if the bins fill up. Keep medicine, keys and chargers in your personal item.
What About International Flights?
Many international airlines use smaller sizes and add weight limits, which U.S. airlines mostly don’t. For example, The Points Party lists Emirates at 7 kg (about 15 lb) for carry-on bags in economy. If your trip includes a foreign airline, check that airline’s rules separately. Your 22 x 14 x 9 bag may still fit, but it could be too heavy.
Pick the Right Bag
- Best Wheeled Carry-On Luggage in 2026
- Best Carry-On Backpacks in 2026, a good way to fit the personal-item rule on budget airlines
- Hardside vs. Softside Luggage: Which Should You Buy?
- Carry-On Packing Guide: How to Pack a Week in One Bag
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 22-inch suitcase a carry-on?
Usually, if it measures 22 x 14 x 9 inches or less including wheels and handles. Some “22-inch” bags are really 23 inches with wheels, so measure.
Does a backpack count as a personal item or a carry-on?
It depends on the size. A small backpack that fits under the seat is a personal item. A large travel backpack counts as your carry-on.
Do airlines really measure bags?
Not always, but budget airlines are known for checking at the gate, and the fee there is usually higher than paying ahead. It isn’t worth the gamble.
The Bottom Line
Buy a carry-on that’s 22 x 14 x 9 inches or smaller, including wheels, and it will fit on every major U.S. airline. Then check your fare. On United Basic Economy, Spirit and Frontier, the carry-on may not be included.