TSA Carry-On Size: The Complete Airline Chart for 2026
Here’s the short answer: there’s no such thing as an official TSA carry-on size limit — that’s an airline rule. Here’s the real chart, airline by airline.
The Transportation Security Administration checks what’s inside your bag — not how big it is. The 22 x 14 x 9-inch number most people call the “TSA size” is actually an airline rule, and airlines don’t all use the same one. This guide covers the real standard carry-on size, a full airline-by-airline chart, how to measure your own bag, and the mistakes that get carry-ons pulled at the gate.
What Is the Standard Carry-On Size?
The standard carry-on size most U.S. airlines use is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (about 56 x 36 x 23 cm), measured with wheels, handles, and side pockets included. That’s the baseline for American, Delta, United, Alaska, and JetBlue, and it’s the safest bag size to buy if you only want to own one carry-on.
Delta measures things slightly differently — it uses “linear inches,” which just means you add height, width, and depth together and stay under 45. A bag that’s 22 x 14 x 9 lands exactly at 45 linear inches, so it still fits fine.
If you’re planning a trip that mixes flights and other logistics, it’s worth building your whole international travel packing list around this 22 x 14 x 9 carry-on size, since it’s accepted almost everywhere domestically and by most international carriers too.
Does TSA Actually Set Carry-On Dimensions?
No. TSA doesn’t publish or enforce any carry-on size chart — that’s entirely up to each airline. TSA’s job stops at security: what liquids you can bring (the 3-1-1 rule), which electronics need to come out of your bag, and what’s banned from the cabin altogether.
The confusion is common, and honestly understandable. People search “TSA carry-on dimensions” expecting a single government-issued number, the same way there’s an official TSA liquids limit. But size and weight limits are a business decision each airline makes on its own — which is exactly why the numbers vary once you compare carriers side by side.
Carry-On Size Limits by Airline (2026 Chart)
Most full-service U.S. airlines cap carry-ons at 22 x 14 x 9 inches, but budget carriers often allow a taller bag while charging a fee for it. Here’s how the major U.S. airlines compare.
Airline | Carry-On (in) | Carry-On (cm) | Personal Item (in) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
American Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 | 56 x 36 x 23 | 18 x 14 x 8 | Free on every fare, including Basic Economy |
Delta Air Lines | 22 x 14 x 9 (45 linear in) | 56 x 36 x 23 | Similar/smaller than a purse | Measures total linear inches, not each side |
United Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 | 56 x 36 x 23 | 17 x 10 x 9 | Basic Economy has no free overhead bag on some routes |
Alaska Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 | 56 x 36 x 23 | Fits under seat, no fixed size | Reduced from 24 x 17 x 10 in a past policy change |
JetBlue | 22 x 14 x 9 | 56 x 36 x 23 | 17 x 13 x 8 | No weight limit stated, must be liftable unassisted |
Southwest Airlines | 24 x 16 x 10 | 61 x 41 x 25 | Fits under seat | One of the largest free carry-on allowances |
Spirit Airlines | 22 x 18 x 10 (fee applies) | 56 x 46 x 25 | 18 x 14 x 8 (free) | Only the personal item is included in base far |
Frontier Airlines | 24 x 16 x 10 (fee applies) | 61 x 41 x 25 | 18 x 14 x 8 (free) | Weight cap around 35 lb on the paid carry-on |
Airline policies change often, so always double-check the current numbers on the airline’s own baggage page before you fly. Think of this chart as your starting point, not the final word.
If most of your trips are budget or backpacker-style, it’s worth planning around the smallest common denominator rather than the most generous airline — our hostel packing list is built the same way, assuming the tightest limit you’ll realistically hit.
Personal Item Size vs. Carry-On Size
A personal item is the smaller bag that goes under the seat in front of you — a backpack, purse, or laptop bag — and it’s separate from your carry-on size allowance. Almost every U.S. airline includes one for free, even on the cheapest fare class.
The typical personal item size limit sits around 18 x 14 x 8 inches, though it varies by a few inches from carrier to carrier (see the chart above). What counts as a personal item also differs: a small backpack usually qualifies, but a second rolling bag or a duffel almost never does.
If you’re flying for work and trying to avoid checking anything, packing everything into one well-organized personal item plus a carry-on is the move — our business trip packing list walks through exactly how to split items between the two.
How to Measure Your Carry-On Luggage
Stand your bag upright and measure height, width, and depth including wheels, handles, and any external pockets — gate agents measure the full bag, not just the fabric shell, so rounding down will bite you.
- Stand the bag upright on its wheels (or flat bottom if it doesn’t have wheels).
- Measure height from the floor to the highest point, including the handle housing.
- Measure width from side to side at the widest point.
- Lay the bag down and measure depth front to back, including any wheels that stick out.
- Add the three numbers together if your airline uses linear inches (like Delta’s 45-inch rule).
- Compare your total against the airline chart above before you leave for the airport.
Once you know your numbers, run through this quick check before you head out the door:
Bag measures under 22 x 14 x 9 in (or your specific airline’s limit) | |
Measurement includes wheels, handles, and side pockets | |
Personal item is packed separately and fits under the seat | |
You’ve checked your specific airline’s page, not just this general chart | |
Bag isn’t overstuffed to the point it bulges past its listed size |
Carry-On Size in Inches and Centimeters
The most common carry-on size — 22 x 14 x 9 inches — converts to roughly 56 x 36 x 23 cm, which is the number you’ll want if you’re buying luggage from an international retailer or flying a non-U.S. carrier.
Inches | Centimeters | Used by |
|---|---|---|
22 x 14 x 9 | 56 x 36 x 23 | Most U.S. full-service airlines |
21.5 x 15.5 x 9 | 55 x 40 x 23 (46 linear in) | Many international carriers |
24 x 16 x 10 | 61 x 41 x 25 | Southwest and Frontier/JetBlue oversize options |
20 x 15 x 10 | 51 x 38 x 25 | Qatar Airways and some regional carriers |
Common Carry-On Size Mistakes to Avoid
Most carry-on size restrictions problems aren’t about buying the wrong bag — they’re about small habits that push a compliant bag out of spec. Here’s what to skip.
Measuring only the fabric shell
Fix: Always include wheels, handles, and side pockets — sizers measure the whole bag.
Assuming every airline uses 22 x 14 x 9
Fix: Check the specific airline for your flight — Southwest and Spirit allow different sizes.
Overstuffing a compliant bag
Fix: A bag can bulge past its rated size once packed full — leave a little room at the seams.
Confusing carry-on and personal item limits
Fix: Pack them as two separate budgets — a personal item that’s too big can get gate-checked too.
Buying luggage listed as “carry-on size” without checking
Fix: Retailer labels aren’t regulated — verify actual dimensions before you buy, not the marketing name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does TSA have an official carry-on size limit?
No. TSA doesn’t set carry-on size limits — that’s decided by each individual airline. TSA only regulates what’s allowed inside your bag for security reasons, like liquids and electronics.
What is the standard carry-on size for most airlines?
Most U.S. airlines use 22 x 14 x 9 inches (about 56 x 36 x 23 cm) as their carry-on size, including wheels and handles.
Is a 22 x 14 x 9 carry-on accepted everywhere?
It covers American, Delta, United, Alaska, and JetBlue. Southwest and some budget carriers allow slightly larger bags, but 22 x 14 x 9 works as a safe universal size for most domestic flying.
Do wheels and handles count toward carry-on size?
Yes. Every airline measures the full bag, including wheels, handles, and any external pockets — not just the main fabric body.
What’s the difference between a carry-on and a personal item?
A carry-on goes in the overhead bin and is typically 22 x 14 x 9 inches. A personal item is smaller — around 18 x 14 x 8 inches — and must fit under the seat in front of you. Most airlines allow one of each for free.
What happens if my carry-on is too big at the gate?
Gate agents can require you to check it, usually for a fee, especially once overhead bins fill up. Measuring your bag before you leave home is the easiest way to avoid this.
Sources
Baggage rules referenced in this guide come from each airline’s published baggage policy pages, along with the Transportation Security Administration’s public guidance on what’s allowed in carry-on bags at tsa.gov and general cabin baggage standards published by the Federal Aviation Administration at faa.gov. Since airline policies change, always confirm current numbers directly with your airline before your trip. For the rest of your trip prep, browse our full packing and organization guides or grab a printable from our free packing list PDF library.
