Often times luggage stores and websites advertise certain luggage units as "carry on" bags; however, in many cases, these bags are larger than certain airlines permit. These stores, manufacturers, and websites also tend to mismeasure the actual dimensions of their bags. Sometimes when your bag is packed to its fullest capacity, the dimensions can be significantly (and surprisingly) enlarged. Make sure that before you leave for your trip, you properly measure your packed bag to ensure that you can carry it on board.

Personal Items

Most airlines allow you to have one personal item as well as a carry on item. This personal item may be a purse, laptop case, backpack, pillow, or any other portable item. These items are usually stowed under the seat in front of you. The best thing you can do is to check your airlines website to see if your personal item is the proper size. For your convenience, we highly recommend trying to bring the smallest carry ons and personal items you need rather then bringing larger, bulkier items.

Luggage Standards

As shown in the chart below, sometimes the maximum dimensions are shown to have a total area (e.g. 45") which is the total of the height, width, and length. Bags are often rejected by airlines because when the bag is packed, it exceeds the maximum dimensions. It is vital that you make sure your carry on will fit in either the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you in order to avoid your bag being checked.

Airline - Carry On Allowances - Max Dimensions

AirTran - 1 plus 1 personal item - 55" total H x W x L

Alaska/Horizon - 1 plus 1 personal item - 10" H x 17" W x 24" L

America West - 1 plus 1 personal item - 45" total H x W x L

American - 1 plus 1 personal item - 45" total H x W x L

ATA - 1 plus 1 personal item - 9" H x 15" W x 25" L

Continental - 1 plus 1 personal item - 51" total H x W x L 

Delta - 1 plus 1 personal item - 9" H x 14" W x 22" L

Frontier - 1 plus 1 personal item - 49" total H x W x L

Hawaiian Air - 1 plus 1 personal item - 9" H x 14" W x 22" L

JetBlue - 1 plus 1 personal item - 10" H x 16" W x 24" L

Northwest Air - 1 plus 1 personal item - 9" H x 14" W x 22" L

Southwest - 1 plus 1 personal item - 10" H x 16" W x 24" L

Spirit - 1 plus 0 personal items - 10" H x 13" W x 22" L

United - 1 plus 1 personal item - 9" H x 14" W x 22" L

US Airways - 1 plus 1 personal item 10" H x 16" W x 24" L