Check Your Luggage Size
Enter your bag dimensions below to instantly check if it meets airline carry-on and checked baggage size limits. Measure your bag including wheels and handles.
Your Luggage Dimensions
Size Check Results
Enter your bag dimensions to see if it meets airline size limits.
Airline Size Limits Reference
Standard baggage size limits for major US airlines. Always verify with your specific airline before traveling.
Carry-On Size Limits
| Airline | Max Dimensions | Linear (in) | Linear (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| American, Delta, United | 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm) | 45 | 115 |
| Southwest | 24 x 16 x 10 in (61 x 41 x 25 cm) | 50 | 127 |
| JetBlue | 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm) | 45 | 115 |
| Spirit, Frontier | 18 x 14 x 8 in (46 x 36 x 20 cm) | 40 | 102 |
| Alaska | 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm) | 45 | 115 |
Checked Bag Size Limits
| Airline | Max Linear Dimensions | Typical Max | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| American, Delta, United | 62 in (157 cm) | 27 x 21 x 14 in | 50 lbs (23 kg) |
| Southwest | 62 in (157 cm) | 27 x 21 x 14 in | 50 lbs (23 kg) |
| JetBlue | 62 in (157 cm) | 27 x 21 x 14 in | 50 lbs (23 kg) |
| Spirit, Frontier | 62 in (157 cm) | 27 x 21 x 14 in | 40 lbs (18 kg) |
| Alaska | 62 in (157 cm) | 27 x 21 x 14 in | 50 lbs (23 kg) |
How Airlines Measure Luggage
Airlines measure luggage using linear dimensions, which is the sum of length + width + height. For example, a bag measuring 22 x 14 x 9 inches has linear dimensions of 45 inches.
Linear Dimensions = Length + Width + Height
Measurements include all protruding parts: wheels, handles, pockets, and straps. When measuring your bag at home, use a measuring tape and measure the longest point in each dimension when the bag is fully packed.
Important: Soft-sided bags should be measured when packed to their typical fullness. Overstuffing a soft bag can push it beyond size limits even if the frame is compliant.
Carry-On vs. Checked Bag
Carry-On Bags
Carry-on bags travel with you in the cabin and must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. Most airlines allow one carry-on bag plus one personal item (purse, laptop bag, backpack).
- Standard limit: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (45 linear inches)
- Budget carriers: Often smaller, around 18 x 14 x 8 inches (40 linear inches)
- Southwest: More generous at 24 x 16 x 10 inches (50 linear inches)
- Weight limits: Typically not enforced for carry-on, but some international carriers limit to 15-22 lbs
Checked Bags
Checked bags go in the cargo hold and are retrieved at baggage claim. Most airlines charge fees for checked bags, except Southwest which allows two free checked bags.
- Standard limit: 62 linear inches (length + width + height)
- Weight limit: 50 lbs for economy, 70 lbs for premium cabins
- Oversize fees: $100-$200 for bags exceeding 62 linear inches
- Overweight fees: $100+ for bags over 50 lbs, some airlines refuse bags over 100 lbs
Personal Items
Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you. Typical limit is 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Examples: purse, laptop bag, small backpack, diaper bag.
Tips for Avoiding Baggage Fees
- Measure before you leave. Don't rely on manufacturer specs. Measure your packed bag including wheels and handles.
- Use a luggage scale. Weigh your bag at home to avoid overweight fees at the airport.
- Pack light. Maximize your carry-on and personal item to avoid checked bag fees entirely.
- Wear bulky items. Wear your heaviest shoes and jacket on the plane to save weight and space.
- Check airline rules. Size limits vary significantly, especially for budget carriers and international flights.
- Consider gate-check risk. If overhead bins fill up, you may be forced to gate-check even if your bag is compliant. Board early to secure bin space.
- Bundle fees. Some airlines offer cheaper bag fees if you pay online in advance rather than at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do airlines measure luggage size?
Airlines measure luggage by adding the three dimensions: length + width + height. This total is called linear dimensions. For example, a bag measuring 22 x 14 x 9 inches has linear dimensions of 45 inches. Measurements include wheels, handles, and all protruding parts.
What is the standard carry-on luggage size?
Most US airlines allow carry-on bags up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. However, size limits vary by airline and aircraft type. Budget carriers like Spirit and Frontier have stricter limits around 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
Do wheels and handles count in luggage measurements?
Yes. Airlines measure the entire bag including wheels, handles, side pockets, and any protruding parts. When measuring your luggage at home, include everything that will go in the overhead bin or be checked.
What happens if my carry-on is too big?
If your carry-on exceeds size limits, you will be asked to gate-check it. This usually incurs a fee ranging from $30-$100 depending on the airline. The bag goes in the cargo hold and you retrieve it at baggage claim. To avoid this, measure your bag before arriving at the airport.
Can I bring a personal item in addition to carry-on?
Most airlines allow one carry-on bag plus one personal item such as a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. Personal items must fit under the seat and typically have size limits around 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Some budget carriers only allow a personal item unless you pay extra for a carry-on.
Are checked bag size limits the same for all airlines?
No. While most airlines allow checked bags up to 62 linear inches, exact limits vary. International flights may have different rules than domestic. Budget airlines often have stricter limits. Weight limits also vary, typically 50 lbs for economy and 70 lbs for premium cabins.
How can I measure my luggage accurately?
Use a measuring tape to measure the longest point of each dimension, including wheels and handles. Measure length (longest side), width (front to back), and height (top to bottom). Add these three numbers for linear dimensions. Soft-sided bags should be measured when fully packed.
Do international flights have different luggage size rules?
International flights often follow IATA standards which recommend 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 inches) for carry-on, but individual airlines may vary. Some international carriers are stricter than US domestic airlines. Always check both the operating airline and any codeshare partners.
Privacy & Limitations
- Client-side only. All calculations run in your browser. No data is sent to any server.
- Reference only. Airline policies change frequently. Always verify current baggage policies on your airline's website before traveling.
- General guidance. Size limits may vary by aircraft type, route, international vs domestic, and fare class.
- No affiliation. This tool is not affiliated with any airline. Information is compiled from publicly available sources.
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Luggage Size Checker FAQ
How do airlines measure luggage size?
Airlines measure luggage by adding the three dimensions: length + width + height. This total is called linear dimensions. For example, a bag measuring 22 x 14 x 9 inches has linear dimensions of 45 inches. Most airlines also specify maximum individual dimensions for each side.
What is the standard carry-on luggage size?
Most US airlines allow carry-on bags up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. However, size limits vary by airline and aircraft type. Budget carriers often have stricter limits. Always check your specific airline's policy before flying.
Do wheels and handles count in luggage measurements?
Yes. Airlines measure the entire bag including wheels, handles, side pockets, and any protruding parts. When measuring your luggage at home, include everything that will go in the overhead bin or be checked.
What happens if my carry-on is too big?
If your carry-on exceeds size limits, you will be asked to gate-check it. This usually incurs a fee ranging from $30-$100 depending on the airline. The bag goes in the cargo hold and you retrieve it at baggage claim. To avoid this, measure your bag before arriving at the airport.
Can I bring a personal item in addition to carry-on?
Most airlines allow one carry-on bag plus one personal item such as a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. Personal items typically must fit under the seat in front of you and have smaller size limits, usually around 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Some budget carriers only allow a personal item unless you pay extra.
Are checked bag size limits the same for all airlines?
No. While most airlines allow checked bags up to 62 linear inches (length + width + height), the exact limits vary. International flights may have different rules than domestic. Budget airlines often have stricter limits. Weight limits also vary, typically 50 lbs for economy and 70 lbs for premium cabins.
How can I measure my luggage accurately?
Use a measuring tape to measure the longest point of each dimension, including wheels and handles. Measure length (longest side), width (front to back), and height (top to bottom). Add these three numbers together for linear dimensions. Soft-sided bags should be measured when fully packed.
Do international flights have different luggage size rules?
International flights often follow IATA standards which recommend 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 inches) for carry-on, but individual airlines may vary. Some international carriers are more strict than US domestic airlines. Always check both the operating airline and any codeshare partners for their specific policies.