There are three popular luggage sizes, 20 inches, 24 inches and 28 inch suitcases.
And if you are thinking of getting a new bag to use as your main carry-on, the most common challenge people face is getting the right size.
Here is the short answer.
Even though luggage manufacturers or sellers describe a 24 inch suitcase as a carry-on, most airlines consider it as a checked bag, the maximum size you can use in carry-on baggage is 22 inches, only Southwest, Frontier and Cayman Airways will accept a 24 inch bag as a carry-on .
Let’s look more into it, see which airline allows 24 inches carry-on, and what are the different dimensions of a carry-on suitcase.
Let’s dive right in.
Tip: Check out this Travelpro Platinum Elite 21” Carry-On Spinner, a sleek and versatile carry-on that is designed to fit within the limits of most airlines, to save you from the hassle of the airports and the pesky airline fees.
Is a 24 Inch Suitcase a Carry On?
No, most airlines count a 24 inch bag as a checked bag.
And whether it is
A standard carry-on suitcase needs to be 22 inches or less so it can fit in the majority of the airplane’s overhead compartment.
The most popular carry-on size is 22 inch × 14 inch × 9 inch / 55 cm x 35 cm x 22 cm including wheels and handles, other airlines recommend a size that is slightly smaller than that, but generally it is close to this dimensions.
Only Frontier Airlines and Southwest allow a 24 inches carry-on, in addition to Cayman Airways.
If you did get a 24 suitcase to use specifically for those airlines, you may end up looking for a 22 inches suitcase to use as a standard carry-on for other airlines.
You can’t take a large carry-on bag on these airlines.
| Airlines | Bag Size |
|---|---|
| United Airlines | 22″ x 14″ x 9″ |
| Delta Air Lines | 22″ x 14″ x 9″ |
| American Airlines | 22″ x 14″ x 9″ |
| Alaska Airlines | 22″ x 14″ x 9″ |
| Hawaiian Airlines | 22″ x 14″ x 9″ |
| Spirit Airlines | 18″ x 14″ x 8″ – Spirit Airlines have even a smaller size |
| JetBlue Airways | 22″ x 14″ x 9″ |
| Allegiant Air | 22″ x 14″ x 9″ |
It is not complicated to get it.
I would prefer to get a suitcase that I can take freely with a bunch of airlines, instead of two or three airlines.
Not only that.
Even most international airlines like British airways, Air Canada and Qantas do allow only a standard small carry-on bag.
Use a 22 suitcase Instead Of a 24 Inch Suitcase
For some people the reason they wanted to make a 24 inch bag as their main carry-on is of the false advertised size on some manufacturers and sellers websites.
But do not always count on the product title, sometimes it is just a marketing gimmick to attract customers.
It is always better to take more time and read the product description and what other buyers are saying about it.
The dimensions need to include handles and wheels, because airlines count the m as part of the bag.
In the meantime review the airlines carry on luggage size before you decide to choose a bag, you can check this airlines luggage size chart.
Let’s look at a few 24 inches examples and their real dimensions:
This 24 Kenneth Cole Reaction Renegade is 24″ H x 17″ L x 11.5-13.5″ D so it won’t work as a carry on baggage, the seller describes it as a medium checked bag.
This 24 inch Coolife Suitcase is 26.4″ H x 17.3″ L x 9.8″ D.
Even though it is described as a 24 bag the real size is 26 and an estimated total capacity of 60 liters which is a heavy and large capacity to place in an overhead cabin.
The seller describes it also as a medium checked bag.
A 22 will usually have 50 liters which might sound small in its capacity.
And I agree.
But if you really need 60 liters and you don’t want to have a checked bag, you can still pack as many items in a 22 inch bag while staying within the airline luggage size and weight limits.
Take More Stuff In Your 22 Inches Suitcase
Well, packing lightly will always be an effective way.
So “ The larger, the better ” isn’t always the only solution and traveling with a heavy and large suitcase can cause some frustrations.
You can take more items with you on your flight even if your airline allows a small carry-on bag.
Most airlines permit each passenger to have one carry-on bag and one personal item on board the airplane.
A large carry-on bag that exceeds the airline size limits will be subject to checked baggage rules, and may even include paying additional charges.
In case you wanted to pack a lot of stuff, there are several ways to do it and still abide by the airline size limits.
For example It’s worth taking advantage of the full airlines size and weight limits.
If an airline does allow a 22″ ×14″ × 9″ take a suitcase that will fit exactly with this size, and the same goes with your personal item.
A personal item is any item that can be placed under the seat in front of you ( usually with a size of 17″ × 10″ × 9″), so it can be a small bag or a daypack that can stock plenty of items.
Most of the airlines also do not have a specific weight for both pieces so you can maximize on that too.
Just look how airline crew travel, they always take two items, one small carry-on and one personal item.
The Perfect Carry On Bag
There are limitless 20 and 22 inch bags in the market, with different brands, materials and styles.
The type of bag you acquire will depend on your personal preferences, but the size is preferred to be standard so you can use it with almost any airline.
Also I like to have a choice if it comes to using the type of luggage.
I’m always a fan of Samsonite hard sided bags and American Touritser soft side ones.
Th Samsonite Freeform Hardside expandable carry-on with a size of 21.25″ x 15.25″ x 10.0″ will fit with almost any airlines carry-on size and with a capacity of 34 liters.
If you are not a heavy packer you will fit everything you need while staying within your airline’s luggage size.
Also the American Tourister 4 Kix Expandable Softside Luggage carry-on is advertised as 20.25″ x 14.0″ x 8.0″ which fits most of the airlines overhead compartments.
A total capacity of around 30 liters, and a large structured interior compartment to take all your needed items whether packing for a month-long vacation or a more extended trip.
Final Thoughts
I wouldn’t recommend getting a new 24 inch suitcase to use as your main carry on bag.
When traveling within the U.S or you are traveling with a US Airlines company in general, a pretty common carry on size is 22″ × 14″ × 9″ and a 24 bag is considerably a large bag.
And as we already mentioned, only three airlines permit a large carry-on bag.
If you are willing to take a chance anyways, be aware that some airlines are enforcing their strict rules, so your lovely suitcase may end up in the luggage hold.
We hope this helps
Happy travels
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