So what is considered a carry-on bag for flights?
A carry-on bag is any item you take with you into the airplane cabin. This could be a suitcase, backpack, duffle bag, or any other bag that fits in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Airlines don’t enforce a specific type of bag, but they do have size and weight limits. If your bag exceeds those, it will be checked instead.
In this post, we’ll break down what counts as a carry-on bag, the types allowed, personal item rules, and tips to help you breeze through your trip with ease.
So, let’s dive in and get started!
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.
What Counts As a Carry-On Bag?
Most airlines define a carry-on bag (also known as hand luggage or cabin baggage) as:
Any bag that you bring into the cabin with you and can store in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Here are the most common types of carry-on bags:
- Hard-shell suitcase
- Soft-sided suitcase
- Backpack
- Tote bag
- Duffel bag
- A barrel bag
- Briefcase or laptop bag
Some budget airlines may not include a full-size carry-on with your ticket due to limited cabin space to just to make some money out of them.
In that case, you’ll usually be allowed to bring one personal item instead like a small backpack, purse, satchel, a messenger bag or a laptop bag.
What Is a Personal Item?
In addition to your carry-on, most airlines allow a personal item.
This is a smaller bag that must fit under the seat in front of you.
Typical personal items include:
- Laptop bag
- Purse
- Small backpack
- Tote bag
There are usually no strict size or weight rules for personal items, but the general idea is that they should be smaller and lighter than your carry-on bag.
Traveling with family? Most airlines allow you to have a diaper bag, stroller, or a car seat in addition to your carry-on and personal item. If you’re bringing something unusual like a large sports equipment or a large musical instrument, it’s best to confirm with the airline in advance.
Related article:
Where To Store Your Carry-on Baggage On a plane?
On the plane, your carry-on bag typically goes in the overhead bin (overhead compartment), while your personal item fits under the seat in front of you.
Some budget airlines may ask you to store both in the overhead bin due to lack of space.
Most airlines don’t have weight limits for carry-on bags, but it’s best to keep it light so you can place it into the overhead compartment yourself without any help.
What Is the Common Carry-On Size?
The most accepted carry-on bag dimensions in the U.S. are:
22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including wheels, handles, and side pockets.
These dimensions are used by major U.S. airlines like:
What Does “No Carry-On Bag” Mean on airlines?
When an airline says no carry-on bag, it means that your ticket does not have a full-size cabin bag that goes in the overhead bin.
This is usually with basic economy fares or budget airlines, where you’re only allowed to bring a personal item, like a small backpack, purse, or laptop bag that fits under the seat in front of you.
Example: American airlines allow passengers flying in Basic Economy to bring 1 free carry-on and a personal item free of charge, but n budget airlines like Spirit or Frontier, a personal item is free, but a full-size carry-on must be purchased separately.
What Carry-on Luggage Is Allowed On International Flights?
When planning to travel outside the US or want to purchase a carry on bag for yourself or your flight this is the overall carry on baggage charge for major airlines.
However it is always preferable to visit the airline website you are traveling with to make sure you get the general idea of the airline carry on baggage allowance.
Best Carry-on Bag Sizes
When choosing a carry-on, keep this in mind:
- Know your airline specific size and weight limits
- Pick a bag that meets or is slightly below those limits
- Go with standard sizing (22 x 14 x 9 in) if traveling with multiple airlines
Here are some popular options most travelers prefer:
- Amazon Basics 21-Inch: 13.3″ x 9.5″ x 18.5″ compatible with most airlines
- Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable: 19″ x 14.5″ x 9.5″ standard size for domestic travel.
Carry-On Bags on International Flights
When traveling internationally, carry-on policies may differ.
Some airlines have stricter size or weight limits, or charge extra for carry-on luggage.
For example, a carry-on bag that fits within American Airlines size limit of 22″ x 14″ x 9″ may not fit on Air Canada flights, where the limit is 21.5″ x 15.5″ x 9″.
While the height and depth are similar, Air Canada’s width (15.5″) is slightly larger than American Airlines’ width (14″), which means your carry-on bag might be too wide.
On the other hand, Qantas airlines has a similar carry-on policy to American Airlines, so your bag should fit just fine there.
Find more international airlines luggage size in this airlines luggage size chart.
Final Thoughts
To sum it up: A carry-on bag is any bag that fits in the overhead bin, like a suitcase, duffel bag, or backpack.
Most airlines also allow you to bring one personal item, which should fit under the seat in front of you.
There’s no restriction on the type of bag, but there are limits on size (and sometimes weight). Stick to those, and you’re good to go.
