Carry-On Size Rules by Airline (2026)

The "universal" carry-on size of 22 × 14 × 9 inches is universal until you fly outside North America. Then the rules change, the weight limits appear, and the gate agent breaks out the measuring frame.

The North American standard

For US legacy carriers plus Air Canada and most Latin American airlines:

• Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm)
• Weight: No published limit on most US carriers. Air Canada: 22 lb / 10 kg.
• Personal item: Usually up to 18 × 14 × 8 in

European carriers

• Dimensions: 55 × 40 × 23 cm (slightly smaller than US)
• Weight: 8–12 kg, strictly enforced. Lufthansa is 8 kg.

Biggest trap for Americans: your 22-inch US carry-on is legal in dimensions but illegal at 18 lb on Lufthansa.

Middle Eastern and Asian carriers

• Emirates (economy): 55 × 38 × 20 cm, 7 kg
• Qatar Airways: 50 × 37 × 25 cm, 7 kg
• Singapore Airlines: 115 cm total linear, 7 kg
• ANA / JAL: 55 × 40 × 25 cm, 10 kg

Low-cost carrier traps

• Ryanair: Basic only allows 40 × 25 × 20 cm free. Full carry-on (10 kg) requires Priority (€6–€30).
• Wizz Air: Same as Ryanair.
• Spirit / Frontier: Personal item free; carry-on paid ($45–$65).
• EasyJet: Small under-seat free; larger overhead paid.

How to measure honestly

1. Include wheels and handles. Airline sizers measure tip to top.
2. Use the longest, widest, deepest point when packed.
3. Subtract nothing for "squish." 23 in tall vs 22 in limit = challenged.

Tips for keeping carry-on out of the hold

• Board early. Last-on passengers get gate-checked first.
• Stand your bag upright in line — looks more compliant.
• Use a soft-sided bag for Europe — compresses to fit the frame.
• Know the day-of weight. Souvenirs add up.