Stricter Carry-On Policies: What Travelers Need to Know

Airlines have become more stringent about the number of items you can bring on board, regardless of their size. Understanding the specific guidelines of your airline is crucial to avoid last-minute issues at the gate.

Common Restrictions for Carry-On Luggage
Airlines enforce strict size and weight limits for carry-on luggage, which can vary significantly depending on the carrier and flight type. For example, Delta and American Airlines allow bags up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches, while Spirit Airlines has slightly larger limits. International airlines often impose stricter weight restrictions, like Singapore Airlines’ 15.4-pound maximum for carry-ons.

The Importance of Tracking Your Carry-On
Since you may need to check your carry-on at the gate if it doesn’t meet these restrictions, having a tracking device like GEGO PRO is essential. GEGO provides real-time location updates, giving you peace of mind and ensuring you can quickly recover your bag if it gets lost. With increasingly strict carry-on policies, a tracker like GEGO is indispensable for travelers concerned about the safety and location of their belongings. Preparing ahead and knowing your airline's specific rules can help you avoid unexpected hassles and ensure a smoother travel experience.

Major US domestic airlines carry-on policies

Alaska Airlines
Allows passengers one personal item (18 x 14 x 8 inches) and one larger carry-on (22 x 14 x 9 inches) free of charge. The personal item must fit under the seat, while the larger carry-on goes in the overhead bin.

As for checked bags, unless you are an Alaska Airlines credit card holder or have elite status, the first checked bag is $35, the second $45 and it’s $150 for the third and any additional bags in economy.

- Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches, no weight limit.
- Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches, must fit in the sizer at the airport (including handles and wheels), no weight limit.
- Items that don’t count toward carry-on allowance: Coats, hats, umbrellas, a pillow, FAA-approved child/infant restraint seats to be occupied by a child, strollers and mobility/medical assistive devices.

American Airlines
Allows passengers one personal item (18 x 14 x 8 inches) and one larger carry-on (22 x 14 x 9 inches) free of charge. The personal item must fit under the seat, while the larger carry-on goes in the overhead bin.

As for checked bags, unless you qualify for one of their mileage or credit card perks, the first checked bag is $40 ($35 if you pay online), the second $45, $150 for the third and $200 for the fourth.

- Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
- Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches, must fit in the sizer at the airport (including handles and wheels), no weight limit.
- tems that don’t count toward carry-on allowance: Diaper bags (1 per child), breast pump, soft-sided cooler of breast milk, child safety seats, strollers and medical or mobility devices.

Delta Airlines
Delta permits one personal item and one larger carry-on item free of charge. The combined dimensions of carry-on baggage should be less than 45 inches, with individual items measuring no more than 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

Delta Connection passengers, including on flights with 50 seats or fewer, are only permitted personal items due to limited overhead space. Personal items must fit securely under the seat or in overhead bins.

Your first checked bag is free for Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members, select Delta SkyMiles American Express card members and active duty military members. Otherwise, your first checked bag is $35 and the second is $45.

- Personal item: A purse, briefcase, small backpack, camera bag or diaper bag, laptop bag or one item of similar or smaller size, with no stated weight limit.
- Carry-on: Combined sum of the length, width and height of baggage must not exceed 45 linear inches. Individual length, width and height measurements may not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches, with no stated weight limit.
- tems that don’t count toward carry-on allowance: Jackets and/or umbrellas, food or drink purchased after the security checkpoint, duty-free merchandise, special items like strollers, wheelchairs, child safety seats or assistive devices like crutches.

Southwest Airlines
Southwest permits passengers one personal item (16.25 x 13.5 x 8 inches) and one larger carry-on (24 x 16 x 10 inches). The personal item must fit under the seat, and the larger carry-on goes in the overhead bin.

Southwest does not charge additional fees for carry-on bags, but anything larger than these must be checked. The first two checked bags are free on Southwest and $75 per item, one way, beyond that.

- Personal item: 16.25 x 13.5 x 8 inches.
- Carry-on: Small items like a purse, briefcase, laptop computer case, backpack, pillow, blanket or a small camera that fits under the seat.
- Items that don’t count toward carry-on allowance: Child restraint systems, assistive/mobility devices for individuals with a disability (there is no limit to the number of assistive/mobility devices you can bring), outer garments or other clothing, food in disposable packaging and walking canes or umbrellas.

United Airlines
United allows passengers one personal item (17 x 10 x 9 inches) and one larger carry-on (22 x 14 x 9 inches) free of charge. The personal item must fit under the seat, while the larger carry-on goes in the overhead bin.

Basic economy passengers, however, are limited to one personal item and will be charged for a personal item on domestic flights. For example, a carry-on bag on a May 1 flight from Washington-Dulles (IAD) to Los Angeles (LAX) costs $55 in basic economy. You get a $5 discount if you prepay.

- Personal item: 17 x 10 x 9 inches.
- Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches, free if you’re not flying basic economy.
- Items that don’t count toward carry-on allowance: Jacket or coat, umbrella, things to read, food or other items bought at the airport, mobility devices, car seats, diaper bag, breast pump and a camera.

Budget US domestic airlines carry-on policies

Allegiant Air
Allegiant allows one personal item (18 x 14 x 8 inches) free of charge, which must fit under the seat. A larger carry-on (22 x 16 x 10 inches) is permitted, but fees apply, starting at $28 when you book. The carry-on bag should not weigh more than 25 pounds.

Avelo Airlines
Avelo permits one complimentary personal item (17 x 13 x 9 inches) and one larger carry-on item (22 x 14 x 9 inches) for a fee. The personal item must fit under the seat, while the larger carry-on is stored in the overhead bin.

Breeze Airways
Breeze Airways allows passengers one personal item (17 x 14 x 8 inches) for free but charges for larger carry-ons (22 x 14 x 9 inches), unless you purchase one of its ticket bundles. If you don’t purchase a ticket bundle, the fee for a carry-on starts at $35. The personal item must fit under the seat, while the larger carry-on is stored in the overhead bin.

JetBlue Airlines
JetBlue allows passengers one personal item (17 x 13 x 8 inches) and one larger carry-on (22 x 14 x 9 inches). The personal item must fit under the seat, while the larger carry-on should be placed in the overhead bin.

Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines permits one personal item (18 x 14 x 8 inches) free of charge, which must fit under the seat. A larger carry-on item (24 x 16 x 10 inches) is allowed, but fees apply, starting at $15 per bag at the time of booking and reaching $75 per bag the nearer you are to your travel date.

Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines allows passengers one personal item (18 x 14 x 8 inches) for free but charges for larger carry-ons (22 x 18 x 10 inches), with fees starting at $59. The personal item must fit under the seat, while the larger carry-on is stored in the overhead bin.

Sun Country Airlines
Sun Country permits passengers one personal item (17 x 13 x 9 inches) and one larger carry-on (24 x 16 x 11 inches). The personal item must fit under the seat, while the larger carry-on is stored in the overhead bin.

Major international airlines carry-on luggage policies

Aeromexico
Aeromexico allows passengers one personal item and one larger carry-on free of charge. The standard carry-on and personal item must not exceed 21.5 x 15.7 x 10 inches individually.

The personal item must fit under the seat, while the larger carry-on is stored in the overhead bin. If you choose to purchase the “Classic Fare,” there is a 25% discount on checked baggage, while if you choose to purchase “AM Fare,” one piece of checked baggage is included along with an exclusive overhead bin.

- Personal item: Must not exceed 21.5 x 15.7 x 10 inches.
- Carry-on: 21.5 x 15.7 x 10 inches, weighing no more than 22 pounds.
- Items that don’t count toward carry-on allowance: Medical devices, jackets, bags containing items purchased in the duty free area, travel pillows and blankets, books and electronics like cameras, computers, headphones and e-readers.

Air Canada
Regardless of your destination, Air Canada permits one personal item (17 x 13 x 6 inches) and one larger carry-on item (21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches) free of charge. Although no weight limit applies to carry-on baggage, your bag must be light enough that you can store it in the overhead bin without help. The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you.

Your checked baggage allowance is determined by your fare, destination, date of ticket purchase and loyalty program status.

- Personal item: 17 x 13 x 6 inches.
- Carry-on: 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches.
- Items that don’t count toward carry-on allowance: Jackets and/or umbrellas, food or drink purchased after the security checkpoint, duty-free merchandise, special items like strollers, wheelchairs, child safety seats or assistive devices like crutches.

British Airways
All passengers are permitted one personal item (16 x 12 x 6 inches) and one larger carry-on (22 x 18 x 10 inches). Both items must not weigh more than 51 pounds each.

As for checked bags, the first checked bag is $25 to $50 and each additional bag is $45 to $75. These fees depend on your route and are per one-way journey.

- Personal item: 16 x 12 x 6 inches weighing no more than 51 pounds.
- Carry-on: 22 x 18 x 10 inches weighing no more than 51 pounds.
- Items that don’t count toward carry-on allowance: Wheelchairs, mobility aids and assistive devices.

Emirates
All passengers are permitted one carry-on (21.6 x 14.9 x 8.6 inches). Unless you are flying Business or First Class, extra baggage may not be admitted. Those flying with an infant will be permitted to check an extra piece of luggage free of charge as long as it weighs no more than 22 pounds.

- Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches, only if you’ve purchased first or business class.
- Carry-on: 21.6 x 14.9 x 8.6 inches and weighing no more than 15.43 pounds in economy.
- Items that don’t count toward carry-on allowance: Medications, baby milk or foods and duty-free purchases.

Lufthansa
Lufthansa allows one personal item (15 x 11 x 3.9 inches) and one larger carry-on (22 x 16 x 9 inches). All carry-on luggage must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. If you are flying business or first class you are permitted two items of carry-on baggage.

Free baggage allowance and the cost of optional baggage depend on the route and booked travel class. You can use their calculator here to check how much baggage you can take with you and how to book additional baggage.

- Personal item: 15 x 11 x 3.9 inches.
- Carry-on: 21.65 x 15.75 x 9 inches, free and weighing no more than 17.64 pounds in economy.
- Items that don’t count toward carry-on allowance: A baby carry cot or child seat, wheelchairs and orthopedic aids.

Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines allows one personal item (15.75 x 11.81 x 3.94 inches) and one larger carry-on in economy class or two in Suites, first and business class. The sum of length, width and height of the larger carry-on should not exceed 45.28 inches for all classes. Baggage should also not exceed 15.43 pounds.

Checked baggage allowance is based on the weight or piece concept, depending on your final destination.

- Personal item: 15.75 x 11.81 x 3.94 inches inches.
- Carry-on: Sum of length, width and height should not exceed 45.28 inches and weigh no more than 15.43 pounds.
- Items that don’t count toward carry-on allowance: Overcoat, umbrella, infant’s amenities and food, walking stick and a small amount of duty-free goods.