Carry On Bag Restrictions
Carry On Size Can Not Exceed 45" Total
A very common question among travelers is “What are the size restrictions of a carry on bag?” With airlines now charging large fees for every checked bag, it is important to know the answer to this question now more than ever before. You don’t want to show up at the airport expecting to carry on only to find out that your bag is too large, and you will be charged $25 each way to check your bag. Not to mention the extra time you will waste in line to check your bag and then waiting at a carousel to claim your luggage at the other end of your flight.
Unfortunately, different airlines have different restrictions. Most airlines follow the TSA standard though, so it is best to just stick with that. That standard is a carry on should not exceed 45 linear inches. This means when you add the length, width, and height of your carry on, the sum of all three measurements can not exceed 45 inches. See the image to the left for an example.
For more evidence on why a good carry on bag is so important, see the table below. The table shows a breakdown of the carry on bag restrictions for each airline, along with the fees they charge for each checked bag. Consider that a good piece of luggage that meets all of the carry on bag restrictions costs you about $100. If you can avoid two $25 checked bag fees on two round trip flights, your carry on bag will have paid for itself ($25 x 2 x 2 = $100).
| Airline | Carry On Size Limit | Fee for 1st Checked Bag | Fee for 2nd Checked Bag | Fee For Oversized or Overweight Bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jet Blue | 45in/115cm | $0.00 | $30.00 | Between 51-70 pounds requires a $50 fee, 71-100lbs requires a $100 fee. Any bag larger than 62in/157cm requires a $75 fee. |
| Southwest Airlines | 45in/115cm | $0.00 | $0.00 | All overweight/oversize baggage will require a $50 fee. |
| Frontier Airlines | 49in/125cm | $20.00 | $30.00 | All overweight/oversize baggage will require a $75 fee. |
| Airtran Airways | 55in/139cm | $20.00 | $25.00 | Between 51-70 pounds requires a $49 fee, 71-100lbs requires a $79 fee. Any bag larger than 62in/157cm requires a $79 fee. |
| American Airlines | 45in/115cm | $25.00 | $35.00 | Any baggage over 50lbs/23kgs will require a $50 fee, over 70lbs/45kgs will require a $100 fee.
Any baggage larger than 62in/157cm will require a $150 fee. |
| US Airways | 45in/115cm | $25.00 | $35.00 | Between 51-70 pounds requires a $50 fee, 71-100lbs requires a $100 fee. Any bag larger than 62in/157cm requires a $100 fee. |
| Delta Airlines | 45in/115cm | $25.00 | $35.00 | Fee ranges from $50-$450 depending on destination and how far past the limitations the baggage is. |
| United Airlines | 45in/115cm | $25.00 | $35.00 | Varies by destination, anywhere from $50-$200 |
| Continental Airlines | 45in/115cm | $25.00 | $35.00 | All overweight baggage will require a $50 fee, all oversize baggage will require a $100 fee. |
| Hawaiian Airlines | 45in/115cm | $10.00 | $17.00 | Fees vary depending on location and type of baggage, fees range from $25-$100. |
| Midwest Airlines | 49in/124cm | $20.00 | $20.00 | Between 51-70 pounds requires a $75fee, oversize baggage requires a $75 fee. |
| Spirit Airlines | 50in/127cm | $25.00 | $25.00 | Between 51-70 pounds requires a $50 fee, 71-100lbs requires a $100 fee. Any bag larger than 62in/157cm requires a $100 fee, larger than 80in requires a $150 fee. |
| Virgin Atlantic | 45in/115cm | $0.00 | $48.00 | All overweight/oversize baggage will require a $60 fee. |
| Alaska Airlines | 51in/129cm | $20.00 | $20.00 | Baggage over 50lbs requires a $50 fee, Any bag larger than 62in/157cm-80in/203cm requires a $50 fee, larger will require a $75 fee. |
Are you convinced that you need a good carry on? Great! Check this list to find the best carry on bag for you.