A carry-on size checker compares your bag dimensions against the specific limits for each airline. Rules vary widely — a bag that's fine on United may be rejected by Spirit or Ryanair. Check before you pack to avoid costly gate fees.
Your Bag Dimensions
Include wheels, handles, and external pockets in your measurements
Airline-by-Airline Results
Personal items typically fit under the seat: 18×14×8 in (46×36×20 cm). Most airlines allow one personal item per passenger for free.
How to Use the Carry-On Size Checker
Airlines set their own carry-on size limits, and the differences can be significant. A bag that's perfectly acceptable on Delta or United might be rejected and gate-checked on Spirit or Ryanair — sometimes for hefty fees of $50-$100. This tool lets you check all airlines at once before you pack.
Step 1: Measure Your Bag Accurately
Measure your bag at its widest points. For rolling luggage, include the wheels in the height measurement and the handle bracket in the width. For backpacks, measure with hip straps tucked in. Some airlines use external bag sizers — if your bag doesn't fit in the sizer, you'll be forced to check it regardless of what your tape measure says.
Step 2: Select Your Unit System
Toggle between inches (US, most North American airlines) and centimeters (European, Asian, and Middle Eastern carriers). The tool converts automatically when you switch. Note that international airlines often have stricter limits than US carriers.
Step 3: Review Pass/Fail Results
Results are sorted by pass/fail status. Airlines where your bag passes are shown in green; airlines where it fails are shown in red with the specific limit that's exceeded. If you're flying a budget carrier like Spirit or Ryanair, check their limit first — these airlines are the most strict and actively enforce size limits at the gate.
US vs. International Airlines: Key Differences
Most major US carriers (United, American, Delta) allow carry-ons up to 22×14×9 inches. Budget US carriers like Spirit restrict bags to 18×14×8 inches for free, with an upsell for overhead bin access. European budget carriers like Ryanair and easyJet use centimeter measurements and are stricter still — many allow only a small personal item for free, with carry-ons requiring a fee.
FAQ
Is this carry-on size checker free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required. Enter your bag dimensions and instantly see which airlines will allow it as a carry-on.
What is the standard carry-on size?
Most major US airlines allow carry-ons up to 22×14×9 inches (56×36×23 cm). However, budget airlines like Spirit and Ryanair have much stricter limits. Always verify with your specific airline before flying.
Do airlines measure carry-on bags at the gate?
Airlines have the right to measure bags at the gate, and many budget carriers actively enforce size rules. Spirit, Frontier, Ryanair, and easyJet frequently use bag sizers. If your bag doesn't fit, you may be forced to check it and pay substantial fees.
What counts toward carry-on dimensions?
Dimensions include wheels, handles, and any external pockets. Measure your bag at its widest points, including when wheels are attached and the handle is retracted. A bag that's technically 22 inches tall but has 2-inch wheels is effectively 24 inches.
What is the difference between a carry-on and personal item?
A carry-on goes in the overhead bin. A personal item (purse, laptop bag, small backpack) goes under the seat in front of you. Most airlines allow both, but budget carriers may charge extra for one or both. Personal item limits are typically smaller, around 18×14×8 inches.
Can soft-sided bags exceed the size limit?
Many flight attendants apply soft-sided bag size rules more leniently because soft bags can compress to fit in the overhead bin. However, this is entirely at the crew's discretion. On budget airlines, always bring a bag that clearly meets the size limit.
Is my data safe when using this tool?
Yes. All comparisons happen in your browser. No data about your bag or travel plans is sent to any server.