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The standard carry-on size for U.S. domestic flights is 22″ x 14″ x 9″, including wheels and handles. For international flights, a spinner of 21″ or less is the safer choice. Checked spinners usually come in 21″, 25″, 28″ and sometimes 31″ sizes, and the most common maximum for a checked bag is 62 linear (total) inches. Always check your airline’s current limits before you fly.
Travel rules differ by region and airline, but carry-on size limits are fairly consistent across many carriers. Picking a spinner that fits the fine print saves you from last-minute gate checks. Here is what to look for.
What size is carry-on luggage?
Airlines may differ by an inch or two, but the standard domestic carry-on size is 22″ x 14″ x 9″, including the handle and wheels. That limit is meant to make sure every bag fits safely in the overhead bin.
For international travel, choose a suitcase that is 21″ or less to be accepted by more carriers. This matters most with smaller regional airlines outside the U.S., which can set their own limits.
The biggest benefit of a carry-on is that your belongings stay with you instead of relying on the airline to deliver them on time and in one piece.
What is the weight limit for carry-on luggage?
Many major U.S. domestic airlines don’t set a weight restriction for carry-on bags, but you have to be able to lift your bag into the overhead bin yourself. Even when an airline lists a weight limit, carry-ons are rarely weighed as long as the bag doesn’t look overstuffed. Weight matters much more on small commuter planes, mainly for safety reasons. Check your airline’s rules, because they can change.
What is a personal item?
Many airlines let you bring a personal item in addition to your carry-on suitcase: a laptop bag, purse, briefcase or similar small bag. Rules vary and some airlines give no exact size; the general rule of thumb is that it must be smaller and lighter than your carry-on and, on many airlines, fit under the seat in front of you.
Families with a stroller or diaper bag, and travelers with special items such as a wedding dress or an instrument, can usually bring these along too, but contact the airline in advance to confirm.
Checked spinner luggage sizes
Most luggage collections come in three or four sizes, usually 21″, 25″, 28″ and sometimes 31″. That’s not a rule: some brands offer smaller cases, while others have little under 25″.
- Maximum checked size: the most common limit is 62 linear (total) inches; a typical checked bag that fits is around 27″ x 21″ x 14″. Oversize, overweight or extra bags cost additional fees.
- Two weeks or more: a medium to large suitcase is usually the right size. Keep mobility in mind: an extra-large case is a pain to carry around if you switch terminals or have a long layover.
If you are shopping for a big checked spinner, see our guide to the best 28-inch suitcases.
What is allowed in a carry-on bag?
The same rules that apply to checked bags apply here (no firearms, restricted lithium batteries and other hazardous items), plus liquid limits. In the U.S., containers of liquid, paste, aerosol, gel or cream larger than 3.4 ounces can’t go through security in your carry-on. Check your carrier’s specific rules too, so you don’t have to throw anything away at the gate. Larger toiletries can go in the hold; here’s how to pack toiletries in checked luggage.
Carry-on spinners to consider
The best carry-on is the one that suits how you travel. If you’re constantly on the road, invest in a durable bag that can keep up; if you take one or two trips a year, something more affordable is fine. You don’t have to stick to legacy brands, and there are good soft-side, hard-side, two-wheel and four-wheel options. Before you buy, compare the dimensions with the limits of the airlines you fly most.
eBags Fortis Pro Carry-On Spinner
Sized for the common 22″ x 14″ x 9″ limit, so you can use the full allowance, and at under eight pounds it is light and easy to maneuver.
Samsonite spinner carry-on
At 21.25″ x 15.25″ x 10″, this Samsonite spinner is wider and deeper than the 22″ x 14″ x 9″ standard, so it suits airlines with a larger size allowance; check yours first. Its wheels roll 360 degrees for narrow aisles, and it expands by about two inches, which makes it a decent small checked bag on many airlines. On budget airlines, read the fine print: some charge for a full-size carry-on but let you bring a personal item free.
Briggs & Riley Torq Domestic Carry-on Spinner
A sleek hard-side spinner made of lightweight polycarbonate, with a hinged front pocket for devices and tech accessories and a USB port. Read our full Briggs & Riley Torq review.
Amazon Basics 20-inch hardside spinner
Worth considering if you only travel a few times a year. This polycarbonate spinner covers the basics: TSA lock, expansion, zippered pockets and an internal compression system to keep things secure and less wrinkled. More in our Amazon Basics luggage review.
Arlo Skye Polycarbonate Carry-on Max (zipperless)
A carry-on that clasps shut instead of zipping, which saves time. It has a durable shell, a removable charger, Japanese Silent Run wheels and a simple design.
Hook & Albert Men’s Leather Garment Weekender Bag
A top-grain pebbled leather weekender that zips open flat to hold a suit and clothing around the outer structure; zipped back together, it leaves room inside for shoes and accessories.
Rimowa Original Cabin Spinner
Rimowa’s grooved cases are made to be used as much as admired: water-resistant, secure and strong for their weight. Dents and stickers just add character.
Tumi Latitude International Carry-on
Part of Tumi’s lightweight Latitude collection, built for durability with a reinforced wheel system, bumpers on common impact zones, an aircraft-grade aluminum telescoping handle and a woven material designed to flex on impact to protect what’s inside.
FAQ
Do wheels and handles count toward the carry-on size?
Yes. The 22″ x 14″ x 9″ standard includes the wheels and handle, so measure the whole suitcase, not just the body.
What is the best suitcase size for most trips?
For domestic U.S. flights, a carry-on of 22″ x 14″ x 9″ is a good rule of thumb. Pay attention to the limits of the airlines you fly most often, since they can differ by a few inches.
What is the largest suitcase you can check on a plane?
The most common maximum is 62 linear inches (length + width + height). Larger, heavier or extra bags are usually accepted for an additional fee.
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