Will your carry-on fit?
Gate-checking a bag you thought was fine is the worst way to start a trip. Pick your airline, enter your bag, and know before you go.
It fits
Your bag is within Most US airlines (standard)'s carry-on limit.
22 x 14 x 9 in
airline limit
56 x 36 x 23 cm
in centimeters
Limits and enforcement change. Confirm on the airline website before you fly.
Carry-on limits at popular airlines
Maximum carry-on size, including wheels and handles. Most major US airlines share the 22 x 14 x 9 inch standard; budget and international carriers vary and often weigh bags.
| Airline | Inches | cm | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 | 56 x 36 x 23 | none published |
| Southwest Airlines | 24 x 16 x 10 | 61 x 41 x 25 | none published |
| Frontier Airlines | 24 x 16 x 10 | 61 x 41 x 25 | 35 lb |
| British Airways | 22 x 18 x 10 | 56 x 45 x 25 | none published |
| Ryanair | 21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 | 55 x 40 x 20 | 22 lb |
| easyJet | 22 x 17.7 x 9.8 | 56 x 45 x 25 | 33 lb |
| Emirates | 21.6 x 14.9 x 8.6 | 55 x 38 x 22 | 15 lb |
| Lufthansa | 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 | 55 x 40 x 23 | 17.6 lb |
| Qatar Airways | 20 x 15 x 10 | 50 x 37 x 25 | 15 lb |
Source: each airline's own baggage page, read October 3, 2026. The full table, with personal item limits, cheapest-fare rules, source links, and a CSV download, is in our carry-on size rules by airline dataset. Always confirm on the airline site, since limits and enforcement change.
A carry-on that fits every time
If your current bag failed the check, the Away Carry-On 22 is our best-overall hardside: sized inside the major US airline limits so the gate check stops being a gamble. See all carry-on picks →
AWAY
Away The Carry-On 22-Inch Hardside Spinner
Best Hardside
Kit Score 8.5/10
$275.00 Price checked Oct 25, 3:41 PM CDT
Best for: Travelers who want a durable, polished hardside bag they can use for years and check in knowing the shell will protect contents.
- Dense polycarbonate shell resisted cracking and denting in independent reviews
- Does not expand, limiting packing flexibility versus comparable softside options
- Exterior dimensions
- 22" x 14.4" x 9.1" including wheels and handles (Away)
- Interior dimensions
- 20.1" x 13.9" x 7.5" (Away)
- Weight
- 7.5 lbs
- Capacity
- 41 L (Away); 35.5 L measured by Outdoor Gear Lab
- Shell material
- 100% polycarbonate hardshell
- Wheels
- 4-wheel 360-degree spinner
About this pick
Away's carry-on pairs a polycarbonate shell with a compression panel, a built-in TSA lock, and four spinner wheels. Wirecutter names it its top hard-sided carry-on and Outdoor Gear Lab its favorite hardside. Away lists 22 x 14.4 x 9.1 inches including wheels and handles, a hair over the 22 x 14 x 9 inch template.
More specifications
- Lock
- TSA-approved combination lock, built-in
- Warranty
- LifetimeCare for purchases from April 14, 2026: five years of free repairs, up to one replacement, then paid repairs
Strengths
- Dense polycarbonate shell resisted cracking and denting in independent reviews
- WhisperGlide spinner wheels are consistently quiet and track straight
- Compression panel keeps contents flat and reduces overpacking tension on zipper
Weaknesses
- Does not expand, limiting packing flexibility versus comparable softside options
- Grab handles are narrow and can be uncomfortable for larger hands
Kit Score breakdown
Researched, not personally tested: picks come from specs, verified-owner reviews, and expert sources, scored into the Kit Score. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission from links here, at no extra cost to you. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. How we research →
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard carry-on size?
The most common carry-on limit is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), used by most major US airlines including American, Delta, United, Alaska, and JetBlue. Measured with wheels and handles, that size fits the widest range of airlines.
Do carry-on size limits include wheels and handles?
Yes. Airline carry-on dimensions include wheels, handles, and external pockets, so measure your bag at its largest points. A bag sold as 22 inches can measure 23 or 24 with the wheels, which is a common reason bags get gate-checked.
What is the carry-on weight limit?
Most US airlines do not enforce a carry-on weight limit, but many international and budget carriers do, commonly 7 to 10 kg (about 15 to 22 lb). Airlines such as Emirates, Qatar, and many in Asia and Europe weigh carry-ons at the gate.
Is a carry-on the same as a personal item?
No. A carry-on goes in the overhead bin and is the larger allowance. A personal item like a backpack or purse must fit under the seat and is smaller, typically around 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Many basic-economy fares include only a personal item.
What carry-on size works for almost any airline?
A bag around 19.5 x 13.5 x 7.5 inches (50 x 35 x 20 cm) clears every carry-on limit in our airline dataset, including Qatar Airways' 50 cm length and Ryanair's 20 cm depth. If you only fly major US airlines, a standard 22 x 14 x 9 inch bag is fine.
More free tools
Packing Cube Fit CheckerWhich packing cubes and folders fit your bag, how many, and how to lay them out.
Power-Bank Flight CheckerConvert mAh to Wh and check current airline power-bank rules.
Pack-Size SelectorWhat size pack (in liters) your trip actually needs.
Shoe FinderFive questions match you to the right outdoor shoes, men's and women's.Embed this tool on your site (free)
Paste this where you want the tool to appear. It is free to use with a small credit link back to Kit Authority.
<iframe src="https://kitauthority.com/embed/carry-on-checker" title="Carry-On Size Checker" width="100%" height="640" style="border:0;width:100%;max-width:680px" loading="lazy"></iframe>
<script>window.addEventListener("message",function(e){if(e&&e.data&&e.data.type==="ka-embed-height"){var f=document.querySelector('iframe[src="https://kitauthority.com/embed/carry-on-checker"]');if(f){f.style.height=e.data.height+"px";}}});</script>