southwest airlines carry on weight restrictions

For instance, American Airlines allows passengers to carry on a soft-sided garment bag up to 51 inches in lieu of a standard piece of luggage.īy law, airlines are required to allow passengers to substitute a small musical instrument for a carry-on bag as long as it fits under the seat or in the overhead compartment. Garment bags count as carry-ons, as long as they follow the dimensions specified by the airline. Generally, a small rolling suitcase, duffel bag, or larger backpack will count as a carry-on bag. (Business- or premium-class passengers are usually allowed more.) Basic economy tickets typically allow one personal item but no use of the overhead bin compartments. Most major domestic and international airlines allow economy passengers one carry-on and one personal item. Some airlines allow additional carry-ons, a larger bag, or a bag that weighs more than the standard economy weight if you have booked a premium economy, business, or first-class ticket.Ĭarry-on sizes for major international airlines (United States)Ģ1.5” x 15.5” x 9.5” (46.5 linear inches)Ģ1.7” x 13.8” x 9.9” (45.4 linear inches)Ģ1.7” x 13.8” x 9.8” (45.3 linear inches)Ģ1.6” x 15.7” x 7.9” (45.2 linear inches) The carry-on restrictions are for a standard, economy ticket. Many budget airlines, both domestic and international, have strict guidelines for the number and size of carry-on baggage-and enforce them-so be sure to check your specific airlines’ requirements when traveling abroad.Ĭarry-on sizes for major domestic airlines (United States) They can range anywhere from 11 pounds (China Southern) to 51 pounds (British Airways). Outside the U.S., however, most airlines have a weight limit for carry-on bags. However, they generally require travelers to be able to lift their bags into the overhead compartment (or, for anyone assisting the elderly or persons with disabilities). airlines do not have a weight limit for carry-on bags.

airlines, but unless you’re flying on say, a small island-hopper in the Azores, 45 linear inches or smaller will allow you to meet the requirements of just about all of them.Īside from Frontier and Hawaiian Airlines, the major U.S. The size limit varies more widely on non-U.S. Although some airlines, notably Southwest and Spirit Airlines, will allow a bag up to 50 linear inches, it’s a good idea to look for a bag that’s around 45 linear inches or smaller if you’re shopping for a new carry-on (and will likely use it on multiple different airlines). On domestic flights within the United States, a carry-on bag that’s smaller than 22 x 14 x 9 inches (45 linear inches), including handles and wheels will meet the size restrictions of all major airlines, such as United Airlines and Alaska Airlines. What size should your carry-on luggage be? Before your next flight, use this guide to make sure your bag will fit in the overhead compartment. To add to the confusion, restrictions vary by airline and even ticket class-meaning that suitcase you seamlessly brought on board for one flight might be gate checked on another.

Did the airline website understate how seriously gate agents would take size limits, or did you flat-out forget to check? Even worse, you may have been forced to gate check when your hard-case roller didn’t fit snugly in the dreaded measurement box. Even if you have your packing strategy down to a science, you’ve probably had at least one run-in with a bulging carry-on bag that won’t fit into the overhead bin as a flight attendant glares at you.

Southwest airlines carry on weight restrictions