Carry-On Luggage Rules

To make your trip easier, we have compiled the following links and tips about carry-on luggage requirements for domestic airlines

What is a Carry-On Bag?

The following are general guidelines, but keep in mind that each airline has its own carry-on luggage policy. Please use the links in the table below to view the policy of each airline.

An item measuring no greater than 22 x 14 x 9 inches is typically referred to as a carry-on bag and will meet most domestic airlines’ carry-on size standards (obvious exceptions include small regional jets/commuter aircraft). Most domestic airlines also have a 40-pound limit per piece although this is rarely enforced. There is no such thing as an “FAA-approved carry-on” or “government-approved carry-on,” so be wary of products that make these claims.

Airline	Allowance	Max weight per piece	Maximum size per piece
Air Tran	1 plus 1 personal item	-	55″
Alaska	1 plus 1 personal item	-	10″H x 17″W x 24″L
America West	1 plus 1 personal item	-	45″
American	1 plus 1 personal item	40lbs	45″
Continental	1 plus 1 personal item	40lbs	51″
Delta	1 plus 1 personal item	40lbs	All items must each fit in a template approx 22″ x 14″ x 9″
Frontier	1 plus 1 personal item	35lbs	49″
Hawaiian	1 plus 1 personal item	25lbs	45″ or 22″ x 14″ x 9″
Horizon	1 plus 1 personal item		10″H x 17″W x 24″L
JetBlue	1 plus 1 personal item	-	-
Southwest	1 plus 1 personal item	-	24″ x 16″ x 10″
Spirit	1 piece, no personal items	40lbs	22″ x 13″ x 10″
United	1 plus 1 personal item	-	22″ x 14″ x 9″
US Airways	1 plus 1 personal item	40lbs total	24″ x 16″ x 10″ for overhead 21″ x 16″ x 8″ for under seat

To make your trip easier we are providing these guidelines from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Make Your Trip Better Using 3-1-1

3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3 ounce bottle or less; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security measure.

Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening.

Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience. 3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.

Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.

Come early and be patient. Heavy travel volumes and the enhanced security process may mean longer lines at security checkpoints.

More information from the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security