Kyle Olsen/CNN Underscored

You have a handful of luggage and bags for travel at your disposal, but deciding which one fits the carry-on luggage size guide for your airline can be tricky. Each airline has ever-so-slightly different requirements, which means you must research before you fly. Before you get too stressed packing for your next vacation, we’re outlining requirements made by top airlines to give you one, convenient place to get info and recommending products that comply with airline regulations.

Bust out your measuring tape and double check that your suitcase will fit to make sure you can keep your bags right where you want them: in the overhead bin. After all, you don’t want to ruin your vacation by paying extra for checked bag fees if you don’t have to.

Size guide key

When it comes to packing carry-on luggage and personal items, size does in fact matter. It’s critical, actually, in making sure you don’t have to check your bag at the last minute and pay the highest rates for checking a bag. Here are the two ways airlines measure your carry-on:

• H x W x D: Most airlines will list measurements by height, width and depth. You’ll see something like 22 x 14 x 9 inches, which are the most commonly used carry-on bag dimensions.
• Linear inches: This is referring to the total number of inches your bag measures if you add up the height, width and depth. As long as your bag’s dimensions add up to that magic number, you’re good to fly.

It’s also worth noting that airlines include wheels and handlebars in their measurements. When you’re measuring at home, be sure to check that your suitcase will fit from the collapsed handlebar to the tips of the wheels.

Airlines also have sizers at the ticketing counters and gates. Certain airlines — notoriously budget airlines — will be strict about making sure luggage fits in the appropriate sizer. Be prepared to have your bag measured before you board.

Major US domestic airlines carry-on policies

Alaska Airlines

When flying with Alaska Airlines, you’re allowed one carry-on bag (22 x 14 x 9 inches) and one personal item (18 x 14 x 8 inches), both free of charge. One of these bags must go under the seat in front of you, and the other must be stored in the overhead bins.

For checked bags, you’ll have to pay a fee. For your first bag, it’s $35, for the second bag, it’s $45 and for any bags after that it’s $150 for each additional bag.

• Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches, no weight limit.
• Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches, or 45 linear inches.
• Items that don’t count toward carry-on allowance: Coats, hats and umbrellas that are compact to store in overhead bins or under the seat in front of you, FAA-approved child/infant restraint seats to be occupied by a child, strollers and mobility/medical assistive devices.

American Airlines

American Airlines allows passengers one personal item (18 x 14 x 8 inches) and one carry-on bag (22 x 14 x 9 inches) with no additional charge. These bags must fit underneath the seat in front of you and in an overhead bin. American Airlines notes that some airports and planes may have additional carry-on restrictions. If your bag doesn’t fit the specific airplane requirements, American Airlines often offers a free valet check at the gate.

Your first checked bag will cost $35 if you pay ahead online and $40 if you pay at the airport. The second checked bag will be $45.

• Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches
• Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches
• Items that don’t count toward your carry-on allowance: Diaper bag (one per child), breast pumps, small soft-sided coolers for breast milk, child safety seats, strollers and medical and mobility devices

Delta Air Lines

You’re allowed one carry-on (22 x 14 x 9 inches) and one personal item without charge when flying with Delta. You’ll store one bag under the seat in front of you and one overhead. Delta lists the combined measurements of their carry-on allowance as 45 linear inches. Passengers who are traveling on Delta Connection flights, including flights with 50 or fewer seats, are only permitted pto carry ersonal items due to limited overhead space.

If you’re a Delta SkyMiles Medallion Member, select cobranded cardholder or active duty military member, your first checked bag is free. For others traveling with Delta, your first checked bag is $35 and the second is $45.

• Personal item: No stated size limit, but Delta lists a purse, briefcase, camera bag, diaper bag, laptop bag or an item of similar or smaller size to those bags.
• Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches, or 45 linear inches
• Items that don’t count toward your carry-on allowance: A jacket, umbrella, food or drink purchased past the security checkpoint, duty-free merchandise, strollers, wheelchairs, child safety seats or assistive devices.

Southwest Airlines

Your carry-on bag (24 x 16 x 10 inches) and personal item are free when you fly with Southwest Airlines. Southwest recently updated its checked bag policy, but the carry-on allowance remains the same.

Depending on your ticket, your checked bag fare will change. Basic fare, Wanna Get Away Plus fare and Anytime fare travelers will pay $35 for their first bag and $45 for the second. Business Select fare and Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members will not pay for checked bags. Rapid Rewards A-List members and cobranded Chase cardholders get their first bag free and pay $35 and $45, respectively, for their second checked bag. Active duty military customers will not be charged for checked bags.

• Personal item: Southwest does not list dimensions, but notes a purse, briefcase, laptop computer case, backpack or small camera, provided items can be stowed under the seat in front of you.
• Carry-on: 24 x 16 x 10 inches
• Items that don’t count toward your carry-on allowance: Baggage containing a breast pump or breast milk, neck pillows, FAA-approved car seats/child restraint systems that will be used during your flight, assistive devices for travelers with disabilities, food to be eaten during the flight, outer garments or other wearable articles of clothing, baggage containing necessary items used by trained service animals.

United Airlines

United Airlines allows most customers one personal item (17 x 10 x 9 inches) and one carry-on (22 x 14 x 9 inches) item free of charge. Basic Economy travelers will be allowed one personal item included in their ticket, but will be charged for a carry-on suitcase, with prices starting at $40. If you’re flying with a Basic Economy ticket and your personal item does not fit the 17 x 10 x 9 inch requirement, you’ll have to check it at the gate and be charged $65.

You can check the price of your checked bag using United’s baggage fee calculator, and pre-paying online will lower your price.

• Personal item: 17 x 10 x 9 inches
• Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches
• Items that don’t count toward your carry-on allowance: Coats, umbrellas, things to read, food or drinks bought at the airport, mobility devices, car seats, child safety harnesses, strollers, diaper bags, breast pumps and cameras

Budget US domestic airlines carry-on policies

Allegiant Air

You’re allowed one personal item (18 x 14 x 8 inches) free of charge on Allegiant Air flights, and carry-on bags (22 x 16 x 10 inches) will require you to pay a fee. The price for carry-on bags, which the airline lists as a garment bag to a roller bag, range from $10 to $75.

The brand lists their baggage fees and offers a baggage fee calculator that you can utilize for both carry-on and checked bags.

• Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches
• Carry-on: 22 x 16 x 10 inches; from $10
• Items that don’t count toward your carry-on allowance: Necessary medical devices, assistive devices (like a stroller), one jacket, a small umbrella, food to be eaten during the flight and a diaper bag.

Avelo Airlines

Traveling on Avelo Airlines gets you one personal item (17 x 13 x 9 inches) free of charge and one carry-on item (22 x 14 x 9 inches) for a fee, ranging from $45 to $77. Paying during your initial reservation gives you the lowest fare option.

Checked bags will cost from $42 to $77.

• Personal item: 17 x 13 x 9 inches
• Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches; from $45
• Items that don’t count toward your carry-on allowance: Manual wheelchairs, mobility aids and other assistive devices used by a qualified individual with a disability and outerwear

Breeze Airways

Breeze Airways allows passengers under any ticket reservation to bring one personal item (17 x 13 x 8 inches) on board, free of charge. Carry-on bags (22 x 14 x 9 inches) are included in Nice, Nicer and Nicest bundle tickets, but those traveling with No Flex Fare and Flex Fare tickets will have to pay a fee, starting at $35 up to $75. Carry-on bags must weigh less than 35 pounds. US military passengers receive one free carry-on and two free checked bags.

Checked bags start at $40. Both carry-on and checked bags are given the lowest fees when paying during your initial booking process.

• Personal item: 17 x 13 x 8 inches
• Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches, up to 35 pounds; from $35 to $75 for No Flex Fare and Flex Fare travelers, included for Nice, Nicer and Nicest bundle travelers.
• Items that don’t count toward your carry-on allowance: Breeze does not list extra items outside of a personal item and carry-on or checked bag.

Frontier Airlines

Take one personal item (18 x 14 x 8 inches) with you for no charge when flying Frontier Airlines, while a carry-on (24 x 16 x 10 inches) will cost from $34 to $99. The cheapest option for paying for your carry-on is adding it to your cart during your initial booking. Carry-on bags can weigh no more than 35 pounds. Active duty military passengers will not be charged for a carry-on bag and/or one checked bag.

Checked bags are allowed for a fee as well, ranging from $34 to $99, weighing no more than 40 pounds.

• Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches
• Carry-on: 24 x 16 x 10 inches, up to 35 pounds; from $34
• Items that don’t count toward your carry-on allowance: Strollers, car seats, wheelchairs, scooters and other mobility devices.

JetBlue Airlines

Both your personal item (17 x 13 x 8 inches) and carry-on bag are included when flying with any ticket on JetBlue. Your carry-on (22 x 14 x 9 inches) must fit in the overhead compartment, while your personal item can be stored underneath the seat in front of you.

Depending on your ticket, one checked bag may be included. Certain tickets also include a second checked bag for no extra charge. For Blue, Blue Basic and Blue Extra tickets, checked bag fares start at $35.

• Personal item: 17 x 13 x 8 inches
• Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches
• Items that don’t count toward your carry-on allowance: Strollers, crutches, wheelchair and other assistive devices.

Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines allows guests one personal item (18 x 14 x 8 inches) for free that must fit in the sizer bin. Certain tickets for Spirit flights, like Go Big, Go Comfy and Go Savvy include your carry-on bag (22 x 18 x 10 inches) for a fee. If you’re flying with a standard Go ticket, you will not be able to add a carry-on bag for your flight. Active duty military service members will not be charged for a carry-on and up to two checked bags. Your carry-on bag cannot weigh more than 35 pounds.

Checked bag prices are comparable to carry-on bags, with prices ranging from $54 to $99.

• Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches
• Carry-on: 22 x 18 x 10 inches, up to 35 pounds
• Items that don’t count toward your carry-on allowance: Umbrellas, cameras, infant diaper bags, assistive devices, outer garments, reading material and food for the flight. Neck/travel pillows must fit in your personal item. Wheelchairs may be checked at the ticket counter or gate free of charge.

Sun Country Airlines

Traveling on Sun Country Airlines allows you one personal item (17 x 13 x 9 inches), which Sun Country calls an under-seat item, at no extra cost. You’ll have to pay for an “overhead bag,” a.k.a. carry-on (24 x 16 x 11 inches), with the lowest fare being available during your initial booking. Carry-on bag fees start at $40 and go up to $50. Your carry-on cannot weigh more than 35 pounds.

Checked bag fees start at $40 and go up to $65.

• Personal item: 17 x 13 x 9 inches
• Carry-on: 24 x 16 x 11 inches, up to 35 pounds
• Items that don’t count toward your carry-on allowance: Mobility devices and medical equipment must be stored according to FAA regulations, walkers and canes that can fit in overhead storage.

Major international airlines carry-on luggage policies

Aeromexico

Flying Aeromexico gets you one carry-on (21.5 x 15.7 x 10 inches) and one personal item for your flight with no additional charge. Depending on which type of ticket you book, you’re allowed a certain weight total. For Basic fare and Premier One fare, together items can weigh up to 23 pounds. For Classic, AM Light, Premier and Premier Light fares, bags can total up to 33 pounds.

• Personal item: Aeromexico does not list measurements, but notes briefcases, purses, computers, umbrellas, fanny packs all count as a personal item and contribute to the weight allowance dependent upon your ticket fare.
• Carry-on: 21.5 x 15.7 x 10 inches, with weight requirements dependent with your ticket fare
• Items that don’t count toward your carry-on allowance: Jackets, a bag containing items purchased in the duty-free area, books, electronics like laptops, headphones or cameras, travel pillows, travel blankets, medical devices.

Air Canada

Most tickets for Air Canada flights will allow you one personal item (17 x 13 x 6 inches) and one carry-on item (21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches) for no additional charge. If you’re traveling within Canada, to and from the U.S. or to and from Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean and you’ve booked an Economy Basic ticket, you’ll have to pay a fee for your carry-on, but will be allowed a personal item for no cost.

Depending on your fare, destination, date of ticket program and loyalty program status, your checked baggage allowance will vary.

• Personal item: 17 x 13 x 6 inches
• Carry-on: 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches
• Items that don’t count toward your carry-on allowance: Coats, snacks and food to eat on board, infant care items (like a diaper bag), strollers, child restraint devices, mobility aids and battery-powered medical equipment.

British Airways

British Airways allows passengers one personal item (16 x 12 x 6 inches) and one carry-on bag (22 x 18 x 10 inches) at no upfront cost, though both bags must weigh less than 51 pounds. Checked bags will cost you, depending on your ticket. Prices start at $67.

• Personal item: 16 x 12 x 6 inches, up to 51 pounds
• Carry-on: 22 x 18 x 10 inches, up to 51 pounds
• Items that don’t count toward your carry-on allowance: Wheelchairs, mobility aids and assistive devices.

Emirates

All Emirates passengers are permitted one carry-on bag (21.6 x 14.9 x 8.6 inches), not to exceed 15.4 pounds for Economy fare, 22 pounds for Premium Economy. If you’re traveling in business or first class, you’re allowed one carry-on and one personal item (17.7 x 13.7 x 7.8 inches) that can each weigh 15.4 pounds.

• Personal item: 17.7 x 13.7 x 7.8 inches (for Business and First Class passengers)
• Carry-on: 21.6 x 14.9 x 8.6 inches, weight dependent upon fare booked
• Items that don’t count toward your carry-on allowance: Medications, baby milk or foods and duty-free purchases.

Lufthansa

You’ll get a carry-on (21.6 x 15.7 x 9 inches) and personal item (15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9 inches) for no charge when flying Lufthansa, though there are weight limits to note. Your carry-on cannot weigh more than 17.6 pounds. If you’re flying business or first class, then you’re permitted two carry-on items.

Lufthansa offers a fare calculator for baggage fees, as checked luggage prices depend on your route and class type.

• Personal item: 15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9 inches
• Carry-on: 21.6 x 15.7 x 9 inches, up to 17.6 pounds
• Items that don’t count toward your carry-on allowance: A baby carry cot or child seat, wheelchairs and orthopedic aids.

Singapore Airlines

Pack one personal item (15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9 inches) and one carry-on item (45.2 linear inches), weighing up to 15.4 pounds, for your flight with Singapore Airlines. If you’re flying Suites, first or business class, you’re allowed two carry-on items, each can weigh up to 15.4 pounds. Your personal item must be stored under the seat in front of you while your carry-on goes overhead.

If you’re planning to check a bag, the allowance is based on the weight or piece concept and is dependent upon your final destination.

• Personal item: 15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9 inches
• Carry-on: 45.2 linear inches, up to 15.4 pounds
• Items that don’t count toward your carry-on allowance: Baby strollers, overcoats, umbrellas, infant’s amenities, a walking stick/crutches and a small amount of duty-free goods.

WestJet

The carry-on allowance for WestJet is dependent on your ticket fare. Econo, Member Exclusive, EconoFlex, Premium, PremiumFlex, Business or BusinessFlex passengers are allowed one carry-on (22 x 14 x 9 inches) and one personal item (16 x 6 x 13 inches). UltraBasic travelers are allowed one personal item and cannot bring or pay for a carry-on bag, unless they are flying to and from Europe and Asia, or when Extended Comfort has been purchased for all flights in a single direction, including connections. Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you and your carry-on must store overhead.

• Personal item: 16 x 6 x 13 inches
• Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches
• Items that don’t count toward your carry-on allowance: Diaper bags, food items to be eaten on board, medical devices and mobility devices.

Source: CNN Travel