A bag of 55 × 35 × 20 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 7.9 in) fits the carry-on limits of every airline reviewed in this guide, in the US and in Europe. American, Delta and United set their limit at 22 × 14 × 9 in, wheels and handles included. This guide shows which size to choose, how to measure your bag and how the rules change on flights to Europe.
What size is a carry-on suitcase?
There is no single carry-on suitcase size: each airline sets its own limit. The TSA does not regulate carry-on dimensions and leaves them to the airlines. IATA, the international airline association, cites 56 × 45 × 25 cm (22 × 18 × 10 in) as a reference used by many airlines, not as a mandatory standard.
In practice, the three largest US airlines share one size. American, Delta and United allow 22 × 14 × 9 in, or about 56 × 35 × 23 cm. Garbelle designs its leather carry-on travel bags around a maximum length of 55 cm (21.7 in).
What are the carry-on limits at American, Delta, United and European airlines?
US airlines publish the same carry-on size but different personal item rules. European airlines vary more, and their limits often depend on the fare.
| Airline | Carry-on bag | Weight | Personal item |
|---|---|---|---|
| American | 56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14 × 9 in) | No limit published | 45 × 35 × 20 cm (18 × 14 × 8 in) |
| Delta | 56 × 35 × 23 cm (22 × 14 × 9 in) | No limit published | Must fit under the seat |
| United | 56 × 35 × 23 cm (22 × 14 × 9 in) | No limit published | 43 × 25 × 22 cm (17 × 10 × 9 in) |
| British Airways | 56 × 45 × 25 cm (22 × 18 × 10 in) | No limit published | 40 × 30 × 15 cm (16 × 12 × 6 in) |
| Air France | 55 × 35 × 25 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 9.9 in) | 12 kg (26.4 lb) in Economy, both bags | 40 × 30 × 15 cm (16 × 12 × 6 in) |
| Lufthansa | 55 × 40 × 23 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 in) | 8 kg (17.6 lb) | 40 × 30 × 15 cm (16 × 12 × 6 in) |
This table reflects the rules each airline published on October 8, 2026. Basic Economy fares can limit you to a personal item only, as at United on most domestic routes. Check your airline's current limit before each departure.
What is the difference between a carry-on bag and a personal item?
The carry-on bag goes in the overhead bin, and the personal item fits under the seat in front of you. On American, a personal item can measure up to 45 × 35 × 20 cm (18 × 14 × 8 in).
A work backpack, a messenger bag or a briefcase usually fills this role. The Garbelle leather urban backpack measures 39 × 28 × 13 cm (15.4 × 11 × 5.1 in) and holds a 14-inch laptop. On flights within Europe, an EU regulation will make this small bag free from October 23, 2027, up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm (16 × 12 × 6 in).
How do you measure a carry-on bag?
Measure the bag packed, wheels, handles and pockets included. American, Delta, United, Air France and British Airways all count these parts in the limit.
- Pack the bag as you would for the trip, outside pockets included.
- Measure length, width and depth at the widest point.
- Add the wheels, feet and retracted handle.
- Compare each measurement with the airline limit, not the volume in liters.
- Weigh the closed bag with a bag scale.
Delta adds a second rule: length, width and depth must not exceed 45 linear inches (114 cm) combined. At the gate, the bag must slide into the sizer without forcing.
Is there a weight limit for carry-on bags?
American, Delta and United publish no weight limit for carry-on bags. In Europe, limits run from 8 kg (17.6 lb) at Lufthansa to 12 kg (26.4 lb) at Air France in Economy, for both bags combined.
The empty weight of the bag counts toward that total. At 2.15 kg (4.7 lb) for 42 liters, the Garbelle carry-on garment duffel, classic model, stays light. Under an 8 kg limit, it leaves about 6 kg (13 lb) for your clothes.
Which carry-on bag works for a trip with a suit?
For 5 to 7 days with a suit, a 42-liter carry-on with a built-in garment sleeve keeps you away from checked baggage. The Garbelle classic model measures 55 × 29 × 26 cm (21.7 × 11.4 × 10.2 in) and holds the suit flat along its full length. Its isolated shoe compartment keeps a worn pair away from clean shirts. For a longer stay, our guide to laptop bags for business travel compares the formats.
For 3 to 5 days without a suit, the compact carry-on travel bag offers 34 liters in 50 × 23 × 29 cm (19.7 × 9.1 × 11.4 in). Garbelle carry-on bags fit the cabin limits of more than 150 airlines, subject to each airline's own rules. Compare every model and its size on the page for Garbelle weekenders and garment bags.
