Carry On Baggage Guidelines Each airline has different guidelines when it comes to carry on luggage. So we here at Bestfares.com have done the research for you so that you will have the most up to date information. The charts listed below should only be used as a guide.
Always visit the
carriers website for the most current information. The one thing that is across the board with all carriers is the liquids and
gels policy for carry on baggage, this is an FAA regulation that is very strict.
Don't be caught off guard by the new guidelines for the most recent information
please click here to visit
our permitted and prohibited items page.
If you would like to save yourself some money at check in time follow the below guidelines and should be able to walk on with your carry on no problem. However, if you over pack your carry on the airline may make you check the bag along with paying the checked baggage fee. To see our fee chart for checked baggage please click here. On top of the fee, this is time consuming and you may have to clear security again since you will have to go back to the check in counter.
***Please note there have been many changes as of January 2010. Personal items are now being sized regulated as well so you may need to check with your carrier to find out the specifics. Also, there are new rules with flights originating in Canada to the United States. You are no longer allowed a carry on item, but allowed one very small personal item.
***There are also new restrictions on European travel. If your flight departs Europe for the United States you are only allowed one carry on, two will no longer be allowed but most airlines are waiving the checked baggage fee for items that were indented to be a carry on. You must check with your carrier as these new stricter policies will affect how long it takes to pass through security and you will not be allowed to carry on more than the maximum limits each airline has set no exceptions.
The chart below reflects information regarding outgoing flights from the United States. Please take note of the above new restrictions on flying into the United States.
| Carrier | Number Of Carry On Bags | Number Of Personal Items | Maximum Dimensions (linear Inches) | Template Size | Maximum Weight Of Carry On |
| Air Canada | 1 | 1 | 46 | 21.5x15x9 | 20 lbs. |
| AirTran | 1 | 1 | 55 | 24x18x13 | not specified |
| Alaska Airlines | 1 | 1 | 51 | 24x17x10 | not specified |
| American Airlines | 1 | 1 | 45 | gate decision | 40 lbs. |
| British Airways | 1 | 1 | 50 | 22x18x10 | 50 lbs. |
| Continental Airlines | 1 | 1 | 45 | 22x14x9 | 40 lbs. |
| Delta Airlines | 1 | 1 | 45 | 22x14x9 | 40 lbs. |
| Frontier Airlines | 1 | 1 | 49 | 9.5x15.5x24 | 35 lbs. |
| Hawaiian Airlines | 1 | 1 | 45 | 22x14x9 | 25 lbs. |
| JetBlue | 1 | 1 | 50-56 depending on plane size | 26x18x12 | not specified |
| Northwest Airlines | 1 | 1 | 45 | 22x14x9 | not specified |
| Southwest Airlines | 1 | 1 | 50 | 21.5x15.5x9 | not specified |
| Spirit Airlines | 1 at the cost of $30 or $45 at the gate | 1 | 52 | 24x16x12 | not specified |
| United Airlines | 1 | 1 | 45 | 22x14x9 | not specified |
| US Airways | 1 | 1 | 45 | 22X14X9 | 40 lbs. |
| Virgin America | 1 | 1 | 50 | 24X16X10 | 16 lbs. |
