Cabin Luggage Size, Weight, and Restrictions – How Big Can a Carry-On Be?

Posted on Jun 3rd, 2022 by Heena Ganotra, Last updated on Aug 8th, 2022

When you’re packing, it is important to keep the carry-on luggage size and weight requirements in mind. Most people can carry everything they need for the trip in their hand luggage and skip the hassle of checked luggage entirely. Most airlines have some restrictions on cabin baggage weight, size, and dimensions. You also need to know what you can and can’t pack within your cabin luggage. 

Fortunately, the size and dimension requirements are pretty standard across the board. No matter which airline you book, the size requirements will be similar. No matter which flight in and out of Canada you book, the content restrictions and requirements will be the same as dictated by the Canadian authority. 

What is a Carry-On?

A carry-on is a piece of luggage which can be a small suitcase or a luggage bag. It should be small enough to fit in the cabin storage of your flight and light enough to carry comfortably. Most airlines allow passengers to take one small piece of luggage with them free of cost. 

There is no need to pay for checked bags or deal with the hassle of dropping them off or picking them up. However, there are limitations on what you can carry in your carry-on baggage. Consider the length and nature of your trip carefully before deciding whether you travel with just your carry-on.

Personal Bag vs. Carry-On

Most airlines allow passengers to travel with one personal bag and one carry-on. The personal bag is a small bag like a lady’s handbag, laptop bag, garment bag, camera case, etc. No matter what kind of bag you carry, it should fit comfortably on your lap and under the seat in front of you. 

A carry-on is a small suitcase or luggage bag that is larger than a personal item and can carry a lot of garments or personal items. Most airlines provide guidelines on the size and weight requirements. A good rule of thumb to follow is that you should be able to lift the bag and place it on the overhead cabin without needing assistance. 

We explain the details about the carry-on size and weight limits below. 

Standard Carry-On Size

The standard luggage sizes for cabin luggage are pretty universal, especially for domestic flights within Canada. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• The standard hand carry luggage size shouldn’t exceed 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches or 55 x 40 x 23 cm, which is a total of 46 inches or 118 cms. 
• Some airlines, particularly US-based airlines, require 22″ x 14″ x 9″ inches. 
• The dimensions should include the handle and wheels of the suitcase. 
• The international carry-on size is somewhat similar so make sure your suitcase stands at 21-22 inches or lower. 

It is best to check the website of your airline for any specific instructions before you start packing. Your airline may allow smaller or bigger luggage options. For example, some European airlines allow passengers to carry 27-inch-tall cabin luggage. 

Carry on Luggage Weight Limit

Most major Canadian and US airlines don’t have a carry-on weight limit. They generally insist that a healthy adult person should be able to lift their own luggage and place it on the overhead cabin without requiring assistance. While the carry-on dimensions can be pretty strict, the weight packed in them isn’t usually specific. 

However, some national and international airlines will put weight limitations on carry-on luggage. For example, some airlines say that the bag shouldn’t weigh more than 10 kgs while others say it shouldn’t weigh more than 7 kgs. 

Once you have booked the ticket, visit the airline’s website to see if they have specific carry-on weight requirements. 

Carry-On Size Requirements of Different Airlines

While the sizes are mostly standard, there can be minor differences between different carriers. Here’s a brief look at the carry-on luggage weight and size requirements of popular airlines:

1. Delta Carry-On Size

Delta Airlines carry-on size is 22″ x 14″ x 9. The bag shouldn’t exceed 45 linear inches, including the handle and wheels. There is no weight limit aside from flights to:

• Singapore – Changi International Airport – 7kgs
• China – Beijing Capital International Airport – 10kgs. 
• China – Pudong International Airport – 10kgs

2. American Airlines Carry-On Size

America Airlines’ luggage size restrictions are 22 x 14 x 9 inches as well. The bags should fit through a sizer to be accepted into the cabin. AA also limits the weight of your carry-on. It shouldn’t weigh more than 18kgs. The same requirements for specific destinations like Singapore and China apply for AA as well. 

3. Air Canada Carry-On Bag Size

Air Canada allows 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 in bags in the cabin and that adds up to 46 linear inches. There is no weight limit but you need to be able to lift the bag and place it in the overhead cabin without any assistance from anyone. 

4. United Airlines Carry-On Size

The United Airlines carry-in size limit is pretty standard. They accept 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches bags that can comfortably fit in their overhead cabin. However, that doesn’t apply to Basic Economy tickets. If you have a Basic Economy ticket, you can only carry a personal item and must check the carry-on suitcase. 
The United Airlines carry-on baggage weight limit isn’t specific. If you can lift it and place the bag in your overhead cabin, it will be permitted.

5. Lufthansa Carry-On Size

You can carry a bag measuring 55 x 40 x 23 cm on Lufthansa flights. The bag shouldn’t weigh more than 8kgs. If you have business or first-class tickets, you can carry two such bags. 

6. Air France Carry-On Size

Air France allows carry-on baggage of 55 x 35 x 25 cm or 21.6 x 13.7 x 9.8 in. The bag and your personal item shouldn’t exceed 12kgs in total. If you’re on a premium ticket, the combined weight shouldn’t exceed 18kgs. 

7. Alaska Airlines Carry-On Luggage

Alaska Airlines allows passengers to carry a bag of 22” x 14” x 9” and a personal item. Your luggage should fit through the bag sizers in airports to be allowed. There are no specific weight restrictions mentioned but the standard rule of being able to place the luggage on the overhead cabin without assistance applies. 

8. Hawaiian Airlines Carry-On Baggage Allowance

Hawaiian Airlines allows 9L x 14W x 22H or 45 linear inches (114 cm) carry-on luggage on-board. The weight of your bag shouldn’t exceed 11kgs. Any bags exceeding the airline standard luggage size and weight restrictions will be taken and stored in cargo and you will be charged additional fees. 

These are the carry-on size and weight requirements you need to know before traveling. Be sure to check the luggage weight restrictions on international flights or domestic flights carefully before you pack. That will help you avoid any last-minute hassle or cost at the airport. 

FAQs

Q. How strict is Air Canada with a carry-on?

Ans. Air Canada has a pretty strict carry-on policy. If your bag exceeds the requirements, it will be placed in cargo and you will have to pay a fee. We recommend staying within the required limits as much as possible. You can always check a larger bag in instead. 

Q. What is the weight limit for carry-on luggage?

Ans. In most cases, the weight limit can range between 7-12kgs. We recommend checking your airline’s policies in particular. We also recommend making sure you can lift your bag and place it in the overhead cabin without requiring assistance. This doesn’t apply to young children, elderly individuals, and disabled individuals. They can request assistance from the staff. 

Q. Do wheels count in carry-on luggage size?

Ans. Yes, wheels and handles are included in the carry-on size. If the bag’s size exceeds the dimension requirements when you add the wheels and handle, we recommend changing the bag. 

Well! This is everything you need to know about carry-on luggage size and weight allowance for different airlines. Now you are ready to pack and go on that much-anticipated trip!

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