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Writer's pictureTom Bouwman

Airline Size and Weight Restrictions by Country, Region, and Airline


Airlines have size and weight restrictions for both carry-on and personal items; and while we've tried to gather the average/common restrictions listed on each airline's website, it's important to note that:


  1. Restrictions are subject to change

  2. Limitations are dependent on the aircraft - specific to each flight

  3. There could be mistakes!


All that being said, these lists should give you a good idea of average weight and size restrictions across most major and minor airlines.


In this article:



Minimums and Average Size/Weight Restrictions


For a short answer, the average dimensions and weight limits across the airlines are as follows; note that small regional airlines bring down these averages:


  • Average Carry-on/Overhead Size/Weight Restrictions:

    • Average Dimensions: 22.0 x 14.9 x 9.1 inches

    • Average Weight: 19.2 lbs / 8.7 kg


  • Average Personal Item (Under-the-Seat) Size/Weight Restrictions:

    • Average Dimensions: 15.8 x 11.7 x 5.5 inches

    • Weight: Most airlines do not specify a weight limit for personal items.


The most restrictive airlines in terms of both overhead size/weight and personal item limits are China Southern Airlines and Air China.


  • China Southern Airlines allows a total linear dimension (length + width + height) for carry-ons of 45 inches (around 22 x 14 x 9 inches) and enforces a strict 11-pound (5 kg) weight limit, making it one of the lowest weight allowances for overhead bags.


  • Air China allows a carry-on size of 22 x 16 x 8 inches but also has a low weight restriction of 11 pounds (5 kg) for economy class, which is similarly restrictive.


For personal items, both airlines maintain small linear dimension requirements and don't specify weight limits for personal items, but their overall restrictions on weight make them among the most restrictive for overhead luggage.



Size and Weight Restrictions by Airline/Region


U.S. Airlines

Airline

Carry-on/Overhead Size/Weight Limitations

Personal Item Size/Weight Limitations

American Airlines

22x14x9 in (56x36x23 cm) / 40 lbs (18 kg)

18x14x8 in (46x36x20 cm) / No weight limit

Delta Air Lines

22x14x9 in (56x36x23 cm) / No weight limit

18x14x8 in (46x36x20 cm) / No weight limit

United Airlines

22x14x9 in (56x36x23 cm) / 40 lbs (18 kg)

17x10x9 in (43x25x23 cm) / No weight limit

Southwest Airlines

24x16x10 in (61x41x25 cm) / No weight limit

18.5x8.5x13.5 in (47x22x34 cm) / No weight limit

Alaska Airlines

22x14x9 in (56x36x23 cm) / No weight limit

17x10x9 in (43x25x23 cm) / No weight limit

JetBlue Airways

22x14x9 in (56x36x23 cm) / No weight limit

17x13x8 in (43x33x20 cm) / No weight limit

Spirit Airlines

22x18x10 in (56x46x25 cm) / 40 lbs (18 kg)

18x14x8 in (46x36x20 cm) / No weight limit

Frontier Airlines

24x16x10 in (61x41x25 cm) / 35 lbs (16 kg)

18x14x8 in (46x36x20 cm) / No weight limit

Hawaiian Airlines

22x14x9 in (56x36x23 cm) / 25 lbs (11 kg)

No specific dimensions, fits under the seat

South and Central American Airlines

Avianca

45 in (114 cm) total linear dimensions / 22 lbs (10 kg)

No weight specified, fits under the seat

LATAM Airlines

21x13x9 in (53x33x23 cm) / 17 lbs (8 kg)

No weight specified, fits under the seat

Copa Airlines

46 in (116 cm) total linear dimensions / 22 lbs (10 kg)

No weight specified, fits under the seat

European Airlines

Airline

Carry-on/Overhead Size/Weight Limitations

Personal Item Size/Weight Limitations

British Airways

22x18x10 in (56x46x25 cm) / 51 lbs (23 kg)

16x12x6 in (40x30x15 cm) / 51 lbs (23 kg)

Lufthansa

21.6x15.7x7.8 in (55x40x20 cm) / 17 lbs (8 kg)

15.7x11.8x3.9 in (40x30x10 cm) / No weight limit

Air France

21.7x13.8x9.9 in (55x35x25 cm) / 26 lbs (12 kg)

16x12x6 in (40x30x15 cm) / No weight limit

KLM

21.5x13.5x10 in (55x34x25 cm) / 26 lbs (12 kg)

16x12x6 in (40x30x15 cm) / No weight limit

Ryanair

21.6x15.7x7.8 in (55x40x20 cm) / 22 lbs (10 kg)

15.7x7.8x9.8 in (40x20x25 cm) / No weight limit

EasyJet

22x18x10 in (56x46x25 cm) / No weight limit

18x14x8 in (46x36x20 cm) / No weight limit

Iberia

22x16x10 in (56x40x25 cm) / 22 lbs (10 kg)

15.7x11.8x3.9 in (40x30x10 cm) / No weight limit

Middle East and North African Airlines

Airline

Carry-on/Overhead Size/Weight Limitations

Personal Item Size/Weight Limitations

Emirates

22x15x8 in (56x38x20 cm) / 15 lbs (7 kg)

15x11x3 in (38x28x8 cm) / No weight limit

Etihad Airways

22x14x9 in (56x36x23 cm) / 15 lbs (7 kg)

11x15x3 in (28x38x8 cm) / No weight limit

Qatar Airways

20x15x10 in (50x38x25 cm) / 15 lbs (7 kg)

15x11x3 in (38x28x8 cm) / No weight limit

Royal Jordanian

20x16x9 in (50x40x23 cm) / 15.5 lbs (7 kg)

15x11x3 in (38x28x8 cm) / No weight limit

Saudia

22x16x9 in (56x40x23 cm) / 15 lbs (7 kg)

15x11x3 in (38x28x8 cm) / No weight limit

African Airlines

Airline

Carry-on/Overhead Size/Weight Limitations

Personal Item Size/Weight Limitations

Ethiopian Airlines

21.6x15.7x7.8 in (55x40x20 cm) / 15.5 lbs (7 kg)

No weight specified, fits under the seat

Kenya Airways

21.5x13.5x9.75 in (55x34x25 cm) / 26 lbs (12 kg)

No weight specified, fits under the seat

South African Airways

22x14x9 in (56x36x23 cm) / 17.5 lbs (8 kg)

No weight specified, fits under the seat

Russian Airlines

Airline

Carry-on/Overhead Size/Weight Limitations

Personal Item Size/Weight Limitations

Aeroflot

21.6x15.7x7.8 in (55x40x20 cm) / 22 lbs (10 kg)

15x11x3 in (38x28x8 cm) / No weight limit

S7 Airlines

21.6x15.7x7.8 in (55x40x20 cm) / 15 lbs (7 kg)

15.7x11.8x3.9 in (40x30x10 cm) / No weight limit

Rossiya Airlines

21.6x15.7x7.8 in (55x40x20 cm) / 22 lbs (10 kg)

Fits under the seat / No weight limit

Ural Airlines

21.6x15.7x7.8 in (55x40x20 cm) / 22 lbs (10 kg)

Fits under the seat / No weight limit

Pobeda Airlines

15.7x11.8x7.8 in (40x30x20 cm) / 22 lbs (10 kg)

Fits under the seat / No weight limit

Red Wings Airlines

21.6x15.7x7.8 in (55x40x20 cm) / 22 lbs (10 kg)

Fits under the seat / No weight limit

NordStar

21.6x15.7x7.8 in (55x40x20 cm) / 15 lbs (7 kg)

Fits under the seat / No weight limit

Yakutia Airlines

21.6x15.7x7.8 in (55x40x20 cm) / 22 lbs (10 kg)

Fits under the seat / No weight limit

Aurora Airlines

21.6x15.7x7.8 in (55x40x20 cm) / 22 lbs (10 kg)

Fits under the seat / No weight limit

Japanese Airlines

Airline

Carry-on/Overhead Size/Weight Limitations

Personal Item Size/Weight Limitations

Japan Airlines

21.5x15.7x9.75 in (55x40x25 cm) / 22 lbs (10 kg)

No weight specified, fits under the seat

All Nippon Airways (ANA)

22x16x10 in (56x40x25 cm) / 22 lbs (10 kg)

16x12x6 in (40x30x15 cm) / No weight limit

Peach Aviation

21.6x15.7x9.8 in (55x40x25 cm) / 15 lbs (7 kg)

Fits under the seat, combined total weight: 15 lbs (7 kg)

Jetstar Japan

21.6x15.7x9.8 in (56x36x23 cm) / 15 lbs (7 kg)

Fits under the seat / No weight limit

Skymark Airlines

21.6x15.7x9.8 in (55x40x25 cm) / 22 lbs (10 kg)

Fits under the seat / No weight limit

Chinese Airlines

Airline

Carry-on/Overhead Size/Weight Limitations

Personal Item Size/Weight Limitations

Air China

21.6x15.7x7.8 in (55x40x20 cm) / 22 lbs (10 kg)

One personal item (laptop or handbag) included in carry-on weight limit

China Eastern Airlines

21.6x15.7x7.8 in (55x40x20 cm) / 22 lbs (10 kg)

Personal item included in the 22 lbs weight limit

China Southern Airlines

22x16x8 in (55x40x20 cm) / 17.6 lbs (8 kg)

One personal item (laptop, small bag)

Hainan Airlines

21.6x15.7x7.8 in (55x40x20 cm) / 11 lbs (5 kg)

One small personal item included in the carry-on weight

Shenzhen Airlines

21.6x15.7x7.8 in (55x40x20 cm) / 22 lbs (10 kg)

One small personal item (handbag or laptop bag)

XiamenAir

21.6x15.7x7.8 in (55x40x20 cm) / 11 lbs (5 kg)

Personal item must fit under the seat

Southeast Asian Airlines

Airline

Carry-on/Overhead Size/Weight Limitations

Personal Item Size/Weight Limitations

AirAsia

22x14x9 in (56x36x23 cm) / 15 lbs (7 kg)

15.7x11.8x4 in (40x30x10 cm) / Included in carry-on weight

Angkor Air

22x14x9 in (56x36x23 cm) / 15 lbs (7 kg)

11.8x7.8x4 in (30x20x10 cm) / No weight limit

Cathay Pacific

22x14x9 in (56x36x23 cm) / 15 lbs (7 kg)

No weight specified, must fit under the seat

Cebu Pacific

22x14x9 in (56x36x23 cm) / 15 lbs (7 kg)

13.7x8x8 in (35x20x20 cm) / No weight limit

Garuda Indonesia

22x14x9 in (56x36x23 cm) / 15 lbs (7 kg)

15x11x3 in (38x28x8 cm) / No weight limit

Jetstar Asia

22x14x9 in (56x36x23 cm) / 15 lbs (7 kg)

Handbag or laptop bag, included in carry-on weight

Scoot

21.25x15x9 in (54x38x23 cm) / 22 lbs (10 kg)

No specific size, included in carry-on weight

Singapore Airlines

22x16x8 in (56x40x20 cm) / 15 lbs (7 kg)

No weight specified, must fit under the seat

Thai Lion Air

15.75x11.75x7.75 in (40x30x20 cm) / 15 lbs (7 kg)

No personal item allowed

VietJet Air

22x14x9 in (56x36x23 cm) / 15 lbs (7 kg)

One personal item included in the 15 lbs carry-on weight

Vietnam Airlines

22x14x9 in (56x36x23 cm) / 15 lbs (7 kg)

No specific size, must fit under the seat

Australia, New Zealand, and Pacifica Airlines

Airline

Carry-on/Overhead Size/Weight Limitations

Personal Item Size/Weight Limitations

Air New Zealand

46.5 in total linear (118 cm) / 15 lbs (7 kg)

One small item (handbag, laptop, etc.) that fits under the seat

Qantas

22x14x9 in (56x36x23 cm) / 15 lbs (7 kg)

One small personal item, such as a handbag

Virgin Australia

18.9x13.3x9 in (48x34x23 cm) / 15 lbs (7 kg)

One personal item (handbag, laptop) included in the 7 kg limit

Jetstar Airways

22x14x9 in (56x36x23 cm) / 15 lbs (7 kg)

One small personal item, must fit under the seat

Fiji Airways

22x14x9 in (56x36x23 cm) / 15 lbs (7 kg)

One personal item included in the carry-on limit

Solomon Airlines

21.6x15.7x7.8 in (55x40x20 cm) / 15 lbs (7 kg)

One personal item that fits under the seat

Air Tahiti Nui

21.6x15.7x7.8 in (55x40x20 cm) / 22 lbs (10 kg)

No specific size, fits under the seat


Size and Weight Restrictions by Aircraft


A more precise breakdown for size and weight limitations - if you know what type of plane you'll be traveling on. Note that we can only estimate the sizes, as each airline will impose their own restrictions.


Common Commercial Passenger Aircraft (Largest to Smallest)

Aircraft Type

Regional/International

Passenger Capacity (Typical)

Overhead Bag Size (Estimated)

Personal Item Size (Estimated)

Airbus A380

International

525-853

22 x 16 x 10 inches

17 x 10 x 9 inches

Boeing 747-400

International

416-524

22 x 16 x 10 inches

17 x 10 x 9 inches

Boeing 777-300ER

International

314-396

22 x 16 x 10 inches

17 x 10 x 9 inches

Airbus A350-900

International

300-350

22 x 16 x 10 inches

17 x 10 x 9 inches

Airbus A330-300

International

277-440

22 x 16 x 10 inches

17 x 10 x 9 inches

Boeing 787-9

International

242-290

22 x 16 x 10 inches

17 x 10 x 9 inches

Boeing 767-300

International

181-375

22 x 14 x 9 inches

17 x 10 x 9 inches

Airbus A321

Regional/International

185-240

22 x 14 x 9 inches

17 x 10 x 9 inches

Boeing 737-800

Regional/International

162-189

22 x 14 x 9 inches

17 x 10 x 9 inches

Boeing 737 MAX 8

Regional/International

178-210

22 x 14 x 9 inches

17 x 10 x 9 inches

Airbus A320

Regional/International

140-180

22 x 14 x 9 inches

17 x 10 x 9 inches

Airbus A220-300

Regional

130-160

21 x 14 x 8 inches

16 x 10 x 8 inches

Boeing 717-200

Regional

106-134

21 x 14 x 8 inches

16 x 10 x 8 inches

Embraer E-Jet E190

Regional

96-114

20 x 14 x 8 inches

15 x 10 x 8 inches

Bombardier CRJ900

Regional

76-90

19 x 13 x 7 inches

14 x 10 x 8 inches


Size and Weight Restrictions by Airline (Full List)

Airline


Primary Country / Region of Operation

Carry-on/Overhead Size/Weight Limitations

Personal Item/Under-the-seat Size/Weight Limitations

American Airlines

USA /International

22x14x9 in / 40 lbs

18x14x8 in / No weight limit

Delta Air Lines

USA / International

22x14x9 in / No weight limit

18x14x8 in / No weight limit

United Airlines

USA / International

22x14x9 in / 40 lbs

17x10x9 in / No weight limit

Southwest Airlines

USA

24x16x10 in / No weight limit

18.5x8.5x13.5 in / No weight limit

Alaska Airlines

USA

22x14x9 in / No weight limit

17x10x9 in / No weight limit

JetBlue Airways

USA

22x14x9 in / No weight limit

17x13x8 in / No weight limit

Spirit Airlines

USA

22x18x10 in / 40 lbs

18x14x8 in / No weight limit

Frontier Airlines

USA

24x16x10 in / 35 lbs

18x14x8 in / No weight limit

Hawaiian Airlines

USA

22x14x9 in / 25 lbs

18x14x8 in / No weight limit

Allegiant Air

USA

22x14x9 in / 35 lbs

16x15x7 in / No weight limit

Air Canada

Canada

21.5x15.5x9 in / 22 lbs

17x13x6 in / No weight limit

WestJet

Canada

21x15x9 in / No weight limit

16x13x6 in / No weight limit

British Airways

UK

22x18x10 in / 51 lbs

16x12x6 in / No weight limit

Lufthansa

Germany

22x16x9 in / 17 lbs

15x11x3.9 in / No weight limit

Air France

France

21.7x13.8x9.9 in / 26 lbs

16x12x6 in / No weight limit

KLM

Netherlands

21.5x13.5x10 in / 26 lbs

16x12x6 in / No weight limit

Emirates

UAE

22x15x8 in / 15 lbs

15x11x3 in / No weight limit

Qatar Airways

Qatar

20x15x10 in / 15 lbs

15x11x3 in / No weight limit

Singapore Airlines

Singapore

22x16x8 in / 15 lbs

15x11x3 in / No weight limit

Cathay Pacific

Hong Kong

22x14x9 in / 15 lbs

15x11x3 in / No weight limit

Qantas

Australia

22x14x9 in / 15 lbs

16x13x6 in / No weight limit

Etihad Airways

UAE

22x14x9 in / 15 lbs

11x15x3 in / No weight limit

Turkish Airlines

Turkey

22x16x9 in / 17 lbs

15.7x11.8x3.9 in / No weight limit

Aeroflot

Russia

21.6x15.7x7.8 in / 22 lbs

15x11x3 in / No weight limit

Ryanair

Europe / North Africa

21.6x15.7x7.8 in / 22 lbs

15.7x7.8x9.8 in / No weight limit

EasyJet

Europe

22x18x10 in / No weight limit

18x14x8 in / No weight limit

Norwegian Air Shuttle

Europe / North Africa

21.6x15.7x9 in / 22 lbs

15x11x3 in / No weight limit

Vueling

Europe / North Africa / Middle East

22x16x8 in / 22 lbs

15.7x7.8x9.8 in / No weight limit

Iberia

Europe / Americas / Africa / Middle East

22x16x10 in / 22 lbs

15.7x11.8x3.9 in / No weight limit

Austrian Airlines

Austria / Europe

21.6x15.7x9 in / 17 lbs

15.7x11.8x3.9 in / No weight limit

Swiss International Air Lines

Switzerland / Europe

21.6x15.7x9 in / 17 lbs

15.7x11.8x3.9 in / No weight limit

Finnair

Finland / Europe

21.6x15.7x9 in / 17 lbs

15.7x11.8x3.9 in / No weight limit

SAS

Sweden / Europe

22x16x9 in / 17 lbs

15.7x11.8x3.9 in / No weight limit

LOT Polish Airlines

Poland / Europe

22x16x9 in / 17 lbs

15.7x11.8x3.9 in / No weight limit

Aegean Airlines

Greece / Europe

22x16x8 in / 17 lbs

13.7x7.8x9.8 in / No weight limit

TAP Air Portugal

Portugal / Europe

22x16x8 in / 17 lbs

16x12x5 in / No weight limit

Aer Lingus

Ireland / Europe

22x16x10 in / 22 lbs

10x13x8 in / No weight limit

Virgin Atlantic

UK / Europe

22x14x9 in / 22 lbs

16x12x6 in / No weight limit

Air New Zealand

New Zealand

22x14x9 in / 15 lbs

17x10x8 in / No weight limit

Japan Airlines

Japan

22x16x10 in / 22 lbs

18x14x8 in / No weight limit

All Nippon Airways (ANA)

Japan

22x16x10 in / 22 lbs

16x12x6 in / No weight limit

Korean Air

South Korea

21.6x15.7x7.8 in / 26 lbs

15.7x11.8x3.9 in / No weight limit

Asiana Airlines

South Korea

21.6x15.7x7.8 in / 22 lbs

15.7x11.8x3.9 in / No weight limit

China Airlines

Taiwan

22x14x9 in / 15 lbs

16x12x6 in / No weight limit

Eva Air

Taiwan

22x14x9 in / 15 lbs

16x12x6 in / No weight limit

Thai Airways

Thailand / SEA

22x18x10 in / 15 lbs

15x11x3 in / No weight limit

Malaysia Airlines

Malaysia / SEA

22x14x9 in / 15 lbs

16x12x6 in / No weight limit

Garuda Indonesia

Indonesia

22x14x9 in / 15 lbs

15x11x3 in / No weight limit

Vietnam Airlines

Vietnam

22x14x9 in / 15 lbs

15x11x3 in / No weight limit

Philippine Airlines

Philippines

22x14x9 in / 15 lbs

15x11x3 in / No weight limit

Saudia

Saudi Arabia

22x16x9 in / 15 lbs

15x11x3 in / No weight limit

El Al

Israel

22x18x10 in / 17 lbs

15x11x3 in / No weight limit

Royal Jordanian

Jordan

22x16x9 in / 15 lbs

15x11x3 in / No weight limit

Gulf Air

Bahrain

22x18x10 in / 17 lbs

15x11x3 in / No weight limit

Oman Air

Oman

22x16x9 in / 15 lbs

15x11x3 in / No weight limit

SriLankan Airlines

Sri Lanka

22x14x9 in / 15 lbs

15x11x3 in / No weight limit

Air India

India

22x14x9 in / 18 lbs

15x11x3 in / No weight limit

IndiGo

India

22x14x9 in / 15 lbs

15x11x3 in / No weight limit

Jet Airways

India

22x14x9 in / 15 lbs

15x11x3 in / No weight limit

SpiceJet

India

22x14x9 in / 15 lbs

15x11x3 in / No weight limit

Vistara

India

22x14x9 in / 15 lbs

15x11x3 in / No weight


Conclusion


This is, of course, information overload, but just by browsing the restrictions, it should give you an idea of size/weight limitations for both overhead/carry-on and personal item luggage.


As discussed in previous articles, one-baggers frequently fall into three camps:


  1. A medium-sized backpack (overhead luggage), paired with a small backpack or daypack (personal item).

  2. A medium-to-large backpack (overhead luggage), paired with a chest sling, purse, or fanny pack (personal item).

  3. A single, small-to-medium-sized backpack that always works as a personal item (no overhead luggage at all).


Hopefully the breakdown helps, and as always, happy travels!


a female traveler putting luggage into overhead compartment




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