How Much Luggage Can I Bring on a Plane?
Select your airline and ticket type to instantly see your carry-on, personal item, and checked bag allowance.
Check Your Luggage Allowance
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How Much Luggage Can You Bring?
Most US airlines allow passengers to bring 1 carry-on bag + 1 personal item for free. However, policies vary significantly:
Best for Bags: Southwest
2 free checked bags + carry-on + personal item included on all tickets
Watch Out: Basic Economy
United & JetBlue Basic Economy = personal item only, NO carry-on
Carry-On Size Limits by Airline
| Airline | Carry-On Size | Personal Item |
|---|---|---|
| American, Delta, United | 22 x 14 x 9 in | 17-18 x 13-14 x 8-9 in |
| Southwest | 24 x 16 x 10 in | 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 in |
| Spirit, Frontier | 22 x 18 x 10 in* | 18 x 14 x 8 in |
| JetBlue, Alaska | 22 x 14 x 9 in | 17 x 13 x 8 in |
*Spirit/Frontier: carry-on not included on basic fares - must be purchased
Checked Baggage Fees
Most major airlines charge $35-45 for the first checked bag on domestic flights. International flights often include one free checked bag in economy.
Typical Domestic Checked Bag Fees
- • First bag: $30-40
- • Second bag: $40-50
- • Overweight (50+ lbs): $50-100 extra
- • Oversized (62+ linear in): $75-150 extra
Pro tip: Southwest includes 2 free checked bags on all tickets. If you're checking multiple bags, they may be the cheapest option overall.
Basic Economy Luggage Rules
"Basic Economy" is the cheapest fare class, but it comes with baggage restrictions:
| Airline | Carry-On? | Personal Item? |
|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | Yes, included | Yes |
| Delta | Yes, included | Yes |
| United | NO - must buy | Yes |
| JetBlue Blue Basic | NO - must buy | Yes |
| Spirit, Frontier | NO - must buy | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bags can I bring on a plane?
Most airlines allow 1 carry-on bag + 1 personal item for free. Checked bags usually cost $30-40 each. Southwest is the exception with 2 free checked bags on all tickets.
What's the standard carry-on size?
Most US airlines allow 22 x 14 x 9 inches (including wheels and handles). Budget carriers like Spirit have smaller limits. Southwest allows slightly larger at 24 x 16 x 10 inches.
Do carry-on bags have weight limits?
Most US domestic flights have no carry-on weight limit - if you can lift it into the overhead bin, it's fine. International flights often limit carry-ons to 15-22 lbs. Always check your specific airline's policy.
What counts as a personal item?
A purse, laptop bag, or small backpack that fits under the seat in front of you. Typical maximum size: 18 x 14 x 8 inches. This is in addition to your carry-on bag.
Can I bring a carry-on on Basic Economy?
It depends on the airline. American and Delta include a carry-on with Basic Economy. United, JetBlue, Spirit, and Frontier do NOT - you can only bring a personal item unless you pay extra for a carry-on.
How much does checked luggage cost?
First checked bag: $30-40 on most airlines for domestic flights. Second bag: $40-50. International flights often include one free checked bag. Southwest includes 2 free checked bags on all tickets.
What is the weight limit for checked bags?
Standard limit is 50 lbs per bag. Bags over 50 lbs incur overweight fees of $50-100. Business/First class passengers often get a higher limit of 70 lbs.
Can I bring a backpack as a carry-on?
Yes, if it fits in the overhead bin (22 x 14 x 9 inches or smaller for most airlines). A small backpack can also count as your personal item if it fits under the seat.