Are Airlines Changing Carry-On Size? | Rules You Need

Last updated: September 4, 2025.

What’s Really Happening With Carry‑On Sizes

Travelers keep asking if a new, smaller universal size is rolling out. The short answer: there isn’t a single standard today. U.S. majors still list the familiar 22×14×9‑inch cabin bag size, while Southwest uses 24×16×10. Budget carriers often sell the larger bag as an add‑on and include only a small under‑seat item in the base fare. In Europe, lawmakers are pushing for common hand‑baggage rules, yet the process isn’t finished. Airlines still publish their own dimensions on their sites, and aircraft type can change what fits on a given flight.

Current Carry‑On Limits At A Glance

The table below pulls published limits from airline pages at the time of writing. Always check your exact flight, since regional jets or codeshares may use tighter bins.

Note: “Paid” in the size column means the carrier usually charges a fee for the overhead‑bin bag on the lowest fare. Dimensions include wheels and handles.

Are Airlines Changing The Carry On Size Right Now?

In the U.S., the listed dimensions haven’t moved much in years. The bigger shifts are fare rules and gate enforcement. United’s Basic Economy still limits most routes to a single under‑seat item. JetBlue moved the other way and now lets Blue Basic bring a standard cabin bag, space permitting. Southwest’s bin allowance stays larger than the pack, and its new fare bundle structure added fresh checked‑bag fees on some bookings, but the cabin bag size didn’t change. Across the Atlantic, Ryanair increased the free under‑seat bag to 40×30×20 cm across its network. The European Parliament advanced plans for common hand‑baggage rules, yet carriers continue to use their own sizers until any new regulation lands.

Airlines Changing Carry On Size: What That Really Means

When people say sizes are “changing,” two things are usually happening. First, gate agents are measuring more closely, especially on late‑boarding groups and packed flights. Second, fare families set what you can bring without paying extra. A standard carry‑on might be allowed, but not on every ticket type. Aircraft also matter: small regional jets often can’t take a 22×14×9 roller in the bins, so agents valet tag it at the door and hand it back on arrival. Some airlines are adding bigger bins on select fleets to cut those gate checks, which helps on routes that rely on regional jets.

What’s New In 2024–2025

U.S. Highlights

• JetBlue Blue Basic now includes a carry‑on. As of Sept. 6, 2024, the Blue Basic fare permits a standard cabin bag in addition to a personal item; bins aren’t guaranteed on packed flights.
• United’s larger bins on select regional jets. New E175 overheads fit many more roll‑aboards, cutting gate‑checks on those routes.
• Southwest introduced new fare bundles. Checked‑bag perks vary by bundle and booking date; the cabin bag size remains 24×16×10.

Europe Highlights

• Ryanair’s free under‑seat bag grew. The included personal item rose to 40×30×20 cm; larger 10‑kg trolley bags still require Priority or a paid add‑on.
• Common EU rules are in the works. Lawmakers advanced text to set one free personal item and one small cabin bag across carriers, but it isn’t law yet. Airlines continue to publish their own limits for now.

Basic‑Fare Carry‑On Rules By Airline

Buying the cheapest ticket often changes what you can bring. Here’s a quick guide to the bag you can take to the overhead on the lowest fare today.

Picking A Bag That Boards Without Drama

Choose a case that’s slightly under the limit. For U.S. majors, a 21.5×13.5×8.5‑inch roller keeps you out of the sizer‑box debate. For Southwest, aim closer to 23×15×9 if you want more room yet still pass their gauge. On European trips, a soft personal‑item backpack sized to 40×30×20 cm fits most under‑seat rules, with a compact 55×40×20 cm overhead‑bag if your fare includes it.

Hard‑side cases eat room with thick shells. A slim soft‑side roller or duffel tends to pass sizers more easily. Telescoping handles and protruding wheels count in the measurements, so check the total footprint. If your bag bulges when full, pack lighter or cinch the compression straps before boarding.

Smart Boarding Tactics When Space Runs Tight

• Board earlier when you can. Credit‑card perks, status, or paid priority often mean bin space and fewer gate‑checks.
• Consolidate at the gate. Sling bags and shopping totes count. Stash them inside your main bag before you scan your pass.
• Expect valet tags on smaller jets. If you see “CRJ” or “E145” on your itinerary, plan on getting the bag back at the jet bridge.
• Weigh fees against time. On some trips it’s quicker to pay for the larger cabin bag than lose time in a gate‑check line.

Packing Notes That Avoid Security Snags

Liquids still follow the U.S. 3‑1‑1 rule. Pack full‑size bottles in checked baggage. Keep the quart bag handy so you can clear screening quickly. Power banks and spare lithium batteries must ride in the cabin under the FAA battery guidance; don’t leave them in a gate‑checked carry‑on.

Flying within Europe or to the U.K.? Expect each airline to apply its own cabin‑bag limits until an EU‑wide approach is finalized. If a connection mixes two carriers, size to the stricter one. You can track progress on the European Parliament’s hand‑luggage work.

How We Verified Sizes For This Guide

We pulled carry‑on dimensions and policy notes from current airline pages and recent press updates. Where an airline lists only “fits under the seat,” we used the carrier’s wording in the table. We also checked current moves being debated in Europe. Source notes appear below.

Final Checks Before You Fly

• Confirm your fare type and whether an overhead‑bin bag is included.
• Re‑measure your case with wheels and handle extended.
• Bring a compressible personal item that nests inside your main bag if needed.
• Keep liquids packed to the airport‑security limits and move spare batteries to the cabin.
• On regional jets, expect a valet tag and pick‑up at the jet bridge.

This article is informational and reflects airline pages on the date above. Always check your carrier’s site for your exact flight.