If you are a frequent traveler, you likely have been annoyed by the constantly changing and inconsistent luggage restrictions by each airline. However, it is even worse, when you are not aware and have to check in a barely oversized suitcase or rearrange your bags because one is overweight. Since, I don't want to pay unexpected checked baggage fees or buy a new suitcase or backpack for every new airline I fly, I decided to take a more technical look. So I collected the carry-on and personal item luggage restrictions for 9 domestic (US) airlines and 22 international airlines.
Domestic Airlines
When flying in the US, many airlines are not as strict about checking carry-on dimensions, but there are always exceptions. On average, most US airlines will allow you to fly with a 22" and sometimes a 23" wheeled suitcase. However, it really does depends on the airline.
Most mainstream airlines will include a carry-on as part of the ticket fee. These airlines include American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. Many of these airlines are not strict about measuring every single carry-on. Though in the later check-in groups, when flights are too full, sometimes the gate agents will be more strict in an effort to gate check carry-ons that they know will not fit in the plane's cabin. A carry-on in the form of a travel bag or duffel bag does usually slip through easily. However, it is often that these are complementary, but not always. In addition to included carry-on's these airlines typically also include a personal item. Most won't question the size of your personal item unless it is too deep. In all honesty, as long as you aren't using a super bulky school bag that is supposed to hold three textbooks, the size of your personal item should be your preference since it will be taking up your foot room.
Budget airlines are an entirely different ballpark. These airlines are able to provide the cheapest flights by reducing the ticket and giving luggage, drink, and food options as add-ons. Some of these airlines include Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines. With these airlines you will only receive a free personal item, and they are quite strict with these dimensions. Most of these airlines will have a bag sizer for both carry-on and personal items at the gate. Any bag over this size will receive a fee. On a short trip, the cheap ticket can really be worth it. However, you have to be wary of overstuffing your personal item because these are airlines where you might get caught.
International Airlines
I am not nearly as familiar with international airlines as I am with domestic airlines, but you will see much less consistency. Some airlines are more strict with luggage size, but overall carry-on dimensions are smaller than those in the US with 20" or 21" rolling luggage being your best bet (if you are going with a suitcase). My best advice would be to look up the specific airline (or airlines, if you are country hopping) you are going to fly. Below is a fairly good list, but I can't promise it will be perfectly updated. It is also a good idea to look up how strict an airline might be and to see if carry-ons are included or add-ons. Most international flights will include a free checked bag as well as a free carry-on and personal item, but it is not always guaranteed. While on the other hand some small regional flights will have a similar set-up to US budget airlines, like Ryanair. All-in-all just do your research, and if you don't want to get slapped with some unexpected fees pack on the more conservative side.
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