2025 Airline Carry-On Size Changes: What You Need to Know Before You Fly

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Airline Carry-On Size Changes are changing in 2025, and travelers need to be prepared. With these new changes, it’s important to check your airline’s website for specific regulations before you fly, as carry-on size limits will be more closely monitored.

Airline Carry-On Size Changes

Airline Carry-On Size Changes

Many airlines, including major U.S. carriers like American Airlines, now enforce carry-on size limits more strictly. They still use the standard size of 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including wheels and handles. Airline staff now measure bags more often at the gate, especially if they seem too large for overhead bins. If your bag exceeds the size limit, they may require you to check it at the gate with added fees.

Airlines have also tightened rules for personal items like backpacks and small handbags. These items must fit completely under the seat in front of you during the flight. Delta, for example, now enforces a personal item size limit of 18 x 14 x 8 inches. This new limit replaces Delta’s previous, more flexible policy.

Examples of Airline Carry-On Size Changes

  • American Airlines: American Airlines has begun enforcing carry-on size limits more strictly, particularly for travelers flying on basic economy tickets. Gate agents now check bag dimensions more carefully, and they may require passengers with oversized carry-ons to check their bags before boarding, often for an added fee.
  • United Airlines: United has rolled out updated policies that require all carry-on items, including personal items, to fit either under the seat or in the overhead bin. If your bag exceeds the listed dimensions—even slightly—United staff will ask you to check it, which could result in additional charges.
  • Ryanair (Europe): Ryanair has revised its carry-on rules to differentiate between short and long flights. The airline now allows one free cabin bag for shorter trips, but imposes stricter size limits overall. For example, passengers may only bring a bag measuring up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm for free. Larger bags require a paid upgrade or must be checked at the gate.
Airline Carry-On Size Changes

Packing Smarter

With these tighter regulations, you’ll need to pack smarter. Follow these tips to fit everything into a compliant carry-on:

Use Packing Cubes: Use packing cubes—like the ones sold on Amazon—to organize your items and save space. By compressing your clothes, you maximize your carry-on’s capacity and avoid overstuffing. We recommend these packing cubes as our favorite option.

Roll Your Clothes: Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space and reduce wrinkles. This method works well for t-shirts, pants, and lightweight jackets.

Wear Bulky Items: Wear your heaviest items—like a coat or boots—during the flight to free up space in your bag. Bulky clothing takes up valuable room, so it’s better to wear it than pack it.

Minimize Liquids: Follow TSA’s 3-1-1 rule: pack 3.4-ounce containers in a 1-quart bag. Bring only the essentials to keep your carry-on light and avoid extra screening.

Check Your Airline’s Website

Airline Carry-On Size Changes may vary slightly, and some enforce them more strictly than others. Check your airline’s website for the latest carry-on size rules and prepare to follow the updated guidelines. As scrutiny on carry-ons increases, always measure your bag before heading to the airport.

When you stay informed and pack smart, you avoid the stress of gate-checking your bag and enjoy a smoother travel experience in 2025. If you’re flying with a pet, check your airline guidelines carefully; many carriers have updated pet carrier size and placement rules.

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