Summary
- Major US airlines like American, Delta, and United allow free carry-on bags, but policies vary for personal items and regional flights.
- Low-cost airlines often charge for carry-on baggage, with examples being Allegiant and Spirit Airlines.
- Diaper bags, breast pumps, and mobility devices are generally allowed onboard for free without counting against carry-on limits.
American Airlines, Delta, and United are three of the big four US-based airlines and the biggest with international flights. As these three airlines are not low-cost airlines, they permit passengers to bring carry-on luggage onboard. All three have very similar carry-on and personal item policies, but some differences exist. Note that baggage policies are always subject to change.
Low-cost airlines frequently charge extra fees for carry-on baggage. For example, Allegiant permits passengers to bring a personal item, but they must pay for a carry-on item. Meanwhile, Spirit Airlines was the first US airline to start charging for carry-on bags in 2010.
American Airlines
American recently changed its carry-on baggage policy to allow travelers booked in Basic economy class to bring one free carry-on bag and one personal item to all destinations. Bags must fit in the sizer at the airport and be no larger than the standard carry-on dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Soft-sided garment bags up to 51 inches are also allowed as carry-on bags.
|
Size: |
Note: |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Personal items: |
max 18 x 14 x 8 inches |
e.g. purse or small handbag that must fit under the seat |
|
Carry-on items: |
max 22 x 14 x 9 inches |
limited to one carry-on item, must fit in overhead bin or underseat |
|
Free item: |
various |
Diaper bags (1 per child), breast pump, child safety seats, strollers, and mobility devices |
|
Soft-sided garment bag: |
51 inches (length + width + height) |
|
|
Musical instrument: |
must fit under the seat or overhead bin |
can be considered carry-on or personal item |
Musical instruments may be considered carry-on bags or personal items, depending on how they are stowed. If placed in the overhead compartment, then the instrument is considered a carry-on. If stowed under the seat in front of the passenger, it is considered a personal item.
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying
Diaper bags, breast pumps, soft-sided coolers for breast milk, child safety seats and strollers, and medical or mobility devices can be brought onboard and do not count against the limits for carry-on baggage and personal items.
Regional flights operated on small aircraft may not have enough overhead space for carry-on bags, so it may only be possible to bring a personal item on certain flights. In this instance, the airline will valet your bag and check it at the gate free of charge.
Related
5 Reasons Traveling With Only Hand Luggage Is The Way To Go
A sizeable change could improve the overall travel experience.
Delta Air Lines
All Delta passengers may bring one carry-on bag and one personal item for free. The standard dimensions for carry-on bags apply, and there is no weight limit except at airports located in Singapore, Beijing, and Shanghai. Personal items must be able to fit under the seat in front of you. Otherwise, they must be stowed in the overhead compartment.
|
Size: |
Note: |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Personal items: |
must fit under the seat in front |
e.g., purse, handbag, laptop bag |
|
Carry-on items: |
max 22 x 14 x 9 inches |
must fit into overhead bin |
|
Free items: |
various |
jacket and/or umbrella. Food or drink purchased past the security checkpoint, Duty-free merchandise, Special items (like strollers, wheelchairs, child safety seats, or assistive devices) |
Strollers, wheelchairs, child safety seats, and assistive devices may be carried on for free and do not count against the limits for carry-on bags and personal items.
Photo: Philip Pilosian | Shutterstock
Like American Airlines, Delta also operates regional flights for which there may be limited space for carry-on baggage. It also offers the option to check a bag at the gate for free.
Related
The 5 Best Ways To Make The Most Of Minimal Hand Luggage Allowances
Travelling light is easier when you prepare well in advance.
United Airlines
On United, travelers booked in basic economy class may bring one personal item for free, and a carry-on is allowed if flying to South America or across the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans from a departure point in the United States. All other bags must be checked. If you check a bag at the gate, the standard baggage fee applies plus an additional charge of $25.
Like the other two major carriers, mobility devices, car seats and strollers, diaper bags, and breast pumps are all allowed onboard for free and do not count against the limits on carry-on baggage and personal items. Musical instruments are considered carry-on if stored in the overhead bin, or a personal item if placed under the seat in front of you.
Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying
|
Size: |
Note: |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Personal items: |
max 9 x 10 x 17 inches |
e.g. purse, laptop bag, or small handbag that must fit under the seat |
|
Carry-on items: |
max 22 x 14 x 9 inches |
must fit into overhead bin |
|
Free items: |
various |
Jacket, umbrella, book, mobility devices (incl. wheelchairs, canes, and crutches), car seat, child safety harness or stroller, diaper bag, breast pump, camera |
|
Musical instrument: |
must fit under the seat or overhead bin |
can be considered carry-on or personal item |
For short flights operating on small aircraft, a carry-on bag may be gate-checked for free. You can then retrieve your bag when you deplane rather than picking it up at baggage claim.