Airline Luggage Restrictions in 2026: A Plain-English Guide
Carry-on, checked, personal item — here's how the major US and international airlines compare in 2026, and how to avoid surprise bag fees.
FlightyFlow Team·· 7 min read
US carriers (economy)
| Airline | Personal item | Carry-on | First checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | Free | Free | $35 |
| United | Free | Free | $40 |
| American | Free | Free | $40 |
| Southwest | Free | Free | Free × 2 |
| JetBlue | Free | Free (Blue+) | $35 |
| Alaska | Free | Free | $35 |
| Spirit | Free | Paid | Paid |
| Frontier | Free | Paid | Paid |
(Basic economy further restricts carry-on at many carriers; Southwest still includes 2 free checked bags.)
International peculiarities
- Asia carriers: often 23 kg checked included on long-haul economy.
- European LCC: Ryanair/easyJet aggressive on cabin bag dimensions.
- Middle East big three (Emirates, Etihad, Qatar): generally generous, often 30 kg.
How to avoid surprise fees
- Read your fare class fine print, not the airline's general carry-on page.
- Co-branded credit cards often include free first checked bags.
- Status often includes free bags.
- Weigh at home — overweight fees can dwarf the bag fee.
#luggage#baggage#carry-on#travel tips
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