There is no universal international carry-on size. A bag that is legal on a U.S. domestic flight may be too wide for Lufthansa, too deep for Emirates, or too heavy once an airline applies an eight-kilogram limit.
Current cabin-bag limits for six international airlines
| Airline | Maximum cabin-bag size | Published weight | Important detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | 22 × 14 × 9 in 56 × 36 × 23 cm | No general limit listed on the carry-on page | Wheels and handles included |
| British Airways | 22 × 18 × 10 in 56 × 45 × 25 cm | You must be able to lift it unassisted | Cabin bag may be placed in the hold on a full flight |
| Lufthansa | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 in 55 × 40 × 23 cm | 8 kg / 17.6 lb | Economy Basic on some short-haul routes includes only a personal item |
| Air France | 21.7 × 13.8 × 9.9 in 55 × 35 × 25 cm | 12 kg / 26.4 lb combined with small bag in Economy | Some Economy fares include zero overhead bags |
| Emirates | 21.6 × 14.9 × 8.6 in 55 × 38 × 22 cm | 7 kg / 15 lb in Economy | Depth is tighter than the common U.S. nine-inch rule |
| ANA international | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9.8 in 55 × 40 × 25 cm | 10 kg / 22 lb total | Allowance is one cabin bag plus one personal item |
Rules above were checked on official airline pages July 16, 2026. They are a planning snapshot, not permission to board. Fare, cabin, route, aircraft, status, and codeshare operator can change what your ticket includes.
Shop for the smallest rule on the itinerary
Imagine an O’Hare itinerary ticketed by United but with the second segment operated by Lufthansa. The Lufthansa-operated flight can bring an eight-kilogram weight cap and a different size box into the trip. The airline name at the top of the confirmation is not enough; look for “operated by” on every segment.
Then check the fare. On the pages checked for this guide, Air France’s Economy allowance ranged from zero to one overhead bag depending on fare. Lufthansa’s short- and medium-haul Economy Basic rules could also exclude a full cabin bag. Dimensions do not help when the fare never included an overhead bag.
How to measure the bag airlines see
- Pack the bag as you intend to fly with it.
- Place a roller upright on a hard floor.
- Measure from the floor to the highest fixed point, including wheels and handles.
- Measure the widest point, not just the hard shell.
- Measure depth across bulging pockets and the zipper seam.
- Weigh the complete bag with accessories attached.
A soft backpack can change shape by several inches when stuffed. Compression straps help only if the contents can actually compress. A hard case with an open expansion zipper remains expanded even when the main compartment is not full.
The weight limit changes the packing list
An eight-kilogram allowance is 17.6 pounds. Start with a nine-pound suitcase and only 8.6 pounds remain for clothes, shoes, toiletries, and electronics. A five-pound bag leaves 12.6 pounds—nearly half again as much packing weight.
That does not mean the lightest bag is automatically the right one. Harness fit matters on a backpack, and handle height matters on a roller. Choose a bag light enough for the rule, then test it with the load you expect to carry.
Weigh at home with a basic luggage scale. Do not assume shifting a laptop into the personal item solves the problem: Air France and ANA state combined limits for the cabin bag and smaller item in common cabins.
Personal items are not standardized either
A small bag may be described as a handbag, accessory, laptop bag, or personal item. British Airways publishes one set of dimensions, Lufthansa another, and Air France another. Under-seat space also varies by aircraft and seat location.
Keep medicine, batteries, identification, keys, and anything needed during the flight in the smaller bag. Even a compliant overhead case can be gate-checked when bins fill. Exit-row and bulkhead seats may require all bags to go overhead for takeoff and landing.
A five-minute preflight check
- Open the reservation and identify every operating airline.
- Check the baggage page linked from each airline, not a retailer’s compatibility chart.
- Confirm whether your exact fare includes an overhead bag.
- Use the smallest dimensions and lowest weight across the itinerary.
- Recheck after a schedule or operating-carrier change.
- Save a screenshot of the current allowance with the date visible.
If you are shopping for a case rather than checking one you already own, see the lightweight carry-on guide. Backpack travelers can compare bags in the overhead travel-pack guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard international carry-on size?
There is no standard. Around 55 × 35 × 22 cm is a useful conservative shopping target, but some airlines allow more, some allow less, and fare rules can exclude the bag entirely.
Is 22 × 14 × 9 inches accepted internationally?
It fits some published rules. It is slightly too tall, wide, or deep for others, and it says nothing about weight. Check every operating airline.
Do international airlines weigh carry-ons?
They can. Lufthansa, Emirates, and ANA publish cabin weight caps, among many others. Enforcement varies, but the written limit is the one to pack for.
Does a codeshare use the marketing airline’s baggage rule?
Not necessarily. The operating airline’s rules may apply, especially for cabin baggage. Check the reservation and both airlines’ guidance.
Can a compliant bag still be gate-checked?
Yes. Aircraft size, safety restrictions, and a full overhead bin can send a legal bag to the hold. Keep essential and restricted cabin items in a smaller bag.
Airline rules checked July 16, 2026. Recheck the operating carrier before every trip.
Sources
- American Airlines: carry-on baggage rules (accessed July 16, 2026)
- British Airways: baggage essentials (accessed July 16, 2026)
- Lufthansa: carry-on baggage rules (accessed July 16, 2026)
- Air France: cabin baggage allowance (accessed July 16, 2026)
- Emirates: cabin baggage rules (accessed July 16, 2026)
- ANA: international carry-on baggage rules (accessed July 16, 2026)
These links are here so you can check the details yourself. ARECO receives no payment when you use them.