TSA carry-on restrictions: What to know

Quick insights

• Many airlines limit your carry-on bag size to 22 x 14 x 9 inches, but exact dimensions can vary by a few inches across airlines.
• TSA prohibits you from bringing certain items in your carry-on, including ammunition, weapons and gel-type candles.
• You may be able to bring limited quantities of beverages, liquids or creamy foods in your carry-on as long as you follow the TSA liquid rule.

Want to avoid checking that carry-on bag? You’ll need to comply with airline and TSA restrictions on luggage. Following these rules may save you the hassle of having to check your carry-on bag or throw away prohibited items.

Read on to find out the carry-on restrictions you may need to know before you pack.

Carry-on rules by airline

For carry-on luggage, airlines typically have rules about the size and number of bags or items you may bring onboard. For example, an airline might allow you to bring one personal item and carry-on bag.  

Airlines often restrict the size of carry-on bags. You’re usually limited to a bag that is 22 by 14 by 9 inches, but some airlines may allow a larger bag.  In most cases, any wheels, handles or attachments your bag may have must fall within the airline’s provided dimensions. You’ll typically be provided with exact details around these restrictions when you book your flight.

Here are the carry-on rules for some major airlines.

Alaska Airlines

• Carry-on bag dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches

The Alaska Airlines baggage policy allows you to bring a carry-on and a small personal item. The airline lists a purse, laptop and briefcase as examples of acceptable personal items, but does not provide exact dimensions. There are no weight limits on carry-ons.

American Airlines

• Carry-on bag dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches
• Personal item dimensions: 18 x 14 x 8 inches

Regardless of the fare you purchase, you’re allowed a carry-on and personal item according to the American Airlines carry-on bag policy. There are no weight restrictions on carry-on bags.

Delta Air Lines

• Carry-on bag dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches

You’re allowed to bring a personal item along with your carry-on bag. Purses, small backpacks and laptops are just some of the personal items allowed by Delta’s carry-on rules.

If you’re flying Delta out of Singapore, Shanghai or Beijing, note that these three locations place weight limits on carry-ons.

Frontier

• Carry-on bag dimensions: 10 x 16 x 24 inches
• Personal item dimensions: 18 x 14 x 8 inches

The Frontier baggage policy allows every passenger to bring a personal item, but depending on the fare you purchase, you may need to pay a fee if you wish to bring a carry-on bag. If you have Elite Gold Status or higher, you are entitled to a complimentary carry-on bag.

It’s usually more expensive to pay for a carry-on bag at the airport on the day of your flight. You may be able to save some money if you pay for it beforehand.

All carry-on bags must weigh less than 35 pounds.

JetBlue

• Carry-on bag dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches
• Personal item dimensions: 17 x 13 x 8 inches

JetBlue carry-on rules now allow all customers to bring a carry-on bag and a personal item, regardless of the fare they purchase. There are no weight limits on carry-ons.

Southwest Airlines

• Carry-on bag dimensions: 24 x 16 x 10 inches

The Southwest Airlines carry-on baggage policy allows slightly larger dimensions for carry-ons, and there’s no weight limit either. You’re also allowed a personal item such as a purse, briefcase or backpack.

United Airlines

• Carry-on bag dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches
• Personal item dimensions: 17 x 10 x 9 inches

Most United fares come with a free carry-on bag and personal item. The exception is basic economy fares, which only allow you to bring a personal item according to United’s carry-on bag restrictions.

However, if you’re travelling internationally, are a MileagePlus Premier member or hold a qualifying United credit card that’s MileagePlus, you may be able to bring a carry-on at no extra charge.

There are no weight restrictions on your bag.

TSA carry-on restrictions

Both your carry-on and checked bags may be screened by TSA to check for any prohibited items. You may ease your travel experience if you know the restrictions before you pack your carry-on bag.

All passengers are subject to TSA rules regarding permitted items you may bring along on your flight even if you have TSA PreCheck. Let’s take a look at TSA’s restrictions. 

TSA liquid limits

At the TSA security checkpoint, the contents of your carry-on may be checked for any restricted items. TSA limits the quantity of liquid you may bring with you. You may be allowed to bring 3.4 ounces or less of these liquids:

• Liquids
• Aerosols
• Gels
• Creams
• Pastes

You’ll need to follow what’s often called the 3-1-1 rule (3 ounces, 1 bag per person). Essentially, this rule means you may be able to bring liquids in 3.4-ounce containers when you store them within a clear, quart-sized bag. You’re limited to what you can fit in a single bag.

Medication, baby food, baby formula and breast milk aren’t subject to the liquid rule. Additionally, any duty-free liquids that you purchase at an international destination before your inbound flight to the U.S aren’t limited to 3.4 ounces. A TSA officer may ask to see your receipt for the item.

Ultimately, it’s up to the TSA officer whether to allow an item through security.     

Other TSA carry-on rules

There are several items TSA prohibits. Here are just a few:

• Aerosol insecticide
• Ammunition
• Baseball bats
• Bear spray
• Box cutters
• E-lighters
• Firearms

Additionally, TSA won’t allow most flammables on flights, but there are a few exceptions:

• Dry batteries
• Cigars
• Cigarettes
• Disposable lighters
• Zippo lighters

Visit TSA’s website for a complete list of prohibited items.

In summary

For a smooth experience on your next fight, it may be helpful to know your airline’s requirements for carry-on bags and any TSA restrictions on items. Following these rules could potentially prevent you from having to check your carry-on or throw away an item.