Carry-on or checked bag? Airline size rules + the best luggage picks
Not sure to carry on or check a bag? Compare size rules, weight limits and durability, then shop the best suitcases and luggage sets for families and frequent flyers.
Kyley Warren- Airlines have specific size and weight restrictions for both carry-on and checked luggage that travelers should verify before flying.
- Luggage is commonly available in durable hard-shell materials or more flexible soft-side fabrics.
- The length of your trip often dictates whether a smaller carry-on or a larger checked suitcase is more appropriate.
It's one of the great divides of our time: carry-on vs. checked luggage. For some, checked bags is a non-negotiable; the extra space enables you to pack until your heart's content. For others (like myself) who have had one too many checked suitcases lost before ever reaching baggage claim, carry-on suitcases are the only truly reliable option.
With so many different airlines and varying baggage requirements, packing for a trip requires so much more planning than simply choosing between carry-on luggage and checked luggage. You have to take into account the luggage size rules, which can change depending on your airline or destination; weight restrictions, construction and even your preferred material (hard-shell luggage vs. soft-side luggage).
To help frequent flyers and families alike determine the best luggage sets for their next trip, this guide explains the differences between carry-on and checked baggage, decodes carry‑on size rules and helps you shop the best suitcases and luggage sets for every kind of traveler.
Keep reading to shop the best carry-on suitcases, checked suitcases and more travel essentials:
Carry-on vs. checked: The luggage guide that actually helps you decide
- Carry-on vs. checked luggage size rules
- Carry-on vs. checked luggage materials & construction
- Carry-on vs. checked luggage organization musts
- Customer-loved picks by trip type
- More travel essentials
Size regulations and restrictions that matter
Does size matter? When it comes to flying with luggage, absolutely! Whether you're jet setting off on a weekend trip with just a carry-on suitcase in tow, or embarking on a longer getaway with a checked suitcase, there are a couple size and weight requirements you'll want to keep in mind before heading off to the airport.
Checked luggage restrictions for domestic flights
Generally, the standard maximum size for checked luggage on most major airlines is 62 linear inches, with a weight of around 40 to 50 pounds. See checked luggage restriction specifics for top U.S. airlines below, and be sure to verify exact requirements with your airline ahead of any trip for the most updated rules:
- American Airlines: Maximum 62 linear inches, 50 pounds.
- United Airlines: Maximum 62 linear inches, 50 pounds.
- Delta: Maximum 62 linear inches, 50 pounds.
- Frontier Airlines: Maximum 62 linear inches, 40 pounds.
Carry-on luggage restrictions for domestic flights:
Generally, the standard maximum size for carry-ons on most major airlines is 22 x 14 x 9 inches; this includes handles and wheels. See luggage restriction specifics for top U.S. airlines below, and be sure to verify exact requirements with your airline ahead of any trip for the most updated rules:
- American Airlines: 22 x 14 x 9 inches
- United Airlines: 22 x 14 x 9 inches
- Delta: 22 x 14 x 9 inches
- Southwest Airlines: 24 x 16 x 10 inches
Materials & construction
Material and construction are other key, yet often underrated, traits to take into consideration when shopping for new luggage.
Nowadays, the two most common luggage builds you'll find are hard-shell suitcases and soft-side suitcases; hard-shell luggage is typically made from polycarbonate or ABS materials, and offers more durability than fabric suitcases. Alternatively, soft-side luggage is typically made from woven nylon materials, and generally offers more packing perks, like an expandable (or compressive) build that's easier to squeeze into tighter spaces.
Below, shop top-rated hard-shell carry-on and checked luggage, as well as soft-sided carry-on and checked luggage:
Hard-shell luggage
Soft-side luggage
Organization musts
For the organized traveler, there are different types of suitcases to consider—ones which come in the form of both carry-on and checked luggage. Expanding luggage is a fantastic option for those looking to capitalize on extra packing space, while suitcases with pockets are an enduring favorite for business travelers looking to separate packed essentials versus items they might need more handy while traveling—like spare clothes, computers and more.
Below, shop expanding and pocketed luggage options from Delsey Paris, Monos and Nobl:
Expanding luggage
Luggage with pockets
Customer‑loved picks by trip type
The type of trip you're taking will also influence the type of luggage you choose to travel with; for overnight or weekend trips, a carry-on suitcase is a doable option. Alternatively, long-haul trips might warrant a larger checked suitcase. Below, shop top-rated suitcases for every type of trip, with carry-on luggage options from Samsonite, and checked luggage options from Beis and Rimowa.
Carry-on luggage for weekend trips
Checked luggage for long-haul trips
Add‑ons that save the day
No matter what type of suitcase you're traveling with, there are tons of travel accessories and add-ons that'll help you better organize your luggage—whether it's a carry-on suitcase or checked suitcase. Luggage trackers like Apple AirTags will help you monitor the whereabouts of your checked baggage, while packing cubes and vacuum storage bags can be useful, too.
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