What is the current policy on carry-on size in 2025?
If you’ve been following the Lean Traveller Guide for a while, you know we’ve covered carry-on luggage restrictions from every angle — including my universal carry-on experiment and the in-depth size chart for each airline. But the game has changed again.
In 2025, budget airlines are getting stricter, measuring bags more often and enforcing size rules aggressively — especially Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet.
If you don’t want to end up paying €30+ at the gate or cramming your backpack into a metal cage, this is the update you need.
✈️ 2025 Carry-On Size Summary – Europe vs USA
Since many readers of this blog come from the US, here’s a breakdown of free cabin baggage rules across both European and American carriers. The difference is quite noticeable — especially when it comes to underseat-only limitations and size consistency.
| Airline | Free Carry-on Size | Underseat Only? | Max Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryanair | 40 x 20 x 25 cm | ✅ Yes | No limit (must fit) |
| Wizz Air | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | ✅ Yes | No limit (strict) |
| easyJet | 45 x 36 x 20 cm | ✅ Yes | No weight limit |
| LOT | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | ❌ No | 8 kg |
| Lufthansa | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | ❌ No | 8 kg |
| Airline | Free Carry-on Size | Underseat Only? | Max Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22x14x9 in) | ❌ No | No official limit |
| Delta Air Lines | 56 x 35 x 23 cm (22x14x9 in) | ❌ No | No official limit |
| United Airlines | 56 x 35 x 22 cm (22x14x9 in) | ❌ No | No weight limit |
| Southwest | 61 x 41 x 25 cm (24x16x10 in) | ❌ No | No weight limit |
| JetBlue | 55 x 35 x 22 cm (22x14x9 in) | ❌ No | No weight limit |
| Spirit Airlines | 45 x 35 x 20 cm (18x14x8 in) | ✅ Yes (Basic Fare) | No weight limit |
| Alaska Airlines | 56 x 35 x 22 cm (22x14x9 in) | ❌ No | No weight limit |
🧐 Most US carriers allow full-size carry-ons, but Spirit Airlines only includes an underseat personal item in their basic fare — similar to Ryanair or Wizz Air in Europe.
What Does This Mean in Practice?
Let me put it simply:
✅ That awesome 45L backpack from your last interrail trip? Too big for Ryanair.
✅ Your roller cabin suitcase with wheels? Most likely won’t pass Wizz Air’s cage check.
✅ Want to avoid paying extra? You’ll need a true underseat bag, ideally <20 cm deep.
And yes — I’ve personally had to gate-check my bag in Bergamo even though it technically fit the dimensions. It’s not just about the size. It’s about the attitude of the staff and how full the flight is.
Best Carry-on Size in 2025 (My Picks)
Looking for carry-on suitcases that are both airline-compliant and top-rated by thousands of travelers? Here’s a curated selection of the best options on Amazon right now – all compatible with major airline size restrictions and featuring great reviews.
Quick Tips to Avoid Trouble at the Gate
- Use a soft bag – it adapts to the cage test better than hard cases
- Don’t overpack – bulging bags often fail even if the shell is OK
- Board early – staff are less strict when overhead bins are empty
- Always check your fare – some “Basic” fares include full carry-on!
Final Words (and What’s Next)
This isn’t the first time we’ve talked about carry-on survival here on Lean Traveller Guide, and it won’t be the last. Airlines tweak their rules constantly — and it pays to stay updated.
In the next post, I’ll break down my top picks for personal-size backpacks under 40x30x20 — field tested and affordable.
Related Reading:
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Last update on 2025-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
