Carry-On Luggage Size Guide: What to Check Before You Fly

A suitcase may be labelled “carry-on” and still not meet the requirements of every airline.

Cabin baggage rules vary by carrier, fare type and sometimes route, so checking the measurements before you travel can help you avoid unexpected baggage fees at the airport.

Here are a few things to know before choosing your carry-on.

There Is No Universal Carry-On Size

Most major airlines use similar cabin baggage dimensions, but even a difference of a few centimetres can matter.

For example, current maximum carry-on dimensions for three popular Canadian airlines are:

Air Canada
55 × 40 × 23 cm
21.5 × 15.5 × 9 in

Air Transat
55 × 40 × 23 cm
21.5 × 15.5 × 9 in

WestJet
56 × 36 × 23 cm
22 × 14 × 9 in

That means a suitcase that meets one airline's requirements may not automatically meet another's.

Wheels and Handles Matter

When checking luggage dimensions, always look at the full external measurements of the suitcase.

Air Canada specifically states that its maximum dimensions include wheels and handles, while WestJet requires the entire bag to fit within its sizing device.

This is why comparing only the body of the suitcase can be misleading.

Check Your Fare, Not Just the Airline

Size is only part of the equation.

Your fare type can determine whether a standard carry-on bag is included at all.

For example, some Air Canada Economy Basic tickets include only a personal item on certain routes. WestJet's UltraBasic fare also generally permits only a personal item, with specific exceptions.

So before packing, check both:

Is my suitcase the right size?
and
Does my fare include a carry-on bag?

Personal Items Have Their Own Limits

A personal item is generally smaller than a standard carry-on and must fit under the seat in front of you.

The maximum dimensions also vary between airlines.

For example:

Air Canada: 33 × 43 × 16 cm
Air Transat: 43 × 31 × 13 cm
WestJet: 41 × 33 × 14 cm

If you plan to travel with both a suitcase and a handbag, backpack or laptop bag, it is worth checking the limits for both pieces.

Always Check Before You Fly

Airline baggage policies can change.

Before every trip, check the current baggage allowance directly with the airline operating your flight — especially if you are travelling on a Basic fare or connecting between different carriers.

A few minutes of checking before departure can save you from having to check your suitcase unexpectedly at the gate.

Choosing Your Carry-On

When shopping for cabin luggage, compare the suitcase's full external dimensions — including wheels and handles — with the airlines you use most frequently.

Choosing a size that works across several of your usual carriers can make future travel much simpler.

Explore ÉVORA Carry-On Luggage →

Airline requirements vary. Always verify current baggage dimensions, allowances and fare restrictions directly with your carrier before travel.