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Why "airline approved" carry-ons can fail the 22 x 14 x 9 sizer
Updated
The size in a carry-on's title is usually the case. The airline measures the whole bag, wheels and handle included. On the listings here that difference is 2 to 3 inches of height, which is enough to turn a "21 inch" bag into a 23 inch one.
What the airlines say
United's page gives 9 x 14 x 22 inches and says to include the handle and wheels. American says 22 x 14 x 9 inches "including handles and wheels". Delta gives the same three sides, adds a 45 inch total, and says the numbers include handles and wheels. None of them mention "airline approved". That phrase comes from the seller.
Case size vs overall size on real listings
| Listing | Size the listing calls case or packing | Overall with wheels and handle | Added height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-Inch Spinner | 21 x 14 x 9 in (case) | 23 x 14.5 x 9 in | 2 in |
| Travelpro Maxlite 5 Underseat | 15.25 x 13 x 8 in (case) | 17.5 x 14.5 x 8.5 in | 2.25 in |
| Samsonite Winfield 2 20-Inch Spinner | 20 x 13.5 x 9.5 in (packing) | 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 in | 3 in |
The Samsonite Winfield 2 is the clearest case. Its first bullet says it meets the size limits of United, American, Delta, Southwest and Allegiant. Two bullets later it gives an overall size of 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 in. That is 1 inch over the 22 inch height those first three airlines publish. It does fit Southwest's 24 x 16 x 10.
- Samsonite Omni 2 Smaller By Design0 in
- Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-Inch Spinner1 in
- Wrangler 22-Inch Hardside Spinner0.5 in
- LEVEL8 20-Inch Hard Shell Carry-On0.5 in
- Samsonite Winfield 2 20-Inch Spinner1 in
- Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Spinner1 in
Which picks actually fit 22 x 14 x 9
By the overall size on each listing, only the Samsonite Omni 2 Smaller By Design fits all three sides. Samsonite says it is "slightly smaller than standard U.S. domestic carry-ons" on purpose. The Wrangler 22-inch is 22 x 14 but 9.5 deep. The LEVEL8 is short at 21.5 but 14.5 wide and 9.2 deep.
How to measure your own bag
- Stand it up with the handle pushed all the way down.
- Measure from the floor to the top of the highest point, usually the handle housing or top grab handle.
- Measure width across the widest point, including side handles and feet.
- Measure depth front to back at the thickest point, including front pockets and wheel housings. Do this packed, not empty.
Then put the three numbers in the checker.
Will they really measure?
Often they don't. But a full flight or a strict gate is where it happens, and the airline's page is what they go by. I'd rather buy to the published number than hope.
Check your own bag against your airlines with the carry-on size checker, or compare all seven picks on the roundup page.