Airlines That Offer Free Carry-On Luggage

Nowadays, traveling can get pretty expensive — especially when you factor in costs like added baggage fees (which can cost over $50 on certain airlines), seat selection charges, and in-flight meal expenses. Luckily, depending on who you're traveling with, you don't always need to shell out the big bucks to be able to bring your suitcase onboard. From Delta to American Airlines and even JetBlue, there are actually several airlines flying in and out of the U.S. that currently include free carry-on bags in your ticket price — each one, of course, with its own set of specific rules and restrictions.

That said, choosing an airline that offers free carry-on luggage doesn't just mean potential savings on your travel budget. It also means you can pack more efficiently and avoid the hassle of standing in line to check your bags. And, let's face it, when the idea of navigating a crowded airport already sounds stressful enough, there's nothing more tempting than the thought of traveling with just one carry-on.

For starters, when booking your flight, it's important to understand each airline's carry-on luggage policy. For example, several airlines offer free carry-on bags regardless of your fare type. This includes popular options such as Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Delta, and American Airlines, all of which allow travelers to bring both one carry-on bag and one personal item at no extra cost, regardless of their fare. What's the difference between a carry-on and a personal item? Put simply, it all boils down to size. While a carry-on is larger and goes in the overhead bin, a personal item is smaller and should fit under the seat in front of you.

On the other hand, there are some airlines that have carry-on restrictions based on fare types. For example, JetBlue and United Airlines don't include free carry-on bags with their most basic tickets. So, if you're flying with either of these and want to bring a carry-on, you'll need to book a standard economy fare or higher.

Keep in mind, however, that a free carry-on allowance doesn't just mean unlimited packing freedom, and that size and weight restrictions still apply in all of the above cases. Specifically, most airlines require that a carry-on bag's dimensions don't exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including wheels and handles. So pack wisely — and remember that some carry-on items are just better left at home!

When it comes to international travel, most airlines also typically allow at least one free carry-on bag. However, size and weight restrictions can vary significantly. Major international carriers — think Lufthansa, British Airways, Air Canada, Emirates, and Air France — allow travelers to bring a carry-on bag that weighs up to 27 pounds, with exact limits varying per airline, and all of which are subject to additional regulations depending on your departure and destination country.

In addition to the main carry-on bag, many international airlines also allow passengers to travel with a personal item — such as a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. That said, there are certain European budget airlines that are a lot more strict with their luggage policies — meaning that even personal items are subject to some pretty harsh size restrictions and potential fees. As a tip, once you've settled on your travel dates and destination, look through each airlines' requirements carefully to avoid getting caught off-guard at the check-in counter.