These Airlines Let You ‘Carry on’ for Free

As the cost of flights continue to go up, consumers are looking for ways to rein in the total cost of their airfare. One fee you can avoid if you play it right is paying for the honor of bringing your luggage onto their plane. Each airline has its own set of rules and definitions for baggage. What’s technically a carry-on bag? What’s a personal item? Which one is free, and which one do you have to pay for?

Knowing what to expect ahead of time can save you from paying an (most likely unreasonable) fee when you show up at your gate. Here’s a breakdown of the country’s biggest airlines, and what their policies are regarding carry-on bags and personal items.

Airlines that allow a carry-on bag and personal item

American Airlines. American Airlines won’t charge you for your carry-on bag or personal item as long as they meet their specified dimensions. Carry-on bags must not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches, and your personal item must be able to fit underneath the seat in front of you (18 x 14 x 8 inches). Diaper bags, soft-sided coolers for breast milk, strollers, and medical or mobility devices do not count as a personal item.

Delta Airlines. Delta Airlines allows passengers to bring a carry-on bag and personal item for free with the purchase of any ticket. For the carry-on bag, it must not exceed the dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches, but is not subject to any weight restrictions (as long as your flight is domestic). Approved personal items include purses, briefcases, camera bags, laptop bags, or diaper bags. Additionally, umbrellas and duty-free items you’ve bought at the terminal do not count as personal items; you can bring those onto the plane, as well, with no hassle.

Hawaiian Airlines. Not only will you get a free lei if you fly Hawaiian Airlines, but you won’t have to pay for your carry-on bag, either. Hawaiian Airlines rules are a bit stricter than some of their free carry-on bag counterparts, invoking a 25-pound weight limit, but enforces the standard 22 x 14 x 9 inches dimension rule. Hawaiian Airlines does allow an exception to this rule if your carry-on item is a musical instrument, as long as it fits in the overhead compartment. For personal items, Hawaiian Airlines allows purses, briefcases, laptop bags, or small backpacks, but they have to fit underneath the seat in front of you.

Southwest Airlines. If you’re ever flying with a ton of luggage, your best bet is going to be Southwest Airlines. Not only do they not charge you for your carry-on bag or personal item, you can also check two bags for free (provided they do not exceed 50 pounds or 62 cumulative inches of length, width, and height). Southwest allows carry-on bags to be larger than their counterparts, posting a dimensions rule of 24 x 16 x 10 inches. For personal items, they must fit the dimensions of 16.25 x 13.5 x 8 inches.

Airlines that allow only a personal item

United Airlines. If you’ve purchased a basic economy ticket with United Airlines, you will only be entitled to bring one personal item with you onto the plane. Your personal item must fit the dimensions of 9 x 10 x 17 inches. If you decide to bring a carry-on bag, you’ll have to pay a $25 fee. The dimensions of your bag must not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

JetBlue Airways. If you’re flying JetBlue, be prepared to stuff as much as you can in your personal item, otherwise it’s going to cost you. With their basic fare, JetBlue charges $65 to bring a carry-on item to the gate, and it’s still going to get checked, as the airline does not allocate overhead bin space for their basic fare customers.

Spirit Airlines. If you’re flying Spirit Airlines, make sure you have all of your ducks in a row before stepping on that plane. While you can bring a personal item with you free of charge, a carry-on bag will cost you anywhere from $26 to $65, depending on how and when the fee is paid. Personal items must not exceed the dimensions of 18 x 14 x 8 inches.

Allegiant Airlines. If you’re flying the Allegiant skies with a carry-on bag, get ready to pay for that luxury. Allegiant Airlines charges $35 per bag, with additional charges for heavier bags (topping out at $75). Your carry-on bag must not exceed the dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches, otherwise it will be subjected to an “airport bag fee” of $50.