Bag sizer: does your luggage fit your airline?
$99 at the gate or $0 at home. Measure once and see where your bag stands on every airline.
Free tool — neutral comparison across 172 international carriers, zero airline spin
Sizer boxes differ dramatically across airlines, and the fine print is where surprise $65–$100 gate-check penalties live. Enter your bag's dimensions (or paste specs directly from Amazon or your luggage brand), select rigid vs. soft squishable pack style, and instantly check compliance for overhead carry-on and under-seat personal item allowances across 172 global airlines.
How to measure so your verdict holds at the gate
1. Measure Fully Packed
Stuffed front organizer pockets, laptop sleeves, and expandable zippers add 1–2 inches of depth. Measure the packed bag at its thickest point.
2. Include Wheels & Handles
Spinner wheels and top handles do not compress into rigid metal frames. Every airline includes protruding hardware in their official limits.
3. Account for Squeeze
Soft backpacks and duffels packed to 80% capacity can flex into narrower frames. Rigid polycarbonate cases cannot squeeze and must meet exact limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do wheels and handles count toward airline carry-on dimensions? ▼
Yes. Every major airline — including Delta, United, American, Alaska, and European carriers like Ryanair and easyJet — measures total outer dimensions including wheels, handles, and bulging pockets. If your spinner bag has wheels protruding 2 inches, they count toward the rigid frame limit.
What is the difference between a carry-on and a personal item? ▼
A carry-on bag (typically 22 × 14 × 9 in / 56 × 36 × 23 cm) goes into the overhead bin. A personal item (typically 16 × 12 × 6 in / 40 × 30 × 15 cm, or up to 18 × 14 × 8 in) must fit entirely under the seat in front of you. Ultra-low-cost carriers (Frontier, Spirit, Allegiant, Ryanair, Wizz Air) and Basic Economy fares frequently include only the personal item for free.
Can a soft backpack or duffel bag squeeze into an airline sizer box? ▼
Yes. While rigid hardshell polycarbonate suitcases cannot flex, soft-sided backpacks, duffels, and weekenders that are packed to 75%–85% capacity can compress into metal sizers. As long as the bag slides into the metal frame without excessive force and the top does not protrude, gate agents allow it.
What happens if my cabin bag exceeds weight limits? ▼
US domestic legacy carriers (Delta, United, American, Southwest) have no published cabin weight limits — you only need to lift the bag into the overhead bin unaided. However, European, Asian, and Oceanian carriers (e.g. AirAsia, Scoot, Jetstar, Lufthansa, Ryanair) enforce strict 7 kg (15.4 lb) to 10 kg (22 lb) caps. Exceeding the weight limit requires checking the bag and paying gate-check baggage fees.