How Many Liters is Carry-On Luggage? A Comprehensive Guide in 2023

Carry-on luggage is the baggage that you are allowed to bring with you on a plane and keep in the cabin, rather than checking in. Airlines have different rules and regulations when it comes to carry-on luggage, and one of the most common restrictions is the size limit. 

While many airlines specify the maximum dimensions in terms of inches or centimeters, travelers may wonder how many liters their carry-on bag can hold. In this article, we will explore the answer to the question “How many liters is carry-on luggage?” and provide additional information on carry-on luggage size limits.

Whether you are a frequent flyer or just a casual traveler, you may have wondered about the size restrictions on carry-on luggage. While airlines may provide maximum dimensions for carry-on bags, travelers may also be interested in knowing how many liters their bags can hold. 

Knowing the volume of your carry-on bag can be useful when packing and can help ensure that you comply with airline regulations.

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Understanding Carry-On Luggage Size Limits

Why Are There Size Limits for Carry-On Luggage?

Airlines impose size limits on carry-on luggage for several reasons. One of the primary reasons is to ensure that all passengers can store their bags in the overhead compartments or under the seat in front of them. If some passengers bring oversized bags, it can lead to a shortage of space and delays during boarding and disembarking.

What are the Typical Dimensions for Carry-On Luggage?

The typical dimensions for carry-on luggage vary by airline, but most airlines specify a maximum size of 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches (56 cm by 36 cm by 23 cm) including handles and wheels. However, some airlines may have different size restrictions, so it is essential to check with your airline before traveling.

Also Read: How to Pack Clothes in a Backpack for a More Comfortable Adventure

How Do Airlines Measure Carry-On Luggage?

Airlines may use different methods to measure the size of carry-on luggage. Some airlines may measure the bag’s length, width, and height separately, while others may measure the bag’s total dimensions including handles and wheels. It is important to check with your airline to determine how they measure carry-on luggage.

What Happens if My Carry-On Luggage Is Too Big?

If your carry-on luggage exceeds the size limit set by the airline, you may be required to check it in and pay a fee. In some cases, if the bag is too large, you may not be allowed to bring it on board at all.

Related: How To Protect Your Backpack When Checked as Luggage

How to Determine the Volume of Carry-On Luggage

Using the Formula for Rectangular Bags

To determine the volume of a rectangular carry-on bag, you can use the formula length x width x height. For example, if your bag measures 20 inches by 12 inches by 8 inches, the volume would be 1,920 cubic inches (20 x 12 x 8).

Calculating the Volume of Non-Rectangular Bags

If your carry-on bag has a non-rectangular shape, you can still calculate its volume using the water displacement method. Fill a bathtub or a large container with water and place your bag inside it. The volume of water displaced by the bag is equal to the bag’s volume. Measure the amount of water displaced in liters or cubic inches to determine the volume of your bag.

Also Read: 9 Best waterproof backpacks for Travel

How Many Liters is Carry-On Luggage?

The number of liters that a carry-on bag can hold depends on its dimensions and shape. To convert the volume of your bag from cubic inches to liters, divide the cubic inches by 61.023.

For example, a carry-on bag with a volume of 1,920 cubic inches would have a volume of approximately 31.4 liters (1,920 / 61.023).

Examples of Carry-On Luggage in Liters

To give you an idea of how many liters different carry-on bags can hold, here are some examples:

• A 20-inch by 16-inch by 8-inch carry-on bag has a volume of approximately 40.5 liters.
• A 22-inch by 14-inch by 9-inch carry-on bag has a volume of approximately 38.8 liters.
• A 19-inch by 15-inch by 8-inch carry-on bag has a volume of approximately 32.6 liters.
• A 17-inch by 13-inch by 7-inch carry-on bag has a volume of approximately 20.3 liters.

Keep in mind that these are approximate volumes, and the actual volume of your bag may vary depending on its shape and features.

Airline Regulations for Carry-On Luggage

Different airlines have different regulations when it comes to the size and weight of carry-on luggage. While some airlines are more lenient than others, it’s important to check your airline’s rules before you fly to avoid any unexpected fees or delays. Here are some general guidelines for popular airlines:

• American Airlines: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) or 45 linear inches (114 cm).
• Delta Air Lines: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) or 45 linear inches (114 cm).
• United Airlines: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) or 51 linear inches (129 cm).
• Southwest Airlines: 10 x 16 x 24 inches (25 x 40 x 60 cm).
• Ryanair: 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.9 inches (55 x 40 x 20 cm) or 40 liters.

It’s important to note that these guidelines are subject to change, so be sure to check your airline’s website for the most up-to-date information.

Related: Can I Take a Backpack As Hand Luggage on Ryanair

How Many Liters is Carry-On Luggage?

Now that you know the size requirements for carry-on luggage, you might be wondering how many liters your bag should be. 

While airlines generally measure carry-on luggage by its dimensions, you can estimate the volume in liters by multiplying the length, width, and height of your bag in centimeters and dividing the result by 1000. 

For example, a bag that measures 55 x 40 x 20 cm would be approximately 44 liters (55 x 40 x 20 = 44000 / 1000 = 44).

Also Read: Best Anti-Theft Backpacks for Commuting | Review Guide

Tips for Packing Efficiently

Once you know how many liters your carry-on luggage should be, it’s important to pack efficiently to make the most of the space you have.

Here are some tips to help you maximize the space in your carry-on luggage:

• Use packing cubes: Packing cubes can help you organize your clothes and make the most of the available space in your carry-on.

• Roll your clothes: Rolling your clothes instead of folding them can help save space and prevent wrinkles.

• Wear bulky items: If you’re traveling with a bulky coat or pair of shoes, wear them on the plane instead of packing them in your carry-on.

• Pack versatile clothing: Bring clothing items that can be worn in multiple outfits to save space.

• Use the space under the seat: If you’re having trouble fitting all of your belongings in the overhead compartment, utilize the space under the seat in front of you for additional storage.

Conclusion

Knowing how many liters your carry-on bag can hold can be helpful when packing and complying with airline regulations. While airlines may specify maximum dimensions for carry-on bags, calculating the volume of your bag can provide additional insight. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a novice, understanding carry-on luggage size limits and volume can make your travel experience smoother and stress-free.

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