Comparison
Personal Item Size Limits by Airline
The under-seat bag is the one allowance almost every fare includes. These are the limits PackRight models, sorted so you can see which airlines are most and least generous.
| Airline | Personal item limit | Approximate volume | Relative space | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | 18 x 14 x 8 in | 2,016 cu in | 100% | Review pending |
| Delta Air Lines | 18 x 14 x 8 in | 2,016 cu in | 100% | Review pending |
| Spirit Airlines | 18 x 14 x 8 in | 2,016 cu in | 100% | Review pending |
| Frontier Airlines | 18 x 14 x 8 in | 2,016 cu in | 100% | Review pending |
| Southwest Airlines | 16 x 13.5 x 8.5 in | 1,836 cu in | 91% | Review pending |
| JetBlue Airways | 17 x 13 x 8 in | 1,768 cu in | 88% | Review pending |
| United Airlines | 17 x 10 x 9 in | 1,530 cu in | 76% | Review pending |
| Alaska Airlines | 14 x 11 x 9 in | 1,386 cu in | 69% | Review pending |
Why the personal item matters
Every fare family PackRight models includes a personal item, including basic fares that exclude a carry-on. On those fares the under-seat bag is the whole free allowance, which makes its size the difference between paying nothing and paying for a bag.
How to read the comparison
Volume is length times width times height, which is a rough guide only: a long, flat allowance and a short, deep one can have the same volume and hold very different things. The relative bar compares each airline against the largest allowance shown.
Sizes include wheels and handles. A bag fits if its three sides are within the three published measurements in any order, which is how our size checker compares them.
Caveats
- Some airlines describe the personal item by what fits under a seat rather than by a strict box.
- Aircraft type and seat position change how much room is actually under the seat.
- Partner-operated and international segments can apply a different allowance.
Each row shows its own review status. See the methodology for what that means.
Work out what your trip will cost
Enter your airline, fare and bags to see an itemised estimate with the source behind every figure.
Estimate your baggage fees