⚠️ Disclaimer: For general information only — not tax, financial, legal, or medical advice. Figures may be outdated or incorrect; tax rules change frequently. Verify important decisions with the CRA/IRS or a qualified professional (for health topics, a licensed healthcare provider). You use this information at your own risk.
The short answer
United, Delta, and American all use the same checked-bag standard in economy: 50 lb (23 kg) and 62 linear inches (158 cm) of total dimensions (length + width + height, wheels and handles included). Carry-on is a uniform 22 x 14 x 9 in on all three, plus one personal item. Overweight fees bite fast — $100 at 51 lb on most routes — so weigh your bag at home.
Notes: United stacks overweight and oversize fees when both apply; American charges the higher of the two instead. Delta charges both. Whether your first checked bag is included depends on fare — expect around $35 for the first bag on basic domestic economy fares (United, Delta and American all charge $35 in 2026), so confirm when booking. Bags over 100 lb are not accepted as checked baggage on any of the three.
Carry-on and personal item
Airline
Carry-on
Personal item
Weight limit
United
22 x 14 x 9 in
Must fit under the seat
None stated
Delta
22 x 14 x 9 in
Must fit under the seat
None stated
American
22 x 14 x 9 in
18 x 14 x 8 in
None stated
Dimensions include wheels and handles. Watch out for United Basic Economy: it includes only a personal item — a full-size carry-on brought to the gate gets checked for a fee — always pay for bags online in advance, where it is cheaper than at the airport.
Hard-shell vs soft-shell
Hard-shell (polycarbonate/ABS): best protection for fragile items, usually lighter, and easy to wipe clean. Downsides: the rigid shape wastes space if under-packed, and the cheapest shells crack under rough handling.
Soft-shell (fabric): expansion zippers add capacity, exterior pockets keep essentials reachable, and fabric gives a little in packed overhead bins. Downsides: weaker impact and water protection, shows wear faster.
For most US domestic trips, a 22-inch hard-shell carry-on plus a personal-item backpack is the sweet spot — no checked-bag fees, no carousel wait.
Backpacks: which type
Cabin daypack (20–35 L): doubles as your personal item. A clamshell opening packs like a suitcase and beats top-loaders for organization.
Travel backpack (40–50 L): a carry-on alternative for light packers; must fit the 22 x 14 x 9 in box.
Trekking pack (60–75 L): checked baggage for adventure trips. Use the rain cover, tuck away or cover the straps, or put the pack inside a duffel to survive conveyor belts.
Packing cubes and space tricks
Packing cubes are the cheapest real upgrade: they compress clothes and keep categories separated. Roll soft clothes instead of folding, stuff socks and chargers inside shoes, and wear your bulkiest jacket and boots on the plane. Compression packing cube sets are sold on Amazon. Always keep valuables, medication, and one change of clothes in your carry-on — checked bags get delayed more often than airlines admit.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the overweight baggage fee?
On Delta it is $100 per bag for 51–70 lb and $200 for 71–100 lb. On American's US–Canada routes it is $30 (50–53 lb), $100 (53–70 lb), or $200 (71–100 lb). United charges about $100 for 51–70 lb and $200 for 71–100 lb. All of these are on top of the checked-bag fee itself.
Can a 28-inch suitcase be carried on?
No — a 28-inch case is roughly 71 cm tall, far over the 22-inch (56 cm) carry-on limit. As checked baggage it works: a typical 28-inch case totals about 158 cm in linear dimensions, right at the 62-inch limit. Watch the weight — large cases invite overpacking past 50 lb.
What happens if my bag is both overweight and oversized?
It depends on the airline. United and Delta charge both fees (up to $400 combined on Delta — $200 overweight plus $200 oversize); American charges only the higher of the two, plus the checked-bag fee. Either way, it is expensive — repack at the check-in counter if you can.
Should I buy a 20-inch or 24-inch suitcase for US trips?
A 20–22 inch carry-on (≤22 in tall) flies in the cabin on standard fares — no checked-bag fee, no carousel wait. A 24-inch case must be checked; choose it for trips over a week or when you need the space. Never buy a 24-inch case hoping to carry it on.
Do I need a TSA lock?
Yes for any checked bag in the US — only TSA agents can open TSA-accepted locks with a master key; a non-TSA lock may be cut off during screening.
Sources
United Airlines, Checked bags: https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/baggage/checked-bags.html
Delta Air Lines, Baggage policy and fees: https://www.delta.com/us/en/baggage/overview
Delta Air Lines, Excess & overweight baggage: https://www.delta.com/us/en/baggage/checked-baggage/excess-overweight-baggage
American Airlines, Checked bag policy: https://www.aa.com/web/i18n/travel-info/baggage/checked-baggage-policy.html
American Airlines, Oversize and overweight bags: https://www.aa.com/web/i18n/travel-info/baggage/oversize-and-overweight-baggage.html
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