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Carry-On Luggage That Will *Actually* Fit in the Overhead Bin of the Specific Airline You’re Flying

Not sure what your airline allows? Here are some of the more popular airlines and their allowed dimensions—plus our fave carry-ons that will fit!

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Photo: Getty Images/ Yaroslav Astakhov
Published Dec 15, 2022

Written by 

Jessie Quinn

Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission

No matter if you’re an over-packer or the type of person who refuses to check a bag, carry-on luggage can be a bit of a sore subject for travelers, no thanks to airline baggage policies and what seems like shape-shifting overhead bins. While some major airlines in the United States (hello, American Airlines, United, JetBlue, and Delta) make it easier to invest in luggage with their more standard 22 x 14 x 9-inch carry-on size, many airlines have different carry-on bag policies—and some bag size requirements can even change depending on the aircraft.

If you have a trip planned and need help shopping for carry-on luggage that will actually fit inside the overhead compartments, we’ve got you covered. Up ahead, find our top picks for the best carry-on luggage for JetBlue, Alaskan, United, Southwest, Spirit, and other popular domestic and international airlines.

Best carry-on luggage, at a glance 

The 9 best carry-on luggage for overhead bins

American Airlines: Samsonite, Octiv Carry-On Spinner

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Octiv Carry-On Spinner — $230.00

American Airlines Carry-On Size: 22 x 14 x 9 inches

Bag Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches

According to American Airlines, a carry-on bag should be no bigger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including the handles and wheels, which is standard across several major airlines on our list. Since it is a standard size, it’s relatively easy to find an excellent carry-on bag to not only fit in the overhead bins on an American Airlines flight—but not all are created equal. For one of the best 22 x 14 x 9-inch carry-on bags, we adore The Octiv Carry-On Spinner from Samsonite, which measures at exactly the dimensions allowed, giving you every extra millimeter of room.

Samsonite is tried-and-true for good reason: It’s known for its durability and easy of use, thanks to its polycarbonate shell and packing cube-style interior that makes organizing your belongings a breeze (this includes mesh pockets, a WetPak pocket that keeps liquids to themselves, and elastic tie-downs. Plus, it comes with a TSA-approved locked for security, and Aero-Trac wheels that are designed to be strolled extra smoothly. Over-packers can rejoice, since the suitcase expands by 1.5 inches (every inch counts with a carry-on)! Bonus? It has an USB port in the design, so you can charge your phone or Kindle while you wait at your gate.

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United: Monos Carry-On

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The Carry-On — $245.00

United Carry-On Size: 22 x 14 x 9 inches

Bag Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches

United (along with several other airlines on our list) makes shopping for a carry-on bag easy with its more universal 22 x 14 x 9-inch size requirements. If you’re flying United, one of our favorite bags in this size is the Monos Carry-On—the bag is so good that it’s actually won awards for its design. This carry-on luggage is constructed with a polycarbonate hard shell interior that is ultra-durable, plus a telescoping handle that matches its exterior’s strength. The bag is also water-resistant so you can travel in rain or snow without concerns, has a 350D anti-microbial interior, and comes with a built-in TSA-approved lock for added security. On top of that, when you purchase a Monos Carry-On, you get an anti-microbial laundry bag, two shoe bags, and a vegan leather luggage tag along with it—score!

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JetBlue: L.L.Bean Hardside Spinner, 22"

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Hardside Spinner, 22" — $219.00

JetBlue Carry-On Size: 22 x 14 x 9 inches

Bag Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches

As one of the major airlines in the United States, JetBlue also has a more universal carry-on bag policy. When flying JetBlue, you’ll want to ensure that your bag doesn’t exceed the 22 x 14 x 9 requirements, or else it won’t fit in the overhead bin and will need to be checked instead. For a bag that fits—and is made to last—consider the L.L.Bean Hardside Spinner. The durable hard-shell luggage fits the exact specifications, plus it can handle the wear and tear of travel, making it a good investment, too. Like most hardshell suitcases, this bag features four wheels that make dragging your belongings across a busy airport a breeze, only the wheels are particularly inset, making them even more durable. Inside, the bag has two mesh zippered dividers to keep personal items in placed and organized, too.

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Delta: Level 8 Textured Carry-On 20''

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Textured Carry-On 20'' — $160.00

Delta Carry-On Size: 22 x 14 x 9 inches

Bag Dimensions: 13.7 x 9.3 x 19.7 inches

Similar to American Airlines, United, and JetBlue, Delta also has standard carry-on size requirements of 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Whether you’re a loyal Delta flyer or are looking for a more universal carry-on bag that will fit overhead bins on most of the major airlines in the United States, the Textured Carry-On 20” from Level 8 is one of our favorites. With pronounced angles, this carry-on boasts a sleek and linear-looking design in a sturdy polycarbonate hard shell that—get this—has an anti-scratch surface.

The carry-on bag also comes in a collection of seven stunning colors, is extra-roomy inside, and you can save 15 percent when you make it a set with the matching checked bag size. On top of that, the luggage has a $159 price tag, which is on the more affordable side of the spectrum compared to carry-on bags with similar design and durability.

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Alaskan Air: Baboon to the Moon Go Bag Small Duffle

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Go-Bag Duffle Small — $189.00

Alaskan Air Carry-On Size: 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 45 linear inches

Bag Dimensions: 10.5 x 20.5 x 12.5 inches

If you want a soft-shell carry-on bag and are traveling on Alaskan Air, the Baboon to the Moon Go Bag Small Duffle is a fantastic choice. According to Alaskan Airlines’ baggage policy, carry-on bags must be no bigger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 45 linear inches—which this duffle bag matches. Apart from fitting into the overhead bins, the Go Bag is like the ultimate duffle with tons of compartments to keep you organized. It also features a convenient passport zippered pocket for easy access, a clippable all-around daisy chain so you can easily attach items to it with a carabiner and it has double-layered protection. The bag also features locking zippers for security and a zipper rain flap to keep belongings protected in wet weather.

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Southwest Airlines: Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus

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The Aviator Carry-On Plus — $375.00

Southwest Airlines Carry-On Size: 24 x 16 x 10 inches

Bag Dimensions: 14.7 x 22.7 x 9.6 inches

We love flying Southwest Airlines because it has one of the most generous carry-on bag policies, which states bags in the overhead bin can’t exceed past 24 x 16 x 10 inches. When flying Southwest, the Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus is the best carry-on bag for your trip. The classic hard shell luggage is constructed from recycled materials, making it totally carbon-neutral. Featuring 360-degree double spinner wheels that make rolling super smoother, an interior compression board, scuff-camouflaging finish (even if you choose the cream-colored option, it won’t get marked very easily—our senior commerce editor travels everywhere with it, and it still somehow looks brand new), interior pockets, and a removable laundry bag.

It’s a larger “smaller” carry-on, so even if you do end up flying other airlines, it should be able to fit in their compartments, too.

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Air France: LOJEL Cubo Small

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Cubo Small — $300.00

Air France Carry-On Size: 21.7 x 14 x 9.8 inches

Bag Dimensions: 20.9 x 14 x 9.8 inches

If you’re flying Air France, the luggage policy is important to consider, as this airline requires a smaller carry-on compared to some of the major airlines in the United States. Air France’s bag policy states that carry-on bags can’t exceed 55 x 35 x 25 centimeters, which amounts to 21.7 x 14 x 9.8 inches. For a bag you don’t have to sweat about, look to the LOJEL Cubo Small. This hardshell luggage is more pint-sized but packs a punch with the most convenient front pocket that folds out on an angle and reveals all of your essentials—including your laptop—stowed away in designated compartments and pockets.

The carry-on is also designed with maximum space in mind, so you can fit everything you need (including your coat) in the cabin. And, in case you buy too many souvenirs, the bag expands at the center by around 1 inch—although, this might mean you’ll need to check it, too.

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Emirates: July Carry-On Light

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Carry On Light — $245.00

Emirates Carry-On Size: 21.65 x 14.96 x 7.87 inches

Bag Dimensions: 21.25 x 14.25 x 7.5 inches

Similar to Air France, Emirates’ bag policy prefers smaller carry-ons and says to keep bags under 55 x 38 x 20 centimeters, or 21.65 x 14.96 x 7.87 inches. With this in mind, the July Carry-On Light is the perfect fit. Measuring at 21.25 x 14.25 x 7.5 inches, this bag is built for world travel with its strong German polycarbonate shell and water-resistant and stain-proof lining. The bag also has heavy-duty PVC hinges and trim, which adds to the overall durability factor. Another fantastic thing about July carry-on bags, in general, is that they have a lifetime warranty on manufacturing faults, and they offer personalization, making this bag an excellent gift idea for travelers (or the perfect splurge for yourself).

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Spirit Airlines: CALPAK Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage

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Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage — $149.00

Spirit Airlines Carry-On Size: 22 x 18 x 10 inches

Bag Dimensions: 16 x 14 x 8 inches

When traveling on Spirit Airlines, it’s ultra-important to consider the carry-on policy, as not every plane will fit a carry-on and, sometimes, a carry-on bag might not even be allowed, depending on your ticket. Additionally, Spirit Airlines’ bag policy says some carry-on bags—even if they meet the allotted 22 x 18 x 10-inch requirements—might not fit on a particular plane. If this is the case, the airline will require you to check your carry-on bag. While a budget-friendly ticket can surely make up for this, you still want to make sure your bag will fit on the plane.

For the best carry-on luggage for Spirit Airlines, we like to play it safe with the CALPAK Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage. Small but mighty, this bag meets the requirements of Spirit Airlines’ personal item dimensions, which means you’ll likely have an easier time traveling. In addition to its small size, the CALPAK carry-on luggage is supremely organized with tons of compartments for in-flight essentials, plus enough room to pack a small fanny bag or crossbody bag inside. The bag also features a hardshell, giving it tons of durability, and comes in a variety of beautiful shades to keep your travel aesthetic on point.

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9 Gender-Neutral Nursery Items Every Parent Will Love, According to a New Mom

Defy the blue and pink status quo.

gender neutral nursery items
A new Mother stand in her daughters nursery as she takes a moment to enjoy Motherhood and soak it all in. She is dressed comfortably and holding her baby close to her chest as the two bond.
Published Mar 3, 2025

Written by 

Erica Zazo

Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission

As a two-mom household, some could say it’s a bit cliché that my wife and I opted for a gender-neutral nursery. Sure, we’re fierce advocates for society accepting and embracing all kinds of identities across the spectrum—gender identity included. But the reality is, we were excited for one of life’s greatest surprises: Not finding out the sex of our baby until birth.

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Truth be told, couples from all walks of life are embracing the gender-neutral baby movement. Beyond surprise gender reveals, gender-neutral baby names are on the rise—and have been trending upward since the 90s. In 2024, 17% of new babies were given gender-neutral names.

“Over the past year, we’ve seen search volume on Pinterest shift toward nursery designs that break away from traditional themes,” says Sydney Stanback, Global Trends and Insights Lead at Pinterest. “Searches for “unisex nursery” have grown 340%. This rise in gender-neutral and thoughtfully designed nurseries reflects how parents are using Pinterest to design spaces that feel unique, and aligned with their style.”

The Pinterest trends team also says that, in recent years, people have become more daring and expressive in their home design, and instead of designing nurseries with traditional colors or themes, parents can create spaces that can evolve with their kids while allowing for more creativity and self-expression. The 2025 Pinterest Predicts trend, Primary Play, is a great example of this.

“[With Primary Play] we're seeing people embrace a more maximalist aesthetic, incorporating murals, patterned furniture, and playful details to make their spaces feel more personal,” adds Stanback. And that trend includes nurseries too. 

No matter if you’re keeping gender a mystery for the surprise or simply want to break the status quo of pink and blue decor, designing with gender-neutral nursery decor can be a whole lot of fun. Here are nine nursery items that defy “traditional” gender norms.

Shop 8 gender-neutral nursery picks

The color: Benjamin Moore Cinnamon Slate — $6 for a sample

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Color is often the first decision parents make when designing their child’s nursery. And if you’re eager to build out a nursery that goes beyond gender binaries, then the world is your oyster. In stereotypical gender-neutral nurseries, parents tend to opt for neutral colors, like off-whites, tans, and beige tones. But genderless nurseries don’t have to be boring, you know. 

“Gender-neutral nurseries continue to trend, but that doesn’t mean everything has to be beige,” says Latifah Miles, Senior Commerce Editor at Babylist. “There are many different ways we see gender-neutral come to life, whether through a monochromatic neutral, a bold color expression, or a sweet theme, like woodland animals.”
For our nursery, my wife and I chose bright pops of color, like burnt orange, earthy greens, or even muted shades of burgundy. And for our primary wall color, we went with Benjamin Moore’s 2025 Color of the Year: Cinnamon Slate. This heathered plum meets velvety brown and brings an instant sense of calm and serenity to any room—regardless of gender.

The crib: Nestig Willow Crib — $549

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Of course, cribs know no gender. A sleeping baby is a sleeping baby (and we love that). Baby brand Nestig tops our list of some of the most beautifully designed and high-quality nursery furniture. Whether you’re building out a registry for twins or welcoming your second or third little one, you won’t regret investing in Nestig (trust us). The Willow Crib has a timeless design and grows with your kid, converting into a toddler-size bed over time. The neutral-toned Natural Wood frame—constructed from sustainably harvested, solid Brazilian pine—makes a great choice for gender-neutral nurseries.

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The dresser: Nestig Willow Dresser — $799

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Match your crib with Nestig’s Willow Dresser, which comes in the same color palette. Oversized drawers—that roll out butter-smooth—offer ample space for onesies and adorable outfits for kiddos of all genders. Its top is wide and deep enough to serve as a changing table (the Evolur Eva Changing Pad fits perfectly). We plan to use the top dresser drawer to house our diaper-changing gear and the bottom two for clothing.

The crib sheets: Blissful Diary Muslin Crib Sheets — $27

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Moms love muslin because it’s exceptionally soft, highly breathable, super absorbent, and gentle on the skin. Swaddles, blankets, and burp cloths are common to find in muslin fabric—as are crib sheets. This type of fabric also helps regulate body temperature thanks to its open-weave structure. Just make sure the muslin sheet you choose—like you’ll find with the Blissful Dairy brand—is well-fitted. Crib sheets that are too loose pose a potential safety concern. Blissful Dairy makes a variety of colors, but we chose retro yellow and beige to complement our non-gendered nursery’s earth tones.

The rug: Ruggable x Jonathan Adler Washable Rug — $179

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While some parents may pick a rug that blends in with the nursery, a bold rug can also serve as a statement piece in the room. A vibrant, patterned rug can also do wonders for a baby’s visual and cognitive development. Ruggable recently teamed up with ceramic potter, designer, and author, Jonathan Adler, to create a bright, modern, and playful printed rug that works great in any room. I love this rug for its vibrant pattern and for the fact that you can wash it in your washing machine (great for those unexpected spit-ups and spills).

The storage: Ikea RÅSKOG Utility Cart — $28

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If you’re working with a smaller nursery like we are, you may need to get creative on storage. The three-tiered Ikea RÅSKOG Utility Cart is cute and functional, and comes in a mix of retro and neutral colors that will match any nursery. Since it’s on wheels, you can pack it full of toys, diaper-changing items, or other baby gear, and transport it around the house. Another hack for this cart is adding the bamboo NORRÅVA Lid to your purchase to turn the cart into a makeshift side table as needed.

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The sound machine: Happiest Baby SNOObie — $70

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No matter your baby’s gender, sleep is beyond important for their well-being. That’s why it’s important to consider all of the tips and tricks for getting your baby to fall and stay asleep. Happiest Baby brand’s SNOO, an innovative (and pretty magical) bassinet that mimics the motion and sounds of the womb to help your baby fall (and stay) asleep, has become a go-to for many parents. 

While we didn’t splurge on the SNOO for our normal bassinet, we did snag a SNOObie. This all-in-one smart soother for babies doubles as a sound machine and night light. It plays four doctor-designed audio tracks, including SNOO’s beloved white noise and calming lullabies. You can also filter through a rainbow of colors and brightness levels to find the perfect fit for your little one’s nighttime routine. 

The swing: Jool Baby Nova Nature — $190

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Because our gender-neutral nursery has an earthy, natural vibe to it, we’ve looked out for products and accessories to complement the room’s aesthetic. The Jool Baby Nova Nature swing was a perfect fit for this reason. We love the natural beechwood toy bar and hanging mobile toys that match the gender-neutral tones of our nursery. 

For quiet nights in the nursery listening to soft music and a daytime hang-out spot for family time in the living room, there are many things to love about this sleek and soothing swing. It features five levels of side-to-side swaying motions to help calm your baby. It also only weighs 7.25 pounds, making it easy to move around the house. You can stream music through the built-in speaker via Bluetooth or select 10 pre-set melodies built into the Baby Nova. It’s important to note: If baby does fall asleep in the Baby Nova, transfer them to a firm surface for sleeping.

The high chair: Stokke Tripp Trapp 2 — $399

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Even though it’s not a core nursery item, we had to invest in the Stokke Tripp Trapp 2. This simple, burly, and sleek high chair was recommended to us by many parents in our network. It comes in a mix of colors but we went with the natural wood to match the rest of our nursery items. 

Its lightweight design makes it easy to pick up and move into rooms adjacent to our nursery, like our kitchen and dining room. We love that this high chair’s seat and foot plates adjust to fit kids as they grow. The seat insert can also be removed, transforming the chair into a seat for toddlers, teens, and adults up to 242.5 pounds.

For more gender-neutral nursery inspiration, check Babylist’s gender-neutral nursery guide and gender-neutral baby clothing guide.

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