Airlines with No Carry-on Weight Limits

Pack heavy without worry. These 9 airlines only restrict carry-on size, not weight. Perfect for digital nomads, photographers, and travelers with heavy gear.

9
Airlines with no weight limits
9
US/Canada carriers
Most generous
44
Airlines with weight limits
23kg
Highest weight limit
British Airways

Airlines with No Weight Restrictions

These airlines only restrict size, not weight

AirlineRegionCarry-on Size LimitWeight PolicyEnforcement
Delta Air Lines
DL
North America56×35×23cmNo weight limitlenient
American Airlines
AA
North America56×36×23cmNo weight limitmoderate
United Airlines
UA
North America56×35×23cmNo weight limitmoderate
Southwest Airlines
WN
North America61×40×25cmNo weight limitlenient
JetBlue Airways
B6
North America56×35×23cmNo weight limitmoderate
Alaska Airlines
AS
North America61×40×25cmNo weight limitlenient
Spirit Airlines
NK
North America56×46×25cmNo weight limitstrict
Frontier Airlines
F9
North America61×40×25cmNo weight limitstrict
Air Canada
AC
North America56×23×56cmNo weight limitmoderate

North America - Most Generous

9 airlines with no weight limits

Delta Air Lines56×35×23cm
American Airlines56×36×23cm
United Airlines56×35×23cm
Southwest Airlines61×40×25cm
JetBlue Airways56×35×23cm
Alaska Airlines61×40×25cm
Spirit Airlines56×46×25cm
Frontier Airlines61×40×25cm
Air Canada56×23×56cm

Why no weight limits? US carriers focus on size restrictions to ensure overhead bin fit. Weight is less regulated since passengers must lift bags themselves.

Europe - Mixed Policies

0 airline without weight limits

European exception: Most European airlines have weight limits, but Delta stands out by only restricting size, making it great for heavy packers on US routes.

Airlines WITH Weight Limits (For Comparison)

Be aware of these restrictions when choosing airlines

AirlineWeight LimitSize LimitRegion
British Airways
BA
23kg56×45×25cmEurope
Air France
AF
12kg55×35×25cmEurope
Kenya Airways
KQ
12kg55×25×35cmAfrica
KLM
KL
12kg55×35×25cmEurope
Korean Air
KE
12kg55×40×25cmAsia
Ryanair
FR
10kg55×40×20cmEurope
Jet2
LS
10kg56×45×25cmEurope
Aer Lingus
EI
10kg55×40×24cmEurope
Iberia
IB
10kg56×40×25cmEurope
Royal Air Maroc
AT
10kg55×40×25cmAfrica
Air Algérie
AH
10kg55×35×25cmAfrica
Avianca
AV
10kg55×35×25cmSouth America

Heavy Packing Tips for No-Weight-Limit Airlines

Packing Strategy

  • • Pack dense items in carry-on (electronics, books, tools)
  • • Use every cubic inch efficiently
  • • Consider bag materials - hard cases hold more weight
  • • Distribute weight evenly to avoid tipping

Physical Considerations

  • • You must lift the bag into overhead bins yourself
  • • Flight attendants typically won't help with heavy bags
  • • Consider your physical ability to handle the weight
  • • Rolling bags are easier than lifting backpacks

Professional Travel

  • • Perfect for photographers with heavy equipment
  • • Digital nomads can pack laptops, monitors, gear
  • • Business travelers can bring samples, materials
  • • No need to pay checked bag fees for heavy items

Frequently Asked Questions

Which airlines have no carry-on weight limits?

9 major airlines don't impose weight restrictions on carry-on bags, including easyJet, Delta, American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, and Air Canada. These airlines only restrict carry-on size, not weight.

Can I pack a very heavy carry-on if there's no weight limit?

While these airlines don't have official weight limits, you must still be able to lift your bag into the overhead bin yourself. Flight attendants typically won't help with heavy bags, and bags that are too heavy to lift safely may be denied.

Do no-weight-limit airlines have size restrictions?

Yes, all airlines have size restrictions for carry-on bags. Even without weight limits, your bag must fit within the airline's dimensional requirements and fit in overhead bins.

Are budget airlines more likely to have weight limits?

It varies. While some budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier have no weight limits, others like Ryanair have 10kg limits. Legacy carriers show mixed policies - some US carriers have no limits while most international carriers do.