What size hard case carry-on luggage is TSA approved?

A hard case carry-on must measure no larger than 22" × 14" × 9" (including handles and wheels) to meet TSA and major US airline overhead bin standards. Most compliant hardside carry-ons are labeled 20-inch, but the full three-dimensional measurement determines whether a bag actually clears.

The 22" × 14" × 9" limit is set by the airlines, not TSA itself — TSA screens your bag regardless of size, but airlines enforce carry-on dimensions at the gate. A hard case carry-on like the Island Elephant 20-inch expandable meets this standard at 22" × 14.5" × 9" unexpanded, which fits overhead bins on American, Delta, United, and Southwest. Expanding the bag adds depth and can push dimensions past budget carrier limits, so keep a hard case carry-on unexpanded when flying stricter airlines.

• Standard TSA-compliant carry-on max size: 22" × 14" × 9", including handles and wheels.
• Island Elephant 20-inch hard case carry-on unexpanded dimensions: 22" × 14.5" × 9".
• Unexpanded capacity on the Island Elephant 20-inch expandable carry-on: 38L.
• Expanded capacity on the Island Elephant 20-inch expandable carry-on: 46L — may exceed budget airline bin limits.
• Island Elephant 20-inch carry-on confirmed to fit overhead bins on American, Delta, United, and Southwest.