Do Delta, American, and United charge for carry-on bags?

No. On standard economy fares, Delta, American Airlines, and United all include one full-size carry-on bag and one personal item at no extra charge. The carry-on limit on all three is 22 × 14 × 9 inches with no weight limit. Only basic economy fares on these carriers restrict carry-on bags — on basic economy you are typically limited to a personal item only.

Which New York airport is easiest for carry-on travel?

LaGuardia (LGA) is the most compact of New York's three major airports and generally has the shortest walks between check-in and gates. JFK is far larger with multiple separate terminals connected by the AirTrain — allow extra time. Newark (EWR) has older terminals but is well-connected to Manhattan via NJ Transit. For domestic flights, LGA is often the simplest option.

Is there a weight limit for carry-on bags on US airlines?

No. Delta, American Airlines, and United do not impose a weight limit on carry-on bags in economy class. Unlike many European and Asian carriers that enforce a 7–10 kg limit at the gate, US carriers check only size. Your bag must fit within the 22 × 14 × 9 inch envelope, but it can be as heavy as you can lift into the overhead bin.

Should I pack walking shoes for New York?

Yes — this is the single most important packing decision for a New York trip. NYC residents walk an average of two to four miles per day and tourists consistently walk more. The subway involves stairs and uneven platforms. Sidewalks in some neighbourhoods are cracked or uneven. Bring at least one pair of genuinely supportive walking shoes. Fashionable but thin-soled shoes cause serious foot pain by day two.

What should I buy in New York rather than pack?

Toiletries and drugstore basics are widely available at Duane Reade and Walgreens locations throughout Manhattan and the outer boroughs — skip packing oversized bottles. Seasonal clothing layers are inexpensive at H&M, Uniqlo, and Zara stores scattered across the city. Specific food items, particular medication brands, and personal care products with strict preferences should be packed, as brands and formulations differ.

Carry-On Only for New York: Airlines, Airports, and Packing Tips

New York is one of the best carry-on only destinations in the United States. US major carriers impose no weight limit on cabin bags, all three of New York's airports handle domestic and international traffic efficiently, and the city itself rewards packing light — you will walk miles daily and the subway handles luggage better with a bag on your back or rolling at your side rather than wrestled overhead.

US Airline Carry-On Rules for NYC

Delta, American Airlines, and United all use the same carry-on size standard: 22 × 14 × 9 inches (including handles and wheels). There is no weight limit on any of these carriers for standard economy fares. You can pack your bag as heavy as you can manage — the only check is whether it fits the sizer at the gate.

The exception is basic economy. On basic economy fares across all three carriers, full-size carry-on bags are typically not allowed — you are limited to a personal item that fits under the seat. If you are flying basic economy, choose a bag that fits within personal item limits (roughly 18 × 14 × 8 inches on most carriers) or pay to upgrade your fare class before check-in.

JetBlue, which operates heavily from JFK, allows one carry-on up to 22 × 14 × 9 inches with no weight limit on most fares. JetBlue's Blue Basic fare also restricts carry-on bags, so check your fare type when booking.

New York's Three Airports

JFK (John F. Kennedy International Airport): JFK is a large, multi-terminal airport where terminals are separated by an AirTrain loop. Terminal 4 handles Delta's international flights and JetBlue's Terminal 5 can develop very long security queues during peak periods. Allow at least 2.5 hours for international departures from JFK. The AirTrain connection adds 15–20 minutes between terminals, which matters if you have a connection to a domestic flight.

LGA (LaGuardia Airport): LaGuardia completed a major renovation that consolidated its terminals into a more modern, compact facility. For domestic-only travel, LGA is generally the most convenient of the three — shorter walks, more centralized security, and closer to midtown Manhattan. Not all international routes serve LGA; check your airline's routing carefully.

EWR (Newark Liberty International Airport): Newark is technically in New Jersey but is accessible from Manhattan via NJ Transit trains from Penn Station (roughly 30 minutes). EWR handles significant international traffic and is often less congested than JFK for similar routes. Terminals A, B, and C are connected by a people mover. Allow 2.5–3 hours for international check-in.

Packing for a New York Trip

Comfortable walking shoes: Non-negotiable. New York is a walking city. Even with the subway, you will cover significant distance on foot every day — between subway stations, within neighbourhoods, exploring Central Park, walking the High Line, or navigating Times Square. Pack at least one pair of well-cushioned, broken-in walking shoes. Save any new shoes for a trip where you plan to sit most of the time.

Layers for every season: New York's weather varies dramatically. Summers are hot and humid (sometimes over 35°C) with air-conditioned interiors that can feel cold. Spring and autumn are mild but changeable. Winters require proper insulation — temperatures regularly drop below freezing. A layering system works better than a single heavy item for all but winter travel.

Winter challenge — wear the coat on the plane: If you are visiting New York in winter (December through February), a substantial coat is essential for outdoor time, but coats take significant space in a carry-on. The most practical solution: wear your heaviest coat on the plane. It stays with you rather than in the bag, you can use it as a blanket on long flights, and your carry-on is freed up for everything else. This approach works year-round for bulky items.

One smart-casual outfit: New York restaurants vary from very casual to business-smart, but most mid-range dinner reservations in areas like the West Village, Tribeca, or the Upper West Side call for smart-casual at minimum. Pack one outfit that works for a nicer dinner — a clean button shirt or a simple dress travels well and covers most eventualities.

Light rain layer: New York receives rain throughout the year with no distinct dry season. A packable rain jacket folds into a fist-sized bundle and weighs under 300 g. It is more practical than an umbrella on windy days.

Transit Tip: MetroCard and OMNY

New York's subway and buses use the OMNY contactless payment system. Tap any contactless bank card or phone directly at subway turnstiles — no MetroCard required. This eliminates the need to queue at MetroCard machines on arrival. Save your MetroCard slot (or pocket space) for something else.

What to Buy in New York vs Bring

New York has Duane Reade and Walgreens pharmacies on almost every midtown block, plus Target, CVS, and Trader Joe's locations across all five boroughs. Toiletries, over-the-counter medication, sunscreen, and basic clothing items are all easy to source in the city. Packing travel-size toiletries for a trip longer than a week is unnecessary — buy full-size bottles on arrival and leave them behind or check them on the return.

Items worth packing from home: specific prescription medication (US pharmacy access without a local prescription is restricted), specialist skincare brands not sold in the US, and any food items with strong personal preferences, as US formulations of international brands sometimes differ.