Airline-Approved Carry-Ons: Choosing The Right Bag Size

When it comes to airline travel, there is no one-size-fits-all rule for baggage allowances. Each airline has its own set of rules and restrictions, which can vary depending on factors such as the route, cabin, and fare type. To avoid unexpected fees or the inconvenience of having to check in your carry-on bag, it is crucial to review the specific baggage policies of your chosen airline before packing your luggage.

In general, most airlines permit passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board. The maximum size for carry-on luggage is typically around 22 x 14 x 9, including handles and wheels, while personal items should be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. However, it's important to note that these dimensions can vary slightly between airlines, and some may have additional restrictions, such as weight limits.

For checked baggage, the most common maximum size bag allowed is 62 linear inches (approximately 158 cm), and the weight limit is usually around 50 pounds (23 kg) per bag. Again, these restrictions can differ between airlines, and some may charge additional fees for overweight or oversized baggage.

Carry-on luggage size and weight restrictions

When packing for air travel, it's important to be mindful of the varying carry-on luggage size and weight restrictions imposed by different airlines. While there is no universal standard, the majority of airlines observe a size limit of 22" x 14" x 9" for carry-on luggage, which includes the handle and wheels. Notably, some domestic airlines like Frontier and Southwest accommodate larger luggage, allowing carry-on bags up to 24" in size.

It's worth noting that while many major domestic airlines, such as Delta, Southwest, and JetBlue, don't enforce weight restrictions for carry-on bags, several international airlines do impose weight restrictions. These weight restrictions are particularly crucial for small commuter planes and low-cost international carriers like Easyjet and Ryanair.

In addition to your carry-on suitcase, most airlines permit a personal item, such as a laptop bag, purse, or briefcase. These items typically have their own size and weight restrictions, which vary by airline. Generally, a personal item should be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.

Checked luggage size and weight restrictions

When checking in luggage, it's important to be aware of the size and weight restrictions imposed by the airline. These can vary depending on the airline, route, and cabin class, so it's crucial to check the specific policies of your chosen airline before packing your bags.

Weight Restrictions

Most domestic flights have a checked bag weight limit of around 50 pounds (23 kg), while international flights may allow a higher weight limit, especially for business and first-class passengers. Some airlines charge additional fees for bags exceeding the weight limit, with prices ranging from $100 to $300 for bags 21-50 pounds over the limit.

Size Restrictions

The standard size limit for checked bags is typically 62 linear inches (158 cm). This means the total height, width, and depth of the bag must not exceed 62 inches. It's important to include the handles and wheels in these measurements. Some common size bags for checking in are 27" x 21" x 14" or 26" x 22" x 14".

Additional Considerations

Some airlines may allow additional baggage for an extra fee, while others offer free checked bags for certain frequent flyer programs or credit card holders. It's also important to note that checked luggage may be inspected, so consider using a TSA-approved lock to avoid potential damage. Additionally, certain items such as lithium-ion batteries, power banks, and alcohol are prohibited from being checked in.

Personal item restrictions

Some airlines restrict passengers to one personal item and one carry-on bag, but this can differ depending on the type of ticket purchased. For example, basic economy fares are typically cheaper but only include one personal item.

• American Airlines: personal items should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
• Delta Airlines: personal items should be approximately the size of a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or diaper bag.
• Frontier Airlines: personal items can be no larger than 14 inches tall, 18 inches wide, and 8 inches long.
• JetBlue Airlines: personal items cannot exceed 17 inches long, 13 inches wide, and 8 inches high.
• Southwest Airlines: personal items are limited to 18.5 inches long, 8.5 inches wide, and 13.5 inches high.
• United Airlines: personal items should not be larger than 17 inches long, 10 inches wide, and 9 inches high.

To avoid unexpected fees, it's important to check the specific restrictions of the airline you're travelling with.

Baggage fees

For example, when flying from the US and Canada, baggage fees for US-based airlines range from $25 to $145 for a 44-pound (20 kg) piece of luggage. Some airlines charge per bag, while others charge based on total weight.

If you are flying with American Airlines, you can pay for up to three checked bags per person before arriving at the airport. You can pay for these bags online or via the app, and you will receive the best price available by doing so. If you are checking more than three bags per person, you will need to add the additional bags at the airport, and overweight or oversized bags may be subject to additional charges.

It is always best to check the policy for your specific airline, cabin, and route before packing your luggage to avoid unexpected fees.

Restricted items

When packing your hand luggage, it's important to be aware of restricted items. These are some of the main categories of items that are restricted or prohibited:

Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels

Liquids are subject to strict rules. You are allowed to take liquids on board, but they need to be in small containers of no more than 3.4 oz (100 ml) each, and they must fit in a transparent, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre. This includes liquids like shampoo, body lotion, and drinks. There are exemptions for essential medicines, baby food, and special diet foods.

Sharp Objects and Blades

Almost any sharp object is prohibited on board. This includes obvious items like knives, saws, swords, and machetes, as well as smaller items with blades like scissors longer than 4 inches, razors (except disposable razors or safety razors), and drill bits. Plastic knives and cutlery are allowed if you plan to eat with them.

Firearms and Ammunition

You cannot take any kind of firearm or ammunition in your hand luggage. This includes BB guns, paintball guns, gun replicas, and even toy guns. Firearms and ammunition may be allowed in checked bags in some states and countries, but you should always verify the laws of your destination.

Weapons

In addition to firearms, other weapons are prohibited. This includes batons, nightsticks, clubs, brass knuckles, and self-defence weapons like pepper spray and mace.

Food

Certain food items are restricted due to the risk of spreading pests and diseases. For domestic flights within the continental US, fruits and vegetables must be in solid form (not liquids or gels). For flights into the US, you're usually not allowed to bring any fresh farm produce. Similar rules exist in other parts of the world regarding fruit, vegetables, and meat products.

Flammable Items and Explosives

Any explosive or flammable substances and devices are prohibited. This includes obvious examples like dynamite, gunpowder, and hand grenades, as well as less obvious items like fuses, matches, lighter refills, fireworks, and blast caps.

Sporting and Outdoor Equipment

Some sporting and outdoor items are prohibited. This includes baseball bats, ski poles, hockey sticks, golf clubs, and hiking poles. Bowling pins, rollerblades, javelins, windsurfing boards, canoes, paddles, and darts are also banned. Camping stoves and fuel containers are not allowed as they fall under the "flammables and explosives" category.

Frequently asked questions