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Airline Carry-On Guidelines

It’s important to understand that requirements for carry-on baggage are set by the individual airlines, and can vary widely. These standards are also subject to change at any time, so it’s always a good idea to check with the airlines prior to travel, so you don’t get caught out by any last-minute rules changes.

As consumers, it’s important to be wary of products claimed to be “FAA-approved” or “Government-approved” carry-on bags — there’s no such thing. Federal agencies issue regulations and restrictions(see TSA: Things You Should Know Advisory).

The over-arching guideline — with very few exceptions, like canes and baby carriers — is anything you take on board must fit in an overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you, and that varies depending on the type of plane you’re on. Additionally, every airline states that carry-on items are subject to a space-available limitation — you may have to check your carry-on bag if there’s no room available. Hedge your bets by ensuring your carry-ons will fit under the seat in front of you.

That said, there are some general guidelines that can help you to select bags that are carry-on kosher. Obviously, giving these limitations a wide berth increases the likelihood that your new luggage won’t be made suddenly obsolete by new regulations.

New Information Regarding Liquids

Make Your Trip Better Using 3-1-1

3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3 ounce bottle or less; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security measure.

Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening.

Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.

3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.

Declare larger liquids. Prescription medications, baby formula, juice and milk (when traveling with an infant or toddler) are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.

Sizing

Most airlines have adopted a maximum carry-on size of 45 linear inches, determined by adding up the length, width and height of a bag (typically 14 x 9 x 22 inches). These dimensions are determined by taking the longest measurement possible, so if your prospective carry-on has protruding handles and wheels they should be included in your calculations.

Be aware that overfilling a bag — especially one with protruding outside pockets — can turn a dimensionally legal bag into an oversize one.

Weight

While most airlines do not weigh carry-on items, most have a de facto 40-pound limit per piece.

Quantity

On domestic flights, the typical allowance is one carry-on bag, and one personal item. For most air carriers, that personal item is taken to be a purse, briefcase, laptop bag or camera bag. In almost every instance this personal item must be smaller than your allotted carry-on (you may not, for example, have two 14 x 9 x 22-inch bags and count one as a personal item). Some airlines set size/weight limits for personal items (American, for instance, limits you to 36 linear inches).

Some airlines count carry-on bags when determining how many pieces of luggage you may take without incurring an excess baggage charge. If in doubt, consult an airline Web site, airline ticket agent or your travel agent.

In most cases, an FAA-approved child carrier that is being used on board does not count toward your carry-on allowance (unapproved carriers are not allowed to be used on board, and will count as carry-on items). Most carriers will not include loose books, coats, food for on-board consumption or assistive medical items like walkers and wheelchairs as part of the carry-on tally.