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 With so many regulations today about luggage size for both checked and carry-on bags and what we are allowed to carry on a plane, it does get confusing about how to pack for air travel. Baggage rules can be complicated, and what is shown is a simplification and may not apply to your particular flight.
General Luggage PoliciesCarry On Luggage. Maximum size measurements are shown as a total number of inches (e.g. 45"). This is the total of the length, width and height of the piece. There are standard sets of dimensions that go to make up these totals (for example, 22 x 14 x 9 is the standard for 45") and if you have a bag that is an unusual shape but still within the total number of inches, you may find it being rejected. Some airlines allow up to as much as 55", but most do not. Carry on luggage for both domestic and foreign travel is usually 40 lbs.
International flights often have much stricter carry-on policies, particularly with regard to the weight of carry-on bags. You will find that some airlines set such ridiculously low carry-on weight limits (sometimes as little as 11 lbs.) that the weight of an empty carry-on bag is more than the total weight you're allowed to take with you!
International airlines may have smaller size limits on your carry on bags, too. If you want a bag that is always accepted on both domestic and international flights, you'll need to choose a size or two smaller than the maximum allowable domestic sizes.
Personal Items. The standard allowance typically provides for a bag of up to a certain size plus one 'personal item.'
What is a personal item? Some airlines give examples, and suggest that a personal item may be : briefcase, camera, handbag/purse, laptop (in carry bag) or other items not exceeding 36" in total dimension.
In addition to generally allowing you to carry on one bag plus one personal item, many airlines may also allow you to carry on other items such as coats, hats and other 'outer clothing' items, 'assistive devices' such as crutches/canes and wheelchairs, diaper bags and approved child safety seats.
You may now carry liquids, gels and aerosols in your carry-on but they must be in three-ounce or smaller containers. They must also be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. You must remove the quart size bag from your carry-on and place it in a bin for x-ray screening. There are exceptions for baby formula, breast milk and other essentials such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines. You can also carry on beverages from home if three ounces or smaller. However, beverages in larger size containers that are purchased after the security screening can be carried on.
For the absolutely most accurate information, you should phone the airline and get exact confirmation of your luggage entitlements before your flight. |
