🧳 Carry-On Luggage Rules and info you should know before you travel

If you’ve been recently shopping for carry-on luggage, you might have seen a little advertisement on the bags that says it complies with most airlines.  

Each airline has it’s own policies, so it’s good to know what they are before you fly or invest in a new set of luggage. 

You wouldn’t want to be standing in line at the airport looking forward to sand and sunshine, and the attendant tells you your bag is overweight. Or even worse, not permitted on the flight. 

Standard dimensions 
of carry-ons  

22 in x 14 in x 9 in (56 cm x 35 cm x 22 cm)

45 in (114 cm bag)

Although average luggage complies with the airline’s baggage allowance, you should know this information if you are going to fly on small planes and international airlines. They have different limits with economy-class carry-ons. 

In a recent article we discuss how to get better sleep when traveling on a plane.  

On the smaller planes, you may notice that they allow for smaller and lighter bags as a carry-on. And if you bring the standard size, you may be asked to check it in.

Be sure to check ahead of time if your carry-on bag meets the requirements of the airline you are flying with so that you don’t become separated from your things at the last minute. 

It will be frustrating if you need quick access to your essential items that you packed in your carry-on.

Boarding with your carry-on

On most airlines, you are permitted to also bring inside the cabin with you a small personal item, such as your purse or laptop bag. Keep in mind that it will need to be able to fit underneath the seat directly in front of you.

Also, take note if you’re flying economy, you might not have some of your carry-on items directly above you. You’re not guaranteed a spot for your carry-ons.  

The airlines maximize their profits by having as many seats filled as possible. However, there is nothing inherently wrong with this practice — the issue lies in the overhead space available for passengers. 

Depending on the boarding order, which you have no control over – you might find yourself on a plane with no overhead storage left. In this circumstance, the flight crew will ask you to check your luggage, which you will need to pay extra for. 

If you happen to find a spot on the plane that’s not near you, make sure it’s paced in upper storage in front of you towards the exit. It would be next to impossible to retrieve your luggage if it stored away behind you towards the tail-end of the plane. 

Passengers are exiting, and you’ll likely not get a chance to cut in to grab your bags till everyone exits. You might come across a courteous person that will let you retrieve your bag, but it’s not likely. Everyone is eager to get off the plane to start their vacation.  

Weigh your bag before you fly

I don’t recommend guessing the weight of your bag. 

You can use a simple, inexpensive bag weighing tool to see how heavy your bag is before you leave home.

Compile with the rules if you want a smooth transition through the airport. 

If you don’t have a bag weighing tool, I recommend a regular bathroom scale as the last resort. 

Carry-on Size and Weight Allowances Chart for Major Airlines (Economy Passengers):

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* light enough for you to place in the overhead bin without assistance – persons with special needs or disability, assistance is available upon request.

* Each airline regulation and baggage policies are subject to change. Make sure you check before you fly.

* For business and first-class passengers, you may be permitted to bring more or larger hand luggage, check your airline for more details.

* Your carry-on luggage may be subject to weighing at the airport. And you may be asked to a fee at the gate, or your bag may be stowed away with checked luggage. Make sure to weigh your carry-on bag to avoid extra expenses and inconveniences.

Conclusion

We all want to enjoy the journey of our travel adventures. By making sure your bags and luggage meet the requirements of each airline you board, you are saving yourself from hassle and headaches.

You’ll be able to travel with ease and excitement, knowing that you can pass through a little more comfortable at the airport. Well, unless you are flagged randomly, in which case, that’s a whole different situation.

Having the information and preparing yourself before going to the airport will make your traveling stress-free and smooth.