Carry-On Luggage Rules & Regulations

Airline carry on luggage policies and guidelines are subject to momentary changes, so it is always best to check with the inidividual airline prior to departure. Airline websites will also give you up-to-date information prior to the date of your trip. The marjority of airlines allow 45" total dimensions as carry on. This figure is achieved by adding the height, width and depth of the carry on. Some airlines will allow expanded carry ons that exceed the 45" while others will not. It often depends on how crowded the flight will be. Many of the airlines have a template at the gate and they'll ask you to place your carry on bag inside the template before boarding, so it is best not to overstuff your carry-on bag. It's also a good idea to pack neatly, and use packing cubes for personal items as the airlines do have the right to search your bag prior to boarding. An overstuffed bag may be hard to repack quickly. Tumi luggage advises that their 20" expandable carry on will be accepted by almost every airline. They also advise that usually their full sized 22" frequent traveler carry on which is our most popular bag will be accepted by Jet Blue, but not by Hawaiian or US Airways. One personal bag can be carried on along with your carry on luggage. The personal bag should be able to fit under the seat in front of you, as the carry on bag will usually have to go in the overhead compartment. Keep in mind, the one over, one under rule. The Airlines collected over 2.5 billion dollars in checked baggage fees last year. Travelers, tired of paying extra, are choosing carry on luggage for short trips. Since the overhead compartments are filling up quickly, you might opt for the smaller 20" carry on size that slides into the overhead easier. Do also remember to re-check with your airline, as the rules can change.