Personal Baggage Allowance: What's The Airport Limit?

When travelling, it's important to know the rules about baggage allowances. Most airlines allow passengers to bring one carry-on item and one personal item, such as an under-seat bag, at no extra cost. The carry-on item must fit in the overhead bin, and the personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. Some airlines specify maximum dimensions for personal items, which range from 16 x 15 x 7 inches to 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Diaper bags, child safety seats, strollers, and medical or mobility devices are usually allowed in addition to your carry-on and personal item. It's important to note that some airports and planes may have additional carry-on restrictions, and weight limits may also apply, especially for international flights.

Personal item dimensions: 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm)

When packing for a flight, it's important to know the luggage restrictions to avoid any nasty surprises at the airport. Most airlines allow passengers to bring one carry-on item and one personal item on board for free. However, some tickets, such as basic economy, may only include a personal item.

A personal item must fit under the seat in front of you and should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm). This includes any handles and wheels. This restriction applies to several major US airlines, including American, Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit Airlines.

It's worth noting that some items don't count towards your personal item allowance. For example, American Airlines states that the following don't count as personal items:

• Diaper bags (1 per child)
• Small, soft-sided coolers of breast milk
• Child safety seats
• Strollers
• Medical or mobility devices

When choosing a bag for your personal item, it's best to opt for something smaller, such as a purse, laptop bag, briefcase, or small backpack. Your bag should be flexible enough to fit under the seat in front of you, so a hard-shell suitcase is usually not a good option.

• Db Hugger Backpack 20L: This backpack provides 20 liters of packing space while staying within the size limit. It features a top pocket for easy access to small items and an external 13" laptop sleeve.
• The Ridge Commuter 20L Backpack: This backpack has excellent organization, with over a dozen pockets, including secret compartments for valuables. It also has a "dual access" zipper design, allowing you to pack it like a regular backpack or a panel loader.
• Tomtoc Voyage-T50 Backpack: This backpack was designed with air travel in mind, falling well under the size limit when fully packed. It includes thick handles for easy grabbing from under-seat storage and overhead compartments, as well as a trolley sleeve for attaching to rolling luggage.
• BAGSMART Underseater Luggage: This bag measures well below the size limit and includes spinner wheels and an adjustable handle for easy transport. It also has a side water bottle pocket and a roomy front compartment.

Remember to always double-check your airline's luggage restrictions before your trip to ensure your bag complies with their rules.

Carry-on dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm)

When travelling by plane, it is important to be aware of the size restrictions for carry-on luggage. Many airlines, especially in the US, allow carry-on bags with dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm). This includes the handles and wheels, and the bag must fit in the sizer at the airport.

These dimensions are a common standard, but it is worth checking the specific airline's baggage policy before travelling. For example, American Airlines allows carry-on bags of this size, but also accepts soft-sided garment bags up to a total of 51 inches (130 cm) in length, width and height. Meanwhile, Southwest Airlines has a more generous carry-on limit, allowing bags up to 24 x 16 x 10 inches.

It is also important to note that some airlines have weight restrictions for carry-on bags. While most US airlines do not impose a weight limit, several international airlines do. For example, Allegiant Air charges anywhere from $15 to $75 for carry-on bags, depending on when and where you add the bag to your booking.

In addition to carry-on luggage, passengers are usually allowed to bring one personal item, such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag. These items must fit under the seat in front of you and typically have their own size restrictions. For example, on American Airlines, personal items cannot exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).

Weight limits for carry-on bags

When packing for a flight, it's important to keep in mind the weight restrictions for carry-on luggage, as these can vary depending on the airline and the route you're flying. While most major domestic airlines do not impose a weight limit on carry-on bags, several international airlines have weight restrictions, and these can apply to both carry-on luggage and personal items. Here's a detailed and direct guide to help you navigate the weight limits for carry-on bags.

Carry-on luggage weight limits can vary across different airlines, and it's crucial to check the specific restrictions for your chosen carrier. While many major domestic airlines in the US do not enforce a weight limit for carry-on bags, several international airlines have implemented weight restrictions. These weight limits can range from 15 to 22 pounds (approximately 7 to 10 kilograms) for carry-on luggage.

Understanding the Differences

It's important to distinguish between carry-on bags and personal items. A carry-on bag is typically stored in the overhead bin of the plane, while a personal item should fit comfortably under the seat in front of you. Most airlines permit economy passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item at no extra cost. However, it's always a good idea to double-check the specific allowances of your airline.

Examples of Weight Limits by Airline

To give you a clearer idea, here are some examples of weight limits for carry-on bags by specific airlines:

• Delta Airlines: While Delta does not have a general weight limit for carry-on bags, there are weight restrictions at select Asian airports, ranging from 15 to 22 pounds.
• Frontier Airlines: Frontier permits carry-on bags weighing up to 35 pounds.
• Hawaiian Airlines: This airline allows carry-on bags with a maximum weight of 25 pounds.
• Aer Lingus: For transatlantic flights, Aer Lingus allows a carry-on bag and a small personal item for free. However, if you're flying within Europe, there's a fee for bringing a carry-on bag, and the weight limit is 15 pounds.
• Aeroméxico: Aeroméxico customers can bring a carry-on bag and a personal item, but the combined weight of these two items must not exceed 22 pounds for international flights or basic fare flights within Mexico.
• All Nippon Airways (ANA): ANA permits a variety of personal items, such as handbags and umbrellas, as long as they fit under the seat in front of you. There is no specified weight limit for these items, but the total weight of your carry-on and personal item should not exceed 22 pounds.
• British Airways: While there is no specified weight limit for carry-on bags, any luggage placed in the overhead bin should be light enough to be lifted easily.
• Emirates: Emirates allows economy passengers to bring one item on board, either a carry-on bag or a personal item. The weight limit for these items is 22 pounds.
• Singapore Airlines: Singapore Airlines has a unique method for measuring carry-on bags, allowing a total of 45 linear inches for the dimensions. The weight limit for carry-on and personal items is 15 pounds.

Tips for Packing Carry-On Luggage

To ensure you don't exceed weight limits, here are some packing tips:

• Use a luggage scale to weigh your bag before your trip.
• Opt for lightweight luggage options to reduce the overall weight.
• Pack efficiently by rolling your clothes instead of folding them to save space and weight.
• Distribute weight evenly across your carry-on and personal item to maximise the allowed weight for both.
• Remember that weight limits apply to the total weight of your luggage, including the weight of the bag itself.

Items that don't count as personal items

When travelling, it's important to know the rules about what you can and can't bring with you on a flight. Most airlines allow passengers to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag. The personal item must be able to fit under the seat in front of you, and the carry-on must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

• Diaper bags (1 per child)
• Small, soft-sided coolers of breast milk
• Child safety seats, strollers, and medical or mobility devices
• Jackets, hats, umbrellas, personal pillows, food, medications, and a reasonable amount of reading material
• Assistive devices, such as canes or crutches
• Duty-free items in a reasonable and limited amount
• Pet carriers (these may count as carry-on luggage)

It's important to note that some items, such as musical instruments, may need to be stored in the overhead bin or under the seat, but they will count as your carry-on item. Additionally, each airline may have specific weight and size restrictions for carry-on luggage, so it's essential to check their guidelines before your flight.

Additional carry-on restrictions by airport/plane

When travelling, it's important to be aware of any additional carry-on restrictions that may be in place at your airport or on your plane. These restrictions can vary depending on the airport and the type of plane you're travelling on. Here are some additional carry-on restrictions to keep in mind:

Airport restrictions

Some airports may have specific carry-on restrictions that you need to comply with. For example, if you're travelling through an airport with limited overhead bin space, you may be asked to valet your bag before boarding. This means that you'll need to check your bag at the gate, and it will be tagged and stored for free. You'll then be able to pick it up at the jet bridge after exiting the plane.

Plane restrictions

The type of plane you're travelling on can also determine whether there are additional carry-on restrictions. For example, regional flights on certain planes may have limited overhead bin space, requiring you to valet your bag before boarding. On the other hand, some planes, like the Embraer ERJ-175, allow carry-on bags and don't offer a valet service.

Musical instruments

If you're travelling with a musical instrument, it must adhere to specific guidelines. Your instrument must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. This means that larger instruments may need to be checked, so it's important to plan ahead and be aware of any size restrictions.

Pet restrictions

Different airlines and planes have varying restrictions on carry-on pets. Some may allow pets in the cabin, while others may require them to be stored in the cargo hold. It's important to review the specific guidelines, limitations, and restrictions provided by your airline before travelling with a pet.

Weight restrictions

While most domestic airlines do not impose a weight limit on carry-on bags, several international airlines do have weight restrictions for carry-on luggage and, in some cases, personal items. These weight limits can vary depending on the airline and your destination, so it's important to check before your travel.

In conclusion, it's crucial to be aware of any additional carry-on restrictions that may be in place at your airport or on your plane. By planning ahead and complying with these restrictions, you can ensure a smoother travel experience.

Frequently asked questions