Jazmin Li
When travelling by air, carry-on luggage is the luggage you bring with you on the plane, as opposed to checked luggage, which you check in with the airline and retrieve at your destination. Carry-on luggage is subject to size and weight restrictions, which vary by airline. The standard size limit is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including handles and wheels, to ensure the bag fits in the overhead bin. Some airlines have stricter restrictions, such as British Airways, which allows carry-ons up to 23 kilograms, while others have more lenient weight limits or permit larger bag sizes. Liquids, gels, and aerosols are allowed in carry-on luggage but are subject to specific restrictions, typically limited to containers of 3.4 ounces or 100 millilitres. Carry-on luggage provides travellers with easy access to their belongings during the flight and allows them to avoid potential delays associated with checking in and retrieving checked luggage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of carry-on bags allowed | One carry-on bag and one personal item |
| Carry-on bag size | 22 x 14 x 9 inches (including handles and wheels) |
| Personal item size | Purses, cameras, laptops, diaper bags |
| Prohibited items | Firearms, lithium batteries, sharp objects, flammable and explosive materials |
| Permitted liquids | Up to 3.4 ounces of liquids, gels, and aerosols in a clear plastic bag |
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What You'll Learn
Carry-on luggage size restrictions
When packing for a flight, it's important to keep carry-on luggage size restrictions in mind. While most airlines have similar carry-on size guidelines, there are often minor differences. Some carriers are also stricter about overweight luggage, which can include carry-ons. To avoid unexpected airport surprises, it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with the specific rules of your airline.
Although there may be slight variations of an inch or two between airlines, the standard carry-on luggage size limit is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including the handle and wheels. This ensures that your bag—and ideally everyone else's—fits inside the plane's overhead bin. However, some domestic airlines, such as Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines, permit 24-inch luggage as a carry-on.
While there isn't an official limit, most international airlines—including KLM, AeroMexico, and Air Canada—will permit suitcases that are 21.5 inches high and 14 inches wide, with slight variations in height. Some airlines, such as Qantas and El Al, allow marginally taller bags (22 inches high).
In addition to size restrictions, what you pack in your carry-on is also subject to regulations. In addition to the restrictions that apply to checked bags—such as prohibiting firearms, lithium batteries, and other potentially dangerous items—you cannot bring containers of liquid, paste, aerosol, gel, or cream larger than 3.4 ounces through security. All carry-on liquids or gels must fit into a single, one-quart zip-top bag. Different rules apply for items like baby food, medications, breast milk, and/or formula.
It's also important to note that a personal item differs from a carry-on item, and many airlines allow both. Personal items are small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, while carry-ons are larger and stored in the overhead bin. Common personal items include a laptop bag, a handbag, a beach tote, a diaper bag, and a briefcase. While most airlines don't have weight restrictions on personal items, some have size limits. For example, American Airlines and Frontier both prohibit personal items larger than 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
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Weight limits
For example, Hawaiian Airlines has a carry-on weight limit of 25 pounds, while Frontier allows up to 35 pounds. Air Canada's policy states that carry-on luggage should be light enough to be lifted easily into the overhead bin, and the combined weight of carry-on luggage and personal items must not exceed 26 pounds for economy passengers. The weight limit is 40 pounds for premium economy and other higher-class cabins.
Some airlines, such as Emirates, have different weight limits for passengers travelling from certain countries. For example, Emirates passengers travelling from Brazil have a carry-on weight limit of 22 pounds, while Qatar Airways has a limit of 20 pounds for carry-on luggage.
It is important to note that some airlines, particularly low-cost carriers, may charge additional fees for carry-on luggage that exceeds the weight limit. In some cases, passengers may be required to check their bags and pay the corresponding fee.
To avoid any issues, it is recommended to check the specific weight restrictions of the airline you are travelling with and adhere to the carry-on weight limits.
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Items prohibited by TSA
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict guidelines on what items are prohibited from carry-on luggage. These rules are in place to ensure the safety of passengers and crew and to comply with federal law. While the TSA provides a comprehensive list of prohibited items, some categories and examples include:
Electronics and Batteries
Portable chargers and power banks with lithium-ion batteries are banned from checked bags and must be kept in carry-on luggage in the aircraft cabin. This is due to the risk of lithium batteries overheating and causing fires. The FAA enforces size limits on these batteries, and passengers must notify crew members immediately if a lithium battery overheats.
Liquids
The TSA has restrictions on the amount of liquid that can be carried onboard an aircraft. These restrictions are in place to prevent spills and minimize potential security risks associated with liquids. Passengers are typically limited to containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less, which must fit comfortably in a single, clear quart-sized bag.
Sporting Equipment
Sporting equipment, such as golf clubs, skis, and baseball bats, may be subject to size and weight restrictions for carry-on luggage. Some items may need to be transported as checked baggage or shipped separately.
Hazardous Materials and Firearms
Items classified as hazardous, such as flammable liquids, compressed gases, and certain chemicals, are prohibited from carry-on luggage. Firearms are also heavily regulated by the TSA. Passengers intending to travel with firearms or ammunition must comply with strict guidelines, including declaring the items to the airline and ensuring they are unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container.
It is important for passengers to stay informed about prohibited items to ensure a smooth travel experience and maintain safety for all. The TSA website provides detailed information on specific items and their regulations for carry-on and checked baggage.
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Personal items
A personal item is a smaller bag that you're allowed to bring onto the aeroplane in addition to your carry-on bag. It typically fits under the seat in front of you, making it easily accessible during the flight. It is usually a purse, laptop bag, or backpack, and often contains essential items that you might need to access quickly during the flight, such as books, headphones, medications, phones, and other small personal items.
Most major airlines in the United States, such as American Airlines, Southwest, and Delta, allow you to bring one personal item for free, in addition to your carry-on bag. While some airlines specify size limitations for personal items, others simply require that it be small enough to fit underneath the seat in front of you. The standard size for a personal item is typically around 18 x 14 x 8 inches, but it's important to check with your airline before packing, as the size and weight rules may vary.
It's worth noting that additional fees may be associated with bringing extra carry-on bags or personal items. Some airlines may charge extra for larger carry-on bags or additional personal items. Therefore, it's essential to check the airline's website for weight and size requirements to avoid unexpected charges.
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Liquids, gels and aerosols
Liquids, gels, and aerosols are permitted in carry-on luggage, but only in limited quantities. Any liquids, gels, or aerosols that you wish to carry onto an aircraft must be placed into a single clear, resealable plastic bag with a capacity of no more than 1 litre. Each container within that bag must hold no more than 3.4 ounces (or 100ml) of liquid. Containers holding more than this must be packed into checked baggage.
The 3.4-ounce limit does not apply to medications, baby formula, or breast milk, though these must be declared at the security checkpoint. Exemptions also apply to baby food and drink for children under two years of age, and prescription and essential non-prescription medicines.
Duty-free liquids are also exempt from the 3.4-ounce limit if they are packaged in a secure, tamper-evident bag. However, these must be screened and cleared. Any item that alarms during screening will not be permitted in your carry-on bag.
Examples of liquids, gels, and aerosols that are not permitted in carry-on luggage include liquor, wine, beer, snow globes, cans of condensed soup, maple syrup, perfume, and lotion.
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Frequently asked questions
The standard size limit for carry-on luggage is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including the handle and wheels. The weight limit varies by airline. While some airlines do not impose a specific weight limit, others, like Hawaiian Airlines, have a carry-on weight limit of 25 pounds, and Frontier allows up to 35 pounds.
Items that are prohibited in carry-on luggage include liquids or gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 ml. Any liquid, gel, cream, or paste that alarms during screening will require additional screening and may not be permitted. Other prohibited items include batteries and electronic cigarettes.
Yes, certain items, such as medical cannabis and cremated remains, are allowed to be carried on board but may require additional documentation and verification. Duty-free liquids are also permitted in carry-on luggage if they are packaged in a secure, tamper-evident bag.
If your carry-on luggage exceeds the size or weight limit, you may be required to check it in for a fee at the airport. It is important to contact your airline or check its website for specific information regarding oversized or overweight baggage.
