What IS Carry-on Size?
Tips on what is carry-on size luggage? TIPS are all we can give you... Rough guidelines because they are different for each carrier. These days everyone wants to carry more onto the plane that ever before especially with most U.S. airlines charging to check bags. Each carrier has their own fees as well as their own rules as to what constitutes a carry-on size bag.
Foreign carriers are sometimes stricter as to what you can carry on. It may be the right dimensions, but it may weigh too much.
When we're talking about what carry-on size is, a basic, safe guideline is that your bag should have a total dimension of 45 inches (115 cm).... that's height + width + depth.
So, for instance, it could be 24" x 16" x 10" ...or... 22" x 14" x 9".
(Again in centimeters that's 61 x 41 x 25 ...or... 56 x 36 x 23). This is generally the size that will fit in the overhead bin. If it needs to go under your seat, it may have to be smaller. The space under the seat is definitely smaller. If there is no room in any of the overheads, and you can't fit your bag under the seat in front of you... you may have to check it anyway. The only good news here is that you won't have to pay to check it at this point!Some airlines have larger size limits.... up to a total of 51 inches 130 cm)... but to be safe, call YOUR carrier or stick with the smaller size. This is especially true if you're going to be traveling on a variety of international carriers. There may also be weight limitations for carry-on luggage that vary by airline. International limits can be more stringent. We've found that some international carriers in Asia and Europe are strict about how much cabin baggage can weigh. And the rules can change if there is bad weather or heavy loads on the plane. You should check with your airline.
What is a Personal Item?
In the United States, you're allowed one personal item in addition to your carry on luggage. For details see So what is a "personal item"? Quickly here... it can be a briefcase, a camera, a handbag or purse, your laptop in a carrying bag, or small daypack. In general the total outside dimension should be no larger than 36" (91 cm). You can also get by with carrying your coat and an umbrella, but with today's sticker rules, you probably won't get by with anything more than that... and how much more can you carry anyway?
Do These Carry-on Size Rules Work For All Planes?
If you're flying on a regional jet, the carry-on size is smaller still. Generally you can keep your bag with you and "gate check" it. They will tag it and put it on the plane, but when you get off you will pick it up on the tarmac just outside the plane or in the jetway. Be sure to ask the agent if this is what will happen. You don't want to walk all the way to the baggage claim only to find that you could have picked up your luggage at plane side.Confused? Just check with your airline, follow our carry-on packing tips, and you'll have the best chance for keeping your bags with you. If you have to check them at the gate, you'll still be traveling light for your trip and you shouldn't have to pay that fee for checked luggage. Shop around for your carry-on size luggage and get what works for you. Luggage stores may advertise a bag as carry on size, but check their measurements to see if it really fits your needs. If there are outside pockets that you will stuff full, it could put you over the limit. So check that size carefully and think about how you'll use it. We use hard sided suitcases.... that open in half. I like these because when you are on the road and never really unpack, things are close to the top, even if they're on the bottom. These are hard to find, but we like them. The other reason that we like this style is that we pack half of our clothes in each suitcase. We've never lost a suitcase, but we had one walk off a few miles in India one time.... We got it back, but if we had lost one, both of us would at least have had the basics in the other suitcase. So find your perfect carry-on size suitcase, pack light and get on the road! Happy travels... even if you don't travel the world... just remember that life is a journey... embrace and enjoy it! Judy and Mark Return from What is Carry-On Size to Carry-on Packing Tips
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