Eleanor Finch
When travelling by air, it is important to know what you can and cannot bring on board as a carry-on item. Most airlines allow passengers to bring one carry-on item and one personal item free of charge. A carry-on item is typically stored in the overhead bin, while a personal item should fit under the seat in front of you. Carry-on luggage comes with its own set of rules, including size and weight restrictions, and these vary by airline.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carry-on bag size | 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) |
| Personal item size | 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 29 cm) |
| Weight limit for carry-on bags | Most domestic airlines have no weight limit, but Frontier Airlines allows 35 lbs and Hawaiian Airlines allows 25 lbs |
| Weight limit for personal items | No specific weight limit as long as it fits under the seat |
| Where to store carry-on bag | Overhead bin |
| Where to store personal item | Under the seat in front of you |
| Items allowed in carry-on bag | Any item that's Transportation Security Administration (TSA)-friendly. Liquids are restricted to a maximum of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters and must be placed in a single quart-size, zip-top bag of clear plastic. |
| Items allowed in personal item | Important documents, electronics, valuables, prescription medicines, cosmetics, and tech accessories |
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What You'll Learn
Carry-on luggage size restrictions
When packing for a flight, it's important to be aware of any restrictions on the size of your carry-on luggage. While different airlines have varying baggage rules, here is a general overview of carry-on luggage size restrictions to help you prepare for your next trip.
Most major airlines in the United States, such as American Airlines, Southwest, and Delta, allow passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board. The carry-on bag is typically stored in the overhead bin, while the personal item should fit under the seat in front of you.
Carry-on Bag Size:
The standard size for carry-on bags on major US airlines is 22" x 14" x 9" (56 x 36 x 23 cm). This includes the handles and wheels, and your bag must be able to fit safely in the overhead lockers without assistance. It's important to check your airline's specific size restrictions, as some may have slightly different dimensions.
Personal Item Size:
Personal items, such as a purse, briefcase, or backpack, typically have a maximum size of 18" x 14" x 8" (45 x 35 x 29 cm). However, the main requirement is that they must fit under the seat in front of you, so some airlines may not have specific size limitations for personal items.
Weight Restrictions:
While most US domestic airlines do not impose a weight limit on carry-on bags, some international airlines do have weight restrictions. It's always a good idea to check your airline's weight restrictions to avoid any unexpected fees.
Tips for Packing:
To make the most of your carry-on allowance, consider using a lightweight, compact bag that meets the size requirements. Pack only essential items, and remember that you can bring liquids, gels, and aerosols in small containers (up to 3.4 ounces or 100 ml) in your carry-on. Additionally, some items, such as laptops and important documents, may be more accessible if packed in your personal item.
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Personal item size restrictions
For most U.S. domestic airlines, the personal item size restriction is 18″ long, 14″ wide, and 8″ tall or smaller. This is equivalent to 45 x 35 x 20 cm or 45 x 35 x 29 cm. Some sources state that the restriction is 40 linear inches, which can also be expressed as 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
European airlines' under-seat luggage guidelines are more consistent but also more restrictive than those in North America. Meanwhile, most airlines in Asia and the Middle East do not publish size guidance, even if they allow a personal item.
It is important to check the specific airline's website for weight and size requirements, as personal item restrictions are not the same for every airline.
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Weight restrictions
When it comes to weight restrictions for carry-on items, the rules vary across different airlines. Most major US airlines do not impose a weight limit on carry-on bags, leaving travellers free to pack as they please, as long as their bag fits within the size restrictions. However, some airlines do have weight restrictions in place for carry-on luggage, and these can vary depending on the airline and the class of travel. For example, Frontier Airlines allows a maximum weight of 35 lbs for carry-on bags, while Hawaiian Airlines caps it at 25 lbs. Some airlines, such as Spirit Airlines, charge a fee for carry-on luggage, with the cost depending on when it is added to the booking.
It is important to remember that carry-on luggage must be stowed safely in the overhead lockers in the cabin area. This means that, in addition to weight restrictions, there are also size restrictions. Most airlines require carry-on luggage to be 22 x 14 x 9 inches or smaller, but it is always best to check the specific restrictions of the airline you are flying with. These size restrictions include the handles and wheels of your luggage.
Personal items, on the other hand, typically do not have a specified weight limit. As long as they are small enough to fit underneath the seat in front of you, they are usually allowed on board. However, it is important to note that some airlines may have size restrictions for personal items, so it is always best to check before you fly. Personal items can include purses, briefcases, small backpacks, laptop bags, and other similar items.
When packing your carry-on luggage and personal items, it is important to consider any restricted items that may be prohibited. These can include liquids, gels, aerosols, and pastes, which are typically restricted to a maximum of 3.4 ounces or 100 millilitres and must be placed in a single quart-size, zip-top bag made of clear plastic. It is also important to distribute your items carefully to maximise space and ensure your luggage meets the weight and size restrictions.
Overall, while weight restrictions for carry-on items vary by airline, it is important to be mindful of the size and weight of your luggage to avoid any issues when travelling. Checking the specific restrictions of your airline before packing can help ensure a smooth journey.
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Liquids and gels
Liquids, gels, and aerosols are subject to strict regulations when it comes to carry-on luggage. These rules were introduced in 2006 when British security officials foiled a plot to bomb an aircraft using liquid explosives.
In the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) stipulates that all liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). This is known as the 3-1-1 rule. Each passenger is allowed one quart-sized (1-litre) bag to hold these containers, and the bag must be clear and resealable. The approximate dimensions of a 1-litre bag are 15.24 cm by 22.86 cm (6 inches by 9 inches) or 20 cm by 17.5 cm (8 inches by 7 inches).
Liquids, gels, and aerosols that are over 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) should be packed in your checked baggage. This includes beverages, which must be discarded before reaching the security checkpoint. You can refill your container once you have passed through security.
Non-solid foods that are normally liquids or gels, such as yogurt, pudding, peanut butter, and jam, must also be in containers of 100 milliliters or less and placed in the same 1-litre bag as other liquids. Solid foods with less than 100 milliliters of liquid, such as canned tuna, are allowed.
There are some exemptions to the liquid rules. Baby food, milk, liquid formula, water, juice, and breast milk are allowed in quantities greater than 100 milliliters for infants under two years of age. Prescription and essential non-prescription medicines are also allowed, as are gel and ice packs needed for medical reasons or to refrigerate baby food. Duty-free liquids are permitted in secure, tamper-evident bags if purchased internationally and you are travelling to the United States with a connecting flight.
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Prohibited items
When packing for air travel, it's important to be aware of prohibited items to avoid issues at security checkpoints. Here is a list of items that are typically prohibited in carry-on luggage:
- Sharp Objects: This includes box cutters, knives (except small Swiss Army knives, plastic, or round-bladed butter knives), meat cleavers, razor blades, and scissors longer than four inches. Any sharp objects in checked bags should be securely wrapped to prevent injury.
- Sporting Goods: Baseball bats, golf clubs, ski poles, hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks, martial arts weapons, hiking poles, and tent spikes/poles are prohibited in carry-on luggage and must be checked. Some exceptions include tennis rackets, fishing poles, snowshoes, and longboards.
- Self-Defense Items: Items such as mace, pepper spray, billy clubs, blackjacks, brass knuckles, kubotans, and other martial arts weapons are prohibited and must be left at home.
- Firearms and Ammunition: Firearms, BB guns, paintball markers, pellet guns, starter pistols, and replicas are allowed in checked luggage but must be unloaded, well packaged, and declared at check-in.
- Liquids: Liquids are subject to restrictions. The 3-1-1 rule applies to most liquids, allowing 3.4-ounce containers that fit in a 1-quart bag, with only 1 bag per passenger. Medically necessary liquids like contact lens solution may be allowed in larger quantities, but there is a risk of confiscation.
- Batteries: Lithium-ion batteries and portable electronic devices containing lithium batteries have specific restrictions. Spare batteries should be individually protected and approved by the airline. Lithium batteries with over 100-watt hours are prohibited in carry-on bags.
- Lighters and Matches: Common lighters are allowed, but strike-anywhere matches are prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage. Only one book of safety matches is permitted.
- Marijuana: Despite state laws, the TSA considers marijuana possession, even medical marijuana, illegal under federal law. Carrying it is at your own risk and may result in referral to law enforcement.
- Certain Candles: Gel-like candles are prohibited in carry-on luggage and must be transported in checked bags. Solid wax candles are permitted in both carry-on and checked luggage.
- Alcoholic Beverages: Alcoholic beverages with less than 70% alcohol content can be checked, but only up to five liters and in unopened retail packaging.
Please note that this list may not be exhaustive, and it's always best to check with the specific airline and TSA guidelines for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
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Frequently asked questions
The size limit for carry-on luggage is typically 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 cm. However, it's important to check with your airline as sizes and rules vary.
A personal item is a small bag that fits under the seat in front of you. This includes items such as a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, backpack, or duffel bag. The typical maximum size is 18 x 14 x 8 inches or 45 x 35 x 29 cm.
Most major U.S. airlines don't impose a weight limit for carry-on bags. However, some international airlines do have weight restrictions, and it's always best to check with your specific airline.
