Carry On Luggage Restrictions

Weight and Size Restrictions for Carry On Bags

Each airline has it's own carry on restrictions and guidelines which include items that are not allowed in the cabin, as well as weight and size of each bag.

Are you looking for carry on sized bags? Those are over here.

Do you know the carry on baggage size allowable on YOUR flight or applicable carry on restrictions?

The links below lead directly to the luggage guideline pages of most major airlines.

Because the regulations are in a constant state of change (every time a threat occurs) it's best to do a quick check on the day before you leave.

Carry ons are restricted by size, weight and allowable contents.

Most carriers allow 2 pieces of carry on luggage per passenger. One is considered a personal item and it can be a computer bag, large camera case or roomy purse. In this bag keep your most valuable belongings, medications and documents as well as anything you need during the flight - passports, credit cards, cash, keys, iPad, phone, book, neck pillow and a pen. You will not be asked to check this bag.

The second is often a wheeled roller or spinner with wheels that make it easy to pull the suitcase along behind you but duffels and backpacks also make ideal carry on luggage.

When it comes to carry on baggage, size does matter. The size of carry on bags is restricted to dimensions that fit beneath a seat or in an overhead bin in the cabin of the plane. It differs from one airline to another and sometimes even within the same carrier depending on the aircraft.

Check the carry on restrictions of your airline (below) to avoid being inconvenienced at the airport ... or worse.

See What Your Airline Has to Say

Aer Lingus Carry on restrictions
Air Canada Carry on baggage regulations
Air China
Air France

If They Can Do It...

A family of 4 that we know has carry on baggage down to a science

The son and daughter are in their teens. The parents are young at heart and grateful that he works for an airline that offers the perk of affordable travel.

On their frequent trips they take only carry on luggage, breezing in and out of the airport with no waiting for luggage.

If it doesn't comply with carry on luggage restrictions it doesn't go with them.

Alaska Airlines Carry on restrictions
All Nippon Airways, ANA
American Airlines Luggage policies
America West Baggage - carry on
British Airways
Caribbean Airlines/Air Jamaica
El Al
Frontier Luggage FAQ's
Horizon
Japan Airlines Carry on baggage
KLM, Royal Dutch Airlines
Lufthansa
NorthWest Airlines
Provincial Airlines
Quantas
SouthWest Airlines Baggage Information
Tango - See Air Canada
United Airlines
US Air, US Airways
West Jet Carry on baggage
Zip - See Air Canada

Medications, computer equipment, passports and other documentation should accompany you in your carry on luggage. If your checked luggage takes an unplanned trip to Amsterdam while you're in Costa Rica you'll have the important stuff with you.

Unless you're traveling to Antarctica there'll probably be stores where you can buy enough basics to get you by until you're reunited with your luggage.

Additionally, in your carry on baggage, pack a change of clothes, sleeping attire and essential grooming aids.

For the kids - If you paid for a seat for them, each should have their own carry on bag that holds their essentials. If you did not pay for a seat for the child you must incorporate their luggage into your allowance.