You Need to Master These Carry-on Luggage Rules Before Your Next Trip!
Before we can master carry-on-only packing, we must understand the rules. As with most rules, carry-on luggage rules vary by airline, so I’d highly recommend verifying the specific rules and measurements for your airline before arriving at the check-in counter. It’s best practice to consult your airline’s website directly to avoid inaccurate or outdated information from third-party sites.
Carry-On Luggage Size
The commonly accepted rule for carry-on luggage size is 45 linear inches (measured as length + width + height). Sometimes you will see the dimensions specified explicitly, and again the most common is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (which works out the same as our 45 linear inches limit). It is important to note that cheaper or budget airlines are often the strictest with luggage size rules.
In addition to your carry-on luggage, most airlines also allow one personal item, like a purse or laptop bag. Your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. Very few airlines publish size rules for personal items.
Carry-On Luggage Weight
Carry-on luggage rules for weight can vary widely between airlines. Some airlines allow carry-on bags weighing up to fifty pounds, but would you really want to carry around 50 pounds? I’d recommend aiming to be in the 15-25 pound range. This should allow you to pack everything you need, while maintaining a reasonably comfortable weight. As with sizing, some budget airlines will be stricter about weight rules.
Carry-On Toiletries Size
Toiletry size rules are consistent around the world. Our friends at Tortuga Backpacks have provided this handy way of remembering what’s allowed in your carry-on luggage:
The rule for toiletries (liquids or gels) is 3-1-1:
- 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottles or less
- 1 litre-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag
- 1 bag per passenger
In other words, your liquids and gels must be in 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottles. Those bottles must fit into a one litre plastic bag. Each passenger may only carry one of these plastic bags.
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Great info! It is good to know that we cannot bring everything and what ever we want in the plane. Thank you for sharing this!
That’s definitely true Hrvoje! It’s always best to know the rules you need to play by.
We travel abroad with students. Our big no-no’s: no blankets, no pillows, no ‘fav shampoos..buy when you get there..no hair appliances because you’ll blow fuses, not your hair! Passport check two weeks before flight, and accessible at boarding. Also, understanding your phone charges overseas.
You can’t believe we’d need to do this, but it’s crucial. We’ve had to explain to some parents, kidnapping of American girls is not generally an issue, either.
Thanks for those super important tips Mary ann! Really important to remember each of those for a successful, fun vacation
I always love to travel with a carry-on luggage. This tip was so handy especially for me who needs to master the art of packing. The 3-1-1 rule is something that I do have to remember.
love that rule! It’s saved me a number of times
Yes this is extremely helpful because it can get very confusing about what you can and can’t carry on flights. I always pack a small backpack, so my arms are free, and only take the essentials to keep the weight down. Great article!
Keeping your arms free is a great tip, thanks Kathy!
I always travel with carry-on luggage exclusively. I’ve had situations where I’d been rerouted and my luggage was in one place and I was in another. There’s nothing worse than not knowing where your stuff is. Now, I never have that worry. It’s always surprising to me to see people try to get through security with larger-than-acceptable “carry-on” luggage. This guide is awesome and I wished that more people knew about it!
I’m always amazed when i see that too … and when they complain at the gate when they need to check it!
Such useful tips! I always have some hesitations when using my luggage when I travel as I don’t want to check it in. Some airlines (or is it just the crew?) that are more than a little strict than necessary. LOL. Thank you for sharing this! 🙂
Some are definitely more strict than others, but if you can get away with carry-on only it’s such a better experience
I will do a trip with easyJetz next weekend so these tips came in quite handy. Thank you, some great recommendations!
You’re very welcome Michael, hope your trips is awesome!
You should actually double check all these specifications on the airline you’re flying’s website. But overall, this is a good guide!
So true Martha! Always best to be safe than sorry at the gate
Very useful tips. Recently my mom went on her first international flight trip and I telling her the exact same things. Many a times I’m someone who’d love to travel only with carry-on luggage! For shorter trips, I prefer taking just 1 backpack that has everything instead of waiting in the belt for a long time!
Couldn’t agree more! When i started travelling with just a carry-on i felt like a huge weight (wait?) was lifted!
Essential tips for the carry-on luggage! Pinned and will use it on my next trip to Japan 🙂
Awesome! Glad I was able to help you out
It is truly important to know the rules for each airline. I try to stick or go under the weight limit and number of carry-on luggage to avoid any inconvenience while checking-in.
So true, the easier you make it, the smoother the entire process will be
Very important tips for anyone who loves traveling. Knowing the limitations is a must when traveling. Thanks for taking up time to deliver something useful for most of the travelers.
You’re very welcome! Thanks so much for the kind words