General Luggage Policies
Note that when maximum size measurements are shown as a total number of inches (eg 45") this is the total of the length, width and height of the piece. There are standard sets of dimensions that go to make up these totals (for example, 22 x 14 x 9 is the standard for 45") and if you have a bag that is an unusual shape but still within the total number of inches, you may find it being rejected.
Is Your Carry-On Bag Legal?
Many luggage stores sell suitcases described as 'carry-on', but these suitcases are sometimes larger than the size most airlines will accept.
The safe maximum size is 45", in the form of a 22" x 14" x 9" bag. Some airlines allow up to as much as 55", but most do not.
Not only do luggage stores and manufacturers not always tell you if their bag is legally sized or not, but they also frequently mis-measure their bag. Their measurements generally are for the inside of the main compartment, and assume that any external pockets are of zero thickness, rather than stuffed full of things (which can easily add another inch or more) and ignore any external framing such as wheels and carry handle (which can also add another couple of inches).
If you should be very unlucky and find yourself forced to try and squeeze your carry-on into an unforgiving luggage template by the gate, even one extra inch - if your bag is already at the maximum - will be enough to mean it doesn't fit and you have to check the bag.
More Size Problems
So you get on board with your large but legal sized carry on item. However, what happens if there is no space remaining in any of the overhead bins, and you're forced to place it under the seat in front of you?
Guess what?
Although your carry on item might be within the size guidelines issued by the airline, that does not guarantee it will fit under the seat in front of you! It seems that the space under the seat in front of you is getting smaller and smaller, particularly with some airlines (most notably on international flights) adding bulky electronic boxes under each seat to control the at-seat video entertainment systems, and with more closely spaced seats that are, themselves, thinner than before.
Even if there isn't a blocking box, due to the design of the seat frame and supports, you'll find there might be the least amount of space under the aisle seat, a bit more space under the wing seat, and most space underneath the center seat. At last - something good to say about getting stuck in a middle seat!
Even if, in theory, your bag could fit under the seat in front, you might find the geometry of the space and angles is such that you can't manage to fit the bag into the space (unless you add a hinge to the middle of the bag - a feature not yet offered!).
For many reasons - your own convenience, and courtesy to fellow passengers, we recommend you focus more on bringing the smallest carry-on you truly need rather than the largest carry-on with you!
Carry On Luggage Allowance
All airlines place limits on the number, the size, and the weight of what you can carry on to a flight with you.
Generally US domestic airlines are fairly liberal with these limits, and rarely choose to enforce them. In a June 04 survey of Travel Insider Newsletter readers, 80% of readers who admitted exceeding the official carry-on allowances said they did so with no problems.
Of course, 'no problems' is a relative term, and if you're honestly abiding by the airline requirements and unable to fit your own smaller carry-on into an overhead bin due to the presence of massive outsized bags filling up all the space, you might have a different perspective on this!
94.5% of Travel Insider readers say they do not exceed carry-on limits.
Personal Items
The standard allowance typically provides for a bag of up to a certain size plus one 'personal item'.
What is a personal item? Some airlines give examples, and suggest that a personal item may be :
Briefcase
Camera
Handbag/Purse
Laptop (in carry bag)
Other items not exceeding 36" in total dimension
Reading Matter
Small book-bag style backpack
Umbrella
