Carry-on baggage refers to the luggage that passengers are allowed to bring on board a plane and store in the cabin. This article provides a comprehensive overview of what constitutes carry-on baggage, including the dimensions and weight restrictions set by different airlines. It also explores the rules and potential consequences of exceeding these requirements, as well as the difference between a carry-on and a personal item. In addition, the article sheds light on whether carry-on luggage is free or incurs an additional fee, and it offers a breakdown of which airlines include a carry-on as part of basic economy tickets and which charge for it. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip, this information will help you navigate the world of carry-on baggage with confidence.
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What is Carry-On Baggage?
Carry-on baggage refers to the luggage that passengers are allowed to bring with them on board the plane and stow in the cabin. It is a convenient option for travelers as it allows them to keep essential items and valuables close at hand during the flight.
What is considered carry-on baggage?
Technically, any piece of luggage that a passenger “carries on” to an airplane is considered carry-on baggage. Most airlines allow passengers to bring one piece of carry-on luggage, also known as “hand baggage,” which can fit in the overhead bin. Additionally, passengers are typically allowed to bring a smaller personal item, such as a purse, computer bag, diaper bag, or small backpack, which can be placed under the seat in front of them.
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How picky are airlines about carry-on size?
The level of strictness regarding carry-on size varies among airlines. While some airlines require passengers to fit their bags into a measuring device before boarding, others may be more lenient, especially if the flight is not full. It is worth noting that certain low-cost carriers, such as the now-defunct WOW Air, have been known to weigh and measure each carry-on bag meticulously, which has led some passengers to resort to wearing multiple layers of clothing to meet the requirements.
What happens if I get to the gate and my bag is too big?
According to airline rules, if a passenger’s carry-on bag exceeds the allowed dimensions, the airline may require them to gate-check their bag and often charge a significant fee for doing so. However, it is important to note that the enforcement of these rules can vary. In some cases, the gate agent may not notice or may not care if the bag is slightly oversized. Ultimately, it depends on the particular airline, the discretion of the agent, and the extent to which the bag exceeds the size restrictions. If a bag is required to be checked at the gate, it will be tagged, and the passenger will retrieve it at the baggage claim upon arrival at their destination. In some cases, the bag may be picked up on the jetway upon landing, depending on the airline’s procedures.
Could my bag be gate-checked even if it meets the carry-on requirements?
Yes, it is possible for a bag to be gate-checked even if it meets the specified carry-on requirements. This can occur when a plane is particularly full or if the aircraft used for the flight is smaller than initially expected. If this situation arises, it is important for passengers to ensure that vital items, such as travel documents, passports, medications, electronics, and jewelry, are placed in their personal item bag rather than the gate-checked carry-on.
What is the standard size of a carry-on?
The standard domestic carry-on luggage size is typically 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (including the handle and wheels). However, there may be slight variations in size allowances between different airlines. For example, Southwest Airlines permits larger bags, with dimensions of up to 24″ x 16″ x 10″. International carry-on size requirements generally follow the same guidelines as domestic airlines. It is important to note that some airlines may provide size specifications in terms of “linear inches.” To determine the linear inches, passengers should add the length, width, and depth dimensions of the bag. For example, a bag measuring 22″ x 14″ x 9″ would amount to 45 linear inches.
To avoid any issues regarding carry-on size, it is recommended that passengers check the specific requirements when booking their tickets or consult a reliable source of information.
What’s the difference between a carry-on and personal item?
Most airlines allow passengers to bring both a carry-on bag and a personal item, such as a backpack, laptop bag, purse, briefcase, or shopping bag. The general rule of thumb is that the personal item should be smaller in size than the carry-on bag and be able to fit underneath the seat in front of the passenger.
This distinction allows passengers to have easy access to their personal belongings during the flight while ensuring that the overhead bins are not overcrowded with larger carry-on bags.
How many carry-on bags can you bring on a plane?
In most economy class situations, passengers are allowed to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item. If a passenger chooses to bring two bags, one must fit under the seat, while the other can be placed in the overhead bin. In upgraded classes, such as business or first class, passengers may be allowed an additional carry-on bag. However, it is essential to note that policies regarding the number of carry-on bags can vary among airlines, so passengers should always double-check the allowances specific to their flight before packing.
Is there a weight limit for a carry-on bag?
Most domestic US airlines do not impose weight limits on carry-on bags. As long as a passenger can safely lift the bag into the overhead bin, there typically won’t be any issues. However, it is important to be aware that some low-cost carriers and international airlines may have weight restrictions for carry-on bags. These weight limits can range from 15 lbs (Qantas, Emirates) to 17 lbs (LATAM) to 22 lbs (Air Canada, Caribbean Airways, etc.) and beyond. To avoid any surprises, passengers should check the individual carrier’s policies regarding carry-on bag weights before flying.
Which airlines allow a carry-on as part of basic economy? Which airlines charge for a carry-on?
The inclusion of a carry-on bag as part of basic economy tickets varies among airlines. Many major carriers, including Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air France, Air Italy, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Iberia, KLM, Lufthansa, Norwegian, Southwest Airlines, SWISS, and Virgin Atlantic, typically permit one carry-on bag with basic economy tickets.
On the other hand, some low-cost carriers, such as Allegiant, Frontier, Sun Country, and Spirit, charge additional fees for carry-on bags while allowing a free personal item that fits under the seat.
United Airlines’ policy for basic economy tickets varies depending on the flight destination. For transatlantic flights, a carry-on bag is included, while for other basic economy tickets, only a personal item that fits under the seat is allowed. If a passenger brings a carry-on bag to the gate in these cases, they will be charged the checked bag fee plus a $25 gate handling charge.
To avoid any confusion or unexpected charges, passengers should familiarize themselves with their specific carrier and ticket policies regarding carry-on bags before traveling.