Types of Carry-on Luggage and Airline Rules

Carry-on luggage is a very important part of traveling. Carry-on luggage should be functional as well as meet the different rules and regulations set forth by the airlines. Regardless of your needs, taste or budget, there is sure to be carry-on luggage that will suit you and your needs.

What are some of the Top Selling Carry-On Luggage Brands?

There is a large variety of carry-on luggage for consumers to choose from. The ultimate choice is up to the individual of course. What may fit one individual’s needs may not necessarily be appropriate for another individual. Let’s look at a few of the most popular choices:

The Skyway Luggage Sigma 3 Expandable Vertical carry-on Case is made of 100% polyester vinyl and is easily cleaned with a damp cloth. It has a durable polyurethane in-line skate wheel system for easy navigation. The handle locks in both the upward and downward positions with two height settings. And this case meets most airline regulations with measurements of 14”H X 9”W X 22”D.

The Olympia American Airline Skyhawk Expandable Carry-On is made of 100% polyester and constructed of rugged 840 D. 3-tone jacquard polyester. The wheels spin allowing for free movement in all directions and easy navigation. This bag meets most airline regulations measuring 22”H X 14”W X (8”X2”) D.

The Rick Steves Convertible carry-on is made of 100% recycled polyester and is constructed with top-quality, water and stain resistant 100% polyester. This bag meets most airline regulations measuring 14”H X 21”W X 9”D.

The High Sierra A.T. GO Carry-On Drop-Bottom Expandable Duffle has a molded foot that allows the duffel bag to stand upright and doubles as a handle for easy lifting. It has a large main compartment with front-load access and expands 2.5 additional inches for packing capacity.

Individual Airline Rules For Carry-on Luggage

The general rule for carry-on luggage is that is must be small enough to store below your sear or in the overhead compartment. The basic rule is that the luggage cannot be any taller than 22”, no wider than 14” and no deeper than 9”. Although each individual airline has their own set of rules:

Air France- there is only one carry-on bag allowed per passenger and it must not be any larger than 22”H X 14”W X 9”D and weigh no more than 26.4 pounds. Passengers may also have a purse, computer, briefcase or small tote

Air Tran- allows only one carry-on per passenger and cannot be more than 55 linear inches. Passenger may also carry a purse, a computer, a briefcase or a small tote.

Alaska Airlines- allows only one carry-on per passenger and it must not be larger than 24”H X 17”W X 10”D. Passengers are also allowed to carry a purse, a computer, a briefcase or a small tote.

American Airlines- allows only one carry-on per passenger and it must not be larger than 45 linear inches and weigh no more than 40 pounds. Passengers are also allowed to carry-on a purse, a computer, a briefcase or a small tote.

America West- allows only one carry-on per passenger and it must not be larger than 51 linear inches. Passengers are also allowed to carry-on a purse, a computer, a briefcase or a small tote.

British Airways- allows only one carry-on per passenger and it must not be larger than 22”H X 16”W X 8”D and weigh no more than 26 pounds. Passengers may also have a purse, a computer, a briefcase or a small tote.

Continental Airlines- allows only one carry-on per passenger and must not be larger than 51 linear inches and weigh no more than 40 pounds. Passengers are allowed to have a purse, a computer, a briefcase or a small tote as well.

Delta Airlines- allows only one carry-on per passenger and must not be larger than 22”H X 14”W X 9”D and weigh no more than 40 pounds. Passengers may also carry-on a purse, a computer, a briefcase or a small tote.

Northwest Airlines- allows only one carry-on per passenger and must not be any larger than 22”H X 14”W X 9”D and weigh no more than 40 pounds. Passengers are also allowed to carry-on a purse, a computer, a briefcase or a small tote.

Southwest Airlines- allows only one carry-on per passenger and it must not be any larger than 24”H X 16”W X 10”D. Passengers may also carry-on a purse, a computer, a briefcase or a small tote.

Spirit Airlines- allows only one carry-on per passenger and it must not be larger than 22”H X 13”W X 10”D and weigh no more than 40 pounds. Passengers may also have a purse, a computer, a briefcase or a small tote.

United Airlines- allows only one carry-on per passenger and must not measure any larger than 22”H X 14”W X 9”D and weight no more than 40 pounds. Passengers are also allowed to carry-on a purse, a computer, a briefcase or a small tote.

US Airways- allows only one carry-on per passenger as long as it is no larger than 24”H X 16”W X 10”D and weighs no more than 40 pounds. Passengers may also carry-on a purse, a computer, a briefcase or a small tote.

Virgin Atlantic- allows only one carry-on per passenger and it must be no larger than 22”H X 14”W X 9”D and weigh no more than 35 pounds.

Prohibited Items

Obviously, there are some items that airlines prohibit to be in a person’s carry-on. This is just a short list and you should check with your airline about particular rules especially when it comes to sporting equipment. Some prohibited items are:

-Any sharp objects such as knives and scissors
-Firearms, ammunition. This includes anything that resembles firearms or ammunition
-Tools
-Martial arts and self defense items
-Explosive and flammable materials
-Non-flammable liquids, gel or aerosol paint

When choosing your carry-on luggage make sure that it will meet airline rules and regulations. But also make certain that the carry-on you choose is best suited for you.