👋 Get My FREE Flight Search Tool That Finds Hidden Flight Deals Like This...

...Unless you enjoy paying full price on tickets!

Published on

What is Carry-On Baggage?

Authors
  • avatar
    Name
    Jonathan Chum
    Twitter
    @jchum

A carry on bag is any piece of luggage that can be brought onto the plane, in your cabin, and placed in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Normally, there is a max dimension for a single bag that can be placed in the overhead vs carry-on multiple smaller bags. Therefore, ideally, you want to make sure all the items you plan to bring as a carry on will fit in one bag.

What is allowed in a carry on bag?

What is allowed in a carry on bag?

You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the security checkpoint. These items must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.

What is not allowed in carrying on a bag?

According to airline carry-on luggage rules, objects that could be used as a weapon or look like a weapon are not permitted as carry-on luggage. This includes firearms, rifles, BB guns, nerf guns, or their ammunition, or other explosives. You may have them in your checked luggage.

Can a piece of 24-inch luggage be a carry-on?

Airlines generally will have rules on the dimensions of a carry on that is allowed to be brought on to the plane and placed in the overhead bin above your seat. For most airlines, they are limited to 45 inches total across length plus width plus height. However, because overhead bins are not perfect cubes, typical measurements are 22x14x9 and must include handles and wheels.

When you store the item, the wheels or handles go in first, and depending on the plane, the depth limit is 22 inches in order for the bin to completely close and lock.

Local planes that carry smaller passengers may have smaller compartments. Therefore, its best to check with the airline. If you know your flight number, you can enter it on seatguru.com and it can provide additional information about the plane and flight amenities.

Can you take a backpack and a carry on?

Many airlines do not publish specific rules around personal items. Most airlines will allow you to bring one carry-on and one personal item. A personal item can be a laptop bag, backpack, or purse.

If you are a backpacker and are bringing a hiking bag, for example, that may be considered a carry-on instead. Some backpacks are considered a personal item as long as they fit under the seat in front of you.

Can I bring a sandwich on a plane?

TSA rules will allow you to bring sandwiches through airport security in your carry-on baggage. Just about any type of sandwich can pass through TSA checkpoint. They need to be wrapped or in a container and isn't overly soggy.

Can I use a gallon size bag for a carry-on?

In short, no. All liquids, gels, and aerosols must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. The max dimension of the bag is one, quart-size, clear plastic bag. You are not allowed to fold the gallon bag into 4 parts.

What is considered a carry on luggage?

Technically, any bag you bring onto the plane is a "carry-on" which includes a suitcase, personal items such as a backpack, or purse.

The difference is that airlines require max you can carry on is one bag that fits in the overhead bin and a personal item that can fit under the seat in front of you.

Is a backpack considered a carry-on?

Backpacks or duffle bags are considered to carry on. They should either fit underneath the seat or in the enclosed overhead bin. If the backpack cannot fit under the seat, then must adhere to the guidelines by the airline on the max dimensions of each side of the bag in order for the item placed securely in the overhead bin.

If the item does not fit in the bin, the flight attendant may ask to check the bag at the gate which means someone will tag it and store it in the aircraft below along with checked bags. Some airlines may charge an extra fee if you break the rules and try to bring it as a carry-on.

What is the difference between carrying on and checked baggage? A carry-on bag is any items you bring with you through the airline's gate to be placed in the overhead bin or underneath the seat. A checked bag is items that are transported in the cargo hold or area of the plane. Some airlines ask that combustible items such as batteries are to be brought as carry-on to avoid any accident sparks or fires in the cargo hold.

What can you not pack in your carry on bag?

You can take toiletries or other liquids that are in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They also must all fit in a one-quart clear zip-top bag. This includes liquids, gels, and aerosols. If you bring more toiletries than these allowances for a carry-on, you will need to pack them into your checked luggage.

Can I have a phone charger in my hand luggage?

The simplest answer is yes. Many airlines will have a USB charger so you do not need to bring with you a power bank to charge your phone. You may however be requested not to charge the phone during take-off or landing in case of an emergency where the cable is blocking the exit path of fellow passengers.

Is toothpaste considered a liquid?

The 3-1-1 liquids rule by TSA is an allowance that each passenger may carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in trave-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters.

Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquid rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, and lotion.

How many 3 oz bottles can I take on a plane?

The amount of 3oz is limited to how many can fit in a quart-size, zip-top bag. If you are putting in any other items in the bag that are irregular sizes such as travel cologne or perfume, that may affect how many 3oz bottles can fit into a bag.

What is the 3-1-1 rule?

The 3-1-1 liquids rule by TSA is the allowance that each passenger may carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in trave-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters.