Airline Sizing Restrictions for Carryon Luggage

Most US domestic airlines will allow you to carry on a bag that's under 45 linear inches in size. Translated into English, this means a bag no larger than 22x14x9 inches. You should find that this size slides through airport security sizing templates with no problem. (Though this won't guarantee that the bag will fit under the seat in front of you once you board!) The airlines would also like you to keep your carryon luggage to under 40 pounds per bag.

Exceptions to these sizing rules include commuter turboprop and small commuter jet aircraft. Because of limited or nonexistent storage areas on these aircraft, some or all of your luggage will need to be checked. Ask your airline what type of aircraft will be used on your flight.

Also, international flights usually have stricter carry-on policies.

Number of Bags You Can Bring on Board

Most U.S. domestic airlines will allow you to carry on a single piece of luggage plus one personal item, such as a purse. This bag should be able to fit underneath the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin.

Note: Airlines always have the right to require you to check your carryon luggage, so make sure that all your bags and their contents can withstand being tossed around by baggage handlers and crushed by other bags.

Reduce your chances of having your carryon bag checked by arriving at the gate early while the overhead bins may still have room in them. Boarding a full aircraft at the last moment almost guarantees that your bag will have to be checked.

Keeping Your Luggage Safe

Whether you're walking through the airport or sitting on an airplane, you should know the location of your luggage at all times.

• Don’t leave your luggage unattended at any time. If you need to free yourself of the luggage "ball and chain," use an airport locker, or seek out an airline representative to hold your luggage for you.
• Place locks on all carryon bags, and especially on bags you plan to check. However, use locks that are approved by the Transportation Security Administration. The TSA will screen your checked luggage before it's placed on the plane, and sometimes they may have to open your bag and check inside. TSA-approved locks can be opened by security officers using universal "master" keys so that the locks may not have to be cut. These locks are available at airports and travel stores nationwide. The packaging on the locks indicates whether they can be opened by the TSA.
• When booking flights, try to stick to non-stop flights or direct flights (same plane, more than one stop) to reduce the chances of your bags being lost. Staying with the same airline also helps.
• If you'll be checking luggage, arrive at the airport least one hour before your flight. Keep an eye on the passenger service agent at the ticket counter. Make sure the agent places the correct luggage tag on your bag and that the flight and destinations are correct. Always check your baggage check stub before leaving the counter, and make sure all information on the stub is correct. Always take special care to not loose your stub. You may need it if your luggage is lost or damaged. In addition, airport security may want to cross check your stub with your baggage.
• Don’t carry luggage or check luggage for a stranger (or a friend, depending on what your friends are like). This may seem obvious, but some people don’t realize that they could get into trouble for carrying illegal items on an aircraft or through customs. Imagine how difficult it would be to explain to the authorities the presence of any illegal item(s) in your luggage.
• Don’t overpack luggage you'll be checking. Bulging luggage is more likely to break open while the baggage handlers are playing catch with it.
• Don’t stack your luggage on top of other bags in the overhead bins. Your bag could easily fall out and get damaged and/or injure any innocent person sitting below or passing by.
• Don’t put your valuable items, medications, travel documents, or toiletries inside checked luggage. Try to pack at least one day’s worth of clothing and necessities in your carry-on luggage. You'll be glad you took this precaution if your checked luggage is routed to the outer limits of civilization.
• Keep an eagle eye on your carry-on luggage as it makes its way through the x-ray machine. Make sure no one walks off with it when it comes out the other side.
• Put a very large, obnoxious luggage tag on the outside of your bag. Brightly-colored tape works well, too. These markings help you chase the right thief if your bag is lifted from the security checkpoint. It works great for spotting your checked bags at the luggage carousel as well.
• Put your name and address inside your bag.
• Put only your first name on the outside of your luggage tag. Put your full name and address on the reverse side. This will keep your address hidden from anyone who may be interested to know that you're house will be empty while you're on vacation.
• Determine what liability the airline is willing to accept on your checked luggage. You may be able to find this inside your paper ticket, if you have one. Look for a section called "Conditions of Contract." (See Your Flight Rights for more information.) If you estimate that your bag or the stuff in the bag is worth more that what the airline covers, you may want to purchase extra baggage liability insurance from your airline. Your credit card company or your travel agent may offer this type of insurance as well.

Hey, My Bag Didn't Used to Look Like That!

If your checked bag comes out on the luggage carousel looking like shredded wheat, do the following before you leave the airport:

• Make a quick inventory to make sure that nothing inside the bag is missing or damaged.
• Report damaged luggage and missing items to your airline immediately.
  • Make sure that the airline fills out all appropriate forms (a copy of which should be provided to you).
  • Keep detailed notes of the date, time, flight numbers, dollar amount of the damage or loss, and the name of the airline representative you speak with.
  • Ask the airline representative to provide you with information on how to contact the airline for compensation.
  • Ask for a written copy of your airline's "Conditions of Contract" and "Contract of Carriage." These documents will inform you about what liability the airline will accept.

What To Do If Your Airline Makes Your Luggage "Disappear"

Report lost luggage to your airline immediately:

• Make sure that the airline fills out all appropriate forms (a copy of which should be provided to you).
• Keep detailed notes of the date, time, flight numbers, dollar amount of the damage or loss, and the name of the airline representative you speak with.
• Ask the airline representative to provide you with information on how to contact the airline for compensation.
• Ask for a written copy of your airline's "Conditions of Contract" and "Contract of Carriage." These documents will inform you about what liability the airline will accept.
• Try to stay calm and nicely ask the Passenger Service agent (or better yet, the Passenger Service manager) what he or she is willing to do for you. If you're lucky, the airline may want to do the right thing, which is often more than it is legally required to do.
• If your airline agent asks for your claim check(s), make sure this is noted on the report (of which you should receive a copy).
• While at the airport, request that the airline deliver the bag to you free of charge after it is located.
• See if the airline will pay you for any essential items you might need until your bag is found.
• If you experience further problems, write to your airline with a US Post Office Certified/Return Receipt option on the letter.