Are you packing your bags for the next flight? If yes, your next thought might be about the kind of luggage you can carry while flying. Generally, you are allowed to bring any type of luggage onto a flight, provided that it complies with relevant regulations, such as those from the Transportation Security Administration and your airline. According to the guidelines, most types of luggage can be separated into two categories based on the size of their luggage; checked baggage and carry-on luggage, respectively.
Luggage Types
As I just mentioned, there are two main categories of luggage when traveling by air – checked luggage and carry-on luggage. Depending on the airline or region, their definitions may vary, but you can definitely count on them. As the name implies, carry-on luggage is the luggage you take on the flight with you. Usually, this type of baggage can be stored underneath your own seat or the seat in front of you, or in an overhead compartment above your seat. On the other hand, check-in luggage is the one that exceeds the amount of luggage you’re allowed to carry on or is too large to fit in the overhead compartment. Airline check-in bags are stored in a dedicated cargo area once they have been “checked” with the airline. When travelers arrive at their destinations, they can reclaim their bags and take control of how they are handled.
Now let’s examine each in more detail.
Checked bags/ Luggage – A checked bag is any luggage that exceeds the airline’s limit for carry-on luggage or is too big to store in the overhead compartments. These bags are not carried with you on the plane but instead checked with the airline, which places them in their own cargo hold. When the traveler arrives at their destination, they need to reclaim their checked bags from the airline.
Carry-on Luggage-As mentioned earlier, a carry-on bag refers to any bag you take on an airplane. Airplane overhead compartments are typically used to store these items. When you travel with this kind of luggage, you will always have access to it and can control it at all times. As you’ll probably always have this bag with you, it should be able to hold toiletries, a few clothes, or anything which you might need if in case your checked bags go missing or are delayed. However, Size limits will always apply to carry-on bags. It is important to note that different airlines may have different limits regarding size.
What weight of luggage can I take on a plane?
Now that you have got an idea of what type of bag you can carry for your next flight, the next question that comes to your mind is the weight!! Am I right? Don’t worry; I will cover this as well. Both checked baggage and carry-on baggage sizes are regulated by airlines. However, these sizes can vary by airline, route, and class of travel. Thus, most domestic airlines make 62 linear inches the maximum size for checked baggage. Although international airlines follow slightly different rules, the 62-inch rule is generally followed worldwide. If your bag exceeds 62 linear inches, you may have to pay an additional fee to fly.
U.S. airlines have a 45-inch minimum size requirement for carry-on luggage, including handles and wheels. That means the bag will roughly measure 21 inches high, 12 inches wide, and 8 inches deep. The maximum height of a carry-on bag is 21 inches because wheels add an inch or so. However, airlines often alter these rules. Since most flights are full anyway, packing your wheeled carry-on to the brim is unlikely to be a problem. You can carry your personal bag on the plane and your carry-on baggage. Providing the bag fits under your seat, you can choose whatever you want to carry in your personal bag and also carry-on bags. A small messenger bag, a large strapped purse, or a multi-purpose backpack is often the bags of choice for solo leisure travelers. Parents usually carry diaper bags for small children in their carry-on bags. Travelers on business likely use briefcases or backpacks with large capacity for their laptops. No matter how it’s constructed, a hands-free personal bag is ideal for all travelers. However, basic duffels may not meet both criteria despite being more affordable than backpacks and weekenders.
Whichever carry-on bags you wish to carry, it’s up to you, but before packing or even buying your luggage, check with your airline. By doing so, you can make sure that you can take your carry-on with you on your trip. Keeping track of this bag may be the only thing you can do during the entire trip, so always ensure that you can do it without paying excessive fees for checked bags.
That’s all for today, folks. I hope you have a clear idea about what kind of luggage you wish to carry for your next holiday. Thus, carry-on and checked bags are the two main pieces of luggage you can use when traveling by air. Carry-on bags are easier to fit in the overhead compartment or underneath the seats because they are smaller. So, all items you’ll need immediately or shortly after arriving should be kept in them throughout the trip.
On the other hand, checked baggage is larger and left in the airline’s care. Compared to carry-ons, these bags might be subjected to a rougher treatment, so always ensure the check-in bag is stronger in construction. Also, always check with your airline about the prohibited items before packing your bags. If you want the security screening to go smoothly, you should organize your carry-on carefully. Airline policies and TSA regulations govern every type of luggage, regardless of its type. Keeping all of these things in mind will ensure a pleasant and safe travel experience for you.
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