Can you tell exactly how big a carry-on bag should be in order to be allowed onboard with you?
Maybe you could not!
Theses days, people want to carry more items onto the plane, particularly when most US airlines collect charges for the checked bags. However, considering the safety and the space of the passenger compartment, customers are typically allowed to carry a small bag with them during the flight, which is stowed either under the seat or in the overhead bins.
Admittedly, these so-called carry-on bags or hand baggage, to some great extent, help ease our stress of flying. They save our time, money and ensure that our valuable belonging will be with us throughout the entire trip. However, when you are planning to take a carry-on bag on board, be noted that your bag will be limited to certain size and weight restrictions!
SO...how big should a carry-on bag be?
Here when we are talking about the maximum size of a carry-on, the dimensions will be shown as the total number of the length, width and height of that bag.
Though the guideline for carry-on luggage size set by the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) is 50 inches (22"L x 18"W x 10"H), this is not mandatory. The actual size and weight limits of a carry-on would differ widely, and even if your bag fits this size requirement but is in an unusual shape, it may be rejected still by some airlines.
Currently, for most airlines, the maximum allowable size of a carry-on bag is
45 inches (22"L x 14"W x 9"H), including the wheels, pockets, handles and decorations. And this figure is also seen as the maximum safe size for carry-on luggage. Though some airlines allow up to as much as 55 inches, most do not! Here is a list showing
major airlines in the US complying with 45 inches carry-on luggage requirements:
Actually,
some airlines may have larger or smaller size limits...up to a total of 60 inches or less than 40 inches. Besides, for carry-on bags in different types, different size requirements may apply. To be safer, you are suggested to call your carrier before preparing for the travel. For your convenience, we collect
some of the well-known airlines which put special limits on carry-on luggage size.
Moreover,
some airlines weigh the carry-on luggage to make sure the safety of all passengers, though most airlines for domestic destinations may not. The maximum allowable weight of a carry-on bag could range widely, while some international flights for Europe, Asia and Africa are much stricter about how much a carry-on bag weighs. If your carry-on overweighs, big chances are that you could not carry the bag on board with you. For instance, British Airways requires a 51lbs (23kg) maximum carry-on bag weight, and if your bag overweighs, it has to be checked.
In some cases, the guidelines for carry-on luggage size and weight may
vary according to the aircraft models and the booking classes, for instance:
|
Airlines |
Carry-On Size Restrictions |
|
JetBlue |
- For Airbus A320: 56" (26"L x 18"W x 12"H)
- For EMBRAER 190: 50" (24"L x 16"W x 10"H)
|
|
Lufthansa |
Economy Class:
- One carry-on bag: 55cm x 40cm x 20cm
- Maximum weight: 8kg
First & Business Class:
- Two carry-on bags: 55cm x 40cm x 20cm
- Maximum weight: 8kg
|
|
KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines) |
Economy Class:
- One carry-on bag: 21.5"L x 10"W x 13.5"H
- Maximum Weight: 26lbs / 12kg
Business Class:
- One carry-on bag: 21.5"L x 10"W x 13.5"H
- One smaller bag: 18"L x 8"W x 13.5"H
- Maximum weight: 40lbs / 18kg
|
If you are flying with
Air France, you will find the authorized carry-on dimensions and weights differ based on both the destination and the ticket class, for example:
|
Intercontinental / Caribbean / India Ocean |
Economy Class:
One carry-on bag (55cm x 35cm x 25cm)
One accessory (handbag, camera, or notebook computer)
Maximum total weight: 26.5lbs / 12kg
Premium Economy, Business & First Classes:
One carry-on bag (55cm x 35cm x 25cm)
One small bag (45cm x20cm x 35cm)
One accessory
Maximum total weight: 39.6lbs / 18kg
|
|
Within Europe / Northern Africa / Israel |
Economy Class:
One carry-on bag (55cm x 35cm x 25cm)
One accessory
Maximum total weight: 26.5lbs / 12kg
Premium Business:
One carry-on bag (55cm x 35cm x 25cm)
One small bag (45cm x20cm x 35cm)
One accessory
Maximum total weight: 39.6lbs / 18kg
Premium Eco Class:
One carry-on bag (55cm x 35cm x 25cm)
One accessory
Maximum total weight: 26.5lbs / 12kg
|
Why do airlines put restrictions on carry-on luggage size?
Well, just think about the space of the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you...
It is generally known that the carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin or can be put under the seat. Of course, the room of the overhead is fixed and the space under the seat seems to be smaller and tighter today. If you don't want to have your carry-on checked away, the only good way here is to select a carry-on bag that meets the specific size requirements of the airlines.
However, even if the bag you purchased is advertised as carry-on luggage, it is still discussible
whether it is legally sized. Many luggage manufacturers would mis-measure the bag by just measuring the inside of the main compartment and ignoring the external pockets, handles or wheels, etc. If you stuff the outside pockets full, that might put the bag over the size or weight limits. So, when shopping around for a carry-on bag, be sure to check its measurement and select the bag that works best for your airline.
What does personal item refer to & is there any limit on its dimension?
Frequent flyers may know that besides a carry-on bag, most airlines in the US allow passengers to carry a small additional item onto the plane - also at no charge! This small item is usually referred to as "personal item" or "accessory." It can be briefcase, camera, handbag, laptop in the carrying bag, daypack, purse, or other item of similar or smaller size.
Just as a general rule,
there are also dimension limits for personal items. Most airlines, though not specifically stating, will require a maximum size for the outside dimension of a personal item.
For example, British Airlines only accepts a personal bag up to 18"L x 14W x 8"H in dimension, including the handle and pockets, and this bag must be comfortably and safely stowed under the seat in front of you. JetBlue allows a personal item that doesn't exceed 41" (18"L x 15"W x 8"H) to fit under the seat in front of each passenger.
Even if you abide by strictly the requirements on carry-on bags of your airlines,
there is still something to watch out for your safety during flight. Chances are that your carry-on bag may fall from the overhead bin and would injure you or other passengers in case of an emergency evacuation. Therefore, if you have packed heavy items in the carry-on luggage, it is better to stow the bag under the seat in front of you, not overhead!
Additionally, in the event of an emergency evacuation, just leave your carry-on bag and personal item on the plane. Taking them may impede the safe evacuation of yourself as well as other passengers. Always keep safety conscious when stowing your carry-on luggage on board!
Airline luggage and carry-on luggage
