Contact SaveWealth.com Important Links About SaveWealth.com Visit the Bookstore Save on Travel Reducing Taxes Retirement Planning Estate Planning powered by Expedia.com
SaveWealth Travel

 

 

 

Travel Home

Plan Your Trip

Travel Tips

Maps & Directions

Flight Tracker

Travel Warnings

Trip Insurance

StormScout Weather

Travel Resources

 

 

No-Risk Reservations

 

 

 

travel tips

Airlines Clip Carry-On Limits

With rising fuel costs and increased security concerns, airlines have once again pared down the number and size of bags you can carry-on.

The weight and size of these bags is becoming more important, as well. No longer can you carry any 2 or 3 fold-aways, crammed with as many travel supplies as you can squeeze.

Airlines are regularly posting new carry-on limits at check-in desks, and most ticketing agents are actively screening carry-on baggage for dimensions and weight.

In addition, a recent plot in the U.K. identified a plot to explode multiple airplanes using sports beverages and common electronic devices. As a result, liquids have been banned from all carry-ons for the immediate future. This includes shampoos, beverages, hairspray, nail polish, and other common liquid or gel-based products.

When planning for your next trip, remember to keep these points in mind:

  • Airlines that fly great distances (e.g. China Air, British Airways, etc.) typically have tighter restrictions to save weight on long cross-oceanic flights.

  • No major airlines will allow you to bring more than 2 items as carry-on, and many are now allowing only one.

  • Airlines are constantly tinkering with the carry-on restrictions, so check with your carrier prior to take-off.

  • If a flight is too heavy for flight, the airlines can make further restrictions prior to takeoff.

  • Purchase luggage specifically designed for carry-on spaces. Some luggage retailers, including eBags and El Portal, specifically indicate items designed for carry-on use.

  • Overstuffed bags, or those bulging at the seams, will often not make the cut, and are likely to be checked-in by airline personnel.

Due to recent military actions and increased concerns about airline safety, airlines have changed their policies. Many now will allow a total of two items, including a bag and a personal item, such as a laptop, purse or pillow.

So how do the airlines compare? Here's a breakdown of what the airlines will let you get away with:

 

 

Airline
# of Items
Dimensions
Weight Limit (lbs.)
Alaska Airlines
2
22" x 14" x 9"

20

America West
2
45"
60
American
2
45"
40
British Airways
1
45"
13
Canadian Airlines
2
22" x 16" x 9"
22
China Airlines
1
22" x 14" x 9"
(45" TOD)
15
Continental
2
45" TOD
40
Delta
2
22" x 14" x 9"
(45 TOD)

40

Frontier
2
45" TOD
50
JAL
1
45" TOD
0
Korean Air
1
45" TOD
22
Lufthansa
1
45" TOD
18
Mexicana
1
20" x 15" x 9"
22
Northwest Airlines
1
45" TOD
40
Reno Air
1
45" TOD
40
Singapore Airlines
1
45" TOD
15
Southwest
2
50" TOD
70 (Best!)
TWA
2
50" TOD
40
US Airways
2
24" x 16" x 10"
40
United
2
22" x 14" x 9"
50
Virgin
1
22" x 14" x 9"
(45 TOD)
40 (Worst!)

 

Be sure to check back regularly for more Travel Tips from SaveWealth Travel!

 

 

Flying to or from the United Kingdom?

Please be advised that all carry-ons have been banned as a result of the August, 2006 plot to blow up U.S.-bound airliners. Be sure to allow plenty of time to check all bags and endure extreme security.

For more travel information, please contact your airline directly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOD = Total Outside Dimensions

 
 
©2019 SaveWealth. All rights reserved.