What is Carry-On Baggage?

A carry-on bag is a piece of luggage that can be brought on board the plane and stowed in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
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What is considered carry-on baggage?


How picky are airlines about carry-on size?


What happens if I get to the gate and my bag is too big?



Could my bag be gate-checked even if it meets the carry-on requirements?


What is the standard size of a carry-on?





What’s the difference between a carry-on and personal item?




Is there a weight limit for a carry-on bag?


Is carry-on luggage free?



Which airlines allow a carry-on as part of basic economy? Which airlines charge for a carry-on?

Most airlines include a carry-on in a basic economy ticket, including: Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air France, Air Italy, Alaska Airlines, America, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Iberia, KLM, Lufthansa, Norwegian, Southwest, SWISS, and Virgin Atlantic.

Some low-cost carriers like Allegiant, Frontier, Sun Country, and Spirit charge for carry-on bags (but allow a free personal item that can fit under the seat).

United’s policy varies by destination. On transatlantic flights, a carry-on bag is included. For all other basic economy tickets, a personal item that fits under the sea is allowed but any other bags must be checked. If you bring a carry-on bag to the gate, you’ll pay the checked bag fee plus a $25 gate handling charge.

How many quart-sized bags can you have in your carry-on?

You may have one clear, quart-sized plastic bag in your carry-on that holds your liquids, gels, pastes, and aerosols (which each must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less).

What is not allowed in a carry-on?

The same items that are prohibited in checked bags apply for carry-on bags including firearms, pepper spray, fireworks, and other potentially hazardous items. Lithium batteries with more than 100-watt hours may be allowed in carry-on bags with airline approval, but are limited to two spare batteries per passenger. Additionally, all liquids must be in containers of no more than 3.4 ounces or 100ml and those containers must fit in a clear, quart-sized zip-top plastic bag.

How do you travel with a carry-on only?

Though it’s easier to pack for a short trip with a carry-on only, it’s possible to pare down the essentials for a longer trip, too. Packing basic items that can be worn interchangeably, or that dry quickly after washing, can help cut down on space and weight. Often, the biggest difficulty with packing only a carry-on is figuring out the liquids situation so small tricks like switching to solid shampoo can help with packing the essentials.

What is the best carry-on bag?

Backpack/duffel vs roller bag is a matter of personal preference, but no matter what you choose, the lighter the bag, the better—that way you’re not eating up weight allowance with a heavy bag and it’s easier to put into the overhead bin. Hard-sided bags ensure that if someone throws their stuff on top of yours, the contents of your bag won’t be squashed, though make sure the bag isn’t too heavy on its own. And finally, check to make sure the bay fits into the size requirements of most airlines. As stated above the standard size is 22” x 14” x 9” (including the handle and wheels, if any), while some airlines, like Ryanair have slightly different size limits.

Last Updated 
September 6, 2019