Carry-On Baggage Information for Travelers

Planning to travel by air sometime soon? Confused about carry-on baggage requirements? The airlines have adopted new and different rules about your baggage. Here are the facts you need to have to plan your trip.

What Is a Carry-On Bag?
If an item, including all its appendages (handles, wheels, runners, corner protectors, full pockets, etc.) has an outside dimension no greater than 14" x 9" x 22", it may be considered a carry-on bag.
A 14" x 9" x 22" bag will meet most non-commuter, domestic airlines carry-on standards (as of November 1, 1998).

When purchasing a piece of luggage, be wary of products whose labels include statements such as "FAA approved carry-on," or "government approved carry-on." There are no such products.

Helpful Hints for Air Travelers
Overfilling a bag, particularly the outside pockets, may cause the bag to exceed the maximum allowable dimensions for a carry-on.

International, regional and commuter airlines often have different allowable carry-on rules. Check with your airline.

For other helpful hints about "Think Small, Think Smart, Think Safe" see the joint LLGMA/FAA brochure.

Airline Enforcement
Airlines now use a variety of enforcement techniques to screen out bags that do not meet their respective carry-on standards. These techniques may include:

sizing templates at the security conveyor belt - the passenger's bag must fit through the cut-out opening (cut out is 14" x 9") or the bag must be returned to check-in area and tagged as checked baggage
sizer boxes at check-in or gate area - the passenger's bag must fit inside the box or it must be checked
visual screening by airline employees and, others.
The airlines' carry-on program requirements are subject to change. You should check with your airline for specific information prior to traveling.

For a summary of the airlines' carry-on standards go to Airline Carry-On Standards.

Have a complaint?
Luggage manufacturers want you to know that the recent (and ongoing) changes in carry-on baggage requirements have been initiated by the airlines, not the luggage manufacturers and not your local retailer. Any inconvenience you have experienced (including the purchase of a bag that is no longer accepted as a carry-on) is the result of an airline's action.

If you have a complaint about airline carry-on rules or enforcement activities, contact:

Aviation Consumer Protection Division
U.S. Department of Transportation
400 7th Street, Room 4107 Washington , D.C. 20590