Let’s talk about luggage. No, not the kind you bring into a new relationship. The kind that you take on the plane. Please note that I am addressing specifically, domestic airlines and not international airlines which in some cases, have very different and often more stringent rules. Please remember, just because you were able to get the bag on a domestic airline when flying out of the country, partner airlines may not follow the same rules and your bag may be too big or too heavy by their rules.
Carry-On Bag – Most, if not all, domestic (USA) airlines will allow 1 carry-on bag AND one personal item when you fly. A carry-on or in most cases, the bag that you have most of your stuff in, like your smaller roller bag, should measure about 22”x14”x 9” inches. This is pretty universal for domestic airlines. The only exception I have found is Southwest Airlines, that goes as far as 24”x16”x10”. Some things to note – These measurements include the wheels and handles of the bag and are the measurements of the bag when purchase, not stuffed and straining the zippers or expansion sleeves. Each airline usually has a sizer at the ticket counter or at each gate for you to see if your bag fits. Use them, because if they find out they don’t fit, you will be checking that bag. The good part, is that if it gets checked at the gate, it’s usually free. It is important to note that when going through TSA checkpoints, do not depend on them to determine whether your bag will fit or not. Just because it fits in the luggage scanner door, DOES NOT mean it will be able to go on the plane. Measure your bag at home because just because the dimensions on the box your luggage came in at the store says one thing may mean something else at the airport. They are getting really tight on this lately at the gates and all the sizers are being replaced with new ones. Gone are the days of sneaking past the gate agent with a slightly oversized bag. They are really watching now.
Some airlines currently don’t specifically address weight limits for carry-on bags, but in asking, they seem to unofficially keep it around 17-22 lbs. Just remember, whatever weight it is, you or another nice passenger will be the one lifting it into the overhead compartment. Flight crews are not permitted to put your bag into the overheads as a matter of policy, due to too many employee injuries. The carry-on should be placed into the overhead bin or underneath the seat directly in front of you and it has to go completely under the seat in front of you. If it is sticking out too far, they will make you check it or put it in the overhead bin, but if you already have a bag in the overhead, something is getting checked. It should go in the overhead bin wheels first and if space allows, on its side to allow for more bags to fit. Do NOT put it in crossways and take up the whole compartment.
One thing you can do to maximize your weight limit in your carry-on is to wear your heaviest things onto the aircraft, instead of packing them. So, if you have heavy shoes or boots, wear them on the aircraft. A heavy coat? Wear it on the aircraft. Maybe you won’t be fashionable. Who cares? Nobody is looking at you anyway.
For specifics on what items you may or may not bring onto the aircraft in your carry-on bag or as a carry-on bag, refer to TSA.gov or better yet, your specific air carrier for their rules. There are lots of items you cannot bring in your carry-on and this changes annually, it seems.
Personal Item – Now, I said you are permitted one carry-on bag. You are also permitted a personal item in most cases. That personal item may NOT be another carry-on bag. Personal items are considered to be things like briefcases, small day packs (full backpacks count as checked bags or carry-on based on size), small totes (not those huge beach totes stuffed to the gills), purses, clutches, computer cases, shopping bags, The generally accepted maximum dimension is 18”x14”x8”. Every airline is a little different, so check with yours personally before your trip. Things that do not count as a personal item are containers holding breast milk and/or pumps, TSA approved car seats (make sure it is TSA approved or it is not getting on the plane), diaper bags, strollers (must go in overhead) or medical and mobility devices.
Please keep this in your mind. Airlines all over the world are thinking about eliminating the carry-on bag altogether, as a matter of convenience and faster departures. There is a lot of pushback on this. So, I don’t expect to see anything soon, but you never know.
Checked Luggage – Checked bags are a little simpler. You would check these generally larger bags at the ticket counter before you go to the gate. Weight limits are usually limited to 50lbs and the luggage fees to bring on anything heavier can get pretty pricey. Checked bags also have size and weight limitations that will get you extra fees, as well. So, check with your specific airline for their rules and/or fees. Most airlines (with the exception of Southwest which allows two free checked bags, but not for much longer) charge to check luggage. These rules do change from time to time. In fact, Southwest will be changing their checked bag rules in May of 2025 to charge for all checked bags. However, ways to defeat these fees are through associated credit card companies, mileage plans or not checking a bag altogether. Credit card companies specifically associated with the airlines, generally allow 1 free checked bag. Keep in mind that these fees are for one customer, each way on each airline, so these could add up pretty quickly. A good rule is to travel as light as you can.
Pro-Tip – You don’t need to buy a luggage scale unless absolutely necessary. You should in fact, weight your luggage before you get to the airport, but instead of purchasing a scale, try holding your bag and standing on a standard bathroom scale. Note the weight. Then step off of the scale, set down your bag and get back on the scale. The difference between the first and second time on the scale is the weight of your bag. Granted, you may need a luggage scale if you live out of hotel rooms and no bathroom scale is available, but most of us don’t and your bag is going to pretty much weigh the same on your whole trip unless you loaded up on souvenirs for the trip home.