The lack of available overhead bin storage space is a problem that airline flight attendants encounter daily at airports around the world.
The bag in the overhead bin space on an airplane is not supposed to contain large amounts of suitcases, duffel bags, or musical instruments. That is what the cargo space in the plane’s belly is for.
Space in overhead bins is so prized that people stay loyal to an airline just for early boarding status, which doesn’t get you much except for available bin space. Some passengers pay extra for early boarding just to avoid having to check a bag.
Rather than be the passenger who has to endure the walk of shame back to the front of the packed plane and have his or her carry-on bag checked.
When flying, there are two basic types of baggage: checked and carry-on, also known as “hold” and “hand” luggage, respectively, and the latter as “cabin baggage.” Typically, passengers hand over the checked baggage to airline staff at check-in and, following the electronic or manual screening, the airport moves the stuff to temporary storage before loading it into the aircraft’s hold.
What is considered carry-on baggage?
Technically, any piece of luggage that you “carry on” to an airplane is a carry-on bag. Most airlines allow one piece of carry-on luggage or “hand baggage” that can fit in the overhead bin, plus a “personal item” (a smaller purse, computer bag, diaper bag, small backpack, etc. which can go under the seat in front of your).
Below you can check out the most common luggage size.
What is the weight limit for carry-on luggage?
For many major domestic airlines, there are no weight restrictions for carry-on bags. You’ll just have to be able to lift it above your head into the storage bin. And in most cases, even if airlines do list a specific pound or kilogram limit on their websites, they likely won’t weigh your carry-on bags.
As long as your pack doesn’t appear to be overstuffed, you’re probably OK. Weight is much more important for small commuter planes, mostly due to safety regulations.
What is the standard international carry-on size?
To be sure your bag is accepted on all carriers, you’ll want to get a suitcase that stands at 21” or less. It’s especially smart to look into luggage size restrictions when you’re flying with smaller, regional airlines outside of the U.S. as each is able to set its own limits.
What is the best carry-on luggage?
As with any travel gear, everyone has a different opinion on the best luggage brands, but the best buy for you is ultimately the one that suits your needs as a traveler. If you’re constantly on the road, invest in a durable bag that can keep up.
If you take one or two vacations a year, you can go with something more affordable. These days, you don’t have to stick to legacy brands to get a quality suitcase. Many up-and-comers offer some really solid options whether you prefer softside or hard-side luggage, two-wheel rollaboards, or four-wheel spinners.
Before you buy, take note of the dimensions in comparison with the airlines you prefer to fly to be sure you’re shopping on the safe side.
How particular are airlines about the carry-on size?
This varies by airline. Some airlines require passengers to fit their bags into a measuring device before boarding; others are more lenient, especially if the flight is not full.
Some low-cost carriers (the now-defunct WOW among them), are notorious for weighing and measuring each carry-on bag, prompting some passengers to wear multiple layers of clothes on the plane to meet the requirements.
What happens if I get to the gate and my bag is too big?
According to airline rules, if your carry-on bag is too large, the airline will require you to gate-check your bag and, often, pay a hefty fee to do so. Of course, what the rules state and what actually happens aren’t always the same.
The agent might not notice, they might notice but not care, or they might notice and require you to check the bag. It can depend a bit on the airline (some are notoriously more strict than others), the agent, and how egregiously large your bag is.
What size should your carry-on luggage be?
passengers can meet the size requirements of all major airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines, with a carry-on bag that is less than 22 x 14 x 9 inches (45 linear inches), including handles and wheels.
Although some airlines, most notably Southwest and Spirit Airlines, will allow a bag up to 50 linear inches, if you’re looking for a new carry-on, look for one that’s 45 linear inches or smaller (and will likely use it on multiple different airlines).
The size limit varies more widely for non-US citizens. airlines, but unless you’re flying on something like a small island-hopper in the Azores, 45 linear inches or less will probably be sufficient.
two Methods that airlines determine size measurements:
Most airlines, but not all, measure bags by inches or centimeters using this formula: height by width by depth, for example, 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
Linear inches: A few airlines have linear inch restrictions for carry-on luggage, which means the airline gives a single number for the sum of all three dimensions. You’re safe as long as the total height, width, and depth do not exceed that number.
According to travel experts, airlines are addressing a problem they brought about over the previous ten years by charging to check bags and cramming more passengers into each cabin to increase profits.
The switch to larger overhead compartments follows years of experimentation with a number of new revenue-generating strategies, such as charging for early boarding groups, extra leg room, and other previously free amenities.
In order for airlines to remain profitable in the face of economic downturns, fierce competition, rising wages, and fluctuating fuel costs. What could really prompt a change is a system that monitors weight rather than size. Every passenger’s carry-on should be light enough that if it falls during turbulence, it won’t injure anyone.
In air travel, tangible improvements are often few and far between. travelers will appreciate Fast Wi-Fi. Extra legroom, too. Having enough overhead bin space for all passengers might seem as if it should be standard, but turns out to be rare.