Avoid Air Rage: Always Be Aware Of Carry On Luggage Size Restrictions

If you have been traveling for a while, you may remember the days of small carry on bags. A few decades ago, travelers trusted the bulk of their luggage to the checked baggage compartment and only kept the bare necessities with them in the cabin.

With the increase in air travel's popularity, the typical carry on luggage size seems to have grown significantly. These days, it seems like almost everyone has a wheeled case with a telescoping handle that they want to carry on to their flight. This, of course, causes problems on the airplane: there is just no way for the plane to accommodate one of these bags for each person.

This is just one of the reasons that it is important for every traveler to be aware of the carry on luggage size restrictions and other rules regarding what you can and can not carry on. By informing yourself of what is allowed (not to mention what is courteous to other travelers) you can avoid a lot of headache at the airport and on the plane.

Know the Requirements, but Don't Push the Allowances

All airlines will provide, upon request, their carry on luggage size rules and restrictions. Most have them listed prominently on their websites. When a number of inches is given, this number refers to the combined height, width, and length of the piece of luggage. When you measure your carry on luggage size, be sure to include the handle, wheels, and any protruding pockets or pouches.

Don't count on the luggage salesperson to tell you if a bag will be of the proper carry on luggage size. The bags which are advertised as carry on size may not actually comply with the carry on luggage size restrictions put in place by the airlines. It's always best to measure for yourself to make sure that your new carry on bag will be useable and won't need to be checked.

In order to avoid problems with space allocation once you board your flight, the best policy is to keep your carry on luggage size as small as possible. Although you may be allowed by the airline's rules to take a large bag onto the flight, is it really worth having a few extra things with you if it means that you have to fight with other passengers for overhead storage space?

In theory, any bag that fits the carry on luggage size requirements will fit under the seat in front of you. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. If your carry on luggage size is at the very top of the allowable range, you will most likely have a very hard time fitting it under the seat.

Whenever you travel, remember that you are much more likely to have a pleasant traveling experience if you not only know the requirements of your airline but also take your fellow passengers' comfort and space requirements into consideration.