Carry-On & Check-In Luggage Guidelines

Wondering what bag to bring?

Size and weight guidelines for carry-on and check-in bags

Carry-On Bags

Airline allowances:

Most airlines allow one check-on bag plus one “personal item”, where personal item is defined as a laptop bag, briefcase, musical instrument case, purse or other smaller bag. Most airlines will also let you carry a jacket or other hand-held items. It is important to note that if you are carrying even a purse it may be counted as your personal item, so be prepared to stow it away into one of your other bags as you go through check-in.

Most airline guidelines require that fully packed bags weigh less than 40 or 50 lbs (depending on the airline and region). In our experience, those are very reasonable guidelines, and for most travelers, bags will not exceed 25 lbs or so.

Remember to always check with your airline before flying for detailed guidelines.

Find the bag that’s right for you:

Type of Flight:	Guidelines:
Most US Domestic Flights Transatlantic Flights Flights Within Europe Asia & South Pacific International South American Flights* *Some South American flights limit weight to just 18 lbs.	One carry-on bag under 45” total**, and with measurements within 22” x 14” x 9” guidelines, weighing less than 40* lbs total One “personal item” such as briefcase, purse or laptop bag also not exceeding above measurements Shop bags under 45”>
Some US Discount Airlines	Bags under 41” total, weighing less than 40* lbs total. One “personal item” such as briefcase, purse or laptop bag also not exceeding above measurements Shop bags under 41”>

Type of Flight:	Guidelines:
Most US Domestic Flights Transatlantic Flights Flights Within Europe Asia & South Pacific International South American Flights* *Some South American flights limit weight to just 18 lbs.	One carry-on bag under 45” total**, and with measurements within 22” x 14” x 9” guidelines, weighing less than 40* lbs total One “personal item” such as briefcase, purse or laptop bag also not exceeding above measurements Shop bags under 45”>
Some US Discount Airlines	Most carriers are now allowing only one check-in item, under 62" total measurements and under 44-50 lbs., and may charge hefty fees for overweight or extra pieces of luggage. Shop bags under 62 ”>

The US Tour Operators Association has more detailed guidelines for carry-on and check-in luggage requirements for different air carriers around the world:
USTOA Airline Baggage Guidelines

For more information on what you can or can not carry on, visit the Transportation Security Administrations’ official guidelines:
TSA Carry-On Guidelines

Ready to get going?

Printable packing checklist>