How to Win the Battle of the Carry-On Bags
The regulations and fees around baggage sizes are a hassle for passengers and a win for airlines, with some charging as much as $80 for the first checked bag. Here’s how you can beat the carry-on bag blues.
Ever wondered why you hear an announcement telling you the overhead baggage compartments are already full when half the plane hasn’t yet boarded? Ever wondered why you are asked to check even your compact carry-on suitcase? And why does boarding take so long? Airplane density is up, according to experts, which means airlines are cramming more passengers into their aircraft, and there is less storage onboard for ticketed passengers. Plus, boarding is often delayed because of the chaos around stowing everyone’s bags. Samuel Engel, a lecturer at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business, told Business Insider that this was the “single driver of boarding time”.
At the gate or even on the jetway, flight attendants often ask some passengers to check their carry-on luggage if their bag is borderline too large or does not meet the airline’s size and weight restrictions, or as they anticipate overcrowded overhead bins. How can you avoid this?
The first step is to invest in carry-on luggage that unquestionably meets the requirements of all airlines’ carry-on regulations.
The carry-on size limit for many major airlines is 22 in x 14 in x 9 in, including handles and wheels. However, some airlines allow larger carry-on bags. You can typically bring a carry-on bag in addition to a personal item. Your personal item should be able to fit neatly under the seat in front of you.
Frontier Airlines measurements are 24 in x 16 in x 10 in, but have a weight limit of 35 lbs. Southwest Airlines also requires 24 in x 16 in x 10 in, plus a personal item that fits under the seat.
Most domestic airlines, such as American, Alaska, Delta, JetBlue, and United, don’t specify a weight limit for carry-on bags. So cram your stuff into that silhouette, baby, even if you have to sit on it and zip. However, there are some airlines that do cap the weight of carry-on bags: Virgin Atlantic, Norwegian, and AeroMexico at 22 pounds and Qantas at 15 pounds.
Tips for packing
- Think through your itinerary and make sure you have covered the essentials. Don’t overpack on a “maybe I’ll need it” mentality. If you want it, buy it there.
- Pack items in solid colors you can re-wear without being conspicuous. Similarly, pack items you can wash and drip dry if need be.
- Pack a couple of old items you won’t mind ditching before your return trip, in case you buy some new things.
- Forego flight comfort and wear the bigger, heavier shoes, such as boots and runners. Pack the lighter shoes, such as flip-flops and flats. You can slip your heavier shoes off once you are on the plane.
- Navy (or army) roll your clothes to maximize space and prevent wrinkles. All military personnel learn to pack and travel light. You can, too.
- Always keep a pair of undies and a swimsuit in your carry-on in case your flight is delayed, and you can cram in an extra spa visit, swim, gym, or massage.
Best carry-on bags
Here are our favorites, hard and soft, for making the most of the airline regulations and your own travel expectations:
This is a deal for around $50! Offering a lovely range of pastel colors in the outer shell, the 360-degree spinner wheel system gives you smooth mobility and is also easy on the wrist. This is the perfect case for speed as well as ease. With complete, fully-lined inner skin with a dividing zipper and compression straps, it offers you a full journey’s packing.
The top carry handle is built for easy lifting and hefting the case with aplomb into the overhead compartment. The hard shell ABS material is strong enough to perch on and lightweight enough to meet travelers’ needs, no matter their gender or physical ability.
Meets most, if not all, airline carry-on standards and regulations, including Spirit airlines.
So maybe you’ve overpacked and worry about cramming everything into your bag. The VacPack innovative vacuum compression system, courtesy of an included electric air pump, allows you to achieve quicker compression. Equivalent to a 24″ suitcase, the VacPack can expand from 25L to 60L, offering extra space for a week-long business trip, weekend getaway, or hiking/trekking gear, should you need to check your luggage. Despite its huge capacity, its size remains, when compressed, as a carry-on backpack, measuring 20” x 12″ x ” 7.8”.
Made of high-density oxford fabric that is water-and-scratch resistant the VacPack features high-quality SBS zippers that ensure durability and smooth functioning, and is equipped with thick, soft, ventilated padding to alleviate stress on your shoulders and neck.
There are three spacious main compartments and multiple hidden pockets, including a dedicated dry/wet separation pocket to separate wet and dry items, isolating damp clothes and odors, and laptop compartment securely holds a 17-inch laptop with a thickened cushion, a side bottle pocket, multi-function pockets, anti-theft pocket for passport, etc. The TSA combination lock will keep your property safe and secure. The air pump not only deflate and inflates; it can also be used as a hanging camping light with 3 light modes.
Best personal item bags
Everyone is allowed a personal item, so make the most of it and make sure it is large enough to contain all the tech and beauty items you need—but not so large as to be more than ‘personal’. So, how big can it be? As big as the space under the seat in front of you. For example, on American Airlines, it’s 18 inches by 14 inches by 8 inches. On JetBlue, it’s 17 inches by 13 inches by 8 inches. Here are some of our favorites.
This sturdy tote has a capacity of 32L, measures 14″x18″x8″ and can hold 6 to 8 pieces of light clothes, cosmetics, toiletries, and gadgets. It fit perfectly under the seat on the flight or in the overhead compartment. The 9 pockets ensure you have a place for all your things while you travel. The bag can attach to the suitcase trolley and free your hands as you move through the airport.
A built-in waterproof wet pocket is handy for swimsuit or undies. The high-density water resistant material can help you to separate dry items and wet items if you have wet clothes or a towel from the gym.
A separate shoe compartment can stow away damp or smelly sneakers. This bag is perfect for short travel trips, overnight stays, weekend trips, business trips, gym, sports activity, or other daily use. It can also become your day bag or shopping tote once you arrive at your destination.
Crafted from lightweight yet sturdy materials, this sling bag ensures durability without adding weight. Its organic silhouette means it can fit snugly behind your back when you board your flight.
Equipped with multiple practical pockets, including a hidden anti-theft pocket and an external water bottle holder, this mini backpack converts to a good day travel bag for sightseeing, prioritizing security and convenience. The reversible padded and adjustable shoulder strap works for both lefties and righties. It can be worn as a chest, shoulder, or crossbody sling bag. The soft and breathable back panel ensures comfort. The shoulder strap includes an additional small pocket and a glasses holder.
The OutdoorMaster sling bag is compact yet spacious, suitable for both men and women, and comes in a range of colors. Perfect for urban commuting, travel, or outdoor adventures.
Best carry-on luggage sets
The small suitcase carry on measures 22” x14” x 9” including wheels, meeting carry on luggage airline approved requirements; and can expand 1.2”. The interior is 19.5” x 13.5” x 10.5” and includes large, zippered compartments.
Carry on luggage includes 4 spinner wheels that provide you with smooth, gliding 360 movement, a telescoping handle, stainless steel name tags, and TSA lock to secure your belongings. The quick-access front compartment includes a padded laptop pocket, padded iPad pocket, and power bank pocket that can be integrated with the exterior USB port to charge your devices. There is also an insulated pocket to keep food cool and fresh.
The cosmetic case keeps smaller items like toiletries and valuables close at hand, with a zippered compartment and mesh pocket. An elastic strap keeps the cosmetic case secure on the suitcase handle. The cosmetic case measures: 6″ W x 12″ L x 10″ H and is perfect for stowing under the seat in front of you.
The impact-resistant, hard shell design of the luggage carry-on suitcase and cosmetic case includes beveled sides to deflect hard knocks and a brushed finish that reduces scratches.
The UKEIN luggage set includes a 20 inch carry on luggage, an 18 inch travel backpack and a bonus toiletry bag perfect for freshening up at the end of a long flight.
The carry on suitcase with wheels is sized to fit in overhead bins or ever under the seat. The travel backpack is designed with a back sleeve that attaches to the retractable luggage handle. The spinner wheels rotate 360°, providing superior maneuverability and a smooth glide in every direction with speed and ease.
The 20-inch carry-on luggage is crafted from a 100% polypropylene exterior and offers extreme durability with a texture that reduces the visibility of scratches. Details such as the ergonomic 3-level retractable easy-grip top handle and the double soft rubber carry handles bring maximum comfort and an easy carrying experience.
The interior zippered divider panels keep contents separated and secure. One compartment of luggage with cross straps to keep your things in place and one fully enclosed with a zippered panel, mesh bags, and dry and wet separation bag for easy organization, and the travel bag has multiple functional pockets to meet different travel needs. The built-in TSA lock does not have to be forced open and damaged during inspection. It ensures the safety of your valuables and facilitates your passage through security.
