Airlines Carry-On Luggage Info
When maximum size measurements are shown as a total number of inches (eg 45″) this is the total of the length, width and height of the piece. There are standard sets of dimensions that go to make up these totals (for example, 22 x 14 x 9 is the standard for 45″) and if you have a bag that is an unusual shape but still within the total number of inches, you may find it being rejected.
Is Your Carry-On Bag Legal?
Many luggage stores sell suitcases described as ‘carry-on’, but these suitcases are sometimes larger than the size most airlines will accept. The safe maximum size is 45″, in the form of a 22″ x 14″ x 9″ bag. Some airlines allow up to as much as 55″, but most do not. Not only do luggage stores and manufacturers not always tell you if their bag is legally sized or not, but they also frequently mis-measure their bag. Their measurements generally are for the inside of the main compartment, and assume that any external pockets are of zero thickness, rather than stuffed full of things (which can easily add another inch or more) and ignore any external framing such as wheels and carry handle (which can also add another couple of inches).
More Size Problems
So you get on board with your large but legal sized carry on item. However, what happens if there is no space remaining in any of the overhead bins, and you’re forced to place it under the seat in front of you? Although your carry on item might be within the size guidelines issued by the airline, that does not guarantee it will fit under the seat in front of you! It seems that the space under the seat in front of you is getting smaller and smaller, particularly with some airlines (most notably on international flights) adding bulky electronic boxes under each seat to control the at-seat video entertainment systems, and with more closely spaced seats that are, themselves, thinner than before.
Even if there isn’t a blocking box, due to the design of the seat frame and supports, you’ll find there might be the least amount of space under the aisle seat, a bit more space under the wing seat, and most space underneath the center seat. At last - something good to say about getting stuck in a middle seat!
Even if, in theory, your bag could fit under the seat in front, you might find the geometry of the space and angles is such that you can’t manage to fit the bag into the space (unless you add a hinge to the middle of the bag - a feature not yet offered!).
For many reasons - your own convenience, and courtesy to fellow passengers, we recommend you focus more on bringing the smallest carry-on you truly need rather than the largest carry-on with you!
Carry On Luggage Allowance
All airlines place limits on the number, the size, and the weight of what you can carry on to a flight with you. Generally US domestic airlines are fairly liberal with these limits, and rarely choose to enforce them. In a June 04 survey of Travel Insider Newsletter readers, 80% of readers who admitted exceeding the official carry-on allowances said they did so with no problems.
Of course, ‘no problems’ is a relative term, and if you’re honestly abiding by the airline requirements and unable to fit your own smaller carry-on into an overhead bin due to the presence of massive outsized bags filling up all the space, you might have a different perspective on this!
Backpacks for Kids are a Must Have
Backpacks are one of the most popular ways of carrying our “stuff” today. There are hundreds of styles and colors available to suit most anyone.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents look for the following when choosing the right backpack:
- A lightweight pack that doesn’t add a lot of weight to your child’s load (for example, even though leather packs look cool, they weigh more than traditional canvas backpacks)
- Two wide, padded shoulder straps - straps that are too narrow can dig into shoulders
- A padded back, which not only provides increased comfort, but also protects your child from being poked by sharp edges on objects (pencils, rulers, notebooks, etc.) inside the pack
- A waist belt, which helps to distribute the weight more evenly across the body
- Multiple compartments, which can also help distribute the weight more evenly
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