Whether you’re purposefully packing light or supplementing your checked luggage, it’s important to keep Transportation Security Administration (TSA) carry-on luggage size in mind when packing a bag and heading to the airport. Show
After all, not all airlines allow full-size carry-ons for free, and most have slightly different rules on what size those bags can be. Don’t get caught unaware at the gate; hefty baggage fees and inconvenience may await. Here’s what you need to know about airline and TSA carry-on size allowances. Airline-specific carry-on luggage size restrictionsAs a general rule, a personal item typically includes small backpacks, purses, briefcases, diaper bags, camera bags or items of a similar size that can fit underneath the seat in front of you. A carry-on bag could be anything from a large backpack to a small rolling suitcase. But it’s less shape than size that matters, so here are carry-on luggage size restrictions for each of the major domestic airlines: Alaska AirlinesOn an Alaska Airlines flight, you can bring a carry-on and a personal item for free.
American AirlinesFor an American Airlines flight, passengers get one personal item and one carry-on, no matter what type of fare is bought (elite members included).
Delta Air LinesDelta flyers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item.
FrontierFrontier charges for both checked luggage and carry-on bags, and the price depends on the route you fly. It also varies depending on if you buy the bags before via the web or mobile app, at the ticket desk, or the boarding gate.
JetBlueNot all JetBlue passengers are allowed the same carry-on items. Passengers who bought Basic Blue fares get one personal item (except Mosaic customers who always get a carry-on). Blue, Extra Blue, Blue Plus and Mint fares allow one carry-on and one personal item.
Southwest AirlinesSouthwest is known for having a generous free checked luggage allowance, but carry-on restrictions are similar to most other airlines — one personal item and one carry-on per traveler.
United AirlinesMost travelers flying with United can bring one carry-on and one personal item, but if you’re traveling on a basic economy fare, you’re allowed one personal item only (unless you’re a MileagePlus Premier Member, are traveling internationally or have a MileagePlus credit card, like the United℠ Business Card).
TSA liquid limitsBefore you even make it to your departure gate, you have to clear a TSA checkpoint. This means you must adhere to the TSA fluid limit restrictions in order to make it through security. So, just how much liquid can you take on a plane? Carry-on liquid size rulesThe TSA liquid rule — also known as the 3-1-1 rule (3 ounces, 1 bag per 1 person) — is straightforward: "You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item." Any liquids in larger containers will have to go into checked baggage (and are subject to overweight fees). A basic clear, zip-top container qualifies as an eligible quart-size bag for passing through security. 🤓Nerdy Tip The easiest way to manage the amount of fluids in your carry-on is to start with containers that are no larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters and your quart-sized bag. The maximum carry-on liquid size and amount will depend on how much you can fit into your single quart-sized bag. 3-1-1 liquids rule exemptionsThe answer to "How many ounces can you take on a plane?" varies in two circumstances: if you're traveling with certain liquid medicines or baby food. MedicationTSA allows larger amounts of certain medically necessary liquids, gels and aerosols in "reasonable quantities" for your trip. The only catch? You must declare them to TSA officers at the checkpoint for inspection, alongside any accessories associated with your medication, such as freezer packs or syringes. 🤓Nerdy Tip Labeling your medical items can help facilitate the screening process. Baby foodFormula and breast milk are considered medically necessary liquids, and thus exempt from the carry-on liquid limit. Water and juice for babies is also allowed in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. These child and infant nourishment items are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. You may also bring teethers that are gel- or liquid-filled and canned/jarred/processed baby food in your carry-on baggage. Duty-free liquidsThe final exemption to TSA liquid limits apply to duty-free liquids purchased during inbound international flights. It's important that these bags are secure and temper evident and stored in a transparent bag. Be sure to keep the item's original receipt handy in case a TSA officer asks to see it. Additional TSA carry-on restrictions and sizesFlammablesThe only flammables allowed in a carry-on are cigars, cigarettes, disposable and Zippo lighters, and dry batteries (like AAs or AAAs). Camping and sports equipmentYou can carry-on an air mattress with a built-in pump (by following special instructions), antlers, basketballs, footballs, baseballs, soccer balls, bike chains and bike pumps. Bicycle allowances vary by airline, but baseball bats, bear spray and bear bangers are never allowed — nor is aerosol insecticide. Other itemsThere are some banned items, including knives, firearms and box cutters. A full list of which can be found on TSA’s website. 🤓Nerdy Tip Still not sure if something you plan to carry-on is restricted? Send a photo to AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger to find out. Have a smooth airport experience with your carry-onNo matter which airline you fly with, first make sure you know what size carry-on you’re allowed to bring onboard and are familiar with (and prepared for) TSA’s carry-on restrictions, too. Then, you can expect a smoother and less stressful airport and airliner experience. How to maximize your rewardsYou want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2022, including those best for: What is allowed in a carryYou are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.
What is not allowed on carryLiquids, gels, or pastes in bottles larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) Guns and ammunition (including BB guns and cap guns) Stun guns and tasers. Sharp objects (knives, axes, razor blades)
Can you bring deodorant on plane?Stick deodorant is fine in any size. Well, almost any size… Powders and crystals are good to go as well. Spray, Gel, Liquid, Cream, Pastes, and Roll-On deodorants need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces and placed in a clear quart-sized baggie.
What items can I not take on a plane?Chlorine, bleach, fertilizers, spray paint cannot be transported. Fireworks, Christmas crackers and flares are not permitted. Alcoholic beverages over 140 proof, such as grain alcohol, are not allowed on board or in the cargo hold.
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