Carry-on Baggage Advice

A reasonable approach to carry-on baggage is keep in mind three things: think small, think smart, and think safe. Keep in mind the following points when you pack and you will likely avoid any problems with your carry-on baggage while you are on the aircraft.

    Think Small

  • The maximum size carry-on bag for most airlines is 45 linear inches (the total of the height, width, and depth of the bag). Anything larger should be checked.

  • No oversize packages or luggage can be stowed onboard.

  • Stow only your essentials (such as prescriptions, personal hygiene items, passports and other documentation) and valuable items, such as jewelry or cameras, in your carry-on bag.

    Think Smart

  • Plan to check more of your baggage and carry less with you in the cabin.

  • Check with your airline before packing to determine its carry-on guidelines regarding the number of items you may carry and the maxiumum size of those items.

  • In certain situations the airline may require most or even all of your bags to be checked, so be prepared to do so.

    Think Safe

  • Carry-on items which may fall from overhead bins can injure you or other passen-gers during flight or in the event of an emergency evacuation.
    Head Injury Risks from Overhead Baggage

  • Stow heavy items under the seat in front of you, not overhead.

  • Don’t stack items in the overhead storage bin.

  • If an emergency evacuation is necessary, leave your carry-on items on the plane. Retrieving personal items may impede the safe evacuation of passengers.

  • Remember, be safety conscious when stowing your carry-on items.

Other Resources
Top 10 Baggage Tips
Things you Should Not Bring on Board
Cabin Safety Tips

Suggested Books
Flying Without Fear
The Fearless Flier's Handbook



Other Baggage Resources
Carry-on Baggage Advice
Top 10 Baggage Tips
Overhead Baggage Risks
How to File a Complaint
Things you Should Not Bring on Board
Cabin Safety Tips

Carry-on Baggage Advice
http://airsafe.com/issues/baggage/carryon.htm -- Revised 14 May 2007