In the US, people taking both domestic and international flights will have to get used to new rules about carry-on bags. Carry-on bags can not be as big or heavy as they used to be after September 1, 2024.
This has a direct effect on the traveler’s experience. The goal of these changes is to make the airport and planes safer and to speed up the boarding process.
In this case, the new rule says that carry-on luggage can not weigh more than 15 to 22 pounds.
Also, the sizes of the suitcases vary from airline to airline, but they can not be bigger than 22 inches by 18 inches by 10 inches. However, restrictions on low-cost airlines are stricter, so it is important to check each airline’s rules before you travel.
| Domestic Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 inches |
| International Airlines | 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches |
The goal of these new rules is to lower the risks during flights and speed up the boarding and security process.
But they are also a problem for a lot of travelers who will have to get used to them to avoid extra fees or problems when they try to board. We will talk more about how airlines are dealing with these new rules below.
Alaska Airlines
- Carry-On Bag: Maximum dimensions 22 x 14 x 9 inches (including wheels and handles). Total linear dimensions 45 inches (length + width + height).
- No weight limit, but you must lift it into the overhead bin unassisted.
- Personal Item: Examples include a purse, laptop, or briefcase.
American Airlines
- Carry-On Bag: Maximum dimensions 22 x 14 x 9 inches (including wheels and handles).
- Personal Item: Maximum dimensions 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Examples include a small backpack, purse, or laptop.
- Weight: No weight restrictions for carry-on luggage.
Delta Air Lines
- Carry-On Bag: Maximum dimensions 22 x 14 x 9 inches (including wheels and handles). Total linear dimensions 45 inches (length + width + height).
- Personal Item: Examples include a laptop, purse, or small backpack.
- Weight: Specific weight limits for international airports include 7 kg (15.4 lb) in Singapore and 10 kg (22 lb) in Beijing and Shanghai.
Frontier Airlines
- Carry-On Bag: Fee applies depending on the ticket type. Maximum dimensions 24 x 16 x 10 inches and weight 35 pounds or less. Must fit in the overhead bin.
- Personal Item: Maximum dimensions 18 x 14 x 8 inches and must fit under the seat in front of you.
- Checked Bags: Linear dimensions maximum 62 inches and weight maximum 40 pounds before additional fees apply.
JetBlue
- Carry-On Bag: Maximum dimensions 22 x 14 x 9 inches (including wheels and handles).
- Personal Item: Maximum dimensions 17 x 13 x 9 inches. Examples include a small backpack, purse, or camera bag.
- Weight: No weight limits for carry-on luggage.
Southwest Airlines
- Carry-On Bag: Maximum dimensions 24 x 16 x 10 inches.
- Personal Item: Maximum dimensions 18.5 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches.
- Weight: No weight restrictions.
United Airlines
- Carry-On Bag: Maximum dimensions 22 x 14 x 9 inches (including wheels and handles).
- Personal Item: Maximum dimensions 17 x 10 x 9 inches. Examples include a small backpack or purse.
- Weight: No published weight restrictions.
Before you travel, you should always check the airline’s rules, since they can be different depending on the route, ticket type, and other things.
Key carry-on baggage rules
One of the most important things to remember is that carry-on bags have limits on both their size and weight, as well as what they can contain.
For example, liquids in containers bigger than 100 ml and dangerous items like knives and things that can catch fire will not be allowed.
Also, airlines let you bring food on board, but some things, like alcoholic drinks with an alcohol content of 24% to 70%, have to be put in your checked luggage.
To avoid problems when you board, it is important to know about these rules. If passengers do not follow the rules, they might have to pay extra fees, check their bags, or even have some items taken away.
The carry-on luggage also has some items that can be added without any problems. Some of these things are cheese, coffee beans, nuts, dried fruit, candy, and canned foods. Other foods like sauces, sodas, soups, and yogurts that are less than 100 ml are also allowed.
Tips for adapting to the new baggage regulations
Travelers should look over the rules of the airline they will be flying with to make sure they can follow the new rules without any problems.
Low-cost airlines are much stricter about size and weight, while traditional airlines usually give you a little more room.
Aside from that, passengers should check what they can and cannot bring with them, especially liquids, which are still one of the main problems at security checkpoints.
Lastly, people who are traveling with carry-on luggage should only bring the things they really need.
This way, they will not have to worry about having to pay extra fees for carrying too much stuff. If you remember these things, your trip will go more smoothly and without any problems.