Peter Greenberg: How Big Can My Bag Be?
By: Peter Greenberg | Source: AARP.org | 2008-06-24
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How do you determine how large a carry-on can be for a flight?
-Donna, Lewes, Del.
There are actually two carry-on standards you need to know. The first is the FAA's restriction. They say that your carry-on can be up to 45 linear inches. What this means is that if you add the height, width, and depth together, you're fine if the total is 45 inches or less.
That said, airlines are free to set up more specific (and sometimes more stringent) guidelines. Most roughly follow the FAA's guidelines, at least in terms of overall size. Southwest Airlines, for example, limits carry-on bag dimensions to 10 x 16 x 24 inches (which is 50 linear inches, if you're counting), while American Airlines just parrots the FAA's 45 linear inches.
But I have to admit that it's been awhile since I saw an airline employee measuring passengers’ carry-ons before they boarded the aircraft. Generally, if it can fit under the seat or in the overhead bin and it's not a totally irregular shape, you'll be fine. What do I mean by irregular shape? Well, if you decide to try and carry on your javelin, which is 43" x 1" x 1", you may be denied.
To be on the safe side for your next flight, check in with your airline. And if you're buying new luggage, 45 linear inches is a good rule of thumb.
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