Hand Luggage Rules: What You Can and Cannot Carry on a Flight?

When booking airline tickets, you must be aware of the number of laws, restrictions, and regulations regarding hand baggage rules in the USA. There are some restrictions on what you can carry on board in your carry-on luggage to safeguard the safety of other passengers. When you book a flight, whether for domestic or international flights online, then you must examine the hand baggage restrictions. Flyers can also contact airline representatives at +1-844-402-8105 to know the exact rules for carry-on baggage based on their airfare determined by the airline. Understanding the weight and size limitations for carry-on luggage is crucial whether you prefer to pack light or have extra items to bring.

In this article, you will learn the hand luggage rules USA: what is allowed as a carry-on, what the weight and size limitations set down by the airline to bring on the plane.

What Is Hand Luggage?

Hand luggage, also called cabin or carry-on luggage, is a type of luggage that can be carried on the plane by the passengers. Similarly, this luggage stays with the flyers throughout the travel duration while the check-in baggage goes into the aircraft’s cargo. Under the airline baggage policies, the airlines carry one bag of luggage with your handbags or a laptop bag as a part of your personal items. The carry-on baggage restrictions depend on the airline, so it is suggested to check out the hang baggage policy of the airline.

Consider General Guidelines When Carrying Hang Luggage

Do you need to keep hand luggage with you while traveling? There are some specific guidelines designed by the US airlines where some things are allowed and restricted on the plane. Let’s understand what the policy says:

• According to the hand luggage rules, most airlines allow one piece of hand luggage and a personal item including laptop bag, purse, etc.
• The personal item must be able to fit under the seat in front of you or the overhead bin.
• Similarly, the common dimensions required for carry-on bags are 22 inches by 19 inches by 9 inches (55.88 centimeters by 48.26 centimeters by 22.86 centimeters).
• You must consider the weight of your carry-on luggage based on your chosen airline’s hand baggage rules. For example: A limit of 15 pounds is set by the airline and some airline restrict hand luggage weight to up to 11 pounds (4.99 Kilograms) or less.
• In recent years, the carry-on luggage size rules have become common, and airlines optimize cabin space.
• Additionally, the domestic flights within the US typically allow carry-on baggage within the dimensions not exceeding 22 X 14 X 9 including wheels and handles.
• For international travel, size restrictions can differ, often leaning towards smaller limitations.
• You can check with your airline to confirm their hand luggage bag size rules, as exceeding them could result in additional fees.

• Additionally, many airlines includes weight limitations for carry-on bags on the international flights which are rare for US domestic travel.
• For frequent travelers enrolled in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, the security processes are still applicable.

Note: For TSA-approved bags for carry-on, the maximum size is 22 inches long x 14 inches wide x 9 inches deep (56 cm x 35 cm x 23 cm), including wheels and handles.

Understanding Restricted Items In Hand Luggage

The passengers need to follow the security procedures and luggage protocols while boarding their flight. Here are the items that re restricted on hand luggage.

Note: Flyers are advised to be careful about not bringing the above prohibited carry-on items so there will be no trouble while security check at the airport.

Additional In-Flight Hand Luggage Restrictions

When you are on board, you must consider some guidelines as outlined below:

• Stowage: Remember that your hand luggage must fit in the overhead cabinets or under your seat.
• Accessibility: You should be easily reach for the crucial things such as documents, essentials, and medications.
• Dangerous Goods: Do not carry anything hazardous along with you on the plane.

Hand Luggage Rules: Gadgets, Liquids, & Other Goodies

Apart from the size restrictions, there are a few carry-on rules you must be aware of:

• Carry-On Liquid Size: According to the TSA carry-on restrictions, the 3-1-1 rules applies to the carry-on liquids that means the containers must be 3.4 ounces or smaller than this, must fit in a 1-quart-sized bag, and be limited to one bag each passenger. Similarly, it may be include items such as shampoo, toothpaste, and even some makeup products.

• Baby Supplies & Medications: Passengers can bring important baby supplies and medications in their carry-on luggage, even if they exceed 3-1-1 liquid role. Besides, it is recommended to inform to the TSA officer for inspection at the security checkpoints.

• Electronics: The laptops and other large electronics generally need to be eliminated from your bag and keep in a separate bin for security screening. When it comes to electronics in cabin, it is an ideal option to have these items accessible in your carry-on to speed up the process as per the hand luggage guidelines.

• Other Restrictions: Some items such as certain sporting equipments and sharp objects are not allowed in the carry-on bags. It is best to check out the TSA website to know about the latest information on the prohibited items before you pack.

Note: Flyers can bring most electronics in the cabin including laptops, mobile phones, cameras, and tablets, but they must be switched to the airplane mode and turned off at the time of landing and take-off.

Can You Take Food In Your Hand Luggage?

• When it comes to traveling, food is a big concern. But, carrying food on flights is not always allowed so it is better to check before.
• Under the airline baggage policies, food is allowed in your carry-on or purse, but it must not be liquid.
• If you bring liquid food, including yogurt, soups, or condiments, it may be taken from you and thrown out.
• If you have a favorite condiment that you would like to pack on your hand baggage, then you need to transfer the condiments into a 3.4-ounce (100 ml) container and place it with your liquid items and toiletries.

Conditions For Carrying Medication In Carry-On

• Passengers cannot travel without their medication. If you are looking to skip checked baggage on this journey, you will want to ensure your medication is permitted in your hand baggage.
• Likewise, traveling with medicines is a complex issue. Certain medications are illegal based on the country you are traveling to.
• First, you must look into the local laws to ensure that travelling with medication is safe for you to travel to your desired destination or not.
• In addition to this, pills and other form of medicines such as patches are permitted in unlimited amounts but they must be screened by the security alongside your other items.
• Liquid medications are permitted, and they are not subject to certain rules for foods and toiletries.
• Under the airlines’ liquid restrictions, you can bring your liquid medications in bottles larger than 0.09 kilograms, but make sure that the security agents are aware of this.

Breakdown Of Hand Luggage Size By Airlines

All the US airlines have designed their own hand luggage rules and conditions. Let’s have a look at these rules with the help of the following table:

Note: According to the duty-free shopping rules, the international travellers can buy good without paying local import duties or taxes, found in airports or seaports after security. To be eligible, you must be departing for another country and the specific items that must be taken out of the country.

How Strict Are Airlines About Hand Luggage Sizes?

• Every carrier differ in how strictly it enforces its carry on regulations. The budget airlines are more stricter than other major airline.
• They are more strict on small and regional flights than on larger flights.
• Depending on the years of experience, it is recommended to carry on item that complies with your airline’s rules.
• If you do, even if your bag is over-packed, you must be safe.
• Yes, you will have some leeway with the airline, but please do not follow the rules.
• Having a soft-sided bag that is not completely full will allow you some flexibility if you are asked to keep your baggage in the bag sizer.
• Bringing a travel backpack instead of a suitcase will help as the gate agents are stricter with the suitcase bag.
• Additionally, you may see agents asking passengers to gate-check their suitcases on the specific full flights.

Things To Bring In A Hand Luggage

Packing a carry-on bag requires careful consideration of the items that are allowed on-board. Here, check out the list of things to bring in a carry on bag to avoid trouble at the security checkpoints.

• Clothing and personal items like jackets, socks, and hats
• Electronic devices, including smartphones, laptops, and tablets
• Magazines, books, and other reading materials
• Snacks and non-liquid food items, such as fruit and sandwiches
• Travel-sized toiletries (under 100ml) in a resealable and transparent bag
• Medical and medication supplies (with prescription if necessary)
• Empty water bottles (to fill once past security)
• Valuables such as jewelry, wallets, and important documents

Things Not To Bring In A Hand Luggage

• Liquids over 100ml (except for baby formula or medications)
• Sharp objects (e.g., scissors, knives, razors)
• Flammable items (e.g., aerosol cans, fireworks, lighter fluid)
• Sports equipment (e.g., golf clubs, baseball bats, ski poles)
• Self-defense items (e.g., stun guns and pepper spray)
• Firearms, guns, or ammunition
• Tools (e.g., screwdrivers, hammers, wrenches)
• Large electronic devices (e.g., drones and large gaming consoles)
• Perishable foods or items with strong odors
• Hazardous or explosive materials

Carry-On Packing Tips For A Stress-Free Journey

Packing your carry-on (hand luggage) efficiently is important for a smooth travel journey. To avoid delays at the security check points or unnecessary frustration, you must understand exactly about the things that are allowed or not allowed in carry-on bag.

Have a look at the following tips to pack your handbag well:

• Check The Airline’s Carry-On Policy: Various airlines have specific guidelines for hand luggage size and weight. Therefore, always go through their baggage rules before start packing.

• Essential First: Must pack your items that you may need during your flight including water bottle, medications, snacks, and any electronics such as tablets or headphones.

• Do Not Overpack: Keep in mind that you must have sufficient space for any purchases or personal items during the journey. So, try to keep it light.

• Gels And Liquids: Remember to pack gels, liquids, and aerosols in the containers of 100 ml or less. You must store them in a transparent bag for easy access at the security checks.

• Avoid Carrying Prohibited Items: Be mindful of the specific items that are not permitted in hand luggage including flammable materials, sharp objects, and the large amount of liquids.

Note: These tips will make your packing process smooth and help you to avoid any last-minute trouble at the airport. With the complete preparation, your carry-on can help to make flying journey stress-free and comfortable.

Get Additional Assistance Regarding Hand Luggage!

This is how you need to be prepared when you required to carry hand luggage for your travel. As we mentioned earlier, every airline has its different carry-on luggage policy and restricted items. Before starting your travel, double checking these particulars can save you from last-minute trouble.

For additional queries, you can get in touch with our experts at Tours N Travel Pro +1-844-402-8105 anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions