Before You Buy: What to Consider When Purchasing Carry-on Luggage

Remember when we were able to show up at the airport with just about anything in our luggage and carry it on the plane with us? Our friends and family could even see us off at the gate! These days, we need to be much more aware of Federal Aviation Rules and Regulations in regard to what we can bring on the plane. Before we get into the carry-on luggage choices available, let's first look at the rules themselves.

Carry-On Rules

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) follows a "3-1-1" policy for carry-on items. Remember 3-1-1, and you'll have fewer surprises as you attempt to go through security lines. In order to carry liquids onto the plane, they must follow these rules:

• 3 - Bottles must be 3.4 ounces or less by volume. This applies to gels, too, so be sure to check your toothpaste.
• 1 - You may use one quart-sized, clear plastic bag holding your small liquid containers.
• 1 - For easy security inspection, pull this one bag out and lay it in a bin.

Any liquids larger than the size allowed for carry-on can still be taken with you, but they must be checked.

So, that's what you're allowed to have inside your bag, but exactly how big can your bag be? According to The Travel Insider, carry-on bags must be no larger than 22" x 14" x 9," for a total of 45 inches. Obviously, the dimensions of what you may actually carry-on will vary; but, generally speaking, try to keep your carry-on smaller than the size allowed, rather than trying to jam it under the seat in front of you without the flight attendant noticing. You can also opt to put your bag in the overhead bin, but your access to it will be limited during takeoff, landing and turbulent flight.

Some airlines are more lenient about the number and size of carry-on items you can bring on the plane. However, sometimes, airline ground staff enforces these rules for the sake of enforcing them, without taking anything but black-and-white written words into consideration.

For example, I recently traveled to Oklahoma with my son. He had a backpack and I had a purse, makeup bag and briefcase. I was told that I was only allowed two carry-on bags, so I handed my purse to my son. I now had two bags, even though my purse would have ended up in the same spot had I carried it on myself. Silly? Maybe, but I suppose that there's a valid reason for the limits. Now, they call my purse a "personal item." Other personal items can be books, computer bags, an umbrella, etc.

Buyer's Guide

When shopping for a carry-on bag, keep a few things in mind: While you don't necessarily need to buy a bag that's exactly 22" x 14" x 9", remember that those measurements will make your life easier when 20 people are waiting for you to shove your gear into the overhead compartment. Don't be that person who spends 15 minutes trying 17 different angles before the flight attendant finally steps in and checks the item planeside.

I've made some bag recommendations in the past, and I will refer back to one of my favorite online bag stores, eBags. There is a tab at the top of the screen called "Luggage," which can be further narrowed down by "Carry-On Luggage" - offering over 600 options. Bag dimensions are clearly stated, so there are no surprises about the size of the item you're purchasing.

Amazon.com also offers a great selection with competitive prices. However, if you're looking to make a high-end fashion statement, consider Louis Vuitton for a lovely collection of carry-on bags just right for you. Whatever you choose to carry-on while traveling, be sure it complies with rules and regulations to make your trip run smoothly. As always, have fun and enjoy!