You Can’t Take it With You: Understanding the Airlines’ New Carry on Rules

Most business travelers know that they can take one carry-on bag. The exact size of the bag may vary by airline but, in general, it has to be able to fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin. The maximum weight limit on the carry-on bag usually varies from around 20 to 40 pounds; the maximum size is usually 45 linear inches (the length, width and height added together). The most common standard bag size that falls within these dimensions is 22 by 14 by 9 inches.

Many savvy travelers have learned to manage with just this size carry-on for a short business trip, thereby avoiding having to check a bag. Theoretically, the airlines are meant to measure any carry-on bag that appears to be oversize, although this rule is not always enforced and you may be able to get away with one that is slightly larger. On the other hand, you don't want to be one of those annoying passengers struggling with a carry-on bag that is clearly too big, and which takes up most of the valuable overhead bin space.

Personal Items

The airlines also allow you to take a personal item - a somewhat vague term that includes accessories such as a purse, tote bag or camera, for example. There isn't really any specific size or weight limitation on this personal item, so there seems to be a fine line between what constitutes a purse or a bag. Such essentials as a walking stick, hat or coat, book or small bag of food are allowed to be taken into the cabin with you in addition to the one carry-on bag and the personal item. You can carry a drink on to the plane with you as long as it was purchased after passing through security.

Laptop Bags

The other item you are allowed to carry-on with you in addition to the one carry-on bag is the all-important laptop bag. Laptop bags come in all shapes and sizes - some of them have plenty of extra room for other items such as books, toiletries and even a change of clothes. When choosing a laptop bag, try to choose one that has plenty of pocket space for papers, passport, etc. and one that can be opened and closed easily within the confines of today's typical cramped airplane seat. If you take a laptop bag, it's considered your personal item.

Liquids

Perhaps nothing has caused quite as much confusion as the rules concerning liquids in carry-on luggage, which have been in effect since August 2007 and at one time, seemed to change almost daily. The current carry-on rules for liquids are as follows:

• All liquids, lotions and creams must be in containers of 3 oz or smaller
• All of these containers must then fit in a quart size clear plastic zip-top type bag
• Each passenger is allowed one bag of liquids and the bag must pass separately through security
  

Exemptions:

You are perhaps unlikely to be taking baby formula along with you on that business trip, but if you are carrying baby milk or formula, it is exempt from the 3 oz rule. Medication is also exempt from the 3 oz restriction. Medication, as defined on the TSA website includes both prescription and over-the counter medication, and includes such things as any liquids necessary for transporting bone marrow or transplant organs. If you carry medication on to the plane with you, it should be in the original labeled container and although it isn't actually a requirement, it's also a good idea to carry a doctor's note or prescription with you. The guidelines for carrying on liquids and medication can also vary depending on which country you are traveling to or from.

The TSA has a long list of items on their website that you are not allowed to carry on board with you - most of which are fairly obvious. You can't take things that can be used as a weapon or are clearly dangerous, such as explosives, long knives, guns or oversize tools, for example. Hopefully, you wouldn't have too much use for these on your next business trip anyway. You are allowed to carry on to the plane with you such items as safety razors, scissors that have blades shorter than 4 inches and certain types of lighters.

The information in this article is current as of the publish date. By the time you read it, things may have changed! So if you're flying on business, and especially if you haven't flown in a while, check with your airline or travel agent for the most up-to-date rules.