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Guide to Carry On Luggage

Carry on Luggage Size

 

Don't let your carry-on suitcase become a burden on your journey! To avoid unnecessary hassles, check that your chosen bag meets the size requirements for storage in the overhead bin or beneath your seat. The good news is that many airlines offer airport baggage sizes, so you can rest assured that your luggage is the right size for your flight. At Travelpro®, we take things a step further and test our carry-on luggage with real-world sizer bins to ensure it meets the regulations.

Travelling light can be incredibly convenient, but checking the size restrictions airlines issue is important. If you don't, you may find yourself with a bag that's too large for carry-on – and that can be quite an unpleasant surprise. To avoid this, purchase the correct carry-on luggage and baggage size.

Here at Travelpro®, we believe the perfect luggage can make all the difference on a trip. With that in mind, our team has devoted their time to developing and testing our bags and carry-ons in the sizer bins used at domestic and international airports so that you can feel confident they will fit comfortably when you travel.

At FEATURES, we take the stress out of shopping for the perfect in-cabin bag that's within size limits. Every product that's been Sizer Bin Tested is clearly indicated, plus you'll find all the necessary dimensions for our Carry-on Bags and Checked luggage too!

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What Carry-on Luggage is all about?

Carry-on luggage refers to small and light baggage that can be taken onboard a commercial aeroplane and stored in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of the passenger.
When it comes to air travel, your "carry-on bag" typically refers to smaller suitcases, duffel bags, and weekenders that can fit in the overhead compartment. At the same time "personal items" can be stowed away beneath your seat, such as travel totes, purses, laptop bags, diaper bags, and backpacks or briefcases.
carry on luggage size

 

Spinners and Rollaboard® bags are some of the most popular types of carry-on suitcases. While the exact dimensions of these bags vary, you can easily check the size restrictions of your chosen airline online. Unsure if your bag qualifies? Simply consult the airline's website for the specifics!

Carry-on Luggage Size Matters

When it comes to carry-on luggage size, there are some restrictions to take into account. Generally, most of the European airlines limit carry-on luggage to a maximum size of 55 x 40 x 20 cm ( 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.8 in); however, a few airlines do accept bags up to 25 cm wide (9.84 inc) or do not accept more than 35cm tall (13.7 in). To help you plan your travels, here's a list of size restrictions for major European airlines.

These are the most current size limitations published at the time of this article. Please check with your airline to confirm prior to your trip.

 

CARRY-ON LUGGAGE SIZES

airline luggage size

At airports, you'll discover the "cubbies" of baggage sizers – all built to each airline's carry-on size regulations. You can usually find them near the ticket counter or the gate, as the size restrictions differ between airlines.
If your bag is the right size to fit in the overhead bin, you can bring it on board, so long as there's still room in the bins by the time you board. However, if it's too large and won't fit, the flight attendants will need to take it and have it stored in the cargo hold with the rest of the checked luggage, meaning you'll have to collect it from the baggage carousel like any other suitcase.
Be sure to include the wheels and handle when measuring your bag's height, but don't forget about the depth - your carry-on luggage must fit within all size restrictions!
When travelling, investing in a Travelpro® expandable bag is a great choice - it allows you to increase packing space when needed, leaving room for souvenirs and keepsakes from your journey. To prevent your bag from being too large for overhead compartments, only fill it, and don't overload the front pockets, if your bag has them.
If you are concerned about the size of your bag or tend to stuff it to the brim, a Hardshell carry luggage on might be a better option for you than a soft-sided suitcase crafted from flexible fabric. TIP: Hard shell luggage does not have the same stretchy capacity as a soft-sided bag!

Carry on Luggage Weight

Domestic airlines typically have weight limits for checked luggage but often do not disclose weight restrictions for Carry-on bags. On the other hand, international airlines may have weight limits ranging from 8 kg to 15 kg (17.6 to 33 lbs) However, it's rare for them to weigh carry-on bags. Nevertheless, it's crucial to ensure you can lift the bag unassisted to place it in the overhead bin for safety reasons. 
Smaller aircraft, such as commuter planes enforce strict weight limits for carry-on baggage for safety purposes. These planes may not have overhead bins, and passengers are typically allowed to bring only smaller personal items onboard. All other items are usually checked as luggage.
Make your travels easier and lighter with Travelpro's® lightweight, yet highly-durable luggage. Whether walking city streets or hopping through endless terminals, our Maxlite®  and Maxlite® Air Collections allow you to carry all you need without feeling weighed down. Discover more about Travelpro's® ultra-light, ultra-durable luggage today!
carry on luggage size

What (Not) to Pack in Your Carry-On

Once you have selected the appropriate size for your carry-on luggage, it's time to start packing. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has established guidelines for what can and cannot be packed in both your carry-on and checked baggage.
In order to pass through airport security, toiletries and other liquids, as well as food and drinks, must be contained in receptacles that hold no more than 100ml,  and all items must fit inside a clear, quart-sized, zip-top bag. Once you've cleared security, you can purchase beverages or other liquids of any size to bring onboard.
Our Platinum® Elite Slim Carry-On Expandable Softside Spinner 55cm (55 X 40 X 20 Cm) makes packing and complying with regulations easy with its compliant removable quart-sized wet pocket with TSA regulations for toiletries. The pocket is designed to fit in a convenient exterior pocket for easy access.
platinum elite softside spinner

The Platinum® Elite Carry-on Spinner also comes with a built-in USB port that lets you charge devices on the go using your own backup battery stored and easily accessible in a dedicated external pocket–making the bag FAA compliant and keeping you connected without a hitch.                  

Platinum Elite

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