If you are not a frequent flyer or if you have just never heard of carry on luggage in general, then you should know that it is important that you do learn about it. Carry on luggage is the luggage that you actually take onboard the plane, rather than having it with all the rest of the luggage in the back of the plane. Typically you can only bring one bag as carry on luggage, and then the rest of your stuff needs to go with the rest of the passengers’ luggage.

Things to Think About for Your Carry on Luggage

One of the most important things to think about is the fact that because you only get one bag as your carry on luggage, you are going to want to make sure that this is the bag that has everything that you would possibly need during the time of the flight. Depending on the length of the actual flight, it will thus vary as to what you should put in this bag, but it is easy enough to figure out.

For instance, if you are going on a rather long flight then you are going to want to include things in your carry on bag such as a toothbrush, mouthwash, games or activities to keep yourself busy, and so on. Many people also put their valuables into their carry on bags so that they can be sure of where they are and they also have less likelihood of getting broken or lost.

You are going to want to contact the particular airline that you are flying with before you decide on any carry on bag to purchase, because every airline is different and so you are going to have to check their rules and regulations so that you can find out what the exact measurements are that you are allowed for your carry on bag.

In order to do this you can either contact someone at the airport, or you can check their website online, and make sure that then when you go out to actually purchase your luggage, that you make sure that your carry on bag is no larger than what you are allowed, because if it is, once you get to the airport they are not going to allow you to take it on the plane with you.

With all the new airline luggage rules put in place in the past few years, sometimes it is difficult to know how to pack. Your flight or airline may put a cap on the weight of your checked baggage. Carry-on rules are tight, too, not only does the bag have to be small, but many routes now do not allow liquids in the carry-on. It pays to know how to pack before you get to the airport so you do not run into trouble just as you are trying to take off.

Checked Luggage

Airline luggage rules vary about the allowable weight of checked baggage. A large box containing a lampshade, for example, is usually more acceptable than a small bag full of rocks or seashells. It is all in the weight.

Also, most airlines allow each passenger to check a maximum of one, two, or three bags – though first class passengers may get a larger allowance. The weight of all your bags is added up; if you go over the limit, expect to pay a fee. In some cases, you may actually be told to take some things out of your bags and mail them home!

Most of the things that are forbidden by airline luggage rules are pretty clear: weapons, flammable substances, and live animals for example.

Carry-On Bags

The rules for carry-on bags have changed lately. All dangerous items banned from checked baggage are banned from carry-ons, too, but there are many additional things banned from the airplane cabin.

Anything the least bit pointy or sharp, like nail files, knives and even tweezers must not go in the carry-on, according to airline luggage rules. All these things are okay for checked bags, however.

It is now also illegal in many countries to carry liquids into an airplane cabin. And most people carry more liquids than they may think about: drinks, lotion, makeup or medicine, to name a few. Even duty-free shops are feeling the heat; buy cut-rate liquor in the departure terminal, and many planes will make you leave it there, too.

Following The Rules

The bottom line is to pack smart. Make sure to put all liquids and small metal things like scissors into the checked baggage. Keep the checked bags under about forty pounds. You can always call for your airline’s luggage rules. Also, one of the reasons you always want to arrive early for your flight is so you have time to take care of any luggage issues that may come up. When in doubt, it is best to leave something at home rather than risk the trouble of breaking the luggage rules.