Airline Requirements for Baggage & Carry-ons on Domestic Flights
- Make sure you know the rules for airline carry-ons.black leather suitcase isolated on the white image by Elnur from Fotolia.com
Domestic air travel requirements for the size and quantity of checked luggage and carry-on luggage recently have changed. Regardless of the airline, liquids, gels, and aerosols still are permitted on board, but items must fit in one, clear quart-sized plastic bag. Each liquid must be in its own container of three ounces or less. This 3-1-1 rule does not vary per airline or destination; it is universal regardless of your final destination. Planning can create an easy travel experience. Arrange for special circumstances, adhere to current security guidelines and check with each airline you fly before arriving at the airport to make sure baggage will not be an issue. - Delta Airlines allows passengers one carry-on bag and one personal item on board the aircraft. A small comfort item such as an umbrella, coat or hat also can be carried and does not count as a personal item. A personal carry-on item is considered to be a purse, briefcase, camera bag or something similar. All carry-on baggage must fit into the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you. To ensure that your bag is not oversized and charged a fee as a checked bag, measure your carry-on; a carry-on cannot exceed 45 linear inches. A SizeCheck unit is available near all Delta ticket counters to verify if bag size is appropriate as a carry-on. Checked baggage must be less than 50 pounds. Fees for first and second checked bags will apply on most flights. The fees vary based on the date of ticket purchase. Additional fees will apply if a bag exceeds the 50-pound weight limit.
- Bags checked at the airport will require a $25 fee for the first bag and $35 for the second bag. The checked baggage fees are waived for passengers traveling in United First or United Business. Additional fees apply to all passengers who exceed the two-bag limit or check items larger than the allotted size and weight of 50 pounds. United Airlines recommends that the luggage check-in process be completed a minimum of 90 minutes before departure to allow proper baggage screening and handling time. One carry-on bag and one personal item also are allowed on all United flights as long as the carry-ons can be safely stowed in the overhead bins and under the seat in front of you. Canes, child safety seats, reading material and outer garments are not considered personal items and may be brought on board in addition to the two other allowed items.
- American Airlines allows one carry-on bag totaling 45 linear inches with the stipulation that the combined weight of the carry-on bag and personal item may not exceed 40 pounds. Checked baggage cannot exceed 50 pounds and passengers will be charged $25 each way for the first checked bag and $35 each way for the second checked bag. Always remember additional size limitations may be placed on carry-on baggage based on the size of the aircraft.
- US Airways offers checked bag discounts when customers check in online. The first bag online is $23 and $25 at the airport once the additional service fee is applied. Second checked bag is $32 online and $35 at the airport while three or more checked bags will be $100 and that can be paid only at the airport. All Star, Silver, and Gold status members are exempt from the first and second checked bag fee while the fee also is waived for unaccompanied minors. If flying US Airways Express, there are additional carry-on restrictions that differ from the standard TSA rule of one carry-on and one personal item. The personal item is still allowed, while the carry-on must be a small carry-on bag. It will be tagged and placed in the cargo hold of the plane as passengers board the flight.
- The popular advertising mantra of Southwest Airlines, "Bags Fly Free," is a great reminder there are no extra fees associated with checking baggage when flying that airline. Two checked pieces of luggage are allowed per ticketed customer with excess baggage charges applying to three or more bags. The standard 50-pound weight restriction still applies. Allow sufficient time for luggage check-in when flying Southwest. Forty-five minutes before departure is the recommended time allowance since luggage checked less than 30 minutes before departure will be tagged as a late check-in.
