Travelers on both domestic and international flights in the US will need to adjust to new carry-on baggage rules. Airlines have tightened restrictions on the size and weight of carry-on bags as of September 1, 2024, which has an immediate effect on the experience of passengers. These changes are intended to streamline the boarding procedure and enhance airport and aircraft security.

In this regard, the new rule stipulates that carry-on luggage can weigh no more than 15 to 22 pounds. Additionally, the size of the baggage varies per airline, but generally speaking, they shouldn’t be larger than 22 inches by 18 inches by 10 inches. Low-cost airlines, on the other hand, have stricter regulations, so it’s important to review each airline’s particular standards before booking a flight.

These new regulations seek to expedite the boarding and security procedures while lowering in-flight hazards. Many passengers, however, may find it difficult to adapt to these regulations in order to prevent extra costs or issues when boarding. We go into more detail about how airlines are responding to these new rules below.

Alaska Airlines

• Carry-On Bag: Maximum dimensions 22 x 14 x 9 inches (including wheels and handles). Total linear dimensions 45 inches (length + width + height).
• No weight limit, but you must lift it into the overhead bin unassisted.
• Personal Item: Examples include a purse, laptop, or briefcase.

American Airlines

• Carry-On Bag: Maximum dimensions 22 x 14 x 9 inches (including wheels and handles).
• Personal Item: Maximum dimensions 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Examples include a small backpack, purse, or laptop.
• Weight: No weight restrictions for carry-on luggage.

Delta Air Lines

• Carry-On Bag: Maximum dimensions 22 x 14 x 9 inches (including wheels and handles). Total linear dimensions 45 inches (length + width + height).
• Personal Item: Examples include a laptop, purse, or small backpack.
• Weight: Specific weight limits for international airports include 7 kg (15.4 lb) in Singapore and 10 kg (22 lb) in Beijing and Shanghai.

Frontier Airlines

• Carry-On Bag: Fee applies depending on the ticket type. Maximum dimensions 24 x 16 x 10 inches and weight 35 pounds or less. Must fit in the overhead bin.
• Personal Item: Maximum dimensions 18 x 14 x 8 inches and must fit under the seat in front of you.
• Checked Bags: Linear dimensions maximum 62 inches and weight maximum 40 pounds before additional fees apply.

JetBlue

• Carry-On Bag: Maximum dimensions 22 x 14 x 9 inches (including wheels and handles).
• Personal Item: Maximum dimensions 17 x 13 x 9 inches. Examples include a small backpack, purse, or camera bag.
• Weight: No weight limits for carry-on luggage.

Southwest Airlines

• Carry-On Bag: Maximum dimensions 24 x 16 x 10 inches.
• Personal Item: Maximum dimensions 18.5 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches.
• Weight: No weight restrictions.

United Airlines

• Carry-On Bag: Maximum dimensions 22 x 14 x 9 inches (including wheels and handles).
• Personal Item: Maximum dimensions 17 x 10 x 9 inches. Examples include a small backpack or purse.
• Weight: No published weight restrictions.

Prior to departing, always review the airline’s policies, as limitations may differ depending on the route, kind of ticket, and other considerations.

Key carry-on baggage rules

One of the most crucial things to keep in mind is that carry-on luggage needs to adhere to both weight and dimension restrictions as well as content limitations. For instance, certain hazardous items like blades and burning materials, as well as liquids in containers bigger than 100 cc, would not be permitted. Additionally, even though food can be transported by airlines, some goods, such alcoholic beverages with an alcohol level of 24% to 70%, can only be transported as checked baggage.

Understanding these limitations is essential to preventing issues when boarding. Noncompliance with the regulations may result in additional fines, the requirement to check baggage, or, in certain situations, the removal of specific articles. Additionally, there are a few things that are easily added to carry-on luggage. These include candies, cheese, coffee beans, almonds, dried fruit, tinned goods, and various other things including sauces, drinks, soups, and yoghurts that don’t contain more than 100 milliliters.

Tips for adapting to the new baggage regulations

Travelers should research the exact policies of the airline they will be flying with to make sure they comply with the new laws without experiencing any inconvenience. Generally speaking, low-cost airlines are far more stringent when it comes to size and weight restrictions than major airlines. Passengers should also make sure they are aware of what they can and cannot bring, particularly liquids, which are still a major source of issues at security checkpoints.

Last but not least, it is advised that travelers with carry-on bags just bring the necessities because lighter, smaller bags might lessen the likelihood of incurring additional fines for excess weight. Traveling will be easier and less stressful if these things are kept in mind.

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