It used to be that when you flew, you were allowed to take everything you owned save your mother-in-law on board at no extra cost. Now, thanks to 9/11, rising gas prices, and the airlines’ desire to squeeze every last quid out of travellers, we are permitted only one small piece of cabin luggage on all domestic flights. Boo hoo. Yes, carrying on requires a certain efficacy in packing that checking bags manages to avoid, but it also saves you time and negates the risk of the airline losing your luggage. If you’re hitting the road soon but find yourself without an appropriately-sized bag, here are three cabin luggage options worth checking in to:
THE ROLLERCASE
Best for: business travellers, back and shoulder pain sufferers
Why it’s recommended: A Rolling business case seems like a no-brainer, but it wasn’t until the late 80s that wheeled luggage caught on worldwide.Today’s rollercases are built specifically to meet airline restrictions and are perfect for business.In fact, many have special areas for laptops built-in so that your computer won’t slide about once tucked into an overhead bin.The most ubiquitous choice today, by far.
THE BACKPACK
Best for: uni students, smelly wanderers
Why it’s recommended: I spent the better part of my early 20s living out of a backpack.That said, today’s backpacks do have practical advantages in addition to nostalgic ones.Namely, they needn’t be dragged about and can be unloaded to be used for day hikes and jaunts about the city.Backpacks aren’t the most fashionable choice, but they just might be the most utilitarian
THE WEEKENDER
Best for: fashion forward men, Lake Como getaways
Why it’s recommended: So-called weekend bags might be considered new to the cabin luggage scene, but as travel companions they make a lot of sense.Most are the perfect size for travel, are made of durable, high-quality materials, and look attractive next to your best business casual duds.My favourite: the beautiful leather shoulder bag at right.
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Before you fly, be sure to check the baggage allowance restrictions specific to the airline you’re flying with.For the most current information regarding carry-on baggage allowances, visit TheTravelInsider.com.
It used to be that when you flew, you were allowed to take everything you owned save your mother-in-law on board at no extra cost.Now, thanks to 9/11, rising gas prices, and the airlines’ desire to squeeze every last quid out of travelers, we are permitted only one small piece of cabin luggage on all domestic flights.Boo hoo.Yes, carrying on requires a certain efficacy in packing that checking bags manages to avoid, but it also saves you time and negates the risk of the airline losing your luggage.If you’re hitting the road soon but find yourself without an appropriately-sized bag, here are three cabin luggage options worth checking in to:
THE ROLLERCASE
Best for: business travelers, back and shoulder pain sufferers
Why it’s recommended: Rolling baggage seems like a no brainer, but it wasn’t until the late 80s that wheeled luggage caught on worldwide.Today’s rollercases are built specifically to meet airline restrictions and are perfect for business.In fact, many have special areas for laptops built-in so that your computer won’t slide about once tucked into an overhead bin.The most ubiquitous choice today, by far.
THE BACKPACK
Best for: uni students, smelly wanderers
Why it’s recommended: I spent the better part of my early 20s living out of a backpack.That said, today’s backpacks do have practical advantages in addition to nostalgic ones.Namely, they needn’t be dragged about and can be unloaded to be used for day hikes and jaunts about the city.Backpacks aren’t the most fashionable choice, but they just might be the most utilitarian.
THE WEEKENDER
Best for: fashion forward men, Lake Como getaways
Why it’s recommended: So-called weekend bags might be considered new to the cabin luggage scene, but as travel companions they make a lot of sense.Most are the perfect size for travel, are made of durable, high-quality materials, and look attractive next to your best business casual duds.My favourite: the beautiful leather shoulder bag at right.
Before you fly, be sure to check the baggage allowance restrictions specific to the airline you’re flying with.Below is a list of carry-on allowances for some of the most prominent international airlines:
|
Airline |
Allowance |
Max wt per piece |
Max size per piece |
|
One plus small personal items |
6kg/13lbs |
22″ x 18″ x 10″ |
|
|
One plus small personal items |
10kg/22lbs |
115cm/45″ |
|
|
One piece plus one personal item |
10kg/22lbs each |
21.5″ x 15.5″ x 9″ personal item 17″ x 13″ x 6″ |
|
|
One plus one accessory |
12kg/26.4lbs for both 18kg/39.6lbs in business class |
115cm/45″ |
|
|
One plus personal items |
7kg/15lbs |
115cm/45″ |
|
|
One |
5kg/11lbs |
55cm x 35cm x 25cm (22″ x 14″ x 10″) |
|
|
One plus personal items |
10kg/22lbs |
115cm/45″ but max dimensions 22″ x 16″ x 9″ |
|
|
One plus personal items Two plus personal items for first/business class |
10kg/22lbs |
55cm x 40cm x 23cm |
|
|
One |
8kg/18lbs |
115cm/45″ |
|
|
One plus one personal item |
‘You must be able to lift it yourself’ |
55cm x 40cm x 23cm |
|
|
One plus one personal item |
not specified (was formerly 23kg/51lbs) |
56cm x 45cm x 25cm |
|
|
One plus one personal item J/P pax can also bring 1 garment or soft bag |
7/10/15kg (15/22/33lbs) for coach/bus/first |
115cm/45″ |
|
|
One |
no weight limit specified |
55cm x 40cm x 20cm |
|
|
One |
8kg/17.6lb |
22″ x 18″ x 10″ |
|
|
One for coach Two for J/P pax |
7kg/15lbs |
22″ x 15″ x 8″ |
|
|
One plus a laptop |
7kg/15lbs |
56cm x 36cm x 23cm |
|
|
One plus personal items Two for Business Class plus personal items |
8kg/18lb coach |
22″ x 18″ x 10″ |
|
|
One plus personal items |
7kg/15lbs |
56cm x 36cm x 32cm |
|
|
One plus personal items |
10kg/22lbs |
115cm/45″ |
|
|
One plus personal items |
6kg/13lbs |
115cm/45″ |
|
|
One plus one personal item |
10kg/22lbs |
115cm/45″ |
|
|
One plus one personal item |
12kg/26lbs |
55cm x 35cm x 25cm (115cm total/45″) |
|
|
One plus one personal item |
12kg/25lbs |
55cm x 40cm x 20cm (21″ x 16″ x 8″ in) = 115cm/45″ |
|
|
One piece plus one personal item |
8kg/18lbs 16kg/35lbs for first/business class |
55cm x 25cm x 35cm = 115cm |
|
|
One piece plus personal items |
8kg/18lbs |
55cm x 40cm x 20cm |
|
|
One piece plus one personal item |
5kg/11lbs |
115cm/45″ on widebody, 40″ on single aisle planes |
|
|
One piece |
10kg |
115cm/45″ |
|
|
One piece |
8kg |
56cm x 36cm x 23cm |
|
|
One piece plus a laptop or briefcase |
23kg/51lbs – must be able to lift into overhead unaided |
56cm x 45cm x 25cm |
|
|
One plus personal items |
7kg/15lbs |
115cm/45″ |
|
|
One |
10kg/22lbs |
55cm x 40cm x 20cm |
|
|
One |
8kg/18lbs |
115cm/45″ |
|
|
One plus personal items |
7kg/15lbs |
115cm/45″ |
|
|
One |
8kg |
115cm/45″ |
|
|
One plus personal items Two for J/P pax |
8kg |
115cm/45″ |
|
|
One |
7kg/15lbs |
115cm/45″ |
|
|
One plus personal items Two for Upper Class |
6kg/13lbs 16kg total, no more than 12kg each for Upper Class |
115cm/45″ |
|
|
Two |
10kg each |
First 21.5″ x 15.5″ x 9″; second 16.5″ x 13″ x 6″ |
Did you know?
Most airlines allow you to “gate check” your luggage, meaning you can enjoy the benefits of packing lightly without having to cram your stuff in the overhead bin.