Carry-ons are an important part of flying, especially with the recent increase of lost checked luggage! When flying, passengers are allowed to bring a carry on and a small personal item with them into the cabin of the plane. Larger or heavier suitcases must be checked below the plane. There are so many rules and regulations about flying; it is important to understand what is allowed and what is not allowed in a carry on before you hop on your next flight.
When traveling, there are a lot of things to consider and do. Packing is one of those important aspects. If you are going on a short trip, you can probably pack everything you need for your trip in your carry on so you can save some money by not checking a bag at the airport. If you are checking a bag, packing items you may need on the plane is exactly what a carry on is for. Even if you are checking a bag, you should pack a toothbrush and an extra pair of clothes in your carry on. Just in case your flight is delayed or your bag is lost, having the extra set of clothes can be a real lifesaver.
Carry-on Restrictions
There are size regulations for everything on an airplane. Carry-ons cannot be bigger than 9″x14″x22″.
Generally, liquids are not allowed through security. However, you are allowed to have one clear quart sized, ziploc bag. Within the bag you can have 3.4 ounce bottles of liquid within the bag. This allows a person to bring 3.4 ounces of shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, body wash, or something else on the plane with them. These are essentials.
Airlines have prohibited certain items from being placed in carry-ons. Sharp items, such as knives or blades of any kind, are not allowed in carry-ons. Other items not allowed in carry-ons are: sporting equipment, self defense items, snow globes, shoe inserts, gel candles, and guns. These items are allowed in checked baggage. Under any circumstances, you cannot bring chemicals, flammable items, or explosive materials in carry on or checked baggage.
Packing a carry on is a personal decision. Essentials for one person are not essentials for others, however, the below list is a great place to start when packing your own carry-on!
Top 20 items to pack in your carry-on
- Passport/other ID
- Cash, credit cards, ATM cards
- Printed itinerary/hotel and flight confirmations
- Glasses/Contacts/Sunglasses
- Essential medication and prescriptions
- Electronics (cell phone, camera, computer, adaptors), jewelry and other valuables
- Headphones
- Change of clothing (including underwear)
- Reading material/entertainment
- Toothbrush, toothpaste and floss
- Lip balm, lotion and other toiletries
- Antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer
- Eye mask and ear plugs
- Blanket
- Pillow
- Compression socks
- Scarf and extra sweater or fleece
- Snacks (Gum will help with ear pressure due to altitude!)
- Bottle of water (will have to buy after security)
- Pen
