7 Important U.S. Airline Luggage Requirements

Before you embark on your next trip, it is important to know the airline luggage requirements for the carrier you are flying on. Each has different dimensions and weight requirements for both check-in and carry-on luggage. Be sure to check out these 7 Important U.S. Airline Luggage Requirements below, so you will be prepared for your next flight.  

 

 

1. There is a limit to the number of carry-on items you can have.
According to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, passengers who are flying in the United States are limited to one carry-on luggage item and one personal item. Personal items include backpacks, purses, briefcases, laptop bags, or something that is a similar size. Personal items should also be small enough that they can be stowed under the seat in front of you. In addition to your carry-on and personal item, you may also bring on one smaller item such as a coat or food for the flight. Keep in mind that if you bring more than one carry-on, you may be forced to check the bag before boarding your flight.
 

2. It is important to know the dimensions of your carry-on luggage.

If your carry-on exceeds these requirements, you may have to check your bag. In order to avoid this stress, check out our Carry-On Luggage Size Chart which lists the restrictions of carry-on bags for major airlines. If you find that your carry-on is not meeting the airline luggage requirements, consider investing in The Carry On. The Carry On is only 6.6 lbs and meets the carry-on requirements for all major U.S. airlines. 

3. Each airline also has check-in luggage dimension regulations.

In addition to carry-on luggage, check-in luggage also has different requirements that vary from airline to airline. In general, check-in bags on U.S. airlines have a maximum weight of 50 pounds each and maximum dimensions of 27" x 21" x 14". It is important to check your airline's specific luggage requirements before heading to the airport to avoid hidden fees. If you are looking for medium-sized check-in luggage that measures 25.5”h x 18”w x 10”d”, The Check In is perfect for you. The Check In is an ultra-lightweight and durable check-in bag that will easily accommodate all of your clothes, shoes, and travel necessities. Take The Check In on your next flight for stress-free travel. 

4. Be aware of prohibited hazardous materials on flights. 

Federal law prohibits many hazardous materials from packed in check-in or carry-on luggage. It is important not to have any of these hazardous materials because your luggage could be seized by a TSA officer. Some examples of prohibited items include explosives, corrosives, loaded firearms, paints, lighter fluid, and tasers. If you would like to know more about what you can and cannot bring on a flight, check the TSA list here. More commonly it is important to know that items like hairspray, perfume, and medicines are only permitted in limited quantities. Liquid items in carry-on luggage may not exceed 3 ounces per container and liquid items in check-in baggage may not exceed 16 ounces per container. 


 

5. Special items are considered luggage too and have their own unique requirements.

If your next trip is skiing in Aspen or surfing in Hawaii, it’s important to note that your skis and surfboard are considered special items and will be subjected to special airline luggage requirements. In order to bring special items on board, you may have to pay added fees and rates. Special items include but are not limited to sporting equipment, musical instruments, medical equipment, children’s car seats and strollers. If you are able to, it is smart to break down your special item into smaller pieces and pack it into a regular bag. If you are not able to alter your special item, make sure to double-check with the airline that the item is allowed on the flight. 

 

6. Many airlines charge fees for an oversized bag.

On most major U.S. airlines the cost of your first checked bag ranges from free to $25, after that the price of each additional bag increases. If you bring luggage that is over the weight or dimension requirements, you could end up paying almost triple the cost for your bag. Make sure to research your airline luggage requirements before arriving at the airport to avoid the hassle of fees. If you are looking for a bag large enough for your longest trips that will not be labeled as oversized, check out The Large Check In from Roam. The Large Check In is specially sized to accommodate both over-packers and airline luggage requirements.  

 

 

7. Luggage identification tags are highly suggested.  

Many U.S. airlines highly recommend you have some form of identification tag on your luggage. In case your luggage gets lost or stolen, it is important that your information is on your luggage so it can be returned to you. Most luggage is mistakenly taken at baggage claim because pieces tend to look similar. Why not buy luggage that you can customize to match your style and will never be mistaken as someone else’s luggage again? Roam allows you to customize everything on your suitcase. Pick the color of your front shell, back shell, wheel hubcaps, the list goes on and on! With a customized Roam suitcase, you will never lose your bag again. An added bonus is each piece of Roam Luggage comes with the option to personalize a metal engraved ID Tag.



Traveling can be stressful, but if you are aware of the airline luggage requirements beforehand it will be a breeze. 


In the market for a new carry-on or checked bag that meets many U.S. airline luggage requirements? Roam Luggage has you covered with the best customized and monogrammed bags.

 

BONUS TIP: Customize Your Luggage

Looking for a suitcase to match your personality? Customize your own Carry On, Large Carry On, Check In, or Large Check In.