The last thing most travelers want is to be told their carry-on must fly as checked baggage. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provides the following suggestions to help save your carry-on from this fate:
- Be sure that the total of your bag's height, width, and depth do not exceed 45 inches, the maximum allowed. Everything else must be checked. Rules vary whether traveling domestic or international - make sure to confirm your specific flight requirements.
- When packing, pack all but a few items in your checked luggage.
- Ask the airline about their carry-on guidelines, if you plan to bring more than one carry-on aboard.
- Be prepared for the possibility of a unique situation that will require every bag to be checked, regardless of size.
- Stow a heavy carry-on under the seat in front of you, rather than in the overhead bin. A heavy bag could injure another passenger, if ejected from the bin during heavy turbulence.
- Never stack items inside the overhead bin.
- In an emergency, evacuate yourself from the plane, but leave your carry-on aboard. Even one second spent retrieving your belongings can hamper the safe evacuation of the plane.
For more information visit the FAA website.