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SAVVY TRAVELER By
Irene Croft Jr.
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With airlines now charging for checking a second bag — or even a first — passengers are focused on maximizing their carry-on luggage. Regulations regarding number, weight, linear dimensions (total inches of the length, width and height) and template size vary among carriers. The "safe" standard for U.S. airlines is 45 linear inches in the form of a 22-by-14-by-9 inch bag.
Violating carry-on policies will incur the ire of your fellow passengers when bins and underseat areas are overloaded and may subject you to inconvenient and costly remedies. Take a look at the chart of carry-on specifications for the airlines you are likely to fly. Note that only one bag is permitted, plus you may bring aboard one, sometimes two, personal items, such as a laptop, handbag, briefcase or baby bag.
If your carry-on is too large or too heavy, you could be required to check it for a fee. Plan ahead to ensure that your gear is legal and conforms to the airline's policies.
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Air Canada Air New Zealand Alaska Airlines All Nippon American Airlines British Airways China Airlines Continental Airlines Delta Air Lines Hawaiian Airlines Japan Airlines Korean Air Northwest Airlines Philippine Airways<br> Carry-on bags: 1 Personal items: Not specified Linear inches: 45 Weight: 15 pounds Qantas United Airlines US Airways |
Irene Croft Jr. of Kailua, Kona, is a travel writer and 40-year veteran globetrotter. Her column is published in this section every other week.
