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Carry On Luggage Size
Cracking Down on Carry On Luggage Size
Currently, if you are traveling on a commercial airline, you will have to be a lot more selective about what you can take on the plane. In cooperation with the federal government, the airlines now only allow a maximum carry on luggage size of 45 linear inches. This carry on luggage size refers to the total height, width and depth of the luggage. Unless the flight is almost empty, the airline will require you to check anything that is larger than this carry on luggage size. The best way to avoid checking extra baggage is to only take what you think you need and save the rest for your allotted pieces of checked baggage.
Having less carry on luggage and more checked luggage is easier on the airlines, the security guards, and the travelers. Many people still try to over-pack their carry on luggage, thinking they will make it through security and the flight attendants, only to get to the airport and realize they won’t be able to take everything unless they check it for an extra fee.
Overcrowded flights is one of the reasons that larger carry on bags are being restricted by airlines. Flights are sold out more often because of lower fairs and more travelers. Airlines are trying to get more flights in the air, but airport construction is behind, and the air space available to commercial airlines can only accommodate so many planes. Along with the risk of potential terrorists, this situation has forced airlines to limit carry on luggage sizes. Airlines have not only become stricter, they have actually launched campaigns such as American Airlines’ "Know your Limit." Instead of taking your entire wardrobe aboard the aircraft, pack the essentials, and check the rest.
Luggage manufacturers are taking advantage of this overcrowded situation and are working with airlines to comply with their new restrictions on carry on luggage size. They are now making more bags that are the right carry on luggage size for air travel and labeling them for stores so that shoppers know which bags to purchase for air travel.
Hard-sided suit cases like the ones made by Samsonite are once again replacing popular soft-sided bags made by designers. This is because now that many people who travel by plane are taking more checked luggage, they want their better protection for their possessions since they have to be stowed with the flight’s entire cargo down in the hold.
Airports and airlines are working together to post more signs about the carry on luggage size passengers may take on a flight. The signs can start at the check-in desk and go all the way back to the gates. This move by the airports and airlines will hopefully make travelers aware of carrying the right carry on luggage size.
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