Airline Carry-on Restrictions – What Can I Take on a Plane?

Airline security has never been the same since the attacks of 9/11. A LOT of restrictions on what can be carried on board a plane have been imposed since. Here’s a look at what you can and cannot carry with you on a plane.

Hand-luggage Specifications

Dimensions – Up to 45 in/115 cm (14 x 9 x 22 in or 36 x 23 x 56 cm)
Weight – Up to 40 lbs/18 kg

Note: These are the standard guidelines of the Federal Aviation Administration followed by most major airlines in America.

The 9/11 attacks were the worst known tragedy to have hit the aviation industry. These attacks changed the outlook of airline security not only in the US, but the world over. Before the attacks, people traveling by air only needed to worry about the size of the luggage that they used to carry; now the size, the weight, and most importantly, the contents of your handbag matter. Here’s a guide about all the basics you need to know about the carry-on luggage while traveling by air.

Baggage Restrictions

One of the major inconveniences faced by passengers in the past few years is the limits and restrictions fixed on items which you may carry on board. In most cases, these conditions have imposed severe restrictions on several different personal hygiene items, which can be peculiarly taxing if you are traveling on a really long flight. Nevertheless, all these ordinances are exclusively for the purpose of passenger safety. It is very crucial to know the fact that the items themselves are not banned, but instead the containers and tubes that they are stored in. It is however allowed to carry such items in a plastic bag where possible. You should also ensure to ascertain particular ordinances of the airline or the country you are going to, as their ordinances might vary.

Sporting Goods

* Condition:
Bats < 24″, Bats > 24″ and < 24 oz, limited to 2 golf clubs

Sharp Objects

* Condition:
Scissors – Blade < 4″
Knife – Blade < 2.36″, Width < ½”, no locking or fixed blade, no molded grip
Note: All sharp objects in check-in baggage should be securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.

Guns & Firearms

* Airline dependent

Tools

Note: All sharp objects in check-in baggage should be securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.

Martial Arts & Self Defense Items

* Condition:
Self Defense Sprays – 1 (4 oz) container < 2% Tear Gas
Note: All sharp objects in check-in baggage should be securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.

Explosive Materials

Flammable Items

* 1 book of safety matches are allowed as a carry-on item

Disabling Chemicals & Other Dangerous Items

* Conditions:
Compressed gas cartridges – a maximum of 2 in life vests, and two spares, Spillable Batteries – except the ones in a wheelchair, Tear Gas – Self defense sprays > 2% Tear gas

Other Items

Do remember though, that the rules and regulations for international flights may greatly vary from the ones mentioned above; this may depend on the destination, and the carrier. The safest practice would be to declare all your luggage at the check-in. The rules and ordinances of carry-on luggage are stricter in case of flights to international destinations. The airline carry-on luggage restrictions for first-class travelers vary from those traveling in coach and business class. These ordinances may seem very complicated, but is certainly better to be safe when it comes to air travel. So long then. Bon voyage!