Carry On Luggage: Rules and Restrictions

When are you taking off? What all have you planned to take along? You must have packed goodies for your loved ones! You may have shopped for all that you will need during your flight and in your stay to where you are flying! Are you ready to pack all you have shopped? Are you ready to fly? Hold on… There are some carry on luggage rules and restrictions. You need to follow them. You may not know all of those. But don’t worry. Here’s a guide to carry on luggage rules!

Carry On Luggage Restrictions
Carry on luggage restrictions are laid in terms inches. The number of inches is cumulative of the length, width and the height of an item. Wrong measurements are often taken, not considering the external pockets or the handle and wheels of the bag. Even if the measurements suit the ones prescribed by the airlines, try to make your carry on luggage as less bulky as possible. Include the things that you truly need in your carry on. Airlines allow you to carry items such as a purse, some assisting devices, reading material and medicines. 36inches is the upper bound on the total dimension of other items in carry on luggage.

Carry on Luggage Rules
If you have planned to take liquids or gels along, see that their container capacity is not more than 3 ounces. If plastic bags are going to hold the liquids or gels see that the bags are of the size of a quart, they are clear and have a zip-top. Gallon size bags will not be allowed. Same rules apply to aerosols as well. It is advisable to remove each bag and place in on the conveyer belt for x-raying. This will help the security officers in their examination of declared items.

For the welfare of travelers, certain liquids or gels are exempt from these restrictions. They include breast milk and juice for babies and prescribed medications. Restrictions are not laid on life support items and liquids, which are necessities of patients. Frozen gels or liquids are allowed only for medical purposes or for infants. But then you must separate these items, separately declare them at the security checkpoint as they are subject to additional screening. Any liquid purchased beyond the security point is permitted. It should be noted that carry-on rules and restriction apply in case you are reexamined at a connecting airport. Personal hygiene items or cosmetics in solid form are allowed.

Passengers are advised to ask the security officers to visually inspect their medicines and supplies. In case of this option you should separately pack your medicines and hand them over to the security in-charges for visual inspection.

Carry On Luggage Rules for the Disabled
For those of you with any kind of disability; it is best to inform the security officers about your difficulties. They will assist you in the screening process. In case of a mobility disability, your wheelchair will be inspected with you on it. Your difficulty with walking or standing up will be compensated for by other arrangements of examination. The security officers will look after your mobility aids while you undergo examination. For passengers with hearing impairments, it is good to wear your hearing aid while the screening is going on. You can ask the security in-charges to communicate with you in the way you understand. Visually challenged people can ask for escort to guide them through the inspection process. In case you have a hidden disability like an implant in the body, a pacemaker or diabetes should again talk openly to the security officials and seek their help and support. Do not hesitate to communicate with the security officers about your own problems or those of the person with you. Confidentiality will be maintained and your privacy will be respected wherever you require it to be.

Are you planning to carry you’re a service animal along? Inform the security officer about that and be responsible for your animal’s behavior in the inspection area. See that the animal does not prove harmful to the security officials.

Sharp objects like meat cleavers and knives can be a part of your checked luggage. Scissors with blades shorter than 4 inches can be a part of your carry on. Sports items, toys should also be constituents of checked luggage and not your carry on luggage. Chemicals, dangerous substances, inflammable items are strictly prohibited to be carried during an air travel.

Airline carry on luggage restrictions in case of International flights are stricter. They impose restrictions on the weights of the carry on luggage. Domestic airlines do not limit carry on baggage. If you are boarding a small plane, very less carry on luggage will be allowed. Carry on luggage rules for first class passengers differ form those for the coach class and business class travelers. Carry on luggage rules and restrictions can seem complicated. Don’t worry too much. But it’s better to be safe. So call up the airline or refer their website for precise information on the subject and you are good to go!