Carry-on luggage consists of the small bags and totes you can bring on a plane. This type of luggage is too small to really carry anything large. It is not quite as big as a suitcase, but larger than a pocketbook. Almost universally, airlines allow each passenger to bring one of these bags on the plane. There is even overhead storage designed expressly to hold this storied type of luggage.
History
Carry-on luggage has had a rough flight. It was an added bonus when it was first introduced, because travelers could bring small items on the plane. Experienced travelers could pack light and get right off the plane and into a cab without waiting for checked bags. However, some travelers abused the privilege, which led airlines to enforce strict size limitations. Today, carry-on baggage continues to enjoy a love-hate relationship with travelers for several reasons.
Benefits
Carry-on luggage is useful because, if you pack light, you can fit everything you need for a weekend in a carry-on and skip the baggage-claim drama at the end of the flight. You never have to worry about arriving in St. Louis and having your bags arrive in Hawaii. It saves the airlines a little work, too, because they don't have to handle your bags.
Considerations
Since almost everyone brings a carry-on on the plane, you have to wonder if you will have room to stow your own. You should also consider whether the contents of your carry-on would fare better in the luggage compartment or the overhead carry-on storage area. Being able to walk right off the plane and into a cab is also a big benefit for business travelers who have meetings to get to and can't waste time.
Types
Today, many airlines charge for checked bags, so they have what is called a carry-on allowance. This denotes the number of bags you are permitted to bring on the plane. Northwest Airlines allows one bag and a purse or small backpack. Southwest allows one bag in the overhead compartment, and a small bag or laptop that can fit underneath the seat. In addition, the Transportation Authority also has regulations on what can be contained in a carry-on bag, since it can be accessed in the plane. Prohibited items include firearms, knives, weapons and liquids. (The list can change due to security situations.)
Size
Northwest Airlines currently allows one bag that measures a total of 45 inches--or 9 by 14 by 22 inches maximum. That is relatively small, and some passengers stretch the limits by bringing on wheeled suitcases and overstuffed day bags. A general rule of thumb is that the bag should fit inside the overhead compartment comfortably. However, each airline is different.
Tags: Carry-on luggage, bring plane, checked bags, Northwest Airlines, overhead compartment, pack light