• Baggage rules help to ensure that air travel is safe and economic for all passengers.airplane image by Clarence Alford from Fotolia.com
  
  When you travel by air, it is important to consider that there are certain baggage rules that must be followed. These rules are in place to ensure that there is enough room for all passengers' luggage and that only approved contents are brought on board an airplane. Baggage regulations vary slightly with different airlines, but the basic guidelines remain the same. When choosing an airline, check with them for specific information regarding their baggage rules.
  
  

Carry-on Luggage

• Airlines usually allow each passenger to carry one bag with them on the plane. The bag must be small enough to fit under your seat or in the overhead storage department. Although the regulations may vary with each airline, the general guideline is that carry-on bags must be no more than 22-inches tall, 14-inches wide and 9-inches deep. Southwest Airlines allows carry-on bags up to 24-inches tall, 16-inches wide and 10-inches deep. Some airlines also impose a weight limit on carry-on luggage. The limit is usually 40 lbs, but Virgin Atlantic's weight limit is 35 lbs. A metal luggage template should be provided at the luggage check-in to determine if your bag is the right size. In addition to a carry-on bag, airlines allow passengers to carry one personal item with them on the plane. Personal items include briefcases, purses, cameras, laptops in carry bags and small, purse-sized backpacks.
  
  

Checked Luggage

• A few years ago airlines would allow passengers to check a bag up to 70 lbs with no additional charge. Some airlines would allow up to three bags without charging the passenger anything extra. In recent years, however, many airlines have lowered the weight limit 50 lbs and limited the number of bags they will check for free. While most airlines will still allow at least one free checked bag, airlines like American Airlines charge the passenger for each checked bag. If you exceed the limit of bags, the airline will charge you a fee for each additional bag. If you have the appropriate number of bags, but have exceeded the weight limit, you will likely be charged by the pound for the weight difference. Although these are the general guidelines in place by most airlines, you should contact your airline ahead of time for their specific rules on checked luggage.
  
  

Contents

• The Transportation Safety Administration has created a list of prohibited and restricted items for airline travel. Many items that are considered safe for everyday use can be dangerous aboard a plane. Flares blasting caps, fireworks and other explosive materials are prohibited from carry-on and checked luggage. Flammable materials like gasoline, lighter fluid, paint thinner and cooking fuels also are prohibited. The TSA also forbids disabling chemicals such as chlorine, bleach, spray paint and fire extinguishers from all luggage. Some items, like sporting goods self defense items, firearms and tools are prohibited from carry-on baggage, but are accepted in checked luggage. Sharp objects like swords and box cutters are prohibited from carry-ons, but scissors with blades shorter than four inches are acceptable. Any liquid item over 3 oz must be packed in checked baggage. The TSA will allow you to possess up to five liters of alcohol, provided that it is below 70 proof and is kept in your checked baggage. Some flights forbid the transport of certain food products, so check with your airline before boarding your flight.