How Many Pieces of Luggage Can Be Carried on an Airplane?

In the United States, carry-on bag limitations are set by the Transportation Security Administration. Each airline is free to set its own size restrictions on carry-on bags and to decide whether to charge a per-bag fee. Because international airlines are not governed by the TSA, different rules sometimes apply. Restrictions can change at any time, so check with your airline shortly before your trip for the latest information.

U.S. Carriers

• On U.S. airlines, you are limited to one carry-on bag and one small personal item, such as a purse, briefcase or laptop bag. Maximum carry-on size varies between airlines, depending on the configuration of the aircraft. On Delta, United and American Airlines, your carry-on must be no bigger than 22 by 14 by 9 inches, including handles and wheels. Frontier, Southwest and AirTran allow bags up to 24 by 16 by 10 inches. Most carriers do not specify a maximum size on your personal item, but it must fit underneath the seat in front of you.

Medical Supplies

• Medical supplies do not count as carry-on baggage, and these include wheelchairs, walkers and other mobility aids; CPAP machines; and bags filled with medications or medical supplies. Note that if you mix other items, such as books and pillows, in with a bag of medical supplies, then the entire bag counts against your carry-on limit. Pack your medical supplies in a separate bag.

Other Exemptions

• Specific exemptions vary by airline but generally include food for the flight, a book or magazine, jackets and other outer garments, and a child safety seat for a child not riding in a parent’s lap. Some airlines also permit you to carry on an umbrella, a diaper bag or other small items. Check with your airline shortly before your trip for the latest information.

Additional Restrictions

• Because of space limitations, carry-on baggage is sometimes prohibited or severely restricted on very small planes. For example, Alaska Airlines flights operated by Horizon or SkyWest and Delta Connection flights with fewer than 50 seats prohibit larger carry-on bags. Each airline has its own procedure for gate-checking items that would otherwise be carried onto the flight. Check with your carrier for details.

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The Best Time of Day to Travel by Airplane

If you've ever missed a connecting flight or found yourself paying nearly twice as much for a plane ticket just because you didn't want to book the red-eye, you know that certain times of the day are more favorable to airplane travel than others. Your itinerary and your budget probably drive your choice in flights, but if you have a little flexibility, try to get the first flight out or the last flight in, particularly if you want to save money and stay on schedule.

Saving Money

• When you want to fly cheap, your comparison shopping will probably give you the best deals early in the morning and late at night. The cheapest flight of the day will probably be the first one out, according to U.S. News & World Report. If you don't mind getting up early, grabbing that first flight out will save you money and also avoid problems such as overbooking. If you're looking for a low airfare but you can't get to the airport that early, check flights around the lunch and dinner hours. Red-eye flights are often less expensive than other flights during the day, but you'll have to get a good night's sleep on the plane.

Staying On Schedule

• It's best to fly earlier in the day if an on-time arrival is important to you. The percentage of on-time arrivals drops after 3 or 4 p.m. at most airports and with most airlines, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Morning flights are best because there is not a lot of traffic at airports and in the sky, which means your flight can leave and arrive on schedule. Delays will occur as the airspace gets busier, and a ripple effect can occur. Once one flight is delayed, all the flights after it are likely to face delays as well. .
• International Flights

• When you fly to another country, you can maximize your time overseas by flying at night. For example, leaving the East Coast in the evening will usually put you in Europe early in the morning the next day. This gives you a full day to start your international trip and can help you combat jet lag if you are able to sleep on the plane.

Other Considerations

• Deciding on the best time to fly can also depend on your personal travel considerations, including which airport you are departing from and what kind of connection or layover might be involved. If you are traveling with small children, flying during their nap times might be a good way to keep them quiet on the plane. The time of year and local weather patterns also play a role. For example, late afternoon thunderstorms in the summer can create a higher chance of flight delays, and winter snow and ice can result in cancellations no matter what time your flight is scheduled.

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