How to Buy a Carry On Bag

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: December 1, 2021 References

When traveling by airplane, bringing a carry-on bag can be a convenient way to keep a few belongings with you during the flight. It can also serve to replace your luggage entirely if you’ll only be away from home for a couple days. Look for bags that adhere to airline restrictions and meet your specific needs as a traveler.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Following Airline Rules

1
Look up your airline’s size restrictions. Most airlines restrict total bag size to 45 inches (114.3 cm). This breaks down to about 22 inches (55 cm) long, 14 inches (35 cm) wide, and 9 inches (22 cm) deep. If you know what airline you will be flying most frequently, visit their website to see if their restrictions vary from the standard.
- Some international carriers only allow a length of 20 inches (50 cm), so keep that in mind if you fly a variety of airlines internationally.^{[1]
  X
  Research source}
- These exact dimensions are not strictly enforced, but your bag may be measured at random by a gate agent. You risk having to check your bag if you exceed the size limitations.
Measurements should include any wheels or other objects that protrude from the bag. If you’re shopping in a store, take a tape measure and make sure that the wheels don’t cause the bag to exceed your airline’s size restrictions. If you’re shopping online and it’s not clear whether the wheels are factored into the dimensions, contact the manufacturer.^{[2]
X
Research source}
3
Limit the bag weight. Most major airlines don’t have a weight limit for carry-on luggage, but some smaller ones do. This limit will be around 20 to 30 pounds (9 to 13 kg) fully packed, so if you know you’ll be flying an airline with these restrictions, look for the lightest bag possible that still meets your storage needs.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Because there’s no scale at the gate, carry-on weight limits are rarely enforced. You’re more likely to be stopped due to exceeding the size limits.
Advertisement

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Choosing Your Bag Type

With the amount of time you spend at the airport standing in lines and walking (or running) through terminals, a bag with wheels is almost essential these days. Because wheels do break occasionally, look for brands that offer replacement parts.^{[4]
X
Research source}
Bags with four wheels are often called “spinners” because they turn 360 degrees while the base is flat on the floor. You can push them ahead of you or beside you, so you have more carrying options than just dragging it behind you.^{[5]
X
Research source}
If you travel with fragile valuables like camera equipment, look for bags that have a hard case or shell as the outer material. The bag will retain some structure and protect your belongings better than a soft bag.^{[6]
X
Research source}
If you’re not packing a lot of stuff into your carry-on, a roll-aboard might be excessive. Soft bags allow you a lot of flexibility – they can fit into smaller spaces overhead or be shoved under the seat in front of you. Find a duffel or tote bag with a good zipper so that none of your belongings spill out as you tuck it into storage.^{[7]
X
Research source}
5
Choose a backpack for rugged travel. If you’ll be doing any sort of adventure travel, like hiking, mountain climbing, camping, or just walking along unpaved roads or sidewalks, invest in a good backpack. Wheels will only add unnecessary weight to your bag, and they likely won’t be useful wherever you’re going.
- There are convertible bags that can switch between rolling and being worn, but you still have the added weight of the wheels, which may be too cumbersome for long treks.^{[8]
  X
  Research source}
Advertisement

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Shopping for Special Features

1
Select a bag that has lots of pockets. A bag that has many pockets allows you to stow away many smaller items that might get lost inside a bag with no pockets. These pockets should be zippered, especially if they are on the outside. Outside pockets are good for items you wish to easily access in the airport or on the plane.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- If you travel with a laptop or tablet, look for a flat front pocket that you can easily slide your device in and out of.
- Keep in mind that when you place items in outer pockets, the size might suddenly exceed the airline limitation. To be sure you’re still within the limits, measure your bag again when it’s fully packed.
Many rolling bags have a zipper along the front that can compress or expand the bag, changing the amount of storage space inside. This is a good option if you’ll sometimes be traveling light and other times be bringing as much as possible. But keep in mind that fully expanded, the bag still needs to meet your airline’s size restrictions.^{[10]
X
Research source}
3
Look for a wide, adjustable shoulder strap. If you select a bag without wheels, you’ll want various options for carrying it. The shoulder strap should be adjustable so you can fit it to your own height, and it should be wide enough to not cut into your shoulder when it’s heavy. Some straps offer a padded sleeve that fits onto the area right where the strap meets your shoulder.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- The bag should also include a short handle to grasp with your hand. Look for one on the top and one on the side so you can easily lift it into an overhead bin.
Your carry-on bag should hook or strap onto your larger, wheeled bag for easier transportation to and in the airport. It should also have a strap to attach a personal item, such as a purse or briefcase, onto the top or side. There’s less of a chance of you losing or dropping something if all of your luggage is connected.^{[12]
X
Research source}
Some manufacturers offer no-questions-asked warranties; they’ll replace a part or the whole thing regardless of how it was damaged. Others have limited warranties that don’t cover damages caused by airlines. Typically, the more expensive bags will have better warranties, so read tags and item descriptions carefully to know what kind of service you’ll get.^{[13]
X
Research source}
6
Look for a sturdy luggage tag. Sometimes overhead storage fills up fast, and it’s beyond your control whether you get to keep your carry-on bag with you. If it has to be gate-checked, your bag should have a luggage tag just in case it gets misplaced. Look for one made of a sturdy material like leather, nylon, or canvas.
- Make sure it loops to the bag with a buckle fastener rather than something weak like snaps or velcro.
- Include your name, address, and phone number on the tag so that someone can contact you if they find your bag.
Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How much should a bag weigh?

Community Answer

The weight limits vary per airline. Check with your airline before you pack.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0