When it comes to moving by airplane, there are certain restrictions on the size and weight of items that you can bring. Carry-on bags should not exceed 22 inches in length, 14 inches in width, and 9 inches in height, including handles and wheels. Personal items must not be larger than 18 inches in length, 14 inches in width, and 8 inches in height. There are no weight restrictions for hand luggage, but you are only allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes through the checkpoint.
These items must be in containers that weigh 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. Anything larger than this should be placed in checked baggage. The maximum size of hand luggage varies depending on the type of flight, the route you're flying on, and the class of your seat. It's important to check with the airline before leaving home to avoid any surprises at the airport. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) sets the absolute maximum weight for a single documented suitcase at 70 pounds.
Airlines are unlikely to accept bags that weigh more than this limit as they are considered too heavy for staff to lift. However, individual airlines may have lower weight limits for economy class passengers. For example, Delta Airlines has a maximum of 50 pounds per bag for economy class passengers but allows up to 70 pounds for business class or first class passengers on all routes except flights to and from Brazil. Southwest Airlines offers a higher franchise for military passengers on active duty or with permanent change of station requests who can pack up to 100 pounds in a single suitcase at no additional charge. Checked baggage allowances can be defined in two different ways. The concept of “piece” is familiar to North American travelers and refers to the number of bags that each passenger can check in.
Each bag has a maximum weight (normally 50 pounds) and a maximum allowable size of 62 inches. Flights outside North America often use the alternative concept of “weight” where passenger baggage allowance is expressed as a weight, normally accompanied by the allowed number of bags. When packing your hand luggage, keep in mind that it will be subject to TSA security checks so don't pack any liquids, gels or anything dangerous. Additionally, you'll have to store your luggage in the overhead compartment so don't pack anything that weighs more than you can carry. If you're traveling with a pet (if allowed), make sure to check what size and weight limits are allowed for animal carriers. It's important to remember that airlines have different specifications that their passengers must follow when it comes to size and weight restrictions for moving by airplane.
Be sure to check with your airline before leaving home to avoid any surprises at the airport.
