Airline Restrictions
Since 2001 the US government has tightened airline restrictions on what can be brought onboard commercial air flights by travelers in the interest of security and public safety. Many people have not considered any airline carry on restrictions and are denied access to the loading gate or have to dispose of their restricted items.

Recently all liquids were banned from carry one luggage, and then the airline restrictions were eased to allow certain products up to three ounces, in a small clear bag to be brought on board in a flyer’s carry on bag.

Airline luggage restrictions are constantly being updated and you should check with your carrier prior to packing for your trip to insure your luggage will be allowed onboard the aircraft. Most airline carry on restrictions are similar and allow on those that are between 14 and 16 inches high, 21 and 24 inches wide and six to eight inches deep. Many airlines are becoming stricter with their carry on limits and if your bag is over the size limit you may be forced to check it. If you already have two checked pieces of luggage you could also get hit with an extra luggage charge.

Most airline restrictions will limit each person to two bags as well as having a 70-pound weight limit per bag. Many airlines will tack on an overweight charge to your luggage if you exceed the flight restrictions. Some airlines may work with you, if you have two bags and one is slightly larger than accepted, a second one significantly smaller may be accepted with it.

In addition to the extra security precautions, flight baggage restrictions require all checked luggage to be unlocked to allow access by screeners who are required to open and check luggage they term as being suspicious. Travelers must keep in mind that many of the airline restrictions are a result of new airline restrictions mandated by the government as means of making air travel safer.

If you are not a frequent air traveler and have not read about the new airline restrictions in place, you should contact the airline or view airline restrictions on their web site at www.tsa.gov for a complete up-to-date list of rules and restrictions.