Flying with luggage these days can be a gamble. Each airline has its rules and restrictions. For some flyers, including the experienced ones, it can be overwhelming. The purpose of this guide is to help you figure out which carry-on luggage you should get to cruise stress-free across multiple airlines size limits.
AIRLINES & CARRY-ON LUGGAGE
A carry-on luggage is designed to fit in the overhead bin on an aircraft. It comes in different shapes: carry-on on wheels, duffel bag, backpack and personal item (handbag). Below, the Korean Airlines Bagage Information outline sums well what passengers are entitled to onboard:
You have to keep in mind two important factors: bag size and bag weight. Some airlines are intractable on either or both elements. In fact, some will force you to go through the carry-on bagage sizer test at the check-in desk. A stressful experience when you’re not aware of the airline luggage policy.
This table features the carry-on guide for airlines that operate in Canada:
| AIRLINE | SIZE ALLOWANCE | MAXIMUM WEIGHT |
|---|---|---|
| Aer Lingus | 21.5in x 15.5in x 9.5in | 22lb/10kg |
| Air Canada | 21.5in x 16in x 10in | No limit* |
| Air France & KLM | 21.6in x 15.7in x 7.8in | 27lb/12kg |
| Air India | 22in x 14in x 9in | 15lb/7kg |
| Air Transat | 20in x 16in x 9in | No limit |
| Aeromexico | 21.5in x 15.7in x 10in | 22lb/10kg |
| American Airlines | 22in x 14in x 9in | No limit |
| Arajet | 22in x 18in x 10in | 27lb/12kg |
| Austrian Airlines | 21.5in x 15.5in x 9in | 18lb/8kg |
| Avianca | 22in x 14in x 10in | 22lb/10kg |
| British Airways | 22in x 14in x 10in | 51lb/23kg |
| Cathay Pacific | 22in x 14in x 9in | 15lb/7kg |
| Copa Airlines | 22in x 14in x 10in | No limit |
| Delta | 22in x 14in x 9in | No limit |
| Emirates | 22in x 15in x 8in | 15lb/7kg |
| Etihad | 22in x 14in x 9in | 15lb/7kg |
| Ethiopian Airlines | 21.5in x 15.5in x 9in | 15lb/7kg |
| Eva Air | 22in x 14in x 9in | 15lb/7kg |
| Flair Airlines | 21.5in x 15.5in x9in | 22lb/10kg |
| Icelandair | 21.6in x 15.7in x7.8in | 22lb/10kg |
| Japan Airlines | 21.6in x 15.7in x 10in | 22lb/10kg |
| Korean Airlines | 22in x 14in x 9in | 22lb/10kg |
| Lufthansa | 21.6in x 15.7in x 9in | 17lb/8kg |
| Porter | 13in x 17in x 6in | No limit |
| Qatar Airways | 20in x 15in x 10in | 15lb/7kg |
| Swiss | 22in x 15.7in x 9in | 18lb/8kg |
| Turkish Airlines | 22in x 15.7in x 9in | 17lb/8kg |
| United | 22in x 14in x 9in | No limit |
| Westjet | 21in x 15in x 9in | No limit |
Air Canada, Air Transat, American Airlines, Delta, Porter, United and Westjet don’t apply a weight limit on carry-on bags. It is good news to avoid the $32-$100 checked luggage fee, however the passenger has to be able to stow the bag unassisted. Otherwise the cabin crew will require to gate check it and fees will apply. Porter doesn’t allow carry-on with wheels in the bin because they fly commuter size airplanes. Overhead bins are very small and can only allow small personal bags and coats.
Many airlines on international flights will be on the lookout for oversized or heavy carry-on luggage. Qatar Airways and Swiss can be very fussy at the check in desk and even at the gate. Not being tagged at the point of departure doesn’t mean that it will not happen at the airline hub when connecting. Therefore, be aware of each airline’s carry-on policy. Don’t forget most legacy carriers will allow a second piece of luggage in the cabin: purse, laptop bag and regular backpack.
THE IDEAL CARRY-ON
Tastes and preferences vary from one person to another: hard shell vs soft-sided, 2 wheels vs 4 wheels. Having travelled for business for many years, I acquired a taste for the gear airline crew use. I needed to fly without checking any luggage to save time: disembark from the plane, head to the car rental counter, unpack effortlessly at the hotel and pack again.
The brand that got my attention was Travelpro. The brand pioneered rollaboard luggage and is still the favorite amongst aviation professionals and frequent flyers: best ball-bearing wheels in the business, high tensile strength zipper and a sturdy handle that will never break.
The Maxlite 5 Rollaboard Extensible by Travelpro fits across all airlines carry-on requirements. The 45lb bagage is only 5.4lb in weight, one of the lightest in the market. The Polyester fabric resists to water and stains, which also allows to pack more.
The Maxlite 5 Rollaboard is priced at $219.99 and can be purchased on the Travelpro Canadian site. A 15% discount will apply on the first purchase on top of free shipping!
Whichever carry-on luggage you end choosing, you want to make sure you use of every inch of space: rolling t-shirts and pants, using packing cubes or any other technic.
Happy travels!
