Carrying on

"Some luggage sold as suitable for airline carry-on exceeds all airline size limits.Know what you can and can't carry on to your flight in advance." - The Travel Insider

What can you carry on the airplane? Most travelers will check some luggage, but everyone will carry on something. Here's the best information I have about carry-on luggage:

You are allowed to carry on one piece of carry-on luggage plus a "personal item". The most important thing to know about your carry-on luggage is that it should be 22" x 14" x 9" or smaller. The bag must fit in the plane's overhead storage compartment. Odd shapes or overstuffed bags can cause problems. If in doubt, measure your luggage. Don't trust the label in the store - measure it.

The personal item can be a briefcase, camera bag, handbag, purse, small shoulder bag, laptop (in carry bag), other items not exceeding 36" in total dimension, reading matter, small book-bag style backpack, or umbrella. The personal item will need to fit under the seat in front of you on the plane.

Learn more about carry-ons here.

(JUST IN: The eBags Weekender Convertible (pictured above) is on sale from eBags.com for $49.99 with free shipping. This the bag I took last time and I paid $60 for mine. This bag (which converts to a backpack) does not have wheels. Why would you want a suitcase without wheels? Well, they're more space efficient, more flexible which means they'll fit it tight spaces better, and you can move more quickly with the bag on your shoulder or your back - especially on stairs or rough pavement. This bag is the maximum legal carry-on size. It will not fit under the airplane seat. It must be stowed in the overhead compartment.)

Remember - unlike checked luggage - carry-on luggage is never lost or delayed. The best case scenario is getting all your stuff in your carry-on. Then you know you haven't brought too much. Even if you are checking luggage you should put some of your essential toiletries and a change of clothes in your carry-on in case your checked luggage doesn't reach England as quickly as you do. This link from the Transportation Safety Adminstration describes what sort of liquids you can carry on and how they have to be stored. PLEASE read this information; it could save you a lot of hassle.