- The Transportation Security Administration has a list of items that are prohibited under any circumstances. These items can be prohibited from carry-on only or from carry-on and check-in. They are generally classified in five categories: sharp objects, sporting goods, guns and firearms, tools, martial arts and self-defense items, explosive and flammable materials, disabling chemicals and other dangerous items. Specifics on prohibited items can be found in the Resource section below.
- Aside from the list of TSA restrictions, carry-on luggage is further circumvented by airline rules about size. As of 2009, Delta and American passengers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item such as a laptop or briefcase. The carry-on bag must weigh less than 40 lbs., not exceed 45 inches and fit in an overhead bin or underneath a seat. AirTran allows the carry-on bag to be up to 55 inches while Southwest Airlines limits carry-on bag dimensions to 10 by 16 by 24 inches.
- In a world where virtually nothing is free, free checked luggage is quickly becoming a thing of the past. While some airlines, particularly the larger commercial carriers, still allow some free luggage, this is becoming a rarity, especially with low-cost carriers. Spirit and AirTran Airlines charge passenger per piece, per way, with a declining rate for each additional bag, while Continental and United increase the rate with a second bag. Additionally, all the airlines allow for lower fees if baggage allowance is purchased in advance. Those that still do offer free luggage include JetBlue, which allows one free bag, and Delta and American, which allow two. Baggage allowance on Frontier Airlines depends on the type of ticket purchased.
- All airlines have size and weight restrictions regarding check-in luggage. Not heeding these restrictions will result in additional fees. Higher costs tend to be associated with checking in more than two bags and bags that weigh more than 50 lbs. and/or exceed 62 linear inches.
- Airlines like United allow baggage fee waivers for active duty members of the military traveling with no more than two bags. In addition, those that belong to customer reward programs and who have accumulated a certain amount of frequent flyer miles can sometimes have these fees waived as well.
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