by Pat Lowe

In this day and age there are all sorts of regulations making airline travel seem more complicated than ever before. With restrictions on size, new security measures in place and rules on what you can and cannot take in your hand luggage, it’s all a bit of a pain. Nonetheless, these rules and regulations have been created as a means of protection for all travelers.

Keep up with the Changes

At times it seems that the rules change nearly every week. It’s easy to be confused about the new carry on luggage rules. However, showing up at the airport with no clue about the rules is no excuse not to follow them. The best way to avoid any troubles with your luggage at the airport is to be informed of the carry on luggage rules well in advance of your trip.

The website of the airline you are traveling with is a great way to find out all of the up to date rules about hand or carry on luggage and even though airports in America all have the same body of rules, some are interpreted in a different way to others.

International rules for your cabin luggage can be even more difficult to sort out. Security is generally much more stringent overseas and you will be subject to the regulations in place at your port of arrival. And when you come back home from a foreign country, you will once again need to be aware of the procedures in place at your airport of departure.

Some of the various rules appear to be more of a request than a stipulation. For instance, you may be asked to bring the smallest piece of luggage you are traveling with onto the aircraft as carry on luggage. You are, however, allowed to take a piece of hand luggage onto the aircraft up to the maximum size and weight if you so wish.

In the same way, the Transportation Security Administration advises that you should stow away any electronic gear in your checked baggage, although it is permissible to carry them in your hand luggage.

Avoid the Headache

No doubt you’ve witnessed a passenger at airport security who loudly refuses to obey the rules on carry on luggage. It’s an awkward situation and one that delays all the other passengers as well. And they can’t win - the staff is following the rules and you can’t change their minds by making a fuss. Don’t be that person; know the carry on luggage rules before you leave home.

Your journey will be easier, quicker and safer all round if you take a few simple steps to keep abreast of carry on luggage rules and regulations.

About the Author:
Pat Lowe is a frequent flyer and knows the ins and outs of luggage. You can read more about baggage at The Luggage Carousel at http://yourluggageonline.com/.