Carry-on luggage must be smaller than a certain size. Size requirements vary between airlines, but the difference is small. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the maximum size carry-on bag for most airlines is 45 linear inches, which is the total of the height, width and depth of the bag. If you are carrying luggage any larger than that, it will need to be checked.
TSA has very strict requirements for liquids in carry-on luggage. All liquids, aerosols and gels must be in 3.4-oz. or smaller containers; however, all of these liquids must fit inside a 1 quart clear, plastic, zip-top bag. Only one bag is allowed inside each piece of carry-on luggage per passenger. Medications, baby formula, baby food and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities over the 3.4-oz. limit. However, if you are bringing any of these items in your carry-on luggage, you must inform the security team at the checkpoint so that they can inspect the items. These items are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Any liquids that do not adhere to these guidelines must be stored in checked luggage.
Sharp items of any kind, other than scissors with blades shorter than four inches, are prohibited inside carry-on luggage. Any items of this nature must be packed, sheathed or securely wrapped inside checked luggage. All sporting-good items, such as baseball bats, hockey sticks, golf clubs and ski poles, are prohibited as carry-on items. Ammunition, guns and other weapons are only allowed in checked baggage. Tools shorter than seven inches in length are allowed in carry-on luggage, but tools such as crowbars, hammers or drills are not. Martial arts weapons, explosive materials, flammable materials or disabling chemicals are also prohibited.
