Most airlines have regulation to how large a carry-on bag can be. You should check with individual airlines first, but most bags that are labeled as carry-ons will make the cut. There is also usually a limit to how many bags you can carry-on a plane. Most often it is one carry-on and one personal item - such as a purse, camera bag, or diaper bag. These differ for each airline, so you will want to check on these policies as well.
The most popular carry-on bags look like miniature suitcases. They usually zip around three sides and have wheels on the bottom and an extendable handle so you can roll your carry-on easily. These types of bags make navigating airports, hotels and narrow plane aisles a breeze. You may also opt for a duffel bag style carry-on. Some duffel bag styles have wheels and handles as well, but many do not. This type of bag can be unwieldy, as you will have to carry it around and they do not have a rolling option. They can also be difficult to maneuver down plane aisles without bumping people in the head or elbows. Either option is fine, as long as the bag meets the size parameters set by your airline.
The weight of your bag is something you will definitely want to consider. You will be carrying it most of the time, after all. If the bag is heavy when it is empty, it's going to be a lot heavier when you put all your things in it. Most airlines also have a weight limit for carry-ons, so you will want to check what it is first and choose your bag, and consequently what you pack, accordingly.
Carry-on bags can range from very simply designed to very elaborately designed. It is up to you which specific type of bag you choose, but there are some features that are more useful than others. For example, it is helpful for a carry-on bag to have pockets on the outside to keep things you will need to get to easily. Your passport, wallet, and your one quart clear plastic bag for toiletries can all be stowed in these outside pockets.Some carry-on bags have straps or hooks that you can attach another purse or small bag to, which makes it less cumbersome to carry multiple bags. Some have zippered extenders that provide more space inside the bag when unzipped - perfect for those trips where you end up coming home with more than you brought with you. You may also want to consider what you are putting inside the suitcase. Are you packing fragile things? You may want a suitcase with a hard shell exterior. Are you packing heavy things? You may want something made of a light-weight fabric. There may even be some features you didn't know you needed until you saw them in a bag you like. It's best to look at many bags before deciding on which one will best suit your needs.
