Carry-on baggage is a small piece of luggage that a traveler personally takes on the plane. Most airlines allow one piece of carry-on baggage per traveler in addition to one personal item, such as a laptop, purse or medical device. Carry-on baggage is usually much smaller than checked luggage and has its own set of restrictions pertaining to size and contents. If a piece of carry-on baggage is determined by airline personnel to be too big, they may require that it be turned in as checked baggage.
Most items can be packed into checked baggage to include sharp objects, sporting goods, firearms and guns, tools, martial arts and self-defense items, and larger quantities of liquids. Most of these items are not permissible in carry-on baggage. Gun powder, explosive materials, flammable items and other dangerous chemicals are not allowed in checked or carry-on baggage.
Most airlines charge a fee to check luggage, depending on how much it weighs and measures. The standard weight is 50 pounds, and the standard height is around 60 inches. As of 2011, the average checked baggage fee was $25.00. Some airlines allow one piece of checked luggage, free of charge, but this is not common. Higher fees may occur if checked baggage exceeds the standard weight and measurement.
Don't over pack checked baggage. This can result in bags accidentally coming open during the handling process when checked baggage is loaded onto the airplane. Avoid packing food or drinks, and spread out such items as books and documents to make the weight more even. Pack footwear on top of other items or in the corners of the bag. The TSA recommends not packing laptops, jewelry, cash, fragile items or film in checked baggage. The screening processes used can ruin film.
