First, the Rules (Updated 2018)
Each airline publishes size limitations and often change these to force passengers to pay more. Check with your airline directly. However, the general rule is that a bag cannot exceed 45 linear inches, according to the FAA. That means that if you add up the length, height and width, the total inches cannot be more than 45 inches. These airlines fly to Hawaii:
| Air Canada | 21.5″ L x 15.5″ W x 9.5″ H (23 cm x 40 cm x 55 cm) | 22 lbs (10kg) |
| Air New Zealand | 46.5″ (linear) (118 cm) | 15 lbs (7kg) | |
| Airtran Airways | 24″ L x 16″ W x 10″ H (61 cm x 40.6 cm x 25.4 cm) | n/a | |
| Alaska Airlines | 24″ L x 17″ W x 10″ H (61 cm x 43 cm x 25 cm) | n/a |
| American Airlines | 22″ L x 14″ W x 9″ H (56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm) | n/a | |
| Delta Airline | 22″ L x 14″ W x 9″ H (56 cm x 35 cm x 23 cm) | n/a | |
| Frontier Airlines | 24″ L x 16″ W x 10″ H (61 cm x 40.6 cm x 25.4 cm) | 35 lbs (15.9 kg) |
| Hawaiian Airlines | 22″ L x 14″ W x 9″ H (56 cm x 35 cm x 23 cm) | 25 lbs (11.5) |
| United Airlines | 22″ L x 14″ W x 9″ H (56 cm x 35 cm x 23 cm) | n/a | |
| US Airways | 22″ L x 14″ W x 9″ H (56 cm x 35 cm x 23 cm) | 50 lbs (22 kg) | |
| Virgin America | 24″ L x 16″ W x 10″ H (61 cm x 40.6 cm x 25.4 cm) | 50 lbs (22 kg) |
TSA has rules about carry on luggage. Each airline also has its own rules for carry on luggage. You need to be familiar with both. TSA’s rules for carry on luggage mean that you cannot bring any liquid or gel in greater amount than 3 ounces (100 mL), and those 3 ounce bottles must fit into one quart size plastic bag. You also cannot have anything sharp, like scissors or knives.
Next, the Luggage
Three brands of luggage offer the best warranty service, including guarantees against damage done by the airlines: Eagle Creek, Patagonia and Tumi. I have successfully used all three and used their lifetime warranties. As an elite flier, I personally use:
- Eagle Creek Tarmac AWD 22 Inch, Asphalt Black – This is a great all around bag that works well for domestic and international flights as well as train, bus, and car trips. It expands if checking becomes necessary.
- Patagonia Headway MLC 45L Black – This bag is an excellent overflow carry-on sized duffel for odd-sized gear (i.e., snowboarding and children’s stuff).
- Tumi Alpha 2 Continental Expandable 4 Wheel Carry-On, Black, One Size – This bag maxes out international travel allowances with rotating wheels, and like the Eagle Creek Tarmac, it expands if checking is needed.
Other companies, such as TravelPro, Hartmann, Victorinox, Swiss Army and Samsonite, sell solid luggage sets with good warranties. I have traveled with all of these brands as well. However, these don’t guarantee against damage done to your luggage by the airline. Only Eagle Creek and Patagonia offer this type of warranty. And let’s face facts, most of wear and tear on luggage comes from the airlines’ luggage handlers and sorters.
Whichever bag you choose, I hope you find one that really works well for you!
nice post, thx for your travelling tips 🙂
nice post, thx for your travelling tips 🙂 can’t wait to read your next one!
Thanks Astrobetter.com for referencing this article. Here’s a link to their post: http://www.astrobetter.com/links/links-pythons-many-uses-daily-sabbaticals-travel-tips-and-more/ .
Briggs and Riley offers lifetime warranty on their bags and even cover airline damage. Their carry-on luggage collection meets the regulations of most domestic air carriers. I own a carry-on wheeled luggage from them and never had a problem with any airline. The bag has its bars on the outside, which allows me to pack my clothes flat inside. I can even expand the bag for 30% additional packing space just by touching one button. The bag is super organized with multiple pockets to store different things such as elastic pockets for delicates or shoes, a detachable waterproof pocket for toiletries, a front pocket for tickets and other travel documents, etc. Genevive, you may want to consider this as one of the options in your list above.
Hi Genevive,
I met you this morning at the airport and was telling my partner Steven about our chance meeting. After talking to you, I told him that I want to work with him about having more of an agreeable relationship. Loved this article and I think I am addicted to Eagle Creek and REI. Have you reviewed any of the REI luggage and packs? After my trip back home and back to SD (including having to purchase an extra rolling duffel bag for all the food I brought home), I am now determined to take only a carry on. So with your information here I will add to my collection a new carry on piece.
I am looking forward to reading your articles about Hawaii as you have so much more insight about Hawaii than I am since I have not lived in Hawaii since 1981. Welcome to San Diego.
I’m using a new self weighing suitcase. No more excess luggage charges!!