A carry-on baggage is a small piece of luggage you take onboard
the airplane with you. You are allowed one carry-on in addition to one
personal item such as a laptop computer, purse, small backpack, briefcase,
or camera case.
Note: carry-on allowances are more rigid with
international carriers. Please check with the airline. Also, it's a good idea to pack a box of
alcohol-based hand sanitizer wipes.
- Security will screen any "Carry-on" baggage that will fit through
the x-ray machine, however, it is up to each individual air carrier as
to whether the baggage fits the size restrictions for your flight.
Please check with the air carrier prior to proceeding through the
security checkpoints.
- LABEL your laptop computer. Tape a business card
or other identifying information beneath your laptop to avoid loss or
the accidental "exchange" by travelers.
Checked Baggage is luggage you check in at the ticket
counter or at curbside. It will not be accessible during your flight.
Below are a number of tips for packing your checked baggage
that will help to speed your trip and ensure that your checked bag makes
the flight with you:
- Don't put film in your checked baggage, as the screening equipment
will damage it.
- Pack shoes, boots, sneakers, and other footwear on the bottom of (or
the sides) other
contents in your luggage.
- Avoid over-packing your bag so that the screener will be able to
easily reseal your bag if it is opened for inspection. If possible,
spread your contents in several large clear bags. Check with your airline or
travel agent for maximum weight limitations.
- Avoid packing food and drink items in checked baggage.
- Don't stack piles of books or documents on top of each other; spread
them out within your baggage.
The following general packing tips apply to both carry-on and
checked baggage and will help you to move through the screening
process more quickly:
- Do NOT pack or bring prohibited items to the airport.
- Keep your medications in their original prescription bottles.
- Put all undeveloped film and cameras with film in your carry-on
baggage. If your bag will pass through the X-ray machine more than 5
times ask for a hand inspection to prevent damage.
- Check ahead of time with your airline to determine the airline's
baggage policy, including number of pieces you can bring and size and
weight limitations.
- Carry-on baggage is limited to one carry-on bag plus one personal
item. Personal items include laptops, purses, small backpacks,
briefcases, or camera cases. Remember, 1+1.
- Don't forget to place identification tags with your name, address
and phone number on all of your baggage, including your laptop computer.
It is a good idea to place an identification tag inside your baggage as
well.
- Avoid over packing so that your articles don't spill out if your bag
is opened for inspection.
- Think carefully about the personal items you place in your carry-on
baggage. The screeners may have to open your bag and examine its
contents.
- Consider putting personal belongings in clear plastic bags to reduce
the chance that a security screener will have to handle them.
- Wait to wrap your gifts. Be aware that wrapped gifts may need to be
opened for inspection. This applies to both carry-on and checked
baggage.