Do I actually have to pay for a carry-on?


Do I actually have to pay for a carry-on? Many airlines will allow you to bring a carry-on bag and personal item for free. However, some airlines may only allow a personal item that fits under your seat for free. Anything larger (e.g. a bag that's too big to fit under the seat but can fit into the overhead compartment) may require extra payment.


What happens if I dont pay for my carry-on bag?

If you're flying on an airline that charges for carry-on bags and you try to bring one without paying, the airline will require you to check it at the gate, and there'll likely be a fee attached.


Do you have to pay for a carry in?

You can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item for free on most domestic and international flights.


What happens when you gate check your carry-on?

Gate checking is the process of checking your bag at the gate to be stored in the cargo hold of the aircraft. This is different from regularly checking your bag, as the process is normally completed at a check-in desk/ticket counter pre-security, rather than at the departure gate before you board your flight.


Does carry-on go by size or weight?

Is there a weight limit for carry-on bags? Most major domestic airlines do not impose a weight limit on carry-on bags; however, several international airlines have weight restrictions for carry-on luggage, and in some cases, personal items.


Should I put clothes in my carry-on?

Yes! You can pack 10 days of clothes in one carry-on bag. The key is to pack clothes that all work together, and of course, to use clothing organizers that maximize the space in your bag.


What are the rules for carry-on bags?

Carry-on bags are limited to 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high including wheels and handles. All three measurements shouldn't add up to more than 45 inches.


Is it cheaper to take carry-on or suitcase?

Carry-on luggage, for example, has the benefit of being much cheaper. You often don't have to pay any extra fees for carry-on bags. This means that you can save money by using only carry-on baggage.


Can I sneak carry-on on basic economy?

Flyers with a basic economy ticket are not permitted to put a carry-on in the overhead bin – they're limited to one small personal item underneath the seat. With a normal economy fare, you can bring a normal carry-on bag onboard. Because of that, basic economy passengers cannot check in online or using the United app.


Is a backpack too big for a carry-on?

Most airlines allow backpacks as carry-ons, but size and weight restrictions vary depending on the carrier. Typically, the bag must be within the cabin baggage dimensions of around 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 22 cm), commonly considered the standard size for carry-on.


Is a backpack a carry-on?

A carry on bag is your larger, primary bag, which you'll stow in the overhead bin. A backpack can be your carry on if it meets your airline's carry on size limits. A personal item is a smaller, secondary bag, which you'll stow under the seat in front of you.


Can you bring a purse and a backpack on a plane?

Most airlines allow passengers to bring on both a carry-on and a personal item like a backpack, laptop bag, purse, briefcase, shopping bag, etc. The general rule of thumb is that your personal item is smaller in dimension than your carry-on bag and it can fit underneath the seat in front of you.


Can a duffel bag be a carry-on?

The answer is yes. You can use a duffel bag as a carry-on item. However, you should ensure that the duffel bag's size and weight meet the airline's specific restrictions on carry-on luggage. You should also consider the bag's shape, as some airlines have limitations that may affect your duffel bag's usability.


What happens if your personal item is too big?

Usually, many airlines won't check every carry-on but will instead go for ones that look oversized. If your luggage does not fit in the sizer, you might have to pay a checked bag fee along with the gate checking fee and have your bag transferred to the airplane's cargo.


Is a backpack a personal item?

In general, your personal item should be smaller than your carry-on and under the specific airline's carry-on dimensions, allowing it to fit under the seat in front of you. In most cases, backpacks are considered personal items as long as they fit under the seat in front of you.


What is the difference between a carry-on and a personal item?

Most airlines let you bring a carry-on bag and a personal item. In most cases, your handbag, briefcase, or small backpack must fit beneath the seat in front of you and within the airline's size restrictions. In contrast, a carry-on bag is typically larger and is stored in the overhead compartment.


Can I bring 2 backpacks and a carry-on on a plane?

Generally, you're allowed one carry on and one personal item, such as a purse, suit bag, briefcase. As long as your backpacks conform to the airline size specifications for hand luggage, it's not a problem that both your carry-ons are backpacks.