Most International Aircraft Carriers will allow passengers to carry onto the plane a coat [in addition to one you are wearing], a camera bag, a laptop, canes, a brief case, hats, umbrellas, newspapers and magazines, walkers, diaper bags, child seats [for ticketed children], small strollers, food for the trip, a personal bag [such as a purse] and a Totes carry-on bag or rolling carry-on garment bags.  Even though the international carrier may let you carry all these things on board, you may not want to.  One reason would be that, if you have to change planes, to a feeder airline, all this might be too cumbersome to manage, especially with an additional piece of checked luggage or two.

Your carry-on size for airplane should be practical:  checked luggage sizes should be less than 18 inches wide and less than 45 inches in circumference.  That way, it will both meet the requirements of the airlines and will also fit under your seat.  When packed, the airlines require it to weigh less than 40 pounds.  For your sake, it should not be too heavy for you to lift into the overhead compartment without the risk of hurting yourself or a fellow passenger.  It should also be strong and have a foldout handle and sturdy wheels.  There should also be a built-in, clear covered pouch for an identification card [business card – an additional business card should be inside]. 

It is also a good idea to have quality locks on your carry-on, and other luggage, that can be quickly unlocked for security inspections.  Special locks have been developed that will allow you to lock your luggage which, in turn, can be opened by airport security and relocked with a special access tool. 
 

Among other things, your carry-on should contain a change of clothes, half your medication and undeveloped film [in protective containers].  There is a list of items, that changes from time to time, which you should not pack in your bags or carry on your person during air travel.  These can be found on the Transportation Security Administration [TSA] website.

When you have a Tote carry-on bag in tow, there is always the problem of standing guard over it while in the airport before boarding.  One approach would be to use the ‘Angel Alert’, a two-piece device to keep track of your carry-on bags.  You place the transmitter in the bag and the receiver in your pocket.  Should you be separated from the bag by more than 15 feet, an alarm will sound.  Another solution is to chain the bag to a metal rack.

Several years ago, while waiting for my plane at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport, I decided to go to one of the airport cafes to have a coffee and while-away the time.  I found a table and put my carry-on under the chair.  When it was time to go to my plane I was just about to board when I discovered I had left the bag at the café.  I hurried back but encountered uniformed, heavily armed CFS [Companie Français de Securité] agents in the now empty café.  They asked me where I was going.  When I told them that I had left my bag under the café chair, they asked me if it was blue.  Luckily, I was able to catch my plane; too bad I didn’t have an ‘Angel Alert’.

© Copyright 1999 - 2008 by Sharon Atchley.  All rights reserved.  Updated:  10/04/2008