USA STANDARDS FOR TRAVEL LUGGAGE

Contents

TSA Lock

If a suspicious or unidentified item appears in your luggage during X-ray screening, TSA agents can use a master key to open TSA-approved locks, inspect the bag, and then relock it. You don’t need the combination or your own key to open a TSA-approved lock after inspection.

Carry-On Dimensions:
56 cm (height) × 45 cm (width) × 25 cm (depth)

General Carry-On Rules

Typically, First and Business Class passengers may bring two carry-on items into the cabin, while Economy Class passengers may bring one. Exact size and weight limits (usually 5–8 kg) are set by the airline but are rarely enforced strictly. Laptops, mobile phones, and portable music players are generally allowed.

Carry-On on US Domestic Flights

Even on flights within the US, special carry-on rules apply that may differ from international standards. Check with the individual airline for details.

IMPORTANT:

Carry-on info: American Airlines
Carry-on info: United Airlines
Carry-on info: Delta Air Lines

Liquids

On flights from the EU to the US, liquids in carry-on must be in containers of no more than 100 ml each. On flights from the US to the EU, the limit is 85–90 ml (about 3 oz). All containers must fit in a single, resealable, clear plastic bag of up to 0.9 L. This includes perfumes, beverages, gels, aerosols, and toiletries—so pack these in checked luggage if possible.

Duty Free in Carry-On

Duty-free liquids (e.g., perfumes) may only be carried in your cabin bag if purchased either at your departure airport’s duty-free shop or onboard the aircraft. Duty-free items bought at an intermediate airport are not allowed on the next flight, regardless of origin or destination. Even sealed duty-free goods must comply.

Jackets, Camera & Co.

In addition to your carry-on, you may bring a purse or small bag, a coat or blanket, a camera and binoculars, and books for the flight into the cabin.

IMPORTANT:

No items that could be used as weapons are permitted in carry-on on US flights: firearms, replicas, scissors, knives, baseball bats, etc. Filled lighters and strike-anywhere matches are also forbidden.

Certain items—including up to four safety matches (strike-on-box) and loose lithium batteries—must only go in carry-on, not checked baggage. Batteries must be placed in plastic bags.

Medications, Disabled Passengers & Infants

Special rules allow infants’ formula, breast milk, and medications in reasonable quantities that exceed the 100 ml limit—just declare them at security. Baby food and a collapsible bassinet are allowed in the cabin. Passengers with disabilities may carry necessary medical devices and aids onboard. Liquid medications should ideally be accompanied by a prescription or doctor’s note to speed screening.

More: Detailed Medication Guidelines for US Flights