International Carry-on Regulations Versus US
Domestic Carry-on Restrictions
When it comes to carry-on luggage guidelines, the Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) requires the same things of international and domestic
travelers. The 3-1-1 rule dictates that travelers can only carry on
toiletries in bottles that hold three ounces or less. Bottles must all be packed
into one quart-sized zip-top bag, and each passenger is permitted only one bag,
with a few exceptions. After being implemented during the wake of a
liquid explosive bomb plot in the United Kingdom, the 3-1-1 regulation
is now widely accepted by many international airport security
systems.
International travelers returning to the United States
should check with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to determine whether
they are restricted from carrying on snack items like fruits, vegetables and
canned or dried meats. Every fruit or vegetable must be
declared to a CBP officer, regardless of how safe or pest-free it may
look. Bakery items, chocolate and cured cheeses are generally allowed,
but may be examined by CBP officials.
Customs carry-on guidelines for food can change frequently, so CBP officials
occasionally call on agricultural experts to determine whether a food product
should be admitted into the country.
Standard size limits for carry on luggage is different for travel outside of
the U.S. The universally accepted carry
on size for domestic flights is 22" x 14" x 9". That being said anyone who has
frequented short haul commuter flights will tell you that this size bag often
will not fit into the overhead compartment and thus ends up being checked at the
gate anyway. We have not heard at this time that anyone has been charged for a
checked bag as a result of this but then things are changing daily in the
airline industry. At this point you probably cannot trust what used to be
standard practice and should make a point to check out your airline's web site
in advance to find out the latest regulations.
Outside of the U.S. the standard carry on size is
smaller. (This relates to flights originating outside the U.S. and with a destination outside the U.S.
Flights originating in the U.S. with foreign destinations and flights
originating outside the U.S.
with a U.S. destination
generally use the U.S. standard for carry on size.)
Here the rule of thumb is about 20", not the 22" above. But as with any rule
exceptions abound and it is a good idea to visit the site of all of the carriers
you plan to use while abroad to get a consensus. If you travel outside the
U.S. on a regular basis or are
looking to purchase a bag for someone who does, you might want to consider
replacing the standard domestic sized carry on bag in your set with an
international carry on sized bag. In terms of what the two bags will actually
hold the difference is not that great and it may add some flexibility in your
travels.
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