The Packing Book

Size Matters

With airline cost-cutting measures and heightened airport security, travel has become increasingly difficult. Luggage now travels through more hands than ever before, increasing your chances of losing a bag – just as some airlines have excluded common valuables from liability coverage. Traveling light saves you time and grief, and it lets you protect your belongings.

If you want your bag to fit under the seat, its total dimension – adding length, width and depth – should be no more than 45 inches. Some airlines have a smaller maximum depth, but anything more than 10 inches will be too large to fit under the seat or in the overhead bins. A bag 22 inches long is usually acceptable on even the strictest flights, and some airlines might allow overhead baggage up to 60 inches in total dimension. These size considerations generally matter more than the number of bags you carry on, but check your airline’s carry-on rules. Many items that used to be permitted are now prohibited, including anything with fuel in it, matches and radios.

Corporate travelers often rely on garment bags for business suits. Some of these bags can hold up to 10 articles on hangers...