Don’t Get Stuck Paying ANOTHER Airline Fee!

 Since airlines introduced the “Check Bag Fee”, many of you have been packing light or trying to stuff it all in to your carry-on bag.   Well, recently many of the airlines introduced new size restrictions for carry-on bags.  That means if your bag does not meet the new size restrictions then you will have to check the bag and pay that $25 fee.  Even, worse if you have already checked 1 bag you might have to pay an additional $35, $40 or even $100, depending on where you are flying. It is CRAZY.

The biggest change is the width of the bag. It is now down to 14 inches, but most carry-on bags are 15 inches. So, as we approach the big Summer travel season I wanted to make sure you know the new rules so you can avoid being charged another fee.

Here is a break down of the sizing and fees:

American Airlines 

What can I bring onboard?    You are allowed 1 small carry-on and 1 personal item. For travel after June 11, 2014, the personal item does not have specific size requirements, but must be smaller than your carry-on bag and must fit under the seat in front of you.

What are the Carry-On Dimensions?    The new dimensions are 22″ long x 14″ wide x 9″ tall. Baggage may not exceed 45 linear inches in combined length, width and height, including any handles and wheels.

What are the Bag Fees?      The 1st checked bag is $25 or Free.  The 2nd checked bag will be $35, $40 or $100. All fees are based on where you will be flying.

Delta Airlines

What can I bring onboard?    You are allowed 1 small carry-on and 1 personal item.

What are the Carry-On Dimensions?  The new dimensions are 22″ long x 14″ wide x 9″ tall. Baggage may not exceed 45 linear inches in combined length, width and height, including any handles and wheels.

What are the Bag Fees?  1st checked bag is $25 or Free. The 2nd checked bag will be $35, $40 or $100. All fees are based on where you will be flying.

United Airlines 

What can I bring onboard?   You are allowed 1 small carry-on and 1 personal item.

What are the Carry-On Dimensions?   The new dimensions are 22″ long x 14″ wide x 9″ tall. Baggage may not exceed 45 linear inches in combined length, width and height, including any handles and wheels.

United also had size limits for your Personal item, The dimensions are 17″long x 10″ wide x 9″ tall. As well, it must be able to fit under the seat in front of you.

 What are the Bag Fees?  1st checked bag is $25 or Free. The 2nd checked bag will be $35, $40 or $100. All fees are based on where you will be flying.

Southwest Airlines 

What can I bring onboard? You are allowed 1 small carry-on and 1 personal item.

What are the Carry-On Dimensions? The dimensions are 24″ long x 16″ wide x 10″ tall. Baggage may not exceed 45 linear inches in combined length, width and height, including any handles and wheels

What are the Bag Fees? The 1st checked bag is FREE. The 2nd checked bag is FREE.

Jet Blue 

What can I bring onboard?   You are allowed 1 small carry-on and 1 personal item.

What are the Carry-On Dimensions?  The dimensions are 24″ long x 16″ wide x 10″ tall. Baggage may not exceed 45 linear inches in combined length, width and height, including any handles and wheels.

What are the Bag Fees? The 1st checked bag is Free. The 2nd checked bag is $50.00

For most all of the airlines these items do not count as personal items. You can bring these on in addition to your carry-on bag and personal item

• Outerwear like coats, hats and wraps
• Pillow and blanket
• A jacket or umbrella
• Food or drink purchased after clearing the security checkpoint
• Duty-free merchandise
• Strollers and or child restraint seats
• Book or newspaper
• Diaper Bag
• Assistive devices fro passengers such as wheelchairs, walkers, portable oxygen concentrators and CPAP machines, etc.

So make sure to get out the tape measure and double check the size of your carry-on bag before you head to the airport.  Don’t get stuck paying ANOTHER fee.

If you need a new carry-on  I have found great bags as stores like TJMax and Marshalls. Also you can find some great deals at Ebags or Amazon to find some good deals.  I am a big fan of the Spinner bag. When I am trying to make my way through the airport with me, luggage, kids and all, it is so much easier to just push my bag.

Happy Travels!

Kimberly Milnes is a mother of 2 boys and owner of Adventures By Kim.  She is a Family Travel Expert and professional sharing family travel tips, and information as well as helping families’ plan amazing and hassle free family vacations.  Please feel free to contact her at [email protected] or www.adventuresbykim.com.