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by Joseph Eliot
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Airplane Travel Carry-On Size
Carry-On Sizes for U.S. Airlines
Every year, the U.S. airline industry collects several billion dollars in fees from passengers checking baggage. Most U.S. airlines don't charge you to carry an item onto the plane, so it makes sense to use maximum efficiency when packing your purse and other carry-on luggage. When choosing a purse, make sure it is small enough to meet the airline's size restriction for carry-on items but large enough to hold as many of your items as possible.
Purse Size
Each traveler is allowed one piece of carry-on luggage as well as one personal item, such as a purse or laptop bag. The Transportation Security Administration has no restrictions on how large an item can be; it allows anything that can fit through the security scanners. However, the agency advises travelers to consult their airline for the maximum allowable dimensions for carry-on items. To assist in determining whether an item is too large to take on board, many airlines display a small metal frame at their check-in counter indicating the maximum dimensions for on-board luggage.
Airline Policies
Each airline has a different maximum allowable size for carry-on items. For example, on American Airlines, no object can be greater than 45 linear inches -- meaning that the item's combined length, width and depth must not surpass 45 inches. While most carriers do not specify the maximum size for a purse, it should be no larger than the allowable carry-on item, as both must be able to fit either under the seat in front of you or in the overhead storage compartment during flight.
Packing the Purse
Because purses essentially can be considered complimentary storage space, it pays to pack as much into them as you can. Often, this means carrying some non-purse items in them during the flight. If you're going to try and pack some clothes into your purse, rolling them rather than folding them takes up less space and means fewer wrinkles. Think carefully about which personal electronics you absolutely need, as you'll need to make room not only for the device, but also for its charging system.
Packing a Makeup Bag
Your makeup bag can take up much of a purse's interior room. For efficiency, sort your makeup into different categories, such as eye shadow, lip color and blush, and put each into its own clear plastic bag. This way, if something breaks -- as can happen in the increased pressure of the airplane cabin -- the damage is limited. If you're trying to select a travel-sized makeup bag, aim for small and transparent, so you can find what you need quickly. If you're worried about spills or breaks, sandwich the bag between soft and washable things, such as socks, to cushion it.
Transportation Security Administration: Packing Tip
Luggage Online: Airline Carry-On Luggage Regulations
The New York Times: Packing Tips from Travel Pros
Oprah.com: Packing Secrets from Travel Pros
Based in New York City, Joseph Eliot has been a writer since 2007. He holds a master's degree in journalism, with a focus on cultural reporting.
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