All of the airlines have weight limits for checked baggage. It’s generally quite high at around 70 pounds. Of course, always check with the airline if you have any odd sized luggage, or if you need to travel with special equipment, or if you have a lot of luggage. As a general rule, airlines only allow three bags total; this includes your carry-ons.
The standard carry-on luggage size is 21" to 24" wide X 14" to 16" high X 8" to 9" deep. The total should not exceed 45". The airlines have different weight requirements ranging from 11 to 40 pounds.
Most airlines allow one piece of carry-on luggage and one personal item (which can be a purse, a laptop, or another small bag no bigger than 36"). However, many airlines are only allowing one carry-on, and they are enforcing this restriction.
Before the Airport: Packing for Security
You want to get through security as quickly as possible. So, remember, no sharp object may be packed in your carry-on luggage. This includes nail clippers with a hide-away nail file. Additionally, excessive lighters and matches are prohibited.
If possible, don’t wear clothes, jewelry, or accessories with any metal. Sometimes it’s impossible, especially if your most comfortable traveling jeans have metal rivets and buttons. Just be prepared as these metal items might set off the alarm and subject you to delays.
Put your undeveloped film and cameras in your carry-on baggage for safety. The equipment used for your checked bags is much stronger than the carry-on x-ray and can damage film. Also, if you are traveling with gifts, do not wrap them, as they may have to be unwrapped by security.
Before the Airport: Check-in
If you have e-tickets, most airlines allow you to check-in and print boarding passes online 24 to 1 and 1/5 hours prior to your arrival at the airport. To do this, log on to your airline’s website and enter the required information fields to pull-up your record. You can select or change your seating assignments. Then, make sure you have enough ink in your printers, and print out your boarding passes. You must bring these to the airport. However, if you forget, you can just reprint them at the airport.