Airport Avenger: Tips and Top Secrets for Airlines, Airfares, Fees, Security and Cancelations

To carry on or not to carry on? For many air travelers, that is the question when it comes to things like baby carriers, medical equipment, and pets. The real question is, “Will they make me check this or pay extra to bring it along?”

Most airlines let you take one carryon bag and one personal item like a purse or laptop on board free. Spirit is the only U.S. carrier that charges for a carryon: $45 at the gate, $30 online or by phone. You can still take a small personal item, like a purse or a laptop, on Spirit at no charge.

If a flight is very full, gate agents will be pickier about large carryons and may insist you check them, and pay for checking, rather than try to stuff them into the overhead bins. When the plane isn’t packed, you might get away with bringing a larger bag, or more than one smaller bag, on board. The problem is you may not know that until you get to the gate. More airlines are enforcing carryon size limits. So keep your carryon reasonable. The limit on most airlines is about 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches, or 45 inches around. Be prepared to part with a larger one.

The rules vary for strollers, pet carriers and medical equipment. Here’s what the major airlines say:

• Skis (snow and water)

• Kayaks

• Surfboards

• Scuba Gear

• Golf Clubs

• Bicycles

The competition for space in the overhead bins can be vicious. But there may be hope for the harried traveler and her precious wheelie bag.

Boeing is making newer versions of its 737s and 747s--not to mention those dreamy 787s--with bigger overhead bins. Space enough, some say, to handle all the carryons lugged onto the plane.

Perhaps. Airlines will have to do a better job of policing the size of carryons that passengers bring, or bigger bins will simply begin to brim with bigger bags.

Think about what's going into your bag. Is it essential or only something you might need? Unless you are traveling to very remote regions, most of the things you use every day can be found wherever you're going. If you need a larger container of something, say hairspray, there's no point packing a mini if you'll have to buy more anyway when you arrive.

Essentials are things like prescription medicines, basic toiletries such as a toothbrush, shaving stuff, combs, deodorant, soap, shampoo and makeup. Skip the soap and shampoo if you'll be staying at almost any hotel in the U.S. They'll have it in your room. Include a basic change of clothes, nothing too elaborate, in case your checked bag is delayed.

Airlines are getting stricter about the size and number of carryons you can bring on board. Too many people are bringing too many carryons and slowing departures as they lumber aboard. So a lot of things that got by before will be gate-checked now. You may be charged, just as you would for a checked bag. One airline--Spirit--charges for all carryons, as much as $45 each at the gate.

Pack right to get through security fast. Make sure all the small bottles of liquids or gels (no more than 3.4 ounces each) are in one 1-quart size plastic bag, at the top of your carryon. Take your laptop out of its bag, unless it's in a TSA-approved bag, to go through the X-ray machine. Don't pack a lot of loose wires and cables in a carryon. Things like this are at the very least confusing and are a good way to get you and your bag pulled aside for a closer look. Who needs more delays?

Get more tips for packing your carryon and getting through security here:

Liquids, Laptops and Lots More

NOTE: A number of airports now have Body Scanners.
Find out more about how they work and the potential risks here:
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