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Posted: 2022-07-10T10:00:10Z | Updated: 2022-07-10T10:00:10Z Carry-On Luggage That Meets The FAA's Size Requirements | HuffPost Life

Carry-On Luggage That Meets The FAA's Size Requirements

You never want to be turned away at the gate.

When it comes to air travel, there’s always one particular aspect that stresses flyers out more than anything else. For some, it’s going through security in a timely and seamless manner. For others, it’s a fear of flying or turbulence. And then there are the poor packers; the people who are always convinced they’re going to get turned away at check-in or the gate because their luggage is oversized, overpacked or both.

When it comes to carry-on luggage, though, making sure you don’t run into this problem is really as easy as doing a little research beforehand — and following the rules, of course.

When it comes to flying in the United States, “the maximum size carry-on bag for most airlines is 45 linear inches (the total of the height, width and depth of the bag). Anything larger should be checked,” according to the Federal Aviation Administration. If that confuses you, then your best option is to check the description of the carry-on luggage you’re thinking of purchasing. When it comes to carry-on roller bags, many luggage brands sell a carry-on suitcase and a larger carry-on suitcase, the latter of which will usually be acceptable on major US airlines, but might be turned away for being too large on smaller, budget airlines in Europe, for example. The bottom line is that you always need to check the specific requirements of an airline, particularly if you’re traveling on a small, budget airline or you’re traveling outside of the United States. 

To kick off your luggage search, here are 10 carry-on luggage options that are popular and will be the perfect travel companion for your next flight.

HuffPost receives a share from retailers on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.

1
This one has almost 10,000 reviews
With almost 10,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.7 stars, it's hard to find a more popular carry-on suitcase option than this one. At less than $70, it's one of the most well-reviewed affordable options on the market, and customers really do seem to love it.

One person wrote, "The first thing I appreciated was how easily it rolled across several different types of surfaces - from carpeting to pavement to cobblestones. I didn't have to fight with it once! The wheels swivel effortlessly, and you can push it or pull it with ease. The interior capacity was just what I was looking for-not too big and not too small. I actually overpacked it on the first use! In conclusion, I HIGHLY recommend this suitcase to anyone who likes to travel in style cost-effectively! GET ONE!"
2
This neutral option
If you're searching for something that's affordable, effective and a little more neutral than the iFly suitcases, these also have pretty solid reviews.

One reads: "I love how this bags looks and feels. I'm planning to make a collection of this set. I'm so happy with it. It looks very elegant classy and expensive bag. Brown detail on the bag enhance the beauty and class of the bag. And I thought it wouldn't hold so much in it but I was surprised to see how much it could hold. It has mess pockets. And strap seems very sturdy to hold things in. My old bags from Walmart didn't seem this sturdy. And 360 wheels are very smooth as well. The handle comes out with just a little press on the button and slides backs in with pressing the same button. I would highly recommend this bag. Perfect for traveling."
3
This under-$100 classic
If you're willing to spend a little more money, this $89 option has a lot of glowing reviews as well.

One person writes, "TSA approved lock, charging cable, lots of zipped pockets for organization, 360 degree spinning wheels are some of the features that make the Swiss Tech Executive spinner a fantastic buy. I have owned a lot of carry on pieces of luggage. This one is certainly ranked above the others. The fabric is easier to wipe and heavy duty. The wheels move with ease. I'm really looking forward to using this on my next trip. Also pockets, pockets, pockets! A wet pocket for swim items. A removable accessory pouch. Also multi purpose front and side pockets. It's a dream come true!"
4
This matching set
This two-piece luggage set comes with a standard wheelie carry-on suitcase and a matching piece of handheld luggage, which could easily work as your personal item for the flight (as long as you don't have another purse or anything else you'll be bringing on).

It comes in five color options, and has reviews like this: "So I travel ... a LOT. Name an airport and I can tell you the best restaurants in it if you're on a layover. Yeah, a lot of travel. And I hate baggage claims, so I've learned how to fit at least a week's clothing into a carry-on bag. This 2-piece has made me squeal with delight - seriously. It expands about an inch if you wind up packing more when you leave than what you came with (yup, happens to all of us) and the tote is both spacious and just compact enough to meet airline guidelines. Every single zipper, slot, inside straps and mesh holder, the handles ... everything is quality. You will not find a carry-on set for this price of this quality anywhere else - I looked. And I couldn't be happier with what I received."
5
This sturdy option
If you tend to throw your carry-on luggage around quite a bit, this is the option that might be able to withstand it all, according to reviews like this one: "My family and I don't travel much but when we do we usually go far, like out of the country far. Most of the time we have to do layover. Which means rough handling of luggage from one plane to another. This luggage is great for all of that, it is very strong material, easy to pull, push and drag, has Great features like extra storage, a compartment for storing wet clothes, USB port, and TSA approved integrated lock. Wheels are 360 degrees spinners which is what makes it easy to handle. It's small enough to use as carry on but can definitely be put in the back with the rest of the luggage. The olive green color is great, won't get dirty as quick as other lighter colors, the handle can be adjusted to 3 different levels. It's awesome!"
6
This hard-side carry-on
If you're looking for a totally solid, hard side carry-on, this one could be a good pick. It's a little pricier than some options, but it's still less than $100. The reviews are a bit more mixed, but it still as a solid rating, and one customer even wrote, "This is literally, hands down, the best luggage I have owned." High praise!
7
This very small, very affordable option
It doesn't get much more compact or much cheaper than this roller suitcase. It's also a great, guaranteed-to-work option for budget airlines like Spirit that are notoriously strict with free carry-on rules. As one customer wrote, "This was the perfect size FREE personal item on Spirit. I fit 6 outfits, panties, bras, sandals, shower shoes, sneakers, accessories and toiletries in this bag. I used packing bags at first but they were a bit bulky. I started over and rolled everything which made it all a perfect fit. It rolls nicely. I loved the color. I didn't have any issues. It served its purpose."
8
This solid duffel bag option
Some people still love the convenience of a duffel bag, and this well-reviewed option is worth considering if you're one of those people. With an average rating of 4.4-stars, this bag had multiple customers writing that it's both "durable" and "sturdy" in the reviews.
9
This multi-compartment roller suitcase
If easy-to-access outer compartments sound like something that would make your travel life easier, this Protege suitcase might be the one for you. It's also incredibly lightweight at just more than 6.5 pounds.

One satisfied review: "I love this. It's light, it holds a lot. Spins great! Will be getting lots of use out of it. I love how it has a handle on the side to help maneuver it around. Def worth what I paid and more!"
10
This part-duffel, part-roller suitcase option
Can't decide between a roller suitcase and a duffel bag? You don't need to with this one. It also could be a great option for kids as a foolproof carry-on.

One customer wrote "We brought this for our daughter....she absolutely loves it! She will be using it as her carry on for travel. Its roomier than we thought and having the handle and wheels makes it easy to pull!"

Before You Go

20 Travel Items That Youll Kick Yourself For Not Having Bought Before Your Last Trip
A portable charger because a dead phone is one of the worst things that can happen while traveling(01 of20)
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Promising review: "This is an amazing rapid power charger! It charges an iPad faster than plugging it into AC, even while using it! The size is very manageable about the size of a deck of cards. I travel frequently, and I'm not always near a power source. I just make sure to charge the Anker each evening and then none of my devices will be without power during the day. I was so happy with it, I purchased two more one for my husband and one for my sister who can't seem to remember to keep her devices charged." Cathy K (credit:www.amazon.com)
A set of 12 charcoal odor absorber bags so you never have to worry about your shoes smelling(02 of20)
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Promising review: "Stinky shoes be gone! These guys are on the smaller size (1x3 each) so I put two each in my size 10 Womens shoes when I pack them up for travel. I LOVE that they make the stinks go away. They dont add any particular scent either. Its just a neutral sucking up of the 'stop wearing those shoes' scent blues. Ive used them in my favorite ballet flats and shiny sneakers. My dog approves." Izzi (credit:www.amazon.com)
Wireless noise-cancelling headphones so you can tune out distracting background noise on the plane(03 of20)
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Promising review: "Now that Ive had these headphones for a couple of weeks, I cant imagine my life without them. I chose them because they were the highest rated noise cancelling headphones in this price range reviewed by Consumer Reports. These headphones work SO well at blocking out the noises I was getting so distracted by. I also listen to podcasts and meditations on them, but not really music so I cant really speak to their sound quality there. I use them for work (Teams meetings or listening to live broadcasts) and they work well. The battery life is great and I could probably get through two full days on a charge." Kelly (credit:Amazon)
Portable soap paper sheets that get instantly sudsed up with a drop of water(04 of20)
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Promising review: "Exactly what I wanted! Hands feel very clean after wash! Highly recommend! I read other reviews and decided these had the best reviews, and those reviews did not disappoint! Each sheet of soap produces enough soap to give the comfort of knowing your hands are throughly clean. We liked our first order so much that we bought 10 packs for my fianc's work crew to help make keeping their hands clean during this pandemic! (Hes a delivery driver/repair tech.) If you have wanted to try something like this product, I highly recommend this brand!" Clippin4You (credit:www.amazon.com)
Traction mats to help your car get unstuck if you get trapped in mud, snow, or sand(05 of20)
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Promising review: "If you're on the fence, just do it. They are half the price of MaxTrax and just as good, I haven't used them as a bridge, but they literally saved my and my wife's lives in a recent Colorado Blizzard on a horrible mountain pass. Good tires, and 4LO couldn't get me up the 12% grade in about 1' of fresh snow on top of 1-2" of ice and we were just sliding sideways toward the literal cliff. We got these babies out, wedged them against the front and rear opposite corners and it got us out of the terrible situation and back home." Tony (credit:Amazon)
A waterproof satin-lined Hairbrella hat that will protect your wash and set (or wash and go)(06 of20)
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Hairbrella is a Black woman-owned small business that has been creating fashionable hats that protect hair from all kinds of weather since 2016. It's available in eight colors.

Promising review: "Traveled to London last month with a raincoat that did not have a hood, and wanted something that would protect my head/hair/blowout without lugging an umbrella. This definitely did the trick. 2 of the 3 days were rainy (some quite heavy) and my hair stayed totally dry. It stows nicely, too." Miss Information
(credit:www.amazon.com)
A bottle of Poo-Pourri to mask bathroom smells(07 of20)
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It's available in 20 scents and 11 sizes.

Promising review
: "I have this one, a travel size one, and an extra one to refill all my travel size ones. I keep one in the house bathroom and one with me at all times. I even bought one for each of my relatives. I was always too subconscious about pooing in any public or private bathroom unless it was my own. When my friend heard about it and knew of my shy problem, he ordered it for me. I gave it a try and it honestly masks almost all of the scent. It has helped me regulate myself by allowing me to get comfortable enough with going when I need to despite where I am and who's around." AriQuinn
(credit:Natalie Brown / BuzzFeed)
Disposable silicone ear plugs that can help with that painful feeling that happens when your plane is landing(08 of20)
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It's available in multi-packs up to 10.

Promising review:
"This product has changed my life. I travel fairly frequently and always have issues with ear pressure on the plane. My ears will be clogged up, and it is painful to swallow for a day or two after short-distance flights. But now, I use these and fly incident-free. You are supposed to insert them before the plane takes off and then before landing. I have found that it works best if I leave them in the entire flight from before takeoff until landing, but they work almost as well if you take them out once you reach cruising altitude." Thomasina
(credit:Amazon)
A portable espresso maker so you can have a fresh cup of joe while on a road trip(09 of20)
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Promising review: "The best thing for traveling ever!! I have to have espresso every morning and most small hotels and gas stations don't have espresso coffee so this is perfect! Easy to use. The cleaning takes 30 seconds; just rinse with water and let it dry." Joanna Verdeja (credit:Amazon)
A LifeStraw that can filter bacteria, parasites, and micro-plastics from water(10 of20)
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It's available in four colors and in multi-packs up to five.

Promising review:
"This thing is no joke! I took it backpacking on Maine's Bigelow range. When I ran out of the water I brought, I was A-OK with this. Just bring a wide mouth bottle to fill with water you find. On top of one of the lower peaks, I drank from the most disgusting-looking crevice filled with brown scum. I thought, this is going to be safe, but taste horrid. WRONG. TASTED LIKE THE FRESHEST SPRING WATER. Better than any tap. I'm from Maine, and I've tasted plenty of water right from mountain springs, so take my word. One caution: it can be a little challenging to start. You have to prove it by soaking. If it still doesn't work, blow into it a bit." Amazon customer
(credit:Amazon)
A mask bracket that allows you to be fully and safely covered(11 of20)
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A lot of reviewers also mentioned this was great for saving their lipstick or when fabric from masks gets wet in the rain!

Promising review: "These make it so much easier to have a conversation since your mask isn't right on your mouth and you don't sound all muffled. Another benefit is I don't have to speak as loudly. I'm not so sure about being cooler with this because it always feels hot when I have my mask on. There are some clips on both ends of these but I'm not sure how they are used. I find they stay in place if my mask is nice and snug, which it should be. Very satisfied with this product." Duarte Lady
(credit:www.amazon.com)
An anti-blister balm for your feet that provides a barrier between your skin and shoes(12 of20)
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Promising review: "I purchased two of these for our one-week Disney World trip. I knew Id be walking around A LOT, and my feet arent used to the many miles of walking a day in the hot and humid environment, so I didnt want to be uncomfortable. I'm happy to say I put it on once in the morning, slipped on some socks and comfy shoes, and I didnt get one blister or issue with my feet! I wish I knew about this a long time ago!" Michelle (credit:www.amazon.com)
A travel checklist notepad that has every essential you'll need to pack for your trip(13 of20)
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Promising review: "So helpful! I travel a lot, and so does my husband, and this pad makes packing so much easier and stress free. The list is quite extensive, while I probably will never need to pack all of it for one trip, but it covers everything for a business trip or a pleasure trip. I don't worry about what I forgot to pack anymore. Use a pencil, erase it when done, and one sheet will last three to four trips." Cktine (credit:Amazon)
A pack of three Tide To Go pens which will especially help those who pack light(14 of20)
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Promising review: "These were a lifesaver. I was walking to the bus and decided it was a great decision to drink coffee while walking. Like a scene from an infomercial, I spilled coffee all over my white shirt. Yes, the classic coffee on the white shirt. Luckily I had one of these in my bag (I put one in each of my most-used purses in anticipation of my clumsiness). I went into a store bathroom and quickly scrubbed the Tide To Go on my shirt. All of the coffee blobs went away and once the awkward wet splotches dried up, my shirt was perfectly white again. You've got yourself a big fan, Tide." NAD (credit:www.amazon.com)
Weleda Skin Food Cream so your skin won't be flaky and dry from all the hand-sanitizing while traveling(15 of20)
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Promising review: "I am a flight attendant and this is my go-to hand cream! It is a little greasy when you first start rubbing it in, but it absorbs quickly and that along with the smell (a bit medicinal) dissipates before you know it. It doesn't take much of this at all. I rub a little on my tired feet at the end of the day as well, and trust me I have tired feet after being on them for 14-plus hours. This stuff works great for this as well. Win-win, Weleda!" Lauren (credit:Amazon)
A beach blanket made from parachute nylon that is water- and sand-proof(16 of20)
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The blanket comes with four securing anchors.

Promising review: "I recently purchased this blanket for a family vacation to Florida, and everyone LOVED it! It's lightweight, big enough for the whole family to lay out on, and the sand rolled right off. One of the things I loved most about it is that it rolled up super compact and light so it was easy to pack! When you are going to the beach with kids, you drag along a lot of equipment! It was nice that this was easy to pack and travel with. Fun fact: If you have one of those canopies to bring to the beach, this blanket fits perfectly under it!" Megan
(credit:Amazon)
A portable luggage scale(17 of20)
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Promising review: "This luggage scale is so handy and is great for weighing your luggage. I was a little concerned before I got it because I wasn't sure how accurate it would be. When I used it when I went on vacation, it was dead-on to what the airport said, so I highly recommend this. Plus, its easy to pack in your bags." Teresa Daniels (credit:www.amazon.com)
A travel contact lens kit which includes a solution bottle, tweezers, stick connection, case and mirror(18 of20)
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Promising review: "When I travel, I worry about misplacing my contacts, so this will help me keep them in a safe place and make them easy to find." Tamara G. (credit:Amazon)
A portable fan that will help keep you cool during any outing despite the high temperatures(19 of20)
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Promising review: "I have ZERO complaints!!! My sister got married outdoors and I decided I needed a fan as I sweat a lot. Suffice to say I LOVE IT! I was cool the entire time in the sun, it has a handle and is not too big which makes it easy to tag along anywhere and everywhere. You wont regret this purchase." DIONNE HOOK (credit:www.amazon.com)
Hypoallergenic plant-based body wipes which will allow you to freshen up when you don't have a tub(20 of20)
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Promising review: "I wish I had a funny review here, but B.O. is no joke! I work out hard, I sweat hard, and sweat stinks! I also run my own incredibly busy business and have two small kids. Every minute of my day counts and showering early in the day is a luxury that I dont always get to indulge in! But that leaves me smelling 'straight out the locker room' for a large part of my day before I get to shower no good! Enter these they're a game changer! I work out, sweat like a boss, wipe down, and voila: no longer offensive! In fact, I actually smell and feel fresh! Big fan!" Anna Palestis Frenkel (credit:Goodwipes)

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