Ask any photographer and they’ll tell you that traveling with photo gear adds a certain amount of tension to your journey. especially when coupled with some of Europe’s “cheap flight” airlines. They each have their own set of strict hand baggage restrictions. Some are more lenient than others – especially when it comes to tripod bags.
Here’s a quick guide that I will be adding to. Sizes include bag handles/pockets/wheels
British Airways: 1 cabin bag + 1 personal bag
Cabin bag: 56cms x 45cms x 25 cms
Personal bag: as of 18 August 2015: 40cms x 30cms x 15cms
EasyJet: 1 cabin bag (*easyJet plus, flexi fare and upfront/extra legroom customers get an additional personal bag allowance)
Cabin bag: 56cms x 45 cms x 25 cms
(*personal bag: 45cms x 36 cms x 20cms)
RyanAir: 1 cabin bag + 1 personal bag
Cabin bag: 55cms x 40cms x 20 cms – max 10Kg
Personal bag: 35cms x 20cms x 20cms
August 2015 has seen a number of changes from American carriers – mainly reducing carry on allowances. Here’s an updated list:
American Airlines (Check website for American Eagle)
One carry-on bag and one personal item. Carry-on bag total dimensions may not exceed 45.3 inches (length + width + height). Maximum dimensions cannot exceed: 22 length x 14 width x 9 tall. Your bag must fit in the baggage frames located throughout the check-in area at the airport. One personal item, such as purse, briefcase, laptop bag or a similar item such as a tote. The personal items must be smaller than your carry-on bag and must fit under the seat in front of you.
Delta
Carry-on allowance is one bag and one personal item (such as: purse, briefcase, laptop bag). Size may not exceed 45 linear inches in combined length, width and height, including any handles and wheels. Baggage must fit in the Carry-on Baggage Check – approximately sized 22 x 14 x 9 inches) – near the check-in counters.
Passengers traveling on Delta Connection flights & any flights with 50 seats or less, are only permitted to carry personal items, due to limited overhead space.
Frontier
Carry-on allowance is one personal item per person, max. dimensions: 18 x 14 x 8 inches, which may be a handbag, backpack, briefcase, laptop. One larger carry-on item, with max. weight of 35lbs, & max. dimensions: 24 x 16 x 10 inches but there is a charge – see the Frontier website for full details.
Southwest Airlines
You’re allowed one bag and one small personal item as carry on. The personal item can include purse, briefcase, camera, laptop (case included) Carry-on bag maximum dimensions: 10 x 16 x 24 inches. (Weight restriction not specified).
United Airlines
You can carry-on one bag and one personal item per person. Carry-on bag maximum dimensions 14 x 9 x 22 inches. Personal item maximum dimensions, such as a shoulder bag, backpack, laptop bag or other small item must be no larger than 9 x 10 x 17 inches. (Weight restriction not specified).
US Airways
One bag and one personal item as carry on allowance. The personal item needs to be smaller than your carry-on item and must fit under the seat in front of you. Carry-on maximum dimensions 14 x 9 x 22 inches or 45 linear inches. (Weight restriction not specified).
Virgin Atlantic
One item of Carry-On – Approx. 9 x 14 x 22 inches, max weight: 22 lbs or 26 lbs for Virgin First Class.
Virgin Atlantic – Upper Class
Two items of Carry-On – approx. 9 x 14 x 22 inches for each one. Maximum weight combined = 35.2 lbs (max. weight individual item = 26.4 lbs.)