If you have been on social media lately, you have probably seen a lot of talk about changes to airline carry-on rules. Many posts say things like, “60% of all carry-on luggage no longer meets the airline restrictions” or “TSA Banning New Items.” While there have been some adjustments to the rules, most of the information we’ve seen floating around online is clickbait at best and downright misinformation at worst.
So, what’s the truth, and where do you find it?
Let’s break down some of the claims we’ve recently seen:
Airlines Have Reduced the Acceptable Carry-on Luggage Size
This claim is partly true. Some airlines have changed the dimensions of acceptable carry-on luggage and may be stricter about enforcing carry-on rules, including weight limits. However, this is not universal, and you should be certain to confirm your airline’s rules close to travel for the best guidance.
The best thing you can do before traveling is visit the airline’s website and view their specific baggage restrictions and guidelines. At this time, there is no universal carry-on size or weight. Each airline makes and enforces its own rules. Pay special attention to the measurements and weight limits they list, and expect them to be implemented more fervently while traveling in 2025 and beyond.
TSA is Banning Batteries in Carry-on Luggage
This claim is false. The TSA has had special restrictions on lithium batteries for a long time, but no blanket ban exists. There are two things you should pay attention to:
- The size of any lithium batteries you are carrying onboard.
Currently, the TSA allows lithium batteries sized up to 100 watt-hours. That measurement may mean nothing to you; you will not be alone. So, here are a few helpful notes:
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- Battery banks for charging your phone should have less than 27,000 mAh. Their size often names them, and in all cases, the capacity will be listed on the packaging or even on the device. Most of the ones we see are in the 10,000 mAh range, which is well below the limit.
- Even the largest laptop batteries in use today are under the 100-watt-hour limitation.
- How many batteries you carry matters.
Currently, the TSA limits the number of lithium batteries passengers can carry onboard to 15. This should be far more than most people will take, but be careful about carrying a dozen camera batteries, a phone, wireless headphones, a laptop, a battery backup, and a second one–just in case. Doing that may put you over the limit.
Finally, it is essential to know that you must carry anything containing lithium batteries in your carry-on. They are not allowed in your checked luggage. For the complete rules and regulations, please go to the source and read everything on the TSA website HERE.
You Are No Longer Limited to 3.4oz Liquids in Carry-ons.
This claim is false. The TSA clearly states that your carry-on bag can only contain liquids in containers less than or equal to 3.4 oz and that all the liquids in your carry-on must fit in one quart-sized bag. See all the official rules HERE.
In our experience, what has changed is that this is being enforced more strictly. So please prepare your carry-on accordingly. Thankfully, you can carry larger liquid containers in your checked luggage. Just be sure they are secure in a waterproof container. When traveling internationally, we often double bag ours in zip-top freezer bags to ensure we don’t arrive with a suitcase full of shampoo.
Conclusion
Don’t take the clickbait. People can say anything online and often do, so be sure to go to the source when preparing to travel. Visit the websites of the airlines you are using for luggage restrictions. Visit the TSA website to learn what is and is not allowed in your carry-on or checked luggage. And, of course, if you are confused, call Select International Tours at 1-800-842-4842, and we will be happy to help. As you might imagine, we’ve had much experience traveling internationally over the last 38 years.