Are carry-on bag restrictions an FAA regulation or an airline policy?

Question

I fly a lot.  

There is one airport where there are people just before you get to the security lines (not sure if they are TSA or airport employees) who demand that you only have two bags.  I travel with a rolling computer case and a knapsack and a purse.  There is always room for the purse in the knapsack, but until I no longer need access to my ID, I keep it out.  

In NO OTHER AIRPORT does anyone challenge me on the fact that I have three bags visible, but at this one airport, they always do, and they get quite obnoxious about it, even when I open the knapsack and show them the gaping space meant for the purse.  

I would really like to be able to tell them to leave me alone, as they interrupt my getting-organized (keys and cell phone in this pocket, iPod in that pocket, boarding pass and ID here, coat, shoes, computer and toiletry bag out).  But I want to be able to tell them with authority.

Thanks in advance.

flamingice1642 · Accepted Answer

Directly from the FAA website:

"Check with your airline before packing to determine its carry-on guidelines regarding the number of items you may carry on and the maximum size of those items."

Thus, it is up to the airlines to determine what they allow on a plane. However, I think that two bags is pretty typical... So this particular airport may just be trying to prevent people from carrying too many bags and/or bags that are too large. It saves time when at the gate, where they'd be forced to check in their excess luggage anyway.

Anonymous · Answer

One of the biggest problems airlines have with getting their flights out on-time, is the carry on luggage. Everyone wants to carry on their bags because they don't want to pay the bag fees (understandable) but the aircraft only has so much space inside the cabin. If they have to gate check the last 20 bags going through the door, they will usually take a delay because of it. Whoever is screening the amount of carry on luggage at that airport is probably with the airlines. I can see this becoming much more common. I know, it bites!

Ranger · Answer

The only FAA guidelines concerning carry on luggage requires it be stowed before take offs and landing.  That means it must fit under the seats or in the overhead bins. 

Otherwise, it is up to the airlines to decide how many you can carry on board.  

Please tell me which airline is actually enforcing the size and number rules. I would love to fly with an airline that prohibited bringing the kitchen sink on board and trying to stuff it into the over head bin.

AJ · Answer

Carry on bag restrictions are set by the airlines. Each airline has their own rules.

? · Answer

No, No, No. I fly each and all the time and it fairly is approximately time all of us ought to ascertain our bags. have you ever have been given hit interior the pinnacle via some dumb butt with there shop on's. it's going to make getting on the plane lots speedier and getting off. And confident I even have taken lipstick on a plane

Roger K · Answer

I have never experienced that.

It would be nice to know which airport. Other people would be able to report on their own experiences in that airport if you tell us.

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Are carry-on bag restrictions an FAA regulation or an airline policy?

6 Answers