While airplane carry-on luggage styles have changed over the years, with designs now ranging from tiny over-the-shoulder totes to massive wheeled behemoths, the general concept behind carry-ons and their basic purpose remain the same. Whether you're carrying on a purse, a briefcase or a wheeled tote, the idea is that you'll be able to immediately access everything you've packed in your carry-on luggage throughout a flight. Carrying on also lets you to avoid the delays and extra fees associated with checked baggage, as well as the possibility that an airline will lose your checked baggage.

Luggage is, before anything else, a utilitarian item; when you're purchasing carry-on luggage, basics like sizing and packability take center stage. The right carry-on luggage or carry-on briefcase will, when used properly:

1. Follow airline carry-on luggage size regulations;

2. Contain no prohibited items;

3. Hold everything you need, when properly packed.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Weed your way through the rules about airplane carry-on bags

Every airline has detailed regulations about what they'll permit you to take on board as a carry-on bag, and for good reason; if travelers bring along too many bags, or bags that are too large, there won't be enough room for everyone's luggage on board. Not everything marketed as 'carry-on luggage' will fit airline carry-on regulations, so measure before you buy--it's the best way to make sure you maintain easy access to your bag.

I recommend: The Travel Insider offers an excellent overview of airline policies regarding carry-on luggage. Luggage Online details airline carry-on policies for a broader selection of airlines, including international carriers. Always double-check for the latest carry-on regulation updates on your airline's website before traveling.

Check carry on luggage info for prohibited items

Certain items, such as aerosols and weaponry, simply aren't allowed in a carry-on bag at any time. While other personal items are allowed, don't pack them unless you're willing to have them pulled out and displayed, in front of long lines of people, at airport security checkpoints.

I recommend: MSNBC offers clear tips from an experienced flight attendant on when and why you should or shouldn't pack items in your carry-on luggage. Visit the Transportation Safety Administration for an updated list of which items are permitted or prohibited in carry-on luggage.

Pack the right items in business carry-on luggage

The whole point of carry-on luggage is to keep important or valuable items with you, so prioritize what you pack in terms of value (monetary or sentimental) and necessity (if you can't live without it for a day should your checked baggage get lost, put it in the carry-on). If you're especially careful about how you pack--including mini versions of necessities or mixing and matching so you can use clothing pieces several times, for example--you might be able to eliminate the checked baggage entirely.

I recommend: OneBag helps you understand how to travel light, prioritizing what's most important to pack in your one carry on bag or to keep with you instead of checking. Travelhacker gives timeless tips on how (and what) efficient business travelers pack.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Durability is key. Always choose sturdy airline carry-on baggage over flashier alternatives. Look for a solid frame with rugged material in the siding--the extra flexibility, as opposed to a hard sided case, makes it more likely that yours will fit into an overhead bin when push comes to shove. Also, check to make sure that the wheels (if present) roll smoothly and tightly, and that the handle can be easily and repeatedly pulled out and retracted with one hand.

Airplane carry-on bags have gotten bigger and more unwieldy than ever in recent years as airport security makes it tougher and more time consuming to check bags. Airline regulations also can be tough on airplane carry-on luggage, though, so it's important to shop for bags that meet carry-on luggage restrictions.

Airline carry-on bags come in a variety of sizes and shapes to accommodate the many needs of airplane passengers. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, there's carry-on luggage out there with the pockets and features you need.

When shopping for carry-on luggage, remember the following:

1. Check out carry-on luggage with wheels to store more and eliminate checked bags.

2. Shop for duffel bags and totes for an additional carry-on bag that fills and transports easily.

3. Shop for a backpack or rucksack for a carry-on bag with utility on the ground.

4. Look at rolling briefcases, computer bags, and combination suitcase/briefcases for easy business travel.

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Shop for wheeled business carry-on luggage that eliminates the need for checked bags

Plenty of well-known brands offer carry-on luggage that meet airline carry-on luggage size limits and other restrictions, but are also sized large enough to pack for a short business trip without the need for a checked bag. Look for wheeled business carry-on luggage for small garment bags and other options for carrying on exclusively.

I recommend: Luggage Club and eBags both offer a wide selection of luggage for sale online. If you sort by type and select carry-on, the airline carry-on bags offered are all standard carry-on size or smaller.

Search for duffel bags and totes for quick and convenient airline carry-on baggage

If you're going to check a bag and carry one on, or if you anticipate doing some shopping on your trip and bringing back more stuff than you took with you, airline carry-on bags that are easy to pack empty, fill up and carry with you are a smart choice. Duffel bags and large tote bags that zip shut are both good types of bags to bring with you if you're expecting to need more storage space.

I recommend: Luggage Pros duffels and Luggage Pros totes both offer a wide selection of sizes and features for duffel and tote bags to bring as airplane carry-on luggage. Best Baby Store also sells some airplane carry-on bags that function as both a diaper bag and a duffel for storage of anything you and your family might need on the plane.

Use a backpack for airline carry-on baggage that's useful on the ground

Whether you're doing adventure travel or just want to have a useful bag to carry around with you in your daily travels once you reach your destination, you may be interested in a travel backpack specifically designed to be used as carry-on luggage. Many outdoors retailers sell not only backpacks for hiking, but also backpacks designed for airline travel.

I recommend: Red Oxx offers a high quality rucksack, which is roughly the size of a daypack or weekend pack, for use as carry-on luggage. Bags for Less also sells an airline backpack that comes complete with a detachable day pack for everyday use at your destination.

Look for carry-on luggage to ease your business load

Carry-on luggage pieces are available in lots of varieties for business travellers. Rolling briefcases and combination suitcase/briefcase luggage are a great way to take a short business trip without the strain of a heavy carry-on load.

I recommend: Browse rolling briefcases from Luggage.com. Also check out Essentials4Travel for a full list of a range of rolling laptop backpacks, rolling overnight bags, and combination bags for your short business trip.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check with the specific airports you'll be visiting and the airline you're using before you fly to get any specific updated airline carry-on luggage restrictions. Carry-on luggage is typically subject to different requirements depending on the carrier and the airport you use.

Business travelers have to be mindful of airline carry-on baggage rules. If not, you run the risk of major delays that can be time consuming, embarrassing and costly. By being aware of airline carry-on luggage size restrictions, you can avoid unexpected costs at the check-in gate if your carry on is deemed too large to take with you.

You should also educate yourself on what items are considered personal items versus carry-on luggage. You may be limited to one piece of carry-on luggage, but a female passenger my also bring on a purse or diaper bag. Another passenger my also bring along a laptop bag. Each airline is different, and there are also federal guidelines that encompass carry-on luggage laws and regulations. Becoming an educated business traveler will help you avoid obstacles that may cost you time or money and will help you take the appropriate airplane carry-on luggage.

To find out more about carry-on luggage laws and regulations:

1. Start with federal guidelines and information on airline carry-on baggage.

2. Check with your airline on their carry-on luggage restrictions before your flight.

3. Take advantage of other resources sites on airplane carry-on bags.

Action Steps
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Check with the feds on carry-on luggage

See what the government rules are regarding carry-on luggage and what is appropriate to take with you on an air flight.

I recommend: Follow the Transportation Security Administration's 3-1-1 rule for airplane carry-on bags. For your airplane carry-on bag, you are only allowed liquids in a 3.4 ounce bottle or less (by volume); clear, plastic, zip-top bags that are 1-quart-sized, and you are only allowed 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. Follow U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration guidelines on carry on luggage info and tips.

Find out your airline's carry-on luggage restrictions

Before you leave for your next trip, find out what your specific airline's rules and regulations are pertaining to carry-on luggage. If you are still unclear after reading their website, don't hesitate to call a customer service representative.

I recommend: Find out about Delta's carry on luggage info. Check out American Airline's carry-on luggage size limits and allowance information.

Make the most of other airplane carry-on bags resources sites

Take advantage of other tip and resource sites to help you with Carry-On Luggage before your next big business trip. Find out about number of bags allowed, how heavy they can be, how large they can be and more.

I recommend: Find great tips and helpful information on airplane carry-on luggage from The Travel Insider. Luggage Online offers a Carry-On Tool to help you find luggage that fits the baggage regulations by airline. Use this site also to help you find number of bags allowed, maximum allowable dimensions as well as maximum weight.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Airlines like you to isolate your liquids (that you have in 3.4 ounce bottle or less containers as per the 3-1-1 rule) in the bin going through the security screening. It helps speed up the process of going through your airline carry-on luggage.
• •  Every time the Transportation Security Administration has to search business carry-on luggage or a personal bag, it slows down the entire line. By practicing 3-1-1 as well as declaring larger liquids (such as medications, baby formula and food and breast milk), you can help speed up your check in process.

Carry-on luggage is a business traveler's closest companion, containing only the most essential and valuable belongings. A hardside, roll aboard bag protects your cargo and eases your travel load. Know these key terms as they are used by regulators, airlines and travel outfitters to keep your carry-on luggage secure and your travel itinerary on-time.

Action Steps
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Roll aboard

Roll aboard luggage is specifically designed for carry-on use. Roll-aboards are sized and shaped to meet airline specifications, and are lightweight and durable. They have wheels, an upright orientation and a retractable handle for easy maneuvering.

I recommend: Read a review of Rick Steve's roll aboard luggage, featured at PackingLight.com.

Linear inches

Airlines specify the maximum size of carry-on luggage in linear inches, the sum of the length, width and height of the luggage item.

I recommend: Access carry-on size specifications from more than a dozen air carriers at Travelocity.com.

3-1-1

3-1-1 will help you remember the Transportation Security Administration's current limits on carry-on liquids and gels. Containers must be 3.4 oz. in volume or smaller, all containers must fit into a 1-quart plastic bag, and only one of these bags is allowed for each passenger.

I recommend: View the specifications at the Transportation Security Administration website.

Plane-side checked luggage

Plane-side, also called 'gate-checked', luggage is not permitted in the passenger cabin. This is typically because the aircraft's overhead bins are too small to accommodate the item or because the bins are already full. If you must check your luggage plane-side, airline personnel will assist you in tagging the bag and will load it in the cargo compartment of the plane. Most often, you will retrieve your luggage plane-side or in the immediate gate area as you exit the aircraft.

I recommend: Read the Comair policy on plane-side checked luggage.

Personal item

Airlines often limit carry-on luggage to one bag and one personal item. A personal item is typically a briefcase, laptop, purse or small tote, such as a diaper bag. The same dimension and weight limits apply to both carry-on bags and personal items.

I recommend: Find more information on allowable bags and personal items at Travel Smith.

Hardside luggage

Hardside luggage is constructed of a lightweight, rigid material, such as polycarbonate plastic or aluminum. Hardside carry-on luggage is used to protect fragile or valuable items, such as electronics.

I recommend: View examples of hardside carry-on luggage from Luggage Pros.