Carry-On Luggage Key Terms

Make your travel as efficient as possible with a knowledge of common terminology

By Ariel Norquist, Owner Ridgeline Media

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.

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