Michael Turner
Free under‑seat items must fit completely beneath the seat in front. If a piece exceeds the under‑seat footprint, add an overhead bin allowance at booking or before gate check; soft‑sided bags that compress by 1–2 inches are advantageous when close to limits. Measure height + width + depth and compare to the airline’s sizing tool rather than relying on manufacturer labels.
Best practice: weigh packed items at home and target a margin of 2–5 lb below the carrier’s enforced limit (when stated), fold garments to maximize volume, and place electronics in the under‑seat item for quick removal. Purchase bin space online to save–typical pre‑purchase fees range from $20–$45, while same‑day gate fees are often higher (commonly $45–$65 depending on route and demand).
At the gate, present a single compliant under‑seat bag plus any paid bin item; oversized items are checked and may incur extra charges or delays. For specific trip pricing and any weight restrictions, consult the flight confirmation or the carrier’s baggage page and carry a tape measure to avoid surprises at boarding.
Maximum cabin bag dimensions and money-saving tips
Use a soft-sided overhead bag no larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 cm), including wheels and handles; bring one under-seat item no larger than 16 x 12 x 6 inches (40 x 30 x 15 cm) that fits beneath the seat – the under-seat item is included for free, while the overhead bin item typically requires a paid selection with this airline.
Measure along the longest points and include wheels, protruding handles and exterior pockets. For soft-sided designs expect 1–2 inches of compression; hard-shell cases do not compress and should be measured precisely before travel.
Pay for overhead bin access during booking or online check-in to save money: typical booking-time fees range roughly $25–$60, while airport or gate purchases often run higher. Add-ons that guarantee overhead space reduce the risk of last-minute gate-check charges.
Oversized items will be gate-checked and assessed an extra fee; place valuables, medications and travel documents in the under-seat item to keep them accessible and protected. For planned heavier loads, purchase checked allowance in advance – online rates are usually lower than gate or ticket-counter prices.
Packing tactics: choose a lightweight soft-shell roller, use compression packing cubes, remove redundant bulky items, and distribute weight between the two permitted pieces. Test-fit bags into a standard sizing box at home or a tape-measured mock-up to avoid surprises at the gate.
Exact cabin bag dimensions and measuring method
Stick to exterior measurements of 22 x 14 x 9 inches (height x width x depth) for overhead stowage; under-seat item limit is 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
Pack the item exactly as it will be at gate, zip closed, and place on a flat floor. Measure height from the lowest point of the wheel to the highest fixed point of the bag (include wheels and fixed handles). Record width as the longest side across the front, and depth as the thickness from front face to back panel, including external pockets.
Use a retractable tape measure pressed snugly against the surface; flexible fabric or compression panels must be measured while packed and compressed as a passenger would stow them. Telescoping handles should be stowed for measurement but include any handle housings or exposed hardware.
Create a simple cardboard box template at 22 x 14 x 9 inches: if the packed item fits entirely inside the box while zipped, it will meet the overhead-size rule. For the under-seat test, use an 18 x 14 x 8-inch template and place it under a standard seat to verify fit.
For soft-sided cases that bulge, tuck or remove nonessential items (shoes, full toiletry bottles) and re-measure; swapping to a compressible duffel or a structured spinner with recessed wheels reduces measured depth. If replacement is needed, browse options at best luggage sale in canada.
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Personal item vs. overhead cabin bag: allowed sizes and what fits under the seat
Bring one personal item sized to slide fully under the seat in front; use a soft-sided tote, laptop bag or slim backpack for best fit and quick access.
What reliably fits under the seat
Slim backpack without internal frame, laptop briefcase or sleeve, tote bag with flat bottom, small soft duffel, camera bag, compact diaper bag, folded compact garment bag, and a slim hard-case for documents. Typical contents that should go in the personal item: laptop/tablet, travel documents, medications, small electronics, a thin layer of clothing, and a toiletry pouch in a clear zip bag. Oversized wheeled rollers, full-size duffels, collapsible tripods and large boxes will not fit under the footwell and must occupy overhead space or be gate-checked.
Packing and placement recommendations
Use a soft-sided bag and orient it flat with the narrow side facing the seatback to maximize vertical clearance. Place heavier items nearest the seatback so the bag slides forward rather than tipping. Keep a slim top pocket for passport, boarding pass and phone for quick retrieval. If liquids are carried, use a single transparent pouch and position it near the top. Test fit at home using a low chair or sofa: if the bag slides fully under with room above, it will almost always fit under an aircraft seat. If overhead storage is essential, board early or purchase priority boarding to guarantee space for a larger cabin bag.
Pay for an overhead-bin bag: timing and fee mechanics
Buy an overhead-bin allowance at booking to lock the lowest price – typical pre-purchase range: US$20–45 per segment.
When a fee applies
- Only a single under-seat personal item is included free; any additional or larger item intended for the overhead bin triggers a fee.
- Each passenger is charged separately and each flight segment is priced separately (one-way and return are treated independently).
- Items that exceed the allowed dimensions for the overhead bin must be checked and will incur checked-item and possible oversize/overweight charges.
Where and how prices are applied
- During reservation: lowest published rates appear as an add-on option and are applied immediately to the booking total.
- After booking (Manage Travel/website or app): online add-on fees are higher than during reservation but lower than airport rates; the charge posts to the same reservation record.
- Airport kiosk / ticket counter: higher rates; payment accepted at check-in and added to the passenger’s record at point of sale.
- Gate: adding an overhead-bin item at the gate is the most expensive option and may not always be accepted; if allowed, fee is added to the boarding record or collected in person.
- Fee visibility: the itinerary and receipt show a separate line item for each paid bag, with the price, number of pieces, and flight segment.
- Taxes and processing fees: these may be added on top of the base bag price and appear at checkout.
- Refunds/changes: paid bag fees are typically non-refundable if unused; changing flights may require paying the bag fee difference for the new fares.
Practical steps to save money:
- Pre-pay during booking whenever possible.
- Use Manage Travel to add items before arriving at the airport if missed during booking.
- Travel with only the free under-seat item when feasible to avoid all fees.
- Measure items precisely and compare to the carrier’s published dimension rules to avoid forced check-in and higher charges.
Rules for oversized items, sports equipment, strollers and medical devices
Reserve special-item handling at booking or at least 24 hours before departure; arrive at bag drop with items packaged, labeled and ready for inspection. Items exceeding 62 linear inches (157 cm) total (length + width + height) or exceeding 40 lb (18 kg) will be treated as oversized/overweight and require advance notification and special handling by the airline.
Sports equipment and recreational gear
Skis/snowboards: place in a padded ski bag; bindings secured; tips protected. Bikes: partially disassemble (remove pedals, turn handlebars, lower seat), deflate tires and place in a bicycle box or hard case. Golf clubs: use a hard or padded soft case; secure loose clubs. Surfboards and paddleboards: hard case or heavy padding; leash removed. E-bikes/e-scooters: batteries must be removed if lithium; devices with non-removable lithium batteries are not accepted. Spare lithium batteries are restricted by FAA rules and the airline’s battery policy–protect terminals, tape contacts and carry batteries in the cabin with the passenger only when the airline and safety rules permit; otherwise batteries must be shipped as cargo or will be refused.
Packing tips: use hard cases for fragile gear, pad moving parts, zip-tie or tape loose fittings, and clearly tag owner contact information. Measure total linear dimensions before arrival and note any airline pre-authorization number on the tag or booking.
Strollers, car seats and medical devices
Strollers and car seats: gate-check at the aircraft door or check at bag drop; most models are accepted free of charge and are not counted against standard checked-item allowances, but must be collapsible or boxed for baggage handling. Leave small accessories and infant essentials with the passenger during boarding. Car seats that meet child-restraint standards are permitted in the cabin if a separate seat is purchased; verify attachment method with the airline prior to travel.
Mobility aids and medical equipment: wheelchairs, walkers and other mobility devices are accepted without baggage charges and will be transported either to the gate or in the hold; notify the airline at booking and at check-in so arrangements for ramp/assistance and stowage can be made. Battery-powered mobility devices require advance approval; wet-cell and lithium battery types have different handling rules–protect terminals, bring documentation of battery type and capacity, and expect inspection. Portable medical devices (CPAP, oxygen concentrators, infusion pumps) are permitted in the cabin when documented; carry physician’s note or medical necessity form if requested and ensure any auxiliary batteries meet airline/FAA restrictions.
Packing and selecting a cabin bag to avoid gate-checking
Immediate recommendation: pick a soft-sided cabin bag with external compression straps and low-profile wheels; load the heaviest objects at the base and centered so the case keeps a narrow silhouette during quick gate inspections.
Pack using 3–4 packing cubes segmented by garment type; roll shirts tightly, stack underwear and socks inside shoes placed at both ends, and tuck belts along the perimeter. Place electronics and fragile items in a top-access padded cube for fast removal; keep toiletries in a single clear pouch for rapid presentation if inspection is requested.
Prefer non-expanding models or lock the expansion zipper before arrival to prevent accidental overstuffing. Choose fabrics with some give (ballistic nylon, woven polyester) rather than rigid shells so agents can compress the case slightly for bin fit. Avoid hard-shell models with large exterior pockets that create an uneven profile.
At the gate, present the bag upright on its wheels with the front pocket unzipped to show compliance without full opening. Remove bulky coats, travel pillows and rolled blankets and either wear them or tuck them into the tote held on lap. If an agent requests gate-checking, transfer electronics, medications, travel documents and valuables into the tote before handing the case over.
Maintenance and minor repairs extend service life: keep zippers lubricated, wheels free of debris, and seams stitched tight. For cleaning metal mesh, hardware residue or stubborn grime on accessories see how to clean chainmail scrubber.
