Travel without a hitch: a complete guide for your carry-on bag

We know that packing for a trip abroad can be quite a challenge, especially when you have to deal with unexpected extra costs for exceeding the size, weight or rules of each airline regarding your hand luggage.
These last-minute inconveniences leave you with a bitter taste before boarding your dream flight, and at Conecty we want you to start this new adventure with a positive attitude and without extra charges.
That's why in this blog you'll find a practical and complete guide where we'll answer all your questions about cabin baggage or hand luggage in a clear and simple way, so you can fully enjoy the experience.
How many kilos should a carry-on suitcase weigh?
Keep in mind that carry-on baggage weight limits are determined by each airline, so you should check them before boarding your flight. Generally, most airlines allow between 10 and 12 kg.
Sometimes, some frequent flyer cards offer flexibility benefits for managing weight.
What size is the carry-on luggage?
In addition to checking the weight, you must adhere to the maximum dimensions of your carry-on bag, which are usually 56x45x25 cm (height, width, depth). If you're unsure whether your bag meets these requirements, you can use a tape measure to check its dimensions or contact your airline for confirmation.
These dimensions will ensure your suitcase fits comfortably under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartments, where you must store it upon boarding and can only retrieve it at times permitted by the crew. Please note that the placement of this luggage must ensure the comfort of all passengers.
Mobile apps to measure your hand luggage
Use Connecty's 4G and 5G connectivity during your travels to ensure your hand luggage meets the permitted dimensions and download apps like EasyJet or Measures to measure your luggage using your phone's camera via augmented reality.
With Apple's Measure app, simply point your camera at your suitcase, draw lines around it to define the dimensions, and the app will give you the exact measurements. It's compatible with iOS.
EasyJet offers an augmented reality hand luggage sizer that creates a 3D box of the maximum permitted size. Simply point your camera at your suitcase inside the virtual box to check if it exceeds the dimensions. This app is only compatible with iOS .
Permitted and prohibited items
Pay close attention to the items you can and cannot pack in your hand luggage, such as:
You should keep in mind that for international travel it is very important to know your destination, since sometimes some countries may have additional regulations such as prohibiting fresh food or transporting any type of liquid.
To find out and research detailed information about your airline and aspects to consider, you can do so easily and quickly through the connectivity we have at Conecty via our eSIM or SIM Card.


Types of hand luggage
There are countless options that can serve as carry-on luggage to choose from when packing. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and whichever you choose must meet the airline's requirements. Some of the most common options include:
Backpacks:
✅They are practical and easy to transport.
✅They allow you to have your hands free.
✅They have multiple compartments and pockets to organize everything.
❌They don't allow you to pack as much volume as a rigid suitcase.
Some brands with different styles and designs that you can choose from are:Jansport , Nike , Osprey or Coofay .
Hard-sided suitcase:

✅They have more space than a backpack.
✅They protect the internal contents well.
✅They have pockets and internal dividers.
❌They take up quite a bit of space and you should be careful with the size and weight.
You can find different brands with features to suit your tastes such as Totto , Samsonite , Briggs & Riley or Arturo Calle .
Soft-sided suitcase: 
✅They are an excellent alternative.
✅They can be expanded thanks to their material and closures to gain more capacity.
✅Compression straps help maintain the required size.
❌They don't protect as much as a hard-sided suitcase.
Choose from the variety of options offered by brands such as Citybags , North Face , Merrell , or Decathlon .
What is the carry-on baggage allowance on the most well-known airlines?
Baggage policies vary between airlines. Some are more flexible than others regarding size and weight limits. Therefore, it's crucial to check the specific requirements for your flight. Below, we detail the regulations of some airlines:
American Airlines : Suitcase measuring 56x36x23 cm and personal bag measuring 40x30x15 cm.
Delta: Suitcase measuring 56x35x23 cm and personal bag.
United: Suitcase measuring 56x36x23 cm and handbag measuring less than 43 cm.
LATAM: Suitcase and personal bag (size varies by destination).
Wingo: Suitcase measuring 55x40x25 cm and personal bag measuring 35x25x20 cm.
Avianca: Suitcase of 55x35x25 cm and bag or briefcase of maximum 40x35x20 cm.
How to pack the ideal carry-on suitcase?
The key is to pack only the essentials and maximize space. Some foolproof tips for being a smart traveler are:

We hope these tips help you pack the perfect carry-on luggage and check off that item on your pre-trip list.
At Conecty, we know that planning a trip can be a tedious and exhausting task. However, there are solutions that can streamline the process and allow your international trip to be a unique experience.
Staying connected and in constant communication with loved ones provides the peace of mind, security, and confidence you seek during your international trip. That's why having a plan tailored to your needs, allowing access from over 190 countries with 4G and 5G internet networks, becomes the perfect solution.
Don't wait any longer to make your next destination a reality and let yourself be carried away by the magic of connected travel.
