Update: What you can and cannot hand-carry on a plane
 

According to this morning's NY Times, the FAA has issued a new set of regulations for hand-carried items. <BR>You can now carry only one personal item (i.e., pocketbook or briefcase) and one carry-on bag. <BR>As for individual items, the Times says the following are not permitted: bocx cutters, baseball bats, pool cues, hockey sticks, golf clubs, ski poles, ice picks, corkscrews, straight razors, metal scissors and metal nail files. <BR>The following are permitted: nail clippers, tweezers, eyelash curlers, safety razors including disposable razors. Syringes "with documented proof of medical need" and walking canes and umbrellas, after inspection, also wlll be allowed.

Haven't we always been able to take on board ONE carryon AND a briefcase/purse?

In the past, you've been able to carry on two pieces, plus a pocketbook or briefcase....or, the one and one rule wasn't enforced!

Actually before you could take on TWO carry ons in additioin to your purse or whatever. Also, I have had experience taking golf clubs on board the plane with me. Some airlines made you check them others did not. I'm not talking about my whole set of golf clubs, but for instance I was traveling with a brand new $700 putter which I had bought for my husband for his birthday (got it from a friend who is a golf pro for half price) I had it wrapped in wrapping paper with a bow on it and wanted to put it in the overhead compartment. Delta airlines wasn't going to let me do it until I pitched a fit as obviousvly throwing into the belly of the plane might have bent it as it wasn't boxed or at least messed up the wrapping paper. Finally, the flight attendant had to carry it on for me and put it up front where they put wheelchairs and strollers by the door. I guess I can forget ever being able to do anything like that again!

Hopefully, this will speed boarding times. Nothing more aggravating than someone with too many, oversized bags trying to stuff them into the overhead.

The airlines have always had the one piece of carry on rule for coach and two for first class. They're now just having to enforce it. But obviously for some people posting above, if you scream and throw and fit like a toddler loud enough, you too can get your way!

I am the previous poster who supposedly thre a fit and yes I was angry in the case of the golf club. I do not make a habit of throwing fits this was a one tiem special circumstance. I have never tried to get more carry ons on board than allowed, the golf club issue was separate and that time I think I had ZERO carry ons other than the club! As for the carry on rules, Oliver is incorrect, you are guaranteed to be able to carry at leasst one piece on however two were allowed up ntil the point the compartments were full. There was no rule that said two was a no-no. In fact you are supposed to be able to put one in the overhead and one under your seat regardless of the fact that you are in coach. It is the selfish people who try to cram two carry ons in the overhead that make it bad for the rest of us!

Yes, Oliver is wrong. US airlines have, until now, allowed 2 carry-ons.

On most US airlines in coach it used to be one carry-on for international flights and two for domestic (space allowing.)

Hate to keep arguing, but mjs is wrong too. I've flown numerous times on Delta and 2 carry-ons were explicitly allowed for domestic and international. The only time I was limited to one was on European carriers (Sabena, Air France, British Air, etc.).

xxx, gotta agree with you . We flew USAir, both domestic and international last summer, and their rule was 3 pieces total, either carry-on two and check one, or vice-versa, for all flights, including our international economy flight.

Currently the FAA is discussing the possibility of allowing NO carry-ons on airplanes. If this happens, ONLY purses (and like-sized items for men) would be allowed on all domestic airlines. Until this happens, however, it is up to the individual airlines to decide how many carry-ons they will allow. When flying, you need to call your air carrier to find out exactly what they will allow as far as carry-ons. <BR> <BR>As to what is currently allowed in these carry-ons, different airports are allowing different items. Your best bet is to not include ANYTHING you think might be questionable. Many of the items being rejected(other than the obvious such as knives,scissors, etc.) include: safety razors (of ALL kinds--even disposable) aerosol cans of all types (can be used as detinators in microwaves) lighters, matches and anyhting else that could possibly be construed as a weapon. <BR> <BR>Please keep in mind that not all airports are restricting these items but many are: use common sense when packing your carry-on. <BR> <BR>Telly <BR>Travel Supervisor <BR>Bondian Travel Corp.

Dear Telly, I suggest you read carefully the FAA web site at www.faa.gov before giving advice to any clients.

Dear B, <BR> <BR>I have read the FAA web site on a daily basis. I have also flown both domestically and internationally six times in the last three weeks. <BR> <BR>Unfortunately, the info we're being given often contradicts what is actually occuring at the airports. I stand by my statements. <BR> <BR>Telly

At the risk of sounding silly in times such as these, I wonder if anyone has had any experience with needlepoint needles in carryons? They are not sharp and are only about 1 1/2 inches long, but I don't know if I will be able to take one with me or not. Rather than reading, I prefer to stitch while flying. Am willing to give this up, but wonder if anyone knows. THanks.

Kam, call your specific airline and ask about this. I am a knitter and just called Hawaiian to ask about bringing my knitting on a flight. They said no knitting needles-not even circular bamboo ones with short needles. Also, no small needle work scissors. Guess I'll have to take up tatting.

Hey, how about a collapsible cane? I keep it in my carryon backpack, cause I need it when walking long distances. You think its allowed?