Coping With the Airlines' Crackdown on Carry-On Bags Since 1997, U.S. airlines have been putting greater limits on the number and size of bags they'll allow you to carry on board. But there are good reasons to avoid checking luggage. According to the Department of Transportation, U.S. airlines are mishandling more bags than they did before the crackdown began. What's more, airlines deny any liability whatsoever for valuables such as cameras.
Safety is compromised when heavy carry-ons fall out of the overhead bins, they say.
Airlines say that flights are delayed by passengers searching for storage space and having to check oversize bags. Until then, I'll pack lightly and carry as much as I can on board. Fly airlines that have more lenient policies. Carry serious-looking bags. Airlines love business travelers and treat them more leniently than vacationers.