Carry on bags

Airlines have several tiers of ticketing and you may have notices pricing for “basic economy”. This is a base fare for a traveler that is only concerned with getting from point A to point B without any extras. One of these extras is the use of the overhead storage bin. Basic Economy passengers are not allowed to use the overhead bin unless a payment has been made PRIOR to boarding. Bag fees are typically $30, but if you fail to pay prior to boarding, the airline may charge a gate check fee (typically also $30) in addition to the bag fee. This could result in a $60 charge for the convenience of having your bag in cabin.
If your travel plans include a flight, find the appropriate sized bags that are acceptable to airlines. A safe bet is to purchase bags that are approved for the strictest airline, to ensure your bag will be accepted on all airlines. Airlines typically do not publish their under-seat dimensions; however, the consensus is a safe size is 16 inches x 12 inches x 6 inches.
Some airlines have recently modified their allowable overhead compartment sizes. For most carriers, the maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches, including handles and wheels. Some may allow for larger, however, your safest bet is to purchase a bag at the smallest allowed size, so you can conveniently travel on any airline.
If you are considering ignoring these recommendations, read this prior to doing so. Airline staff are the gatekeepers of who can board a flight, and some can hold the line quite firmly. I witnessed a gate agent using a tape measure as passengers boarded and turned away several passengers carry-on bags requiring a gate check. The aggravation can be avoided with advanced planning, so keep this in mind as you prepare for your next journey.