As more travelers ditch checked luggage in favor of carry-ons, one flight attendant has sparked a discussion about the best—and worst—carry-on bags to use. The shift toward carry-ons has been driven by rising baggage fees and frequent mishandling of checked luggage, an issue exacerbated by staffing challenges since the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a study, only 19% of flyers used carry-ons exclusively in 2013, but by 2022, that figure jumped to 41%.
In a TikTok video with over 402,000 views, flight attendant Karina (@karinameetsworld) shared her frustrations with certain types of carry-on bags that travelers should avoid.
Bags to Avoid
Karina highlighted three major issues with carry-on luggage:
- Oversized Bags:
Karina criticized Béis luggage for being too large to fit airline requirements. For example, the Béis carry-on measures 22.8″ H x 15.7″ W x 9.8″ D, which exceeds United Airlines’ maximum carry-on size of 22″ H x 14″ W x 9″ D. - Expanded Bags:
Many travelers expand their bags to the point they no longer meet size requirements. These oversized carry-ons can cause problems, especially if they make it past gate attendants and create overhead bin space issues. - Awkwardly Shaped Bags:
Karina also advised against carry-ons with bulky or irregular shapes, as they take up unnecessary space and make it harder for other passengers to store their items.
Recommended Alternatives
In a follow-up video, Karina emphasized the importance of choosing luggage that fits airline size requirements. While she praised brands like Away and Monos, she clarified that the brand doesn’t matter as long as the bag fits in the sizer. She also noted that newer planes with larger overhead bins may be more accommodating but advised against pushing the limits to ensure fair space for all travelers.
Traveler Reactions
Commenters shared their thoughts and experiences:
- “Maybe if airlines didn’t lose my checked luggage, I wouldn’t need to bring my stuffed-to-the-brim Béis and mini weekender with me!”
- “I bought Away luggage seven years ago, and it’s still one of the best investments I’ve made because I never check bags.”
- “I started using travel backpacks—it’s less stressful dealing with overhead space since backpacks can squeeze into tighter areas.”
The takeaway? When selecting a carry-on, prioritize functionality and compliance with airline size guidelines. Doing so ensures a smoother travel experience for everyone on board.
