Federal limits apply to your carry-on bag when you fly. You’re allowed to pack a standard-sized carry-on bag that fits in your seat. However, airlines have their own restrictions on the bags you can bring with you. While some of these rules might seem strange when you first hear them, it’s important to understand them. Otherwise, you might get caught by the airline and face hefty fines. Let’s take a look at how the rules apply, and how you can follow them so you can fly with your carry-on bag.
can I use my federal limits apply id to fly?
The Federal Limits Apply ID Card is a form of identification that allows you to travel with a carry-on bag. However, the rules on how many bags you can bring on the plane are different from state to state.
What Is A Federal Limits Apply ID?
- Federal law limits the size of your carry-on bag to 15 pounds (9 kg).
- Since federal law is on your side, you don’t need a special airline permit to fly with a carry-on bag. However, if you’re flying on an international flight, you might need to check in with the airline ahead of time.
- If you’re flying internationally, you must use a Federal Limits Apply ID to check in your bag. The ID is a laminated card that has your name, address, and phone number on it. You can also include the numbers of passengers traveling with you on the ID card.
- If you don’t have a Federal Limits Apply ID, ask for one at the gate or at check-in before boarding the plane. The airline will provide it for free if needed; otherwise, it will cost $25 USD (or some other amount depending on where you fly).
- To carry on your carry-on bag, you can’t exceed the maximum allowable weight (in pounds or kilograms depending on which country you are flying in). The most common weight limit is 50 pounds (23 kg) for carry-on bags.
- If you pack a bag that exceeds the weight limit, the airline will send it back to you at no additional cost if it’s in good condition. Otherwise, they charge you a fee of $125 USD per pound over the limit. For example, if your bag weighs 36 pounds (16 kg) and the airline charges $125 USD for excess baggage, they will charge you $625 USD for your bag.
- You can also request excess baggage to be sent back to you at no additional cost. However, it might take a few weeks before your bag gets back to you. The airline will not charge you for the return of your bag.
- If your bag exceeds the maximum weight limit and you do not request it to be sent back to you, the airline will charge you a fee of $150 USD per pound (or $450 USD per kilogram) over the weight limit. For example, if your bag weighs 50 pounds (23 kg), they will charge you $1500 USD for excess baggage.
- If your bag gets too heavy, put items in checked baggage or buy a new carry-on bag that’s smaller than 15 pounds (9 kg).
- The maximum allowable size for carry-on bags is 70 linear inches (21 x 16 inches) and 22 cubic inches (5 x 7 liters).
How To Get A Federal Limits Apply ID
Get a Carry-On Bag
It’s important to get a carry-on bag that meets the federal limits. If you don’t, your carry-on bag won’t meet the requirements and you can’t fly with it.
Check Your Bag
Before you go to the airport, check your bag! You should do this even if your suitcase is already packed. Check it before picking up your luggage at the airline counter. This way, you know that everything in there is legal to take on a plane. It’s also a good idea to double-check that everything is still there when you arrive at the airport, just in case there are any problems during travel.
Don’t Overpack Your Carry-On B
Remember that airlines have rules about how much weight can fit in each of their seats and bags so make sure that your carry-on bag doesn’t exceed these rules or exceed federal limits.
Don’t Pack Liquids in Your Carry-On Bag
If you have liquid items, like shampoo or lotion, put them in your checked bag. Airlines check these bags at the airport, and if they find any liquids that are not allowed, they can find you.
Which Airlines Require A Federal Limits Apply ID
American Airlines
American Airlines requires that you show a photo ID with your name and date of birth to fly. The ID can be a driver’s license, passport, military ID, or student ID. You need to show the photo ID at check-in and again before you board the plane. If you don’t have an American Airlines ID card, you can still fly with federal limits apply ID as long as it has your name and date of birth on it.
Delta Air Lines
Delta requires that you show a photo ID with your name and date of birth to fly. The ID can be a driver’s license, passport or military ID, or student ID. You need to show the photo ID at check-in and again before boarding the plane. If you don’t have a Delta Air Lines ID card, you can still fly with federal limits and apply for identification as long as it has your name and date of birth on it.
JetBlue
JetBlue requires that you show a photo ID with your name and date of birth to fly. The ID can be a driver’s license, passport, military ID, or student ID. You need to show the photo ID at check-in and again before boarding the plane. If you don’t have a JetBlueID card, you can still fly with federal limits and apply for identification as long as it has your name and date of birth on it.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines requires that you show a photo ID with your name and date of birth to fly. The ID can be a driver’s license, passport or military ID, or student ID. You need to show the photo ID at check-in and again before boarding the plane. If you don’t have a Southwest AirlinesID card, you can still fly with federal limits and apply for identification as long as it has your name and date of birth on it.
United Airlines
United requires that you show a photo ID with your name and date of birth to fly. The ID can be a driver’s license, passport or military ID, or student ID. You need to show the photo ID at check-in and again before boarding the plane. If you don’t have a United AirlinesID card, you can still fly with federal limits and apply for identification as long as it has your name and date of birth on it.
Conclusion
As you can see, the rules for flying with a carry-on bag are a bit different than those for checked bags. If you’re looking to take your laptop on a flight or if you want to bring a certain type of bag, it’s best to read up on the rules beforehand. That way, you’ll know if you can bring it on your trip as long as it fits within the size and weight restrictions. But you should also keep in mind that some airlines have their own rules that might be stricter than those set by the TSA.