Airlines across the U.S. are cracking down on carry-on restrictions, creating new hurdles for families flying with kids. Most major carriers are now uniformly enforcing the standard carry-on size limit of 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches deep — including wheels and handles — with Southwest Airlines being a notable exception, allowing slightly larger bags at 24-16-10 inches.
Gate agents are increasingly counting bags and scrutinizing dimensions, with many airlines installing bag sizers at check-in and security areas to ensure compliance. For parents juggling diaper bags, entertainment backpacks, and necessary child gear, understanding which rules are strictly enforced and which are still in testing phases has become essential to avoid unexpected fees or gate-check inconveniences that can quickly derail carefully planned family travel arrangements.
Current Carry-On Enforcement Realities
The enforcement of carry-on baggage rules has evolved from inconsistent to systematic across most major carriers. According to Fox17, Basic Economy tickets are subject to particularly strict scrutiny. Carriers like Air Canada require passengers to check larger carry-on items before security or face higher fees at the gate ($65 instead of $35 if checked pre-security). These rules come directly from airlines, not the TSA, and exceeding the dimensions could mean extra fees and frustrations for traveling families.
While airlines are becoming stricter about bag counts and dimensions, other potential restrictions remain in various stages of implementation. Weight limits for carry-on bags exist, but are inconsistently enforced across different airports and airlines. Similarly, automated sizing gates that electronically measure bags are currently limited to select airports as part of ongoing pilot programs, rather than being standard across all terminals. The expanded liquid allowances through CT scanners are also limited to major airports with the necessary technology, including Atlanta (ATL), New York (JFK), and Los Angeles (LAX), while most other U.S. airports continue to enforce the standard 3-1-1 rule.
Family-Specific Exemptions And Opportunities
Families traveling with children benefit from several exceptions to standard carry-on and security restrictions. Formula, breast milk, baby food, juice, and water for infants remain exempt from the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquid rule. This exemption allows parents to bring these necessities in quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces without requiring them to fit in the standard quart-sized bag. These items should be removed from carry-on bags and presented separately during screening.
The TSA recently launched the “Families on the Fly” campaign, which introduces dedicated family security lanes at select airports nationwide, designed specifically for families traveling with children 12 years of age and under. These dedicated lanes currently operate at 13 airports, including Orlando International Airport (MCO), Charlotte-Douglas International (CLT), and Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), with plans to expand to additional locations in the coming months. The program aims to minimize stress for families while maintaining high security standards, with specially trained TSA officers available to assist with navigating checkpoints, handling belongings, and addressing the specific needs of children.
Strategic Packing Approaches For Parents
When preparing for family air travel under the current enforcement landscape, strategic packing becomes essential for parents. Consider distributing essential items across family members’ baggage allowances, as children typically receive the same carry-on and personal item allowances as adults on most airlines. For items needed during the flight, such as diapers, wipes, snacks, and entertainment, pack these in personal items that fit under seats rather than in overhead-bin carry-ons that may be gate-checked if flights are full.
While Basic Economy tickets often restrict carry-on bags, children’s diaper bags typically qualify as personal items exempt from these limitations, though specific policies vary by airline. For families traveling with infants or toddlers, remember that essential child equipment, such as strollers and car seats, can be gate-checked for free on most airlines, even on Basic Economy fares, providing additional flexibility.
When packing electronic devices for entertainment, be aware that lithium power banks must remain in carry-on bags rather than checked luggage — a rule being enforced more consistently as of March 2025. For families relying on multiple electronic devices to keep children entertained during flights, having these power sources readily available can be critical, especially during delays or long flights.
