What is the maximum height for carry-on luggage?

Do I need a luggage tag on my suitcase? Special lock? Whats best size for carryon?

• I have never flown and need to know a few things: Some luggage with wheels advertise as "carry on" size - are they ok to use? About how much can I expect to pay for luggage? I'm really nervous. Advice needed for domestic flight in U.S.

• Answer:

  Don't be nervous. Flying is fun, despite everyone complaining about security measures and airlines nickel-and-diming their passengers. Let's address your questions in order: 1) Yes, you do need a luggage tag. That is to assure in the unlikely event your luggage gets delayed, the airline's luggage people can easily get hold of you. Some people say that for your safety, you should only put your name and phone number on the luggage tag, but I always include my address. It has paid off: when one of my bags was delayed, the courier service easily found my house in the boonies and delivered the bag for me. 2) No, it is best not to lock your luggage at all. If you think you will carry something extremely valuable, pack it in your carry-on bag. The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) may need to look inside your luggage. If it is locked, they will snip off the lock, including some locks advertised as "TSA-friendly." 3) Check with your airline to see what is the the maximum permitted size of a carry-on. Chances are, if it's so big it needs wheels, it is too big to carry into the passenger cabin. Besides, you don't want to be a rude "bin hog" and take up so much space that fellow passengers in your row can't fit their carry-ons in the bin along with yours. 4) Decent luggage is not cheap. You can find cheap luggage at discount stores, but honestly, it will split open or the latch will pop off at the most inopportune moment. A buddy once brought a huge, cheap suitcase to London when we went. We spent more time waiting while he picked his undies up off the street whenever the dang thing popped open. Spend a little bit more now on a decent bag and you won't be replacing it in a year. You can use it whenever you travel, not just by plane. I personally prefer the "conversion backpack," which runs about $100-140, depending on the brand and size. Some come with wheels. They have hidden straps that you remove from a zipped compartment on the back. Sometimes carrying your luggage on your back is more convenient than carrying it by the handle or rolling it on its wheels (such as if you are carrying it over an uneven surface, like a dirt path, a cobblestoned street, etc.). Also, pay a visit to www.tsa.gov to learn more about what you can pack and what you can't take on board the aircraft with you. Have a great flight!