These days, airline travel is more complicated than ever. There are new size restrictions, new security requirements, and new rules about what may or may not be allowed in your carry on luggage. Although these rules can often seem like a pain, the restrictions and regulations are in place to protect travelers.

Be Aware of the Rules

At times it seems that the rules change nearly every week. It's easy to be confused about the new carry on luggage rules. However, showing up at the airport with no clue about the rules is no excuse not to follow them. The best way to avoid any troubles with your luggage at the airport is to be informed of the carry on luggage rules well in advance of your trip.

A good way to educate yourself about the latest carry on luggage rules is to go to the website of the particular airport that you will be flying out of. Although all American airports share the same overarching set of rules, some tend to interpret the carry on luggage rules differently.

International rules for your cabin luggage can be even more difficult to sort out. Security is generally much more stringent overseas and you will be subject to the regulations in place at your port of arrival. And when you come back home from a foreign country, you will once again need to be aware of the procedures in place at your airport of departure.

Some carry on luggage rules are more like a request than a rule. For example, airlines request that you bring the smallest piece of carry on luggage that is necessary, but you are allowed to have a carry on piece up to the largest allowable size.

Similarly, the Transportation Security Administration suggests that you should pack any electronic items in your checked luggage, but you are still permitted to take them in your carry on luggage if you choose.

Avoid the Headache

Every one of us has been in the queue at the airport with a passenger in front of us who simply refuses to conform to carry on luggage rules and tries to take a bigger bag onto the aircraft with him. It's so embarrassing and not only that it holds everyone else up. These members of staff are only doing their jobs and causing a furor will not make them turn a blind eye. You can avoid being this person by making yourself aware of the rules associated with carry on luggage prior to your arrival at the airport.

Your trip will be faster, smoother and safer if you just take the time to check the current restrictions on your carry on luggage.