carry-on
KARR-ee-on
/ˈkær.i.ɒn/
A small bag that a passenger is allowed to bring into the cabin of an airplane.
Can function as a noun ('my carry-on') or an adjective ('carry-on luggage'). Implies strict size limitations set by airlines.
The story behind the word. Derived directly from the instructions to 'carry on' your bag with you into the aircraft cabin rather than checking it at the ticket counter.
Word relationships
- hand luggage: Hand luggage is the preferred British term, whereas carry-on is standard American usage.
- cabin baggage: Cabin baggage is official airline terminology.
- checked baggage: Baggage stowed in the aircraft cargo hold rather than carried into the passenger cabin.
Commonly confused with
- carry on: 'Carry on' without a hyphen is a verb meaning to continue or behave excitedly.
Collocations
- carry-on bag
- carry-on luggage
- carry-on size
- fit in carry-on
Example sentences
- "Passengers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item free of charge." Airline Policy
- "Please place your carry-on in the plastic bin for X-ray screening." Airport Security
- "Traveling with only a carry-on saves you time at the baggage claim carousel." Travel Blog
Memory hook
The bag you CARRY ONTO the plane yourself. Carry it on board.
When not to use
Do not confuse with the phrasal verb 'carry on' (which means to continue). Hyphenate when used as a noun or pre-noun adjective.
Fun facts
- Carry-on baggage limits became standardized globally only after commercial jet travel expanded in the 1960s.
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