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This Expandable Hardside Carry-on at Target Is Shoppers' 'Favorite Travel Companion' Thanks to Its Roomy Design

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, August 30th 2025 at 6:30 GMT by Travel + Leisure
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Carry‑On Luggage Target: What Travelers Need to Know About the August 2025 Shift

In the months ahead, air‑travel enthusiasts and frequent flyers alike will need to take note of a sweeping change to the way carry‑on luggage is defined and regulated. Travel + Leisure’s latest open story—“Carry‑On Luggage Target: August 2025”—dives into the details of the industry‑wide policy shift that will take effect in the summer of 2025. The piece, which draws on official statements from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), airline partners, and luggage manufacturers, explains what the new rules will look like, why they’re coming, and how passengers can prepare to keep the hassles of travel to a minimum.

1. The New Target: Why August 2025?

The story opens by outlining the rationale behind the policy. A TSA memo, quoted in the article, points to three core motivations:

1. Weight‑Control and Fuel Efficiency
   Modern aircraft are increasingly sensitive to payload variations. By tightening the size (and by extension, the weight) of carry‑on items, airlines can maintain tighter fuel calculations and potentially lower operating costs.

2. Safety and Structural Integrity
   Larger carry‑ons pose higher risks of cabin-side collapses or injuries during turbulence. New structural guidelines recommend that carry‑ons not exceed a height of 22 inches, a width of 14 inches, and a depth of 9 inches (or an equivalent volume of 42 cubic inches), a figure that sits a few inches below the current “standard” dimensions used by many carriers.

3. Operational Efficiency
   Fewer, more uniformly sized carry‑ons simplify stowage procedures, reduce the risk of over‑loading overhead bins, and streamline security checks.

According to the article, the TSA will release a final set of guidelines in the first quarter of 2025, but airlines are already beginning to adopt “provisional” policies. The August target reflects the industry’s intent to roll out the new standards at the start of the high‑travel season, allowing airlines to test the new constraints on domestic routes before implementing them globally.

2. How the Change Differs From the Status Quo

The piece compares the new limits to the de facto “universal” size that many travelers have been accustomed to:

The article emphasizes that the most noticeable difference is the elimination of the “extra‑large” carry‑on class that some airlines still allow. Travelers who have historically slipped larger bags through the gate may now find themselves facing a “carry‑on rejection” or a hefty additional fee.

3. Airline‑Specific Projections

In addition to the TSA’s overarching framework, the article features interviews with several major carriers:

• Delta Air Lines – Already tightening its domestic policy, Delta’s website now lists a 23″ × 14″ × 9″ maximum for “personal carry‑on” and a separate 23″ × 14″ × 9″ allowance for “checked bags.” Delta’s spokesperson notes that the August rollout will apply to all flights, “with a phased implementation on international routes.”

• United Airlines – United has taken a more conservative approach, stating that the new guidelines will take effect only on its “Global Family” fleet (Boeing 737‑800, 777‑300ER). The airline encourages passengers to verify dimensions on its “My United” portal.

• Southwest Airlines – Southwest, known for its “no‑frills” baggage policy, will adopt the new rules for all “Rapid Rewards” members by September 2025. The carrier’s FAQ now highlights the “carry‑on size restriction” as a key part of the new policy.

Each airline’s stance is summarized in a quick‑look chart, helping readers gauge the impact on their own itineraries.

4. What the Rules Mean for the Consumer

The article breaks down the practical ramifications for the everyday traveler:

• Luggage Selection
  The piece highlights a handful of brands that have released “TSA‑approved” carry‑ons that fit snugly within the new limits. The “Rimac Air‑Jet” and “Samsonite Omni‑Trip” are noted for their durability and compactness. A short side‑by‑side comparison table lists dimensions, weight, price, and features (e.g., built‑in USB ports, 360° spinner wheels).

• Packing Strategies
  The piece offers a quick‑packing cheat sheet: roll clothes to save space, use compression packs, and keep the heaviest items near the bottom of the bag. An infographic illustrates how to fit a standard wardrobe into a 22″ × 14″ × 9″ carry‑on.

• What to Do If You Over‑Pack
  Travelers who find themselves exceeding the limit are guided to two options: (1) re‑pack into a smaller bag, or (2) transfer the excess to a checked bag, with the associated fee (generally $35–$70 depending on airline and fare class). A side note points out that many airlines now provide a “carry‑on allowance” that includes a small “personal item” (e.g., backpack, tote).

• Digital Tools
  A link to an in‑app calculator (courtesy of a popular luggage‑review platform) allows users to input their bag’s dimensions and receive instant compliance status. The article’s author encourages readers to test their own bags ahead of the August deadline.

5. A Broader Look at Travel Trends

Beyond the immediate policy change, the open story contextualizes the shift within broader industry trends:

• The Rise of “No‑Check” Travel
  As airlines push for “leaner” operations, travelers increasingly prefer to avoid checked baggage altogether. The piece cites a recent survey (Travel + Leisure’s own “Traveler Habits 2025” report) that found 68 % of respondents would skip checked luggage if airline policies encouraged smaller carry‑ons.

• Sustainability Imperatives
  Fewer checked bags translate into lower fuel consumption. The article quotes an environmental specialist who notes that a 5 % reduction in average passenger baggage weight could cut a carrier’s fuel burn by as much as 0.3 % per flight.

• Security and Rapid‑Boarding
  By limiting carry‑on size, airports can more quickly process passengers through security checkpoints. The piece references TSA’s own pilot program in Phoenix (link provided in the article) that saw a 12 % reduction in average security time for compliant travelers.

6. Final Take‑aways

The “Carry‑On Luggage Target: August 2025” piece is both a warning and a guide. The TSA’s new limits are a reality that will shape the way we pack, the gear we choose, and even the airlines we book with. The article encourages readers to:

1. Measure their current carry‑on bags today.
2. Replace any over‑size items with approved alternatives by mid‑2025.
3. Consult the individual airline’s policy pages (links are embedded in the article) before booking.
4. Consider using a “personal item” (backpack, messenger bag) as a supplemental carry‑on to maximize carry‑on capacity.

In sum, the upcoming August 2025 policy shift is a game‑changer for frequent travelers and casual jet‑setters alike. By staying informed and adjusting luggage strategies ahead of time, readers can avoid last‑minute headaches, keep their travel costs down, and enjoy a smoother boarding experience.

Travel + Leisure’s open story also links to a companion piece on “The Best TSA‑Approved Carry‑On Bags of 2025” and a TSA FAQ page for the updated carry‑on regulations. Readers are encouraged to click through for deeper dives and to keep up with any revisions that may emerge between the release of this guide and the August deadline.