Each airline determines its own weight and size limits for luggage and these can change at any time. The most current information regarding weight and size limits can be found on the official airline websites.

The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) enforces strict rules governing security and luggage at the nation’s airports. TSA federal agents screen all passengers and luggage. These rules are strictly enforced and will require you to be at the airport 3 hours before departure. For more information, visit www.tsa.gov.

Checked Luggage

• ISE participants are allowed one checked bag; please attach the ISE luggage tag before arriving at the airport. Place a note with your name, home phone number and final destination inside your bag which may help in recovering your bag if the luggage tag is lost.
• Suitcases may be no larger than 62” linear (linear size is the sum of the height, width and length). Weight limits for international flights range from 44 lbs - 50 lbs per checked piece of luggage (see airline website for details). Excessive weight or size may result in additional fees which must be paid at check-in.
• If the suitcase has a non-TSA lock, it must be unlocked when you check-in. The bag may be screened again during transit so your suitcase should remain unlocked until arrival in the foreign country unless using a TSA-approved lock. Do not pack anything valuable or irreplaceable in your checked luggage.
• Cameras and film should NOT be packed in checked luggage. The new x-ray security machines for checked luggage can harm film and cameras; these items should be packed in the carry-on. Digital cameras should not be packed in the checked luggage but rather in the carry-on.

Carry-on Luggage

• Label the inside of your carry-on with your name / contact information before you arrive at the airport.
• You are allowed ONE carry-on and it MUST fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin. A backpack is a better choice than a rolling carry-on because your hands will be free to handle your luggage; a backpack can also be used every day while traveling. (Size: 44”-46” linear; weight limit ranges 22-26 lbs; see airline website for more details). If your carry-on luggage exceeds the size limit you may be asked to send the bag as checked luggage.
• The TSA has a rule for packing liquids in your carry-on called “3-1-1”: 3 oz. bottles or smaller; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger (www.tsa.gov). Larger quantities of liquids should be packed in your checked luggage. Please visit the TSA web-site for more details.
• Your carry-on luggage will be screened by an x-ray machine. This will NOT harm your camera or film (including digital cameras), lap-top or iPod.
• Do NOT pack the following items in your carry-on: lighters; knives of any length or description; cutting instruments of any kind, including nail files, corkscrews, letter openers.
• Additional screening of carry-on luggage may take place in the gate area prior to boarding. Such screening is usually at random. If you are subject to this additional search, cooperate fully and follow instructions.
• If you must travel with needles for any medical reason (i.e. diabetes), please carry medical documentation of your condition with your travel documents and wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace. Please declare these items to a TSA official at the security checkpoint; official documentation will expedite this process.