With tighter security and longer, slower airport screening lines, air travelers are always looking for ways to save time. One way to get in and out of the airport faster is to bypass the baggage check-in process and use a single carry-on bag. If you can comply with the 3 ounce limit for all your toiletries and can get creative with mixing and matching your outfits, then flying with just carry on luggage is a great way to go.

Don't expect to waltz through security with a 26" luggage set or a full size rolling duffel bag. The major airlines all have a carry-on size limit. The common rule for carry on luggage size is the length of the bag plus width plus height can't equal more than 45 inches. Most bags advertised as "carry-on" will fall within the 45" limit of combined dimensions, but surprisingly several of the highest rated and most popular luggage brands had carry-on bags that actually exceeded the 45 inch rule for carry on luggage.

How you pack your carry on bag will also be a factor in measuring the size of the bag. The dimensions of most luggage is stated as measured along the edges. If you over-stuff a bag and it is bulging to almost twice the accepted limit, you will probably have to end up checking that bag. While there is some personal judgement used by airport screeners when determining which bags will be allowed as carry-ons, a simple rule of thumb is if it will fit through the x-ray screening machine, then it can be carried on.

Backpacks are a good choice to use as a carry on bag. Backpacks leave your hands free to carry your ID and boarding pass, hold your child's hand, or carry food and drink. Most backpacks will fit easily in the overhead compartments in the cabin of an aircraft, and some will even slide under the seat in front of yours.

Whether you choose a backpack or a standard sized bag for your carry on luggage, you should consider bags with wheels. The size of some airports make rolling luggage a necessity. Having a backpack with wheels or nice wheeled carry on luggage makes a lot of sense when you have to walk what seems like miles to your gate. Using kids backpacks or kids luggage with wheels lets children carry their own bags and helps keep your load a little lighter when traveling with children.

Don't forget about the weight of the carry on bag. The weight of similar looking bags can vary drastically. Some of the best made, best quality bags actually weigh less than cheap luggage. Especially concerning carry on bags, you want to keep your luggage as light as possible. Hauling heavy overstuffed luggage through an airport will wear you out fast.

A good way to save money on luggage is to look for new or used luggage in a set. Discount luggage sets will often include a garment bag and a carry on bag. Sometimes all the pieces in the set of luggage will have wheels. A full set of wheeled luggage with a rolling garment bag, a backpack and a rolling carry on bag is a great way to get the best price on luggage.

If you decide to try travelling with only carry-on luggage, pack light and look for a good quality rolling carry-on bag. It just might save you money on luggage and time at the airport.

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