• Know what you need before takeoff.airplane loading image by Sergey Mostovoy from Fotolia.com
  
  Understanding what you can and cannot bring on an airline flight and baggage size requirements is essential information before you head to the airport. Knowing what you're permitted to bring on board may prevent many problems (and maybe even a missed flight). It is therefore extremely important to visit the website of the airline you are using to ensure that all of your baggage meets the proper requirements. Iberia Airlines is the flag carrier airline of Spain that provides international flights and is based in Madrid.
  
  

Carry-On Baggage Allowance

• You can bring one carry-on piece of luggage and one small personal item as long as the luggage fits the airline's size requirements for carry-ons. A carry-on cannot exceed overall dimensions of 45 inches (length times width times height). The maximum weight of carry-on luggage is 22 pounds. All carry-ons must be stored in an overhead compartment.
  
  Acceptable personal items for carry-on include a small purse, backpack purse, laptop bag, briefcase, book bag, tote bag or similar piece that does not exceed 36 overall inches and can fit under your seat. Iberia Airlines baggage information also states that carry-on baggage might have more restrictions at some of their airports. Stowing capacity can be a reason for such restrictions.
  
  

Checked Baggage

• Carry-on roller board bags, large backpacks and duffle bags are all examples of potential carry-on items that will not fit into overhead compartments and must be checked at the gate. Checked bag allowance for economy travelers is two bags and three bags for business travelers. The maximum weight of such bags is 52 pounds and maximum size is 62 overall inches. Charges for checked baggage can apply for flights within the United States, flights to and from Puerto Rico from the U.S., to and from Canada from the U.S., from Mexico to the U.S. as well as additional flights. Exceptions can apply depending on when the ticket was purchased as well as travelers who purchase first-class tickets and active military travelers.
  
  

Restricted Items

• There are numerous items that are not allowed on flights or are allowed but must meet certain requirements. Alcoholic beverages that are over 70 percent by volume---140 proof---are prohibited. Alcoholic beverages that are under 24 percent by volume, such as most beer and wine products, are allowed in checked baggage although customs regulations by country "may limit the amount of alcohol you are allowed to transport" according to Iberia Airline information. Alcoholic beverages under 24 percent by volume in carry-on luggage are subject to TSA guidelines for alcoholic beverages. It is the same for alcohol 24-70 percent by volume that is in retail packaging however it is limited to five liters per passenger. Cutting instruments such as straight razors, ice picks and box cutters are allowed in checked baggage only. Firearms are only allowed in checked baggage however restrictions apply such as they must be declared to an agent at check-in. Household items like bleach, solvents, insecticides and drain cleaners, fireworks, flammable liquid/solids (paints, fuel, gas torches), self-inflating life jackets, pressure containers (spray cans, propane tanks) and defensive sprays like mace are all prohibited.