airline carry-on sizing reduced?

[sillecruisers]

Just wondering if anyone had recent experience with this- I recently read an article stating that airlines are tightening up carry-on sizing guidelines. Basically, the bag has to meet the requirement including wheels and handles. So even if the bag states on the label that it is 22", that is referring to the capacity, whereas the airline's 22" is referring to the outer dimensions. I just don't want to get hit with checking 5 bags that we weren't intending to check.

Our carry-on bags don't have inset wheels. I'll reference the article if I can find it.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/trave...10/carry-on-luggage-bag-size-limits/10246511/

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

Different airlines- different rules.

 

[sillecruisers]

Different airlines- different rules.

Yes. Delta. I'm afraid we'll just have to see what they say.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

Yes. Delta. I'm afraid we'll just have to see what they say.

Something that some airlines are doing reducing the size but others do not, worth considering when booking.

 

[sillecruisers]

Something that some airlines are doing reducing the size but others do not, worth considering when booking.

Unfortunately we booked months ago and are leaving in a few days, just discovered that Delta has the new restrictions. Southwest has free bag check but fares were much higher.

 

[MunFam]

I fell victim to this on American Airlines. They had the checker box thing at the gate (AA) and everyone was putting their bags in. If it did not fit, not only were you gate checking it, you were paying for it! They did this in San Diego, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Washington DC within the last year. I saw them do it at each of these airports. We stopped by the airport in advance and checked our new bags at Delta prior to a flight to Miami (after buying new stuff from the AA debacle) and they all fit, but their new guidelines include wheels and handles. They were also checking sizes at the gate in San Diego and Atlanta.

 

[MunFam]

Also, my Samsonite 19" upright spinner DID NOT fit in the Delta carry on compartment checker thing. I was glad I checked in advance. We ended up traveling with Our 21" rollaboards and then these nifty little guys that slide right under the seat! They were awesome and held almost as much as the 21" rollaboards.

We got them at Costco:
http://www.amazon.com/CIAO-Wheeled-Under-Seat-Bag/dp/B002VN7KZW/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

 

[bumbershoot]

So even if the bag states on the label that it is 22", that is referring to the capacity, whereas the airline's 22" is referring to the outer dimensions.

Well that's always been true.

 

[squirk]

Yes, some airlines are much more lenient with those dimensions than others. It also can depend on how full your flight is. If it's full and they are hurting for overhead space, yeah, you might have to gate-check if they can't close the bin due to your carry-on being too long. If the plane isn't full and there is ample room for you to stow your bag sideways instead of wheels-first, then they will likely cut you a break.

Like MunFam said - if your luggage is on that "hairy edge" in terms of dimensions, you might want to run by the airport if possible and verify if your bags will be allowed as carry-ons or not. Most airports have that size-checker "cage" at the ticket counters nowadays. Or if there are no lines, you can just go right up to the counter and ask a ticket agent to verify.

 

[genki3]

Different airlines- different rules.

I'd like to also add...Different check-in agents - different rules.

We brought 4 carry-ons and 1 big luggage to check in for our recent Air Canada flt, thinking I'd save money on checked luggage if we put more things in carry-ons. Turned out all our "carry-ons' sans 1 were deemed too big to be carried on. Luckily for our 1st flt, the nice agent lady checked the carry-ons but did not charge me for it. On the return travel, a different agent for the same airline wasn't as generous and I ended up having to pay $100.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

I'd like to also add...Different check-in agents - different rules.

We brought 4 carry-ons and 1 big luggage to check in for our recent Air Canada flt, thinking I'd save money on checked luggage if we put more things in carry-ons. Turned out all our "carry-ons' sans 1 were deemed too big to be carried on. Luckily for our 1st flt, the nice agent lady checked the carry-ons but did not charge me for it. On the return travel, a different agent for the same airline wasn't as generous and I ended up having to pay $100.

Agree.

I read a blog the check in was bribed by DCL chocolate from pillows etc.

 

[OKW Lover]

Yes. Delta. I'm afraid we'll just have to see what they say.

At the gate, Delta will most likely offer to check an oversize bag to its final destination at no cost.

 

[BadPinkTink]

I fell victim to this on American Airlines. They had the checker box thing at the gate (AA) and everyone was putting their bags in. If it did not fit, not only were you gate checking it, you were paying for it! They did this in San Diego, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Washington DC within the last year. I saw them do it at each of these airports. We stopped by the airport in advance and checked our new bags at Delta prior to a flight to Miami (after buying new stuff from the AA debacle) and they all fit, but their new guidelines include wheels and handles. They were also checking sizes at the gate in San Diego and Atlanta.

This is what European airlines do, some like RyanAir and EasyJet are VERY strict about cabin bag size. They have that checker box thing at the boarding gate and RyanAir will also station cabin crew after the boarding gate on the gangway specifically to visually check every bag. They can pull you aside and get you to put your bag in the size checker and if it does not fit you have to gate check it AND they charge you €50!

Also some of the regional / domestic Aer Lingus flights are on 30 seater propeller planes so their carry on bag sizes are smaller than the regular flights.

In some department stores and luggage stores actually specify on the bags that they sell that they are the required size for RyanAir, so people can make sure what they are buying is the correct size for the airlines.

 

[Lorilais_mommie]

Also, my Samsonite 19" upright spinner DID NOT fit in the Delta carry on compartment checker thing. I was glad I checked in advance. We ended up traveling with Our 21" rollaboards and then these nifty little guys that slide right under the seat! They were awesome and held almost as much as the 21" rollaboards.

We got them at Costco:
http://www.amazon.com/CIAO-Wheeled-Under-Seat-Bag/dp/B002VN7KZW/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

We also bought this bag! Wish I had bought another!
Since it fits under the seat and we use it as a laptop bag, most of the airlines count it as the smaller carry on.

As for my story with delta.
We were checkin other bags and the agent wanted me to put one of my bags in the box thingy..
I'm normally fine with doing it. But the thing was more than 50 ft. And I'm standing there with all our other carry ons suitcase and 2 small children!
I told the lady it fits believe me I've flown many times with it and even offered to get out my pocket tape measure..
She said I would have to put it in there's or check it, so I carried it over.. Having to Leave my two children and bags to do so.
She YELLED " make sure you don't force it it must slide in a out freely!"

Well it went in nicely however upon pulling it out a wheel grabbed the edge of the box thing and I dropped it.. Wheels down right on the top of my foot..

In pain with my children now running around.. One barly being hit by someone pushing a luggage cart. I came back and told the lady how rude she had been.. To no offer me any kind of help or to at least have taken it over there herself.

She handed me my tickets and said that was not her job! And that if I didn't want to do it, I could have always paid to check it...

We will not be flying with delta again unless we have to!

 

[Plaid Princess]

I recently read an article stating that airlines are tightening up carry-on sizing guidelines. Basically, the bag has to meet the requirement including wheels and handles.

That's always been the rule, unless the handles and wheels are detachable, they are part of the suitcase and take up space in the bin. Airlines are bound by the FAA regarding approved size cabin luggage. Delta has their rules listed here; all airlines have their baggage restrictions posted on their websites. No guessing required.

 

[Anonny]

I just checked several airlines and the measurements are 22x14x9.
I just measured the bag I've carried on many times and it is 22x16x11. Have I "getting away with" a bag that was a little too big? Or was it okay before and now it is not?

Will I need to go shopping for a new bag?

 

[Plaid Princess]

I just checked several airlines and the measurements are 22x14x9.
I just measured the bag I've carried on many times and it is 22x16x11. Have I "getting away with" a bag that was a little too big? Or was it okay before and now it is not?

Will I need to go shopping for a new bag?

You've likely been "getting away with it", as your bag isn't too long for the bin to close on the aircraft. That's the primary concern when sizing luggage, to make sure that people aren't going to have to turn their bag wide and take up 2 spots in the bin. As to whether or not you need a new bag, that would really depend on if the gate agent noticed the size difference in your bag (agents only have a few seconds to evaluate each bag as the board, odds are likely, they wouldn't notice such a small difference). At that point, they would just check our bag in for you at the gate if they do deny you boarding with it.

 

[xlxo]

Wait until "Cabin OK" comes...
http://www.usatoday.com/story/today...s-smaller-carry--bags--free-up-bins/28768325/

 

[mommajo143]

Found this useful- you may too.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-new-thin-line-between-carry-on-and-checked-bags-1440002110

 

[ChristmasElf]

I fell victim to this on American Airlines. They had the checker box thing at the gate (AA) and everyone was putting their bags in. If it did not fit, not only were you gate checking it, you were paying for it! They did this in San Diego, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Washington DC within the last year. I saw them do it at each of these airports. We stopped by the airport in advance and checked our new bags at Delta prior to a flight to Miami (after buying new stuff from the AA debacle) and they all fit, but their new guidelines include wheels and handles. They were also checking sizes at the gate in San Diego and Atlanta.

A comment from someone that is a frequent flyer every week on American Airlines, I have seen people have the size of their carry ons checked at the gate, however, have yet to ever see anyone have to pay for it. At DFW, the gate agent will even announce if the flight is completely full or not and that if anyone wants to gate check their bag, they are free to do so, at no charge.
Dallas and Chicago are both HUBS for American and it is very unlikely the procedures would vary.