AirTran Carry-on Question

[Kevenswife2]

AirTran's website states I'm allowed a carry-on that's 55 linear inches (l+w+h). When looking at luggage that seems rather large to me. Will their overhead bins really hold a piece of luggage that large?

I have a piece of wheeled luggage which is 24x17x9 (=50 inches) and I can't even imagine being able to wheel it down the aisle, much less fitting it in the overhead!

Also, what's the current thinking on generic 3oz bottles? In the past I've seen others having problems getting them through security.

 

[kaytieeldr]

You may have to carry the bag sideways, but it should fit the 'regular' way. Be sure to place it in the overhead compartment wheels-in or wheels-out ONLY, not with the long side parallel to the side of the plane. Yes, it will fit.

Define generic. The BEST bottle is a brand-name product bottle, whether it has that brand in it or a different one (e.g. dump out the Suave shampoo and fill the bottle with your own). Also supposedly acceptable are travel-size bottles with the content size embossed on them. Not acceptable are containers with no size, or containers on which you write "3 ounces" with a Sharpie, or containers larger than 3.4 ounces with, purportedly, less product than that inside. The TSA doesn't like guessing games.

Oh, and really, really not acceptable are full-size containers of liquids, gels, and other restricted products. What's that? But the restrictions have been in place for what, two years, three years? You can't mean there are people who still ignore the rules? Yes, that's exactly what I mean. There's a very recent report here - last couple of weeks - about a woman who got very upset when they wouldn't let her take her multiple full-size bottles through security. Go figure

 

[Kevenswife2]

Oh, and really, really not acceptable are full-size containers of liquids, gels, and other restricted products. What's that? But the restrictions have been in place for what, two years, three years? You can't mean there are people who still ignore the rules? Yes, that's exactly what I mean. There's a very recent report here - last couple of weeks - about a woman who got very upset when they wouldn't let her take her multiple full-size bottles through security. Go figure

You've got to be kidding! I only fly once a year and know that's a no no. Maybe she's a princess and thinks the rules don't apply to her.

By generic I meant the travel sized, clear bottles you buy at Walmart with 3oz embossed on them.

 

[crashbb]

I have to admit, having looked over the TSA website, I didn't see anything that said it had to be a pre-labeled container. It is definitely safer to use one, but I couldn't find anything saying that I couldn't take a bottle that I used a sharpie to label. Now, if it were near 100mL, I could definitely foresee a hassle and it is safer to use the pre-labeled ones, but I cannot find a rule.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Excuse me? YOU'RE arguing with me? YOU?

Just trust me. Unless you're flying out of Las Vegas - which I think should send its TSA people out to other airports to retrain the other agents, except that then all the good people wouldn't be at LAS for however long that takes - I wouldn't risk it.

 

[crashbb]

Excuse me? YOU'RE arguing with me? YOU?

Just trust me. Unless you're flying out of Las Vegas - which I think should send its TSA people out to other airports to retrain the other agents, except that then all the good people wouldn't be at LAS for however long that takes - I wouldn't risk it.

Sorry, I didn't mean it to come out like that. I was just pointing out that I couldn't find it written on the TSA site. I always assumed it was a rule, until I went looking for it (to quote here) and couldn't find it. I don't risk using "generic" bottles, but couldn't find the rule to back us up and I know how people here like to point out "but it's not against the rules", so I thought I'd do a preemptive strike.

 

[lisadr]

What I don't understand is why the Trans board vets are not getting kickbacks from the TSA and every airline in the world

 

[dudspizza]

<---------- will gladly accept a kick-back of some sort!

 

[CarolA]

The TSA does appear to have backed down on the labels BUT they still may want bottles that say the size. So if you try "generic" bottles make sure they have the size on them. The TSA agents are unable to tell that the tiny bottle is only one oz without printing!

 

[aubriee]

Sorry to highjack the thread, but I guess I didn't realize how big of a carryon Air Tran allowed. I have the Hey's lightweight hard sided spinner luggage. The medium bag lists as 25"x17"x10" (52'). When I measure it (including the side feet, wheels, and handles, including the little bulge that is 2/3's of the way down) I get 26"x17"x11" (54"). It has four wheels and can easily be rolled sideways down an aisle. Are you guys telling me that I'd be able to get this bag on Air Tran as a carry on? It definitely fits within their parameters of a carry on. I'm leaving this Saturday from DFW to FLL, with a layover in Atlanta. Would I have any trouble with this bag as a carry on in either of these three airports? I know it's too big for the other airlines, but Air Tran does say 55" for a carry on and yes I could lift it into the bin.

 

[Kevenswife2]

Sorry to highjack the thread, but I guess I didn't realize how big of a carryon Air Tran allowed. I have the Hey's lightweight hard sided spinner luggage. The medium bag lists as 25"x17"x10" (52'). When I measure it (including the side feet, wheels, and handles, including the little bulge that is 2/3's of the way down) I get 26"x17"x11" (54"). It has four wheels and can easily be rolled sideways down an aisle. Are you guys telling me that I'd be able to get this bag on Air Tran as a carry on? It definitely fits within their parameters of a carry on. I'm leaving this Saturday from DFW to FLL, with a layover in Atlanta. Would I have any trouble with this bag as a carry on in either of these three airports? I know it's too big for the other airlines, but Air Tran does say 55" for a carry on and yes I could lift it into the bin.

Seems rather large to be considered a carry-on, doesn't it? That's why I posted the question. I usually 'check' luggage this size, but with the $15 fee I'd rather not.

If you decide to use your Heys bag let us know if you had any problems with AirTran or the airports.

 

[cbrfan]

Your bag fits within the dimensions for a carryon on AirTran. I would use it as a carryon but keep in mind it might end up getting checked - a possibility with ANY carryon. Keep anything you wouldn't want checked (medications, cameras, travel documents, etc.) in your purse or whatever you're using as your personal item.

 

[Kevenswife2]

Your bag fits within the dimensions for a carryon on AirTran. I would use it as a carryon but keep in mind it might end up getting checked - a possibility with ANY carryon. Keep anything you wouldn't want checked (medications, cameras, travel documents, etc.) in your purse or whatever you're using as your personal item.

Would it be 'gate checked'? I see people gate checking bags but I'm unfamiliar with the whys and whatfors.

 

[cbrfan]

Would it be 'gate checked'? I see people gate checking bags but I'm unfamiliar with the whys and whatfors.

If my memory serves me correctly, the bag would be gate-checked.

 

[aubriee]

Your bag fits within the dimensions for a carryon on AirTran. I would use it as a carryon but keep in mind it might end up getting checked - a possibility with ANY carryon. Keep anything you wouldn't want checked (medications, cameras, travel documents, etc.) in your purse or whatever you're using as your personal item.

Were you referring to mine or Kevenswife2's bag? (or both?) Thanks!

 

[cbrfan]

Were you referring to mine or Kevenswife2's bag? (or both?) Thanks!

Both. If your bag is within airline size allowances and it fits in the overhead bin (wheels out/in - not sideways) or under the seat, you can take it as a carryon. But if passengers boarding before you fill all the bins with their carryons, anyone trying to board after them with bags that won't fit under the seat will have them checked regardless of size.

 

[Bronte]

aubriee ...

Just wondering how your trip went ... Did you have any problems with your carry on luggage ... Did you have to gate check it ???

We just booked Airtran for summer and was surprized by the allowance (we had Northwest at first but they cancled all their direct flights so we cancled them and rebooked with Airtran.)
Northwest allowance is 45 and Airtran says 55 ... WOW !!!!!!!!

My luggage messures 10x16x26 ... wheels, handles and everything. Will it fit?

Thanks ...

 

[Cupcake88]

That's 52" so it appears that it will!!!!