Carry on bag restrictions

[Nox]

I wasn't sure where to post this, I didn't really see a general travel questions board...

How strict do airlines tend to be about carry-on dimensions?

I am a physique competitor, and I am investing in a backstage bag to carry everything (suit, makeup, shoes, accessories, etc.) I would prefer a carry-on, because there have been horror stories of lost luggage (one pro-level competitor lost an $1800 suit because she had it in her checked luggage, which never made it - she had to have a suit maker at the show make her a plain suit the night before the show to replace it so she could still compete) and having the stage bag and carry-on all in one would be convenient.

I see the most, if not all, airline have a carry-on size of 22x14x9. The bag I am looking at is 21.5x14x9.5. Will they clamp down on that 0.5"? Any experience with a very slightly oversize bag in carry-on?

 

[Carol_]

I’d expect strict enforcement until the airlines post profits.

 

[sam_gordon]

I wasn't sure where to post this, I didn't really see a general travel questions board...

How strict do airlines tend to be about carry-on dimensions?

I am a physique competitor, and I am investing in a backstage bag to carry everything (suit, makeup, shoes, accessories, etc.) I would prefer a carry-on, because there have been horror stories of lost luggage (one pro-level competitor lost an $1800 suit because she had it in her checked luggage, which never made it - she had to have a suit maker at the show make her a plain suit the night before the show to replace it so she could still compete) and having the stage bag and carry-on all in one would be convenient.

I see the most, if not all, airline have a carry-on size of 22x14x9. The bag I am looking at is 21.5x14x9.5. Will they clamp down on that 0.5"? Any experience with a very slightly oversize bag in carry-on?

One airline (or multiple) could let it slide, but another airline might not. While you are PROBABLY fine, why take the chance?

 

[monsterkitty]

I do carry on with my race gear when I travel for a race. Wetsuit, bike helmet, bike shoes, running shoes, race suit, and nutrition all go in a carry on. Because would be to expensive to replace the few days before a race, I make sure my bag fits within the guidelines.

Now if only I could figure out how to buy a seat for my race bike...

 

[bcla]

In my experience they typically don't care unless it's one of the budget airlines that stick everyone with fees. Obviously they won't allow a 28 inch long piece of baggage, but a half inch isn't something they'll worry about.

The fact is that most carry on sized baggage is slightly larger than the common 22x14x9" dimensions if you include the wheels and handles. I've never been asked to put anything in the sizer. It's a lot of hassle for gate crew to argue with someone over a half inch when they know it's going to fit in the overhead bin. My wife's "carry on" is actually a good 24 inches long with the wheels and we've never been told it wasn't OK.

The one thing that may be important is that there generally isn't enough overhead bin space in most planes for every passenger to have carry on. If a flight is close to full they'll generally ask for volunteers to do a free gate check. If it's critical to have something in your possession, arrive early or place it in a "personal item" like a laptop bag. There's always room for a personal item since those can go under the seat in front.

 

[bcla]

One airline (or multiple) could let it slide, but another airline might not. While you are PROBABLY fine, why take the chance?

There are small pieces of luggage that specifically go well under the typical size requirements. However, I've never seen a case where they really cared enough to argue with a passenger over something that was up to an inch larger.

 

[aprilchem]

On all the flights that I was on pre-corona in 2020 (probably 10 or so?), bags that big were either checked at the gate to their final destination or were gate-checked and you picked it up at the end of that leg of the flight.

I travel with an underseat rolling bag, and on the last flight I was on they made me gate check that one as well. Mostly they let me take it through, though.

 

[sam_gordon]

There are small pieces of luggage that specifically go well under the typical size requirements. However, I've never seen a case where they really cared enough to argue with a passenger over something that was up to an inch larger.

Have you been on all airlines? I've heard Spirit is extremely strict.

 

[MillauFr]

You could always gate check the items if they are strict. Not sure how they could get lost then if you were on a non-stop flight.

 

[bcla]

Have you been on all airlines? I've heard Spirit is extremely strict.

They're one of the budget airlines that stick everyone with fees. However, carry on with them is a bigger charge than standard check in. And gate check in is $100 last I heard, so they have an incentive to do that.

I've never had an issue with United or Delta. However, if I was forced to gate check, there's no penalty compared to checking in at the counter. And Southwest has the most generous sizing in the industry.

 

[MillauFr]

Have you been on all airlines? I've heard Spirit is extremely strict.

Agreed. I would avoid Spirit.

 

[Moliphino]

I don't know that I've ever seen anyone asked to use the measuring bins. It's only been an issue when a bag did not fit in the overhead bin, then they have to gate check it.

 

[bcla]

You could always gate check the items if they are strict. Not sure how they could get lost then if you were on a non-stop flight.

Airlines might just find a way. Something really stupid like forgetting one piece on the cart or leaving it behind on the jetway.

 

[sam_gordon]

They're one of the budget airlines that stick everyone with fees. However, carry on with them is a bigger charge than standard check in. And gate check in is $100 last I heard, so they have an incentive to do that.

So without knowing what airline the OP might fly, wouldn't it be a good idea to follow the recommendations?

I've never had an issue with United or Delta. However, if I was forced to gate check, there's no penalty compared to checking in at the counter. And Southwest has the most generous sizing in the industry.

Actually, it's better to gate check, at least with Delta. Then you don't have to pay the checked bag fee.

 

[bcla]

So without knowing what airline the OP might fly, wouldn't it be a good idea to follow the recommendations?


Actually, it's better to gate check, at least with Delta. Then you don't have to pay the checked bag fee.

I did qualify it. The budget airlines care deeply about fees. The legacy airlines certainly have fees, but I've never seen them going crazy over the size of carry on. Worst case scenario with them is having to pay to gate check.

But a gate check can be charged the standard fee at most legacy airlines. If I showed up with a 28" roller (if I could get that past TSA), I'm sure that they would say that I need to gate check it and pay for it. However, when we arrived late and my wife only had a 24" "carry on" I remember they didn't take a second look and said that gate checking would be free.

 

[Nox]

While you are PROBABLY fine, why take the chance?

Because it makes the difference of several hundred dollars in luggage/backstage bags. And half an inch seems negligible to me, so I was curious if anyone else had experiences with the airlines and what they consider "negligible". Seems like a pretty valid reason to ask to me.

Have you been on all airlines? I've heard Spirit is extremely strict.

I have been on Spirit for a work conference and would never fly Spirit by choice, so that's a moot point.

The fact is that most carry on sized baggage is slightly larger than the common 22x14x9" dimensions if you include the wheels and handles.

That's one of the reasons I liked this bag in particular - the 21.5x14x9.5 dimensions include wheels, handle, and fully expanded/packed (I mean, unless you just stuff it to the point you have to sit on it to zip it, which I wouldn't do anyway) where others said the bag was 22x14x9 but didn't include the wheels or handle, which to me means it isn't carry-on size when all parts are accounted for.

 

[sam_gordon]

Because it makes the difference of several hundred dollars in luggage/backstage bags. And half an inch seems negligible to me, so I was curious if anyone else had experiences with the airlines and what they consider "negligible". Seems like a pretty valid reason to ask to me.

I agree 1/2" is negligible. But you don't know what any given airline employee will say on any given day. Personally, I wouldn't take the chance and I'd find a bag that fit the dimensions. YMMV.

I have been on Spirit for a work conference and would never fly Spirit by choice, so that's a moot point.

For all we knew Spirit may have been your "go to " airline.

 

[bcla]

That's one of the reasons I liked this bag in particular - the 21.5x14x9.5 dimensions include wheels, handle, and fully expanded/packed (I mean, unless you just stuff it to the point you have to sit on it to zip it, which I wouldn't do anyway) where others said the bag was 22x14x9 but didn't include the wheels or handle, which to me means it isn't carry-on size when all parts are accounted for.

I personally wouldn't worry about it, but there are some bags that are clearly smaller than the most common carry on sizes.

Still - it doesn't sound as if you're have that much that you have to keep with you. I'd recommend having it in a personal sized bag that you'll never have an issue taking on board or having to gate check.

 

[Notrealname]

OP mentioned make up. Remember the carryon liquid requirements to get through TSA

 

[zoo2tycoon]

What one person had experienced might not be what you do. While one person might have no issue taking slightly oversized bag on- you might not be allowed because of different employees.