Carry-on "must not exceed 45 linear inches..."

[MickeyMonstersMom]

I'm flying American Airlines in April and took that quote from the carry-on/baggage allowance page of their site. Does that include the handles? I did include the wheels in my measurements because they do add to the overall size and are inflexible, but I didn't know whether the soft handles counted. If they do, my family's carry-ons will be at exactly 45 linear inches.

So if the handles count, what would happen? Do personnel check the bags at any point and let you know they won't be accepted as a carry-on? It seems to me with all the people who ignore the regulations and get away with bringing 3+ items on, or large items on, I should be OK. I just have this Eeyore-like conviction that I'll be the one who gets in trouble for this if I try...

 

[ducklite]

If it's a fabric handle, like on a small gym bag or a tote, it won't count. If it's a padded handle, it does in fact take up room, and it will count.

I don't know where you have seen "all the people who ignore the regulations and get away with bringing 3+ items on" because I fly fairly often, and haven't generally seen this as being an issue.

Anne

 

[DebbieB]

I have a large tote bag, laptop and purse. I put the purse into the tote bag. At security last Sunday, I forgot to put the purse inside the tote bag and the TSA agent told me I had to put it in going through security.

Be prepared if they can't find room for your bag, you will have to gate check it (it will go to baggage claim on arrival).

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

A lot will depend on how early or late you board the aircraft, and the type of aircraft. If you are in an early boarding group, you ought to be able to secure a spot for your carry-ons. If you are in a later boarding group (5 or 6) it can be iffy.

MD-80s have an abbreviated overhead bind on the left side of the aisle above the AB seats. It is slightly deeper on the right side above the DEF seats. Boeing overhead bins are slightly larger. Regional Jet overhead bins are miniscule, so prepare to have anything that doesn't fit beneath the seat in front of you to be put in the luggage hold as you board the aircraft.

 

[seashoreCM]

I would expect that if the handle can be pressed in so the luggage item overall then meets the size requirement, then the handle will not count.