Carry-on Question

[Lisa0620]

We flew NW/Delta from DTW to ORL in June. Our carry on like yours exceeded their requirements in height because of the wheels. I was worried before we left, so I asked my parents if we could borrow one of theirs because they travel a lot. They brought 3 over and we measured them and not one met the requirements! We just went ahead with ours with the idea that if it got rejected we had plenty of extra time to get it checked. They had one of those plastic sizer things in the airport, but I didn't see anyone using it. Even with the wheels our bag was short enough to stow correctly in the overhead bin. (I do think next time, though, I'll just bring a backpack and avoid the whole overhead bin hysteria...) Good luck!

 

[Lewisc]

Most American airlines don't seem to meaure carryon bags or require use of the sizing template.

My point is even if the OPs bags aren't measured she'll get "caught" if her bags won't fit in the bin.

The OP refuses to give the measurement of her bag or how much it's over so we don't know if it'll fit in the bin.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

I have 2 rollaboards I use exclusively that are sized well within the guidelines for the airline(s) I fly. I use an 18" if I am traveling on a Super 80 or 767 and the 20" on 757 or 737. Size matters, and in this case, it's all about overhead bin size. Even with such small bags, I still have to gate check them on any flight segment served by an RJ or a Saab 340.

 

[bavaria]

I don't think that I have flown an 80 since, well, the early 80's (or back when they were known as DC9's) but I have a carry on which fits the 8kg limit on international carriers. Far less stress and hassle and worry wondering if it will fit or not.

It fits neatly underneath the seat in front of me, and doesn't need to be gate checked on CRJ700's.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

. . . Far less stress and hassle and worry wondering if it will fit or not.

Don't flame me, but I have a bag that is over the limits on AA. However, because the non-conforming measurement is the depth, which is 10" not the maximum 9" allowed, we have never had an issue, even when other passengers were having to size their bags. We have even been prohibited from gate-checking it on an RJ because the GA thought it was so small, but it fit under the seat only becuase we were in an exit row with lots of room to maneuver.

My DH and I share this one bag and found (after much trial and error and lots of returned bags) that anything less deep than 10" would not hold our computer, prescripitons meds, 2 TSA baggies and 2 changes of clothes. But Bavaria is right, bringing a non-conforming bag does add to the stress of travelling. -- Suzanne

 

[jodifla]

Never had my bag checked, and most years, I fly 6 to 10 round-trips a year.

 

[mykidsrock76]

This is the exact question I am dealing with. We're flying AirTran on Friday and their site says 55 inches. We have some bags that are 27X17X10 (including handles and wheels). And those are "generous" measurements. I truly loosely measured the bags and probably added 1/2 inch each way. I am terrified that I will be made to check these, even though they are under 55 inches. We typically use the smaller uprights that come in a luggage set. Sorry I do not have the exact measurements, but they are like 21-22 inches. Has anyone used a 25 inch upright as a carry-on before? Was there any issue with it? BTW, we are flying non-stop from BWI to MCO. Thanks!!!!

 

[bavaria]

27 inches is checked bag size. I honestly don't know how AirTran can allow bags of that size as many 22 inch rollaboards do not fit wheels in into the overhead bins.

The bigger question is can you hoist that bag full over your head and hold it there for several seconds, which you will need to do to get it into the bin.

 

[mykidsrock76]

27 inches is checked bag size. I honestly don't know how AirTran can allow bags of that size as many 22 inch rollaboards do not fit wheels in into the overhead bins.

The bigger question is can you hoist that bag full over your head and hold it there for several seconds, which you will need to do to get it into the bin.

Yes, I can lift it over my head in order to get it into the bin. It's not like it is going to weigh 200 pounds.

 

[bavaria]

But it may easily weigh over 50lbs. A bag that size full can reach easily over that weight.

 

[mykidsrock76]

But it may easily weigh over 50lbs. A bag that size full can reach easily over that weight.

We're looking at it to pack our childrens clothes in. It's only a little bigger than the smaller size. We can almost get both of them in the small upright, but the extra couple inches would help.

 

[aubriee]

This is the exact question I am dealing with. We're flying AirTran on Friday and their site says 55 inches. We have some bags that are 27X17X10 (including handles and wheels). And those are "generous" measurements. I truly loosely measured the bags and probably added 1/2 inch each way. I am terrified that I will be made to check these, even though they are under 55 inches. We typically use the smaller uprights that come in a luggage set. Sorry I do not have the exact measurements, but they are like 21-22 inches. Has anyone used a 25 inch upright as a carry-on before? Was there any issue with it? BTW, we are flying non-stop from BWI to MCO. Thanks!!!!

One of the problems with this bag is the length. With it being 27" long there is no way it will fit wheels first into the bin and then allow the door to shut. The only way to get it in would be longwise, which would then take up other people's space. Those bins are made to hold 3-4 bags fitting in wheels first. Your bag would have to fit crosswise, which would take up space that would normally hold 2-2 1/2 bags. Most of the Air Tran flights I've been on in the last year announcements have been made that the bags must fit into the bin wheels first, otherwise they must be checked. This announcement is always made prior to boarding and people are told that if their bags will not fit wheels first then to bring them up to the counter so that they may be checked. I have a 21" hardside bag that barely fits wheels first. There is no way a 27" one would. I also have the 25" bag that matches my carry on. It measures about 54". Every time I fly, I look at other people's carry ons and also watch as they put their bags into the bins. My 25" bag would easily fit longwise, but it would not go in wheels first, so I don't carry it on. Anything over about 22" is checked bag. Carryons are 18"-22" and 22" is pushing it with some bags.

 

[Lewisc]

Don't be terrified. Plan on checking the bag, and paying any applicable charges. Alternately purchase, or borrow, an appropriate sized bag.

The only way your bag will fit is lengthwise. It's rude to plan on taking space that belongs to other passengers. You're not just trying to "beat" Airtan out of paying to check a bag. Your going to try to force other passengers into checking a bag because you successfully took their space.

This is the exact question I am dealing with. We're flying AirTran on Friday and their site says 55 inches. We have some bags that are 27X17X10 (including handles and wheels). And those are "generous" measurements. I truly loosely measured the bags and probably added 1/2 inch each way. I am terrified that I will be made to check these, even though they are under 55 inches. We typically use the smaller uprights that come in a luggage set. Sorry I do not have the exact measurements, but they are like 21-22 inches. Has anyone used a 25 inch upright as a carry-on before? Was there any issue with it? BTW, we are flying non-stop from BWI to MCO. Thanks!!!!

 

[mykidsrock76]

No, I never said I was trying to "beat" anyone. I am simply saying what their policy is. We have plenty of bags that are 22", but I was thinking of packing one bag for my two children within their specs, instead of two smaller ones. We also have no problem paying baggage fees- as we have done in the past on other airlines. I have not flown Airtran before, so I was surprised by their policy and that is why I came here to ask this question- to see if anyone had experience with this size bag on their flights. Glad to see everyone is so helpful and not quick to flame!

 

[buzz5985]

This is the exact question I am dealing with. We're flying AirTran on Friday and their site says 55 inches. We have some bags that are 27X17X10 (including handles and wheels). And those are "generous" measurements. I truly loosely measured the bags and probably added 1/2 inch each way. I am terrified that I will be made to check these, even though they are under 55 inches. We typically use the smaller uprights that come in a luggage set. Sorry I do not have the exact measurements, but they are like 21-22 inches. Has anyone used a 25 inch upright as a carry-on before? Was there any issue with it? BTW, we are flying non-stop from BWI to MCO. Thanks!!!!

Believe me - you are fine. The FA were very helpful with rearranging the items in the overhead bins. They had no problems putting some bags wheels out and not in. Flying AirTran was one of the most pleasant experiences I've had flying recently. I was very apprehensive reading the posts here.

 

[buzz5985]

27 inches is checked bag size. I honestly don't know how AirTran can allow bags of that size as many 22 inch rollaboards do not fit wheels in into the overhead bins.

The bigger question is can you hoist that bag full over your head and hold it there for several seconds, which you will need to do to get it into the bin.

I found that if people have trouble getting their bag up - someone will assist them. I certainly would stand up and help.

Janis

 

[NHdisneylover]

27 inches is checked bag size. I honestly don't know how AirTran can allow bags of that size as many 22 inch rollaboards do not fit wheels in into the overhead bins.

The bigger question is can you hoist that bag full over your head and hold it there for several seconds, which you will need to do to get it into the bin.

Generally passengers who cannot lift their bags ask the first "big" guy they see in the plane. That would be my husband most days He considers t down right weird if he manages to get on and off a flight without helpng at least two people get their bags in and out of the bins He does not mind helping, but he DOES mind if anyone has a bag that is clearly over the limit (so do I for that matter--I really wish all the airlines would enforce the rules consistently so that people would start following them).

For what it is worth--I have had my carry on measured twice on domestic US flights (that I recall). Once in Denver and once in Detriot. I don't recall the airlines but it was probably United and Northwest. I don't believe in pushing the limits on the size, so we had no issues.

 

[bavaria]

Generally passengers who cannot lift their bags ask the first "big" guy they see in the plane. .

I refuse to place such an obligation on others. If I cannot lift it, I do not bring it. And I usually travel one handed.

It may be kind of your husband to do so, but nobody should expect others to take on their burdens for them, especially when they result in others most likely having to gate check their bags.

Yes, Lewisc, once again it is very clear that I don't fit in here, and I am perfectly fine with that fact. My philosophies may not be the norm but I am content with that.



PS Duds, turn out the batsignal, it's bedtime!

 

[NHdisneylover]

I refuse to place such an obligation on others. If I cannot lift it, I do not bring it. And I usually travel one handed.

It may be kind of your husband to do so, but nobody should expect others to take on their burdens for them, especially when they result in others most likely having to gate check their bags.

Yes, Lewisc, once again it is very clear that I don't fit in here, and I am perfectly fine with that fact. My philosophies may not be the norm but I am content with that.



PS Duds, turn out the batsignal, it's bedtime!

Oh I completly agree with you. I will only take something I cannot get in myself if DD is with me--she is family so I can ask her I was not posting to say it was "okay" for people to expect the tall guy to help them all the time--just pointing out that is what happens. DH helps because he is too nice--but he does get sick of it. I wish he would quit helping because he has back problems, and he often ends up in pain for the flight, and even at times a good part of our vacation or his work trips, as a direct result of helping people lift their overly heavy bags.

 

[safetymom]

Once again I agree with Bavaria!!! If you can't lift it in and out of the bin then don't do carry on. It isn't someone elses responsibility to lift your luggage. If you can't do it you delay boarding and exiting for everyone while you think you are saving time by carrying on the luggage.