carry on sizes?

[hsmamato2]

just a qick question- I'm thinking we'll carry on our luggage this year.....the airlines size limit is height + width+depth,right?
I am planning on a duffel each which seem to fall within the limits on the site(airtran) never done this before,if the plane gets filled,and they can't fit our duffels in anyway,will they take them at the gate? I assume if they're under the limit,we won't have to pay a checked bag fee?
And....reading another thread.... what is a personal item? a backpack? or is that considered the carryon? The kids usually have a backpack with their stuff....and I want to do this right...... If dh has a duffel and a laptop case,is that 2 carryons? I am so confused.......

 

[Broadway Duchess]

I know Southwest's carry-on dimension is 10x16x24 and I imagine that most of the carriers follow similar guidelines. The flight attendants are really good about finding room for allowable items. I don't think you will have to worry about gate checking your items, but plan to arrive a little earlier if that is a concern to you.

Regarding a "personal item," it is a purse, camera bag, small tote, laptop bag or backpack. My DS10 always takes a backpack and his upright. Your DH should be fine with his two items, as it fits with the "one carry-on, one personal item" rule.

Hope this helps.

 

[hsmamato2]

thanks! Airtran site just says 55 inches or less.....that's why I wondered about measuring correctly it seems like it should be simple logic,but with airlines,I take no chances!