CarryOn Bags that Work w/Delta?

[AquamarineSteph]

I'm flying Delta and looking for a carry on bag that fits their 22 x 14 x 9" size requirements. I've been reading articles that say if your bag measures 14.5 or 9.5 they will make you check the bag, and most of my carry ons are larger since they worked with the requirements at the time of other airlines.

I've even ordered bags that fit the above size specifications, only to measure them and realize they're larger than they're stated size. (Go figure!)

Can anyone please recommend a good suitcase carry on brand that you know will work for Delta's size requirements? Thank you!

 

[rwdavis2]

Although they could check, it's extremely unlikely that Delta will even look at a bag a half inch too big. It would take forever to board the plane if they measured each and every bag of someone getting on.

The biggest risk of not getting a carry on into the plane is boarding too late and there is no overhead space left.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

You probably don't need to worry about .5" over the limit, as long as it will fit in the overhead wheels first (not sideways). Usually gate agents only stop people with obviously over sized bags.

Many, many bags will fit Delta's requirements. You shouldn't have a problem finding them; search a large online store such as ebags and compare a few.

 

[Deb T.]

Since our "old" luggage was showing signs of aging and measured just a tad bit bigger than the new carry-on restrictions, we just spent the last few weeks shopping for the perfect new suitcases for us. We only take carry-ons (never check luggage), so the inner dimensions were just as important to us as the outer size airline limits. Unfortunately, we quickly observed that bags with the wonderful spinner wheels had much smaller inside compartments than bags with recessed stationery wheels. After checking all the discount stores (ie. Tuesday Morning, TJMaxx, Marshalls, etc.), we finally found the best option at Macy's. We ended up with "Travelpro's 22" Expandable Rollaboard Luggage". They were on sale and we had a coupon, so we ended up getting them at a fairly reasonable price.

The only negative part of these suitcases is that although they measure exactly 22" tall and 14" wide, they are already 9" thick without anything in the outside pocket. However, airlines usually allow things like a coat, an umbrella, and a "reasonable amount of" reading material as extra items, so I plan to put those in a mesh bag and then slip them into the outer pocket.

On a side note, we've always had "expandable" luggage and find them very desirable for two reasons. First, when we know our suitcases are going to be stuffed to the gills, we will pack them with the suitcases already "expanded", then zip them closed, and then zip up the expandable feature. This seems to squash the clothes tighter, thus being able to pack more. The other reason is when not flying, we can keep the suitcases expanded for the additional packing space.

Hope this helps! Good luck with your search!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Sadly Delta will let you carry on anything short if a strange trunk.

Of course as was pointed our above this means you may have to gate check as the overheads will fill up.

 

[AquamarineSteph]

Thanks for all the good comments and suggestions for luggage! I really appreciate it.

The reason I asked in the first place was I read an article

https://www.yahoo.com/travel/if-you-fly-these-airlines-youll-need-a-smaller-88300946372.html

that said that the airlines were cracking down on sizes, and I figured better to shop ahead rather than get caught with an unwelcome surprise at the gate.

Thanks again!

 

[DebbieB]

Sadly Delta will let you carry on anything short if a strange trunk.

Of course as was pointed our above this means you may have to gate check as the overheads will fill up.

I agree. I once saw a woman with a carryon so large that it would not fit in the overhead top to bottom even with 2 men trying to help her squeeze it in. It was overstuffed, the flight attendant gave her a bag to take stuff out. Meanwhile, she was in the aisle holding up boarding. I thought the whole thing was ridiculous, she should have been forced to check it.

 

[laurabelle]

I hate checking luggage too, they beat the hell out of it. Plus technology improves the weight and details of luggage. It was time for me to replace my carry ons, and I found this on Amazon after searching out well reviewed luggage. I'm not sure if it's the exact same bag as Deb T. bought, but it's the same brand. The price is currently higher than what I paid, maybe you can find it cheaper elsewhere. I have not flown with these yet, but the reviews lead me to believe it won't cause a problem.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ME386W?ref_=oh_details_o09_s00_i00&redirect=true&psc=1&pldnSite=1

 

[LeslieG]

Don't be so sure you'll get past even if it's just 1/2" too big. We flew home out of FLL last fall, and Delta had a rep making everyone put their bag into the little box thingy checking size before we even went through security. Our carry-on bags that we've used for years had to be checked. They were making no exceptions and were not very pleasant.

 

[Jcjmommy]

We just flew Delta (6-20) and our bags were checked for free due to a very full flight. The lady in front of us had a HUGE suitcase that she refused to free check and no one said anything to her. I think you will be fine if yours is a little big.

 

[Deb T.]

I hate checking luggage too, they beat the hell out of it. Plus technology improves the weight and details of luggage. It was time for me to replace my carry ons, and I found this on Amazon after searching out well reviewed luggage. I'm not sure if it's the exact same bag as Deb T. bought, but it's the same brand. The price is currently higher than what I paid, maybe you can find it cheaper elsewhere. I have not flown with these yet, but the reviews lead me to believe it won't cause a problem.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ME386W?ref_=oh_details_o09_s00_i00&redirect=true&psc=1&pldnSite=1

Yours is very similar.

When shopping for a new bag, the tricky thing is to remember that the new airline measurements must INCLUDE the handles and wheels, not just the outside of the actual suitcase. We were too nervous to order one online since it's difficult to tell whether their measurements are from floor to handles or just the size of the bag. Like I said above, mine measures 9" thick without anything in the outer pocket. We found it very difficult to find many options under 9" thick including handles. We haven't flown with our new suitcases yet, but next month we'll be flying on United, Delta, and Southwest. If we run into any issues, I'll be sure to let you all know!

 

[Gilrond]

A lot depends on the aircraft you would be on. I usually have 1 flight leg on 50 passenger regional jet (CRJ 200). The 22 inches get gate checked as did my larger laptop bag. I found a rolling carrying at Magellans that fits under the seat in front and I use a carryall bag from LL Bean As my "purse", it doesn't take up much room in overhead bin but holds a lot. If no small aircraft are involved in your flight plans, you would have more choice. Dedicated travel sellers like Magellans tend to be very aware of size restriction finer details. Not inexpensive, but I fly about once a month so totally worth it for me.

 

[laurabelle]

A lot depends on the aircraft you would be on. I usually have 1 flight leg on 50 passenger regional jet (CRJ 200). The 22 inches get gate checked as did my larger laptop bag. I found a rolling carrying at Magellans that fits under the seat in front and I use a carryall bag from LL Bean As my "purse", it doesn't take up much room in overhead bin but holds a lot. If no small aircraft are involved in your flight plans, you would have more choice. Dedicated travel sellers like Magellans tend to be very aware of size restriction finer details. Not inexpensive, but I fly about once a month so totally worth it for me.

It's good to hear from a frequent flyer. I'd love to see the exact LL Bean carryall bag you mentioned in your post. I saw somewhere else online that their rolling duffle also holds a lot and fits well in the overhead compartment.

Yours is very similar.

When shopping for a new bag, the tricky thing is to remember that the new airline measurements must INCLUDE the handles and wheels, not just the outside of the actual suitcase. We were too nervous to order one online since it's difficult to tell whether their measurements are from floor to handles or just the size of the bag. Like I said above, mine measures 9" thick without anything in the outer pocket. We found it very difficult to find many options under 9" thick including handles. We haven't flown with our new suitcases yet, but next month we'll be flying on United, Delta, and Southwest. If we run into any issues, I'll be sure to let you all know!

We fly next month as well. I have learned not to put anything in the front pocket besides maybe travel papers for this reason.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Don't be so sure you'll get past even if it's just 1/2" too big. We flew home out of FLL last fall, and Delta had a rep making everyone put their bag into the little box thingy checking size before we even went through security. Our carry-on bags that we've used for years had to be checked. They were making no exceptions and were not very pleasant.

Chances of that happening often are so slim it's not even worth worrying about.

I am a top tier flyer on Delta. That means I few 125,000 miles on them last year. LOTS AND LOTS of flights. Never saw this.

Just Thursday these two adults got on one of the small jets with TEENY TINY overheads (the kind a purse will barely fit in) with 22" suitcases and tried to convince the FA they would fit under the seat. Gate agent apparently did their normal "we see nothing act"

I wish Delta would crack down. I also think that when you show up at the gate with the 26" giant suitcase that you KNEW was in no way a carry on they would borrow a page from Sprint and charge you double. That would cut down on the "let's just haul our oversize luggage out there to get free baggage check" group!

But sadly they continue to allow you to bring on anything and everything. I will say they are getting somewhat better about trying to limit to two but even that's often a joke. (the other day a woman with three huge bags stuck her purse on top of her tote bag, none of the giant purse fit in the overstuffed tote but she said "it's in there" and the agent agreed she had two bags LOL! Of course none of her junke would fit under the seat in front of her so if you got on behind her she had taken space that two or three people should have been able to use... SIGH!)

 

[Gilrond]

The LL Bean bag is the "carryall accessory bag". 10 1/2" H x12 1/4" W x7 1/4" D

 

[Gilrond]

The Magellans bag is the "under seat tote". I have the 2 wheel which is a smidge smaller than the 4 wheel. It would fit in the overhead but I put it under seat because the other is lighter and easier to lift (I'm less than 5 ft tall.) All of my flights are Delta and usually the CRJ 200 and both bags fit absolutely. I am never asked to gate check.

 

[laurabelle]

The laptop bag my husband has been carrying as his personal item is a tight fit under the aisle seat on SW. I looked up the underseat dimensions and after doing some research found three bags that were highly rated on other sites. This was a "Best of the Best" bag on ebags. It looks small, but fits a lot. We've gotten into using packing cubes, and for a bag like this, it's perfect. I bought him this bag.