Continental Carry-on question

[LoriABil]

Hi all!
Does anyone know how stringent Continental is with their carry-on requirements. The website says "The maximum combined linear measurement (L + W + H) of the carry-on bag is 45 inches (115 cm)"

But later I read it can be up to 22"x9'x14'.

DH's duffel is 26"! But it is within the combined 45" rule (26" x 9" x 10") Do we need to check it? I'm not trying to scam the airline, but at $23 a pop, I want to be sure...Hey, that's extra Dole Whips for everybody!

Thanks in advance!

 

[maxiesmom]

The problem may be that the duffle won't fit in short side first, like it is supposed to. Most bins are supposed to hold 3 carry-on bags, as long as you put them in short side first. The duffle would fit in sideways, but then it is taking up extra compartment space. Not a huge deal, unless you have many people doing that exact thing.

It could happen that if you are not one of the first people to board the plane that you may not be able to fit your duffel and will have to gate check it. Overhead space is very much in demand, with many people trying to do carry ons only.

 

[kaytieeldr]

The good thing about a duffel is its flexibility. Don't stuff it fill, especially its longest measurement, and he should be able to smoosh it overhead

 

[LoriABil]

Thanks-I guess it makes sense that it can't be too long looking at it that way. DS's bag is way smaller than the max, but I didn't want to reason that the 2 together (lengthwise) would be ok! I think we will try the "filling it less full" idea!

 

[TaraPA]

Like someone else said, leave room inside to squish it down to the 22". Don't pack anything you absolutely need during the flight in that bag - if it doesn't fit, or you board late & the overheads are full, you will have to gate check it. This is happening on every single flight I've been on lately (and it happened to me twice) - everyone tries to get away with carry-ons larger than allowed - then the overhead space fills up with the plane only half full & those who board last have no choice but to gate check their items, even if they are in regulation size. I've been on flights lately where the FA's are very accomodating & try their best to squish everything in & help re-arrange larger items (I had one FA practically throw someone's winter coat on them because they insisted it go up in the overhead with their 2 very large carry-ons & all overheads were full...she told the guest that she could see their 2 other bags were too large for their regulations & the guest could either wear their coat on the flight or she could dispose of it for them - it was priceless - that shut them up quick!) I've also had FA's who shrug their shoulders & make you figure it out yourself. So just be prepared that it might have to be gate checked for your flight.