European luggage - how strict are they with carry ons

[aggiedog]

I went to great lengths to get everything I needed in my carryon for Iceland Air due to my luggage getting lost on my first trip to Iceland. I use this soft sided carryon routinely in the US without an issue. It was not overstuffed, and never pushes the boundaries for what is considered acceptable in the US to carry on. I had just carried on that suitcase to get from Texas to JFK. Iceland Air took one look at it at JFK, made me try to get it in their sizer (was NOT going to happen) and I had to check it anyways. Their size requirements are significantly smaller than US airlines.

Good news is it did not get lost and I had all my gear. Does illustrate the point that European airlines have stricter carry on rules.

 

[TXTransplant]

So, a 19" suitcase is frustratingly small . I was going to try to fit everything in the 19" and a 21" and try to get both on the plane leaving Houston. I failed miserably - 11 days of stuff for two people just would not fit in those two suitcases. So, I'm packing a slightly larger suitcase that I know will have to be checked and will carry on the 19". I don't dare try to travel with no carry-on...might as well put a note on my checked bag that says "please lose my luggage" if I do that. I'm going to spend the next 4 1/2 days praying to the travel gods that my checked bag makes it to Rome the same time we do.

 

[carpenta]

.........you can almost guarantee that if you don't carry a "carry-on" that BINGO, your bag(s) will be lost for months.......funny how those things work. It's also funny the airlines never seem to lose your luggage with all your dirty laundry inside...mysteries of life.

 

[Woodview]

Well TXTransplant .... thank goodness you heeded & took the advice freely given on this forum.

We All try and help each other & try & Give honest advice & opinions....... well I do .. over 60 years of travel behind me.

 

[TXTransplant]

(Well, the saga continues...I quadruple checked the size on my new Samsonite. But, I just realized that it's too wide by about 3/4 of an inch. I guess I just wasn't paying close enough attention when I was looking at the bags in the store. Ugh. I'm going to see if I can get a Delsey (with two wheels that are flush to the box) overnighted from Zappos.

 

[Cinderella's Slipper 2015]

Well, the saga continues...I quadruple checked the size on my new Samsonite. But, I just realized that it's too wide by about 3/4 of an inch. I guess I just wasn't paying close enough attention when I was looking at the bags in the store. Ugh. I'm going to see if I can get a Delsey overnighted from Zappos.

Was it an expandable suitcase or have outside pockets? Both of these things add width to the case. Even when the case isn't expanded, just having the extra zipper adds width to the case.

 

[TXTransplant]

[GALLERY=][/GALLERY]

Was it an expandable suitcase or have outside pockets? Both of these things add width to the case. Even when the case isn't expanded, just having the extra zipper adds width to the case.

Neither. The dimensions are just off. Height and depth were within KLM's guidelines (55 cm and 25 cm), but width is not. KLM specifies 35 cm, and this suitcase is just over that (not quite 37 cm). I just can't read/remember things properly and purchased the wrong size.

I'm taking a chance with the Delsey. It's dimensions are 20", but it's only two wheels and not a spinner. Should be here tomorrow (thank goodness for Zappo's VIP free 1-day shipping!).

[GALLERY=][/GALLERY]

 

[TXTransplant]

FYI...this is the info KLM gives on luggage size. Not exactly an accurate/helpful depiction for the carry-on size, at least when it comes to height. It's the "c" measurement that the newly purchased Samsonite exceeds, though (it's just over 35")

 

[sayhello]

FYI...this is the info KLM gives on luggage size. Not exactly an accurate/helpful depiction for the carry-on size, at least when it comes to height. It's the "c" measurement that the newly purchased Samsonite exceeds, though (it's just over 35")

View attachment 174050

Well, what's confusing to me, is one says a + b + c = total and the other says a x b x c = total. Which is correct?

But one measurement can be slightly high if one of the other measurements is slightly lower, as they average out. Do the other 2 measurements exactly match the allowance?

Sayhello

ETA: Oh, never mind. I think I get it. For checked they allow for the total dimension, but for carry-on, it's exact. D'oh.

 

[TXTransplant]

Well, what's confusing to me, is one says a + b + c = total and the other says a x b x c = total. Which is correct?

But one measurement can be slightly high if one of the other measurements is slightly lower, as they average out. Do the other 2 measurements exactly match the allowance?

Sayhello

ETA: Oh, never mind. I think I get it. For checked they allow for the total dimension, but for carry-on, it's exact. D'oh.

Yeah, there is a difference for checked bags vs carry-ons. But this is all so ridiculous! It's nearly impossible to find a bag that meets KLM's exact requirements for height x depth x width for a carry-on! These airlines seriously need to get it together and get on the same page! Or at least start identifying what brands/models have "KLM approved" luggage!

 

[carpenta]

Well, what's confusing to me, is one says a + b + c = total and the other says a x b x c = total. Which is correct?

But one measurement can be slightly high if one of the other measurements is slightly lower, as they average out. Do the other 2 measurements exactly match the allowance?

Sayhello

ETA: Oh, never mind. I think I get it. For checked they allow for the total dimension, but for carry-on, it's exact. D'oh.

After reading the "specs" on baggage sizing I feel like Jethro Bodine from the Beverly Hillbillies and have to do some "dissiferin' ".

 

[TXTransplant]

Well, after trying FIVE different carry-ons (two I already owned, one borrowed, and two purchased), I seem to have finally met KLM's requirements with a Delsey.

I bought the Chatillon carry-on expandable two-wheeled trolley (NOT the spinner). It comes in just under the height requirement (wheels included, as they sit almost flush with the box), has plenty of room in the depth (meaning we can probably actually use the expander), and it is EXACTLY 35 cm wide. That's the only measurement that has me a little worried, but it is very flexible, so I think I should be able to get it in the box.

They are on sale for something like $120 at Zappos (thank goodness for free one-day shipping!). I saw the bag cheaper elsewhere, but not with free expedited shipping.

The best news is, the bag is VERY roomy! Currently, I've got the bag packed with a big bag of toiletries, two pairs of my capris, a pair of my shorts, three of my tops, one of my cardis, two shirts for the kiddo (who wears a men's small to medium), a nightshirt for each of us, underwear for both of us for three days, and ROOM to spare! Good thing, too, because I still have to pack his bulky shorts. He may even get an extra shirt and/or pair of shorts thrown in.

Anyway, I highly recommend this bag. I will follow up to let you all know if it passes inspection at all of the airports we travel through.

 

[Woodview]

Tip.. Take a Small empty travel " Ruck Sack " ( small bag on your back with shoulder straps )

for holding cameras etc & empty water bottle ... to be filled After you have gone through security.

Enjoy the KLM flight & Free Food & soft Drinks ( Beer etc you pay ) & the smaller internal plane ( No food I would think )

 

[Rapunzellover]

Mine wasn't cheap, but I've never regretted the splurge. Holds a ton, but is very light weight, and within international measurements. Has a life-time full warranty.

Briggs & Riley Torq International Carry-On Wide-body Spinner

http://www.ebags.com/product/briggs...n-wide-body-spinner/275137?productid=10307683

Sayhello

Sayhello...thanks for the recommendation. I splurged on one myself, and it just arrived in the mail yesterday. Fabulous bag.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

......

Enjoy the KLM flight & Free Food & soft Drinks ( Beer etc you pay ) & the smaller internal plane ( No food I would think )

On a KLM flight from the US to Europe, you will be served free wine and beer.

 

[sayhello]

Sayhello...thanks for the recommendation. I splurged on one myself, and it just arrived in the mail yesterday. Fabulous bag.

You are so welcome! I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy mine! Which color did you get?

Sayhello

 

[Rapunzellover]

You are so welcome! I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy mine! Which color did you get?

Sayhello

Red. It's gorgeous. How bout you?

 

[sayhello]

Red. It's gorgeous. How bout you?

The same here! I love it!

Sayhello

 

[Rapunzellover]

The same here! I love it!

Sayhello

Hahaha!! Great minds!

 

[Woodview]

Now that you are in Italy ..... How did your Luggage & Carry On situation work out in the end ?