My daughter had never had a problem carrying hers, however last February their flight to Ireland was cancelled (out of NJ) and they had to go to Paris first. When they got off Continental in Paris, and went to get on the plane taking them to Ireland, the security in Paris would not let her go through. After tons of arguments, they finally said it would be up to the pilot, who did agree to let it on the plane. I believe it was held onto, and given back once they landed. It had already been a two day rigamorole getting to Paris, and it was very frustrating.