Help! Question about carry on luggage and also about 3-1-1

[JenniferK]

1. I was trying to fit everything into carry on bags to avoid the checked bag fee and having to wait to retrieve bags. I checked the size requirements from United and they said bags can't exceed 9x14x22. Does the height measurement include the wheels (so the height from the floor when standing) or is it just the bag itself? If the wheels are excluded we are good, if they are included we will need to check bags. I don't want to find this out unexpectedly when we get there.

2. In the event my carry-on only plan works, if there are three of the quart bags of toiletries (one each for the three of us), does it matter if they are all in one bag or do they have to be one in each of our bags? Since we have to pull them out anyway, I just thought it would be easier to only have to open up one bag rather than all three. But I don't want to have problems because we did it wrong.

We leave next Saturday, so I am trying to get this all worked out!

 

[LilyWDW]

1. I was trying to fit everything into carry on bags to avoid the checked bag fee and having to wait to retrieve bags. I checked the size requirements from United and they said bags can't exceed 9x14x22. Does the height measurement include the wheels (so the height from the floor when standing) or is it just the bag itself? If the wheels are excluded we are good, if they are included we will need to check bags. I don't want to find this out unexpectedly when we get there.

The measurement is to include all pieces that would be protruding. This includes wheels and handles that do not retract.

2. In the event my carry-on only plan works, if there are three of the quart bags of toiletries (one each for the three of us), does it matter if they are all in one bag or do they have to be one in each of our bags? Since we have to pull them out anyway, I just thought it would be easier to only have to open up one bag rather than all three. But I don't want to have problems because we did it wrong.

I honestly don't know the official word on this, but I would put one per bag. You don't want a misunderstanding that YOU are carrying 3 bags onboard, kwim? Hopefully, someone will post something more official for you though.

We leave next Saturday, so I am trying to get this all worked out!

My answers are given in red in the quote.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

As stated, the measurements include handles and wheels.

It makes no difference if you put your three 1 quart bags in one piece of luggage or split it up. You'll be removing it when going through security anyway.

 

[JenniferK]

Thanks for the help! I wound up buying two new carry-ons, and will ship a small package. And that is still about the same as it would have cost to check a bag, and we will have the carry-ons for next time.

Thank you!

 

[Liv's Mommy]

Too funny! I was just wondering the same thing about the measurement with the wheels today, when I was measuring my bag....glad you asked! I figured that the wheels wouldn't be included in the measurement, so now I might have a problem! Better to know now then later though!

 

[LilyWDW]

Too funny! I was just wondering the same thing about the measurement with the wheels today, when I was measuring my bag....glad you asked! I figured that the wheels wouldn't be included in the measurement, so now I might have a problem! Better to know now then later though!

Well, think about it for a moment... the measurements are so that the carry on bag will fit into the overhead compartments. They SHOULD be put in wheels first so that more bags can fit in each. So, if the bag is bigger then that size due to the wheels, the door on the compartment won't close.

 

[JenniferK]

Too funny! I was just wondering the same thing about the measurement with the wheels today, when I was measuring my bag....glad you asked! I figured that the wheels wouldn't be included in the measurement, so now I might have a problem! Better to know now then later though!

Yep, that is why I had to buy 2 new carry ons - would have been OK with what I had except for the wheels. Never a problem in the past because we just had a checked bag. I'm so glad I figured it out today too - or else I would have wound up paying $$$ for two checked bags I thought I would be carrying on!

 

[JenniferK]

Well, think about it for a moment... the measurements are so that the carry on bag will fit into the overhead compartments. They SHOULD be put in wheels first so that more bags can fit in each. So, if the bag is bigger then that size due to the wheels, the door on the compartment won't close.

I agree it makes sense, I just wasn't sure because these bags that would just make it without the wheels (but not with) are supposed to be carry on bags.... I now have more luggage than I will ever need, lol. Three carry on bags, three supposed carry on bags (that really are not), a large bag, 2 garment bags and several of those little bags that come with sets that I never use. Oh well.

 

[bumbershoot]

Thanks for the help! I wound up buying two new carry-ons, and will ship a small package. And that is still about the same as it would have cost to check a bag, and we will have the carry-ons for next time.

Thank you!

That's a good idea!


And yes, when you get through security you can put the 311 baggies into just one bag, no big deal.

 

[goofy4tink]

Wheels and handles go into that overhead bin..so need to be included in the measurements. But..here's the thing that gets me. There are plenty of passengers putting bags up there that do not fit in wheels first. They end up putting the bags in sideways, since they won't fit otherwise. And now, they have taken up someone else's space.

 

[LilyWDW]

Wheels and handles go into that overhead bin..so need to be included in the measurements. But..here's the thing that gets me. There are plenty of passengers putting bags up there that do not fit in wheels first. They end up putting the bags in sideways, since they won't fit otherwise. And now, they have taken up someone else's space.

I really think airlines need to crack down more on this. You have people who follow the rules, you try to take other people into consideration... and then you have the ones who just simply don't care. If the airlines would get stricter about measuring carry on luggage, then people would actually pay attention to the rules.

 

[goofy4tink]

I really think airlines need to crack down more on this. You have people who follow the rules, you try to take other people into consideration... and then you have the ones who just simply don't care. If the airlines would get stricter about measuring carry on luggage, then people would actually pay attention to the rules.

Like the woman on my last flight???? She had a huge bag, no way would it fit in wheels first, and a large tote bag. She shoved the oversized bag in, sideways, then pushed and shoved until she got the tote bag in beside it..taking up almost the entire length of the bin. Then, she put the purse she had taken out of the tote bag, up next to the oversized bag..easy access to it I guess. Then, into her seat she got, reclined as far back as she could, stretched out her legs and she was ready to go. Put that seat up for as brief a time as she could..as soon as it was allowed, that seat went all the way back. She put nothing at her feet. The poor people that were seated near her had to look at overhead bins away from their seats due to her 'bin hog' behaviour.

 

[pooch]

hasn't flown in several years and we flew SWA from Tampa to Htfd, CT last week. I spent a lot of time explaining 3-1-1, carry-ons, security so that he'd be prepared. Well, had to throw away his shaving cream & mouthwash at the hotel -"oh, that counts too?" and left his cell phone in his pocket going through security . But he was right on point with what was and wasn't a carry-on. I could not believe (and really nothing should surprise me about airline travel by now) the size of the suitcases being lugged on the plane! DH said they should have those boxes that measure carry-ons at the gate instead of the check-in desk. But until GA/FAs enforce the rules, those bags are just gonna get bigger & bigger!

 

[Liv's Mommy]

Well, think about it for a moment... the measurements are so that the carry on bag will fit into the overhead compartments. They SHOULD be put in wheels first so that more bags can fit in each. So, if the bag is bigger then that size due to the wheels, the door on the compartment won't close.

Yes, it totally makes sense, but I just wasn't sure. I asked my dh about it, not sure why as he hasn't flown for a very long time (neither have I). He did not think the wheels were included in the luggage. I thought to myself "why wouldn't they be, since they have to fit in there too!" hahaha!!! Anyway, glad someone asked so I know for sure!