In need of suggestions : Carry on - Air Canada

[starvenger]

Have you measured your laptop? Mine is supposed to be a 15.6, but it's only 15" long. The screen is 15.6" diagonally, which is how they (weirdly) measure screens like monitors and tvs.

The diagonal was fine as a standard when monitors were CRT, but now they come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so the diagonal is often misleading. I guess it's fortunate that televisions are relatively standard. But I digress.

 

[FigmentSpark]

The diagonal was fine as a standard when monitors were CRT, but now they come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so the diagonal is often misleading. I guess it's fortunate that televisions are relatively standard. But I digress.

I totally agree, but there you have it. I don't know why they can't just put the length and width on it. I can judge my needs from that much better than from a diagonal measurement.

It's the same with trunk size in cars/vans. What does the volume tell me? I want to know if my suitcases will fit, not a bag full of liquid. Tell me the length, width and depth. That means something to me.

 

[bankr63]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. My biggest problem with the carry-on is my laptop... It's a 17" and the size limits on the personnal item makes it impossible unless I put it in the "real" carry-on luggage. But if I do that getting it out for security might be an issue... I still have 3.5 months to figure out my strategy.

I also use a 17" laptop (diagonal measurement, wide screen) and it fits fine in my soft side briefcase which is a permissible personal item.

 

[Disney_Alli]

I wouldn't get too hung up on the "permitted" size of a carry on or personal item for AC - within reason. I've never had them actually measure - a personal item especially! The only time you'll really see them measure is those budget airlines that charge for everything except a personal item. A 17" laptop will be fine in most personal items even if it might slightly exceed the max size.

 

[samsteele]

With the packing cubes, all your clothes/personals aren't falling out for all to see. They're neatly compartmentalized.

Agree. Love packing cubes. When they first came out, thought they were a waste/scam. Who would want to pay $ to put their clothes in another pkg in the suitcase? But used them on a 2 wk bus tour of Turkey & found them absolutely wonderful. Now essential.