Oversize carry-on - would this be acceptable?

[carmiedog]

We have 3 carry-on bags for 5 ticketed people. One of the carry-ons is 1" too long. If it doesn't fit in overhead bin, would it be OK to turn it sideways? My logic is that we have 2 passengers who will not need to use the bin, so we'll be using "their" space. In this situation would a sideways carry-on be OK or would it still be completely bad etiquette?

We have never used the overhead bin in all our years or traveling. This will be the first time not checking bags, so I'm really clueless as to how much a bin will hold.

(option 2: buy a new set of carry-ons (can't just replace the one that's over-sized...they all have to coordinate )and try to explain to my husband that the cost will cover itself after not having to pay for checked luggage fees for 2 trips. )

eta: we're flying Delta, if that makes any difference

 

[crashbb]

I get your logic, but there is no "pooling" of luggage dimensions/weight in either checked luggage or carry-on.

Your luggage is too big.

If the check-in (or gate) agent decides to measure, they won't care that others don't have any carry-on luggage - you'll have to check it. If the flight attendant decides to follow the rules (only happens if overheads get very full), again, they won't care that you have traveling companions that are not using their space.

 

[readytogotodisney]

Honestly, don't go and buy a new carry on set. Take it the bag with you, if it doesn't fit (which I think it will) you can always ask the flight attendant if you can do the gate check. They'll put it on last and take it off first, it'll be waiting for you when you get off the plane.

 

[robinb]

I get your logic, but there is no "pooling" of luggage dimensions/weight in either checked luggage or carry-on.

Your luggage is too big.

If the check-in (or gate) agent decides to measure, they won't care that others don't have any carry-on luggage - you'll have to check it. If the flight attendant decides to follow the rules (only happens if overheads get very full), again, they won't care that you have traveling companions that are not using their space.

This. In addition, you are likely to have to pay the $25 bag fee if you are asked to gate check the bag because it is too big. I would buy a bag that is the correct size so you don't have to worry about it. I see a lot of nice bags at Marshall's/TJ Maxx for less than $50. As for coordinating ... none of our bags match! They are different sizes and brands . I'm sure that people don't look down on use because our bags don't match and even if they did, who cares?

 

[francie57]

We fly Delta all the time and they do check the size of the bags randomly if they think it is questionable. I know this because I had to sit for 2 1/2 hours listening to a woman complain that she had to check her carry-on, along with her two daughters carry-ons and pay the $25/bag fee, when her husbands and sons fit. Since she was standing next to me at baggage claim I was interested to see these bags since that all I hear the whole trip. The three "carry-ons" were the right length and height but they were extremely wide. With so many people using carry-ons, the turning it to the side usually won't work since the flight attendants are always repositioning the bins to make room for more bags. Since the requirements are there, I would just get the right size bag or you have to go being prepared to have to gate check your bag and pay the $25 fee.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I would just get the right size bag or you have to go being prepared to have to gate check your bag and pay the $25 fee.

You don't pay to gate check bags.

They'll put it on last and take it off first, it'll be waiting for you when you get off the plane.

No, gate checked bags, except for bags checked on regional jets where no suitcases fit in the overhead bins, will not be waiting for you gate side. They are sent to the regular baggage claim carousels.

OP - You need to have a bag which fits the stated carry-on dimensions.

 

[robinb]

You don't pay to gate check bags.

Yes, sometimes you do. Depending on the gate agent, a passenger may have to pay for OVERSIZED bags like the one the OP wants to bring with her.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Yes, sometimes you do. Depending on the gate agent, a passenger may have to pay for OVERSIZED bags like the one the OP wants to bring with her.

I have never, ever seen anyone pay for a gate checked bag, especially one oversized by one inch (!), but I will take your word that you have seen this
happen.

It has apparently happened on Delta (I never fly them):

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta-skymiles/1038173-people-charged-check-bags-gate.html

 

[goofy4tink]

If you are only an inch over, you will most likely be fine. I have seen many bags turned sideways in the overhead bins. The FAs seldom do anything about it unless they start to run out of space...then they will try to reposition stuff.

I wish that weren't the case. I know that every time I fly with my LLBean rolling duffle, which is exactly the right size for carryon (at the largest it can be), I stress over it. I worry about being stopped and having to 'size' my bag. I worry that it won't fit correctly. But you know what??? It does fit exactly as if it were made for that space. There are many more people that don't seem to be concerned at all with their obviously oversized bags.
I almost wish that the airlines would charge a minimal amount for bags in the overhead bins. You get that free personal item to put at your feet but have to pay for overhead bin use. Then, the airlines could either do away with the that first checked bag fee or make it half the cost.
The overhead bins are getting crazy stuffed nowadays. It's truly scary when people start opening them once the plane lands. Stuff falls out. Or, a bag is so huge that the passenger is hard pressed to get it out of the bin.

 

[DebbieB]

Honestly, don't go and buy a new carry on set. Take it the bag with you, if it doesn't fit (which I think it will) you can always ask the flight attendant if you can do the gate check. They'll put it on last and take it off first, it'll be waiting for you when you get off the plane.

I agree, I would take my chances. If it's a mainline plane, they will send it to baggage claim at your destination.

Depending on the model of plane, many times bags within regulation do not fit lengthwise.

 

[keishashadow]

OP when you say the carryon is 1 inch oversize, are you measuring any wheels/handle? Seems many forget to include those dimensions in over all measurement.

jmho, despite the need to matchsince there are 5 people, why not take the 2 bags that will officially pass muster & buy 2 or 3 smaller duffle/backpack/nylon foldable bags (color-co-ordinating naturally). They can be found for less than $10 @ outlets/discount stores.

 

[cassie]

My carry on is the right size so I have no problem putting it in wheels first with space to spare in front. I really hate it when I see people with so much crammed in their bags trying to stuff it in the bins. I know it sucks with the baggage fees, but come on. They hold up the boarding line pushing the bag in when it's obvious it's not gonna fit. Then they push other peoples stuff around to make it fit.

 

[Cotton's Parrot]

I have never, ever seen anyone pay for a gate checked bag, especially one oversized by one inch (!), but I will take your word that you have seen this
happen.

It has apparently happened on Delta (I never fly them):

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta-skymiles/1038173-people-charged-check-bags-gate.html

It does happen. Saw a guy on an AirTran flight have to pay on the plane because his carry-on was way too big to stuff in the overhead bin. Why wouldn't they have to pay? If the airline charges for the first bag, why would anyone think they could "sneak" on an oversided carry-on on the plane and then be surprised they have to pay when the attendent makes them check it? The only time you should not have to pay is if the carry-on is of the proper size and there's no overhead bin space left.

 

[nkereina]

I would take the chance. An inch may not even be too noticeable and lately I have seen a lot of carry on bags pushing the limit. Worst case is that they make you check the bag and you have to pay the baggage fee, which is most likely less than the cost of a new carry on bag anyhow.

 

[JoeCathyAngelina]

The metal framed luggage sizer at the gate is 22" by 14" by 9" if your carry on doesn't fit in the luggage sizer you have to check it in for whatever the fee that airline is charging, about $25 per bag one way.
A couple of weeks ago at the Sanford FL airport; I saw people trying to carry on bags bigger than the ones I checked in at the counter, they didn't get far. Some people had their 2, 3 and 4 year olds dragging full size carry ons, backpacks, duffle bags and shopping bags as personal bags. One woman had about 10 plastic shopping bags stuffed and attached to the handle of her carry on bag.
I felt like I was getting on a plane full of refugees leaving the country with all their worldly possesions.
For what it's worth, when the three of us travel by plane we check in 2 full size suitcases; my wife and daughter each have a small backpack with their personal things, camera/electronics and valuables.
Good luck all,
Joe

 

[NotUrsula]

If it is only an inch over, chances are that it will still fit if you put it in the bin backwards and with the wheels up (bottom of the bag toward you.) The bins curve more at the back where they meet the bulkhead, so there is more room there for a protruding handle or wheels. Sometimes adding something slight bulky (like a jacket) underneath the part of the bag nearest the bin door will allow it to fit where it wouldn't before (again, because of the curve of the door.)

IME people put bags in sideways all the time; most of the time the FA's won't bother even trying to spin them unless someone raises a fuss about not having enough room.