Alitalia - Carry on luggage?

Old Nov 19th, 2015, 02:58 AM
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Alitalia - Carry on luggage?

Yes, I have read everything about Alitalia and am prepared for a less than optimal experience -- but the deed is done and I have tickets to Sicily for May 2016.

We want to make sure we can do carry on only and I wanted recommendations for luggage that fits the requirements. I would especially appreciate hearing from anyone who has flown Alitalia recently traveling with carry on as well.

The dimensions for carry on luggage on the Alitalia website are:
55cm high (21.654")
35cm wide (13.7795")
25cm deep (9.842")
Weight - 8 kg (17.637 lbs).

The website states that the dimensions are from the floor up, including wheels and handle. What I see in luggage reviews, however, is that many of the luggage companies only measure the interior dimensions, so that a bag that appears to be the right size might not meet really meet requirements. From what I've read, they are fairly strict about the weight limit for the carryon piece, but it's not clear to me how rigidly they enforce the size.

I have been trying to find a bag to meet the above dimensions that is under $200, preferably under $150. I like the Travelpro 21 Crew but some reviews indicate that the dimensions are off (includes only the interior dimensions):
http://www.amazon.com/Travelpro-Crew.../dp/B00L681IUG

Anyone have any experience and/or suggestions for luggage? We want to do carry on only and avoid checking baggage.

Thanks,
Paule
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Old Nov 20th, 2015, 05:09 AM
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Any 21" is going to be too big for these dimensions once you measure the wheels and handle. And this one is likely too thick as well. And too heavy. This bag, for instance, is about 8 pounds empty. When filled, it's going to be over 20 pounds. The international standard for carry-ons is significantly smaller than the domestic standard, so while this bag would be fine for the US (I actually have one and it feels really big to me), it's not remotely suitable for an international trip.

Might I suggest ebags, which does a better job (in my opinion) of providing accurate sizing. They have a separate tab for international vs. domestic carry-on bags.

You need to get a 19- or 20-inch bag. Those sizes tend to be closer to what you need when you measure wheels and handles.

I have a Tumi polycarbonate hard-size bag that's 19 inches and perfect for carry-on almost anywhere in the world. It's surprisingly roomy. If you take a bag like that and a small backpack, you can easily get enough for a week or two (provided you are willing to do a bit of laundry along the way). Tumis are expensive, but Delsey has a nice international-sized spinner on sale now for $119.
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Old Nov 20th, 2015, 09:26 AM
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Doug,
Many thanks! That's very helpful and the Delsey looks like a very good option.

Yes, we always do washing as we go along. If we can pack a week's clothing, we'll be in great shape.

Paule
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Old Nov 26th, 2015, 08:19 AM
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Good advice from Doug and I am also a fan of ebags.

I have a Bric bag, ltalian brand, light weight, vinyl or vinylized leather, about 20', expands, and has worked on airlines inside Europe for carry on.

I was able to purchase it on One Kings Lane (online, boutiquey stuff) -- it's blue plaid, which explains why I got a good deal It was under 150. Brics can be browsed on line and it has a 19-20' category.

It is my go-to carry on and is sufficient with a tote bag as "personal item" or on really tight airlines I stuff the tote into the bag. i recently traveled with a world traveler who's been to all 7 continents more than once; she had a heavier carry on but was quite impressed with my bag and its "travel light" potential.

Eagle Creek of course is another prospect. With European airlines it's the weight as well as the size, and EC has some really lightweight options.
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Old Nov 26th, 2015, 08:46 AM
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The international standard for carry-ons is significantly smaller than the domestic standard

Is it? The standard is 56x45x25cm which is typical of most airlines throughout the world.

The difference is that non-US airlines mean it.
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Old Nov 26th, 2015, 09:52 AM
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It's not just dimensions, it's weight that is very different. For US domestic airlines, most allow up to 23 pounds (10 kg) in addition to somewhat larger size bags (some us airlines allow up to 24 inches, but certainly not all). The weight limit for almost all international carriers is 7 kg, which is significantly less than what US airlines allow for domestic travel.

Of course, that's not universally true. BA allows up to 23 kg for carry-on bags; they basically don't care how much your bag weighs if it's the correct size. Alitalia allows up to 8 kg but only 55 cm in height, so smaller than standard size but a bit heavier.

But most airlines care about both size and weight (US airlines typically do not weigh domestic carry-ons, caring only about size). Additionally, some airlines allow only one bag ... no "personal item". You just have to check.
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Old Nov 27th, 2015, 03:54 AM
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I've looked at ebags and have found a few I liked, but for cost, size and weight, I think I'm going with the rick steves 20" carry on:

https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/rolling-carry-on

The Eagle Creek 20" bag is beautiful, but significantly more money. It also loses a lot of packing space -- the cubic cm is significantly less than the above.

I had seen a lightweight 20" TravelPro bag that I liked on ebags but it's already out of stock.

It is very important to pay attention to the weight of the bag -- many bags look good, but with a limit of 8kg, every pound counts!
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Old Nov 30th, 2015, 05:28 AM
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If you can live without wheels you'll find a lot of good travel packs (suitcases that also have backpack straps). Rick Steves has one of these as well. There's also a good ebags-branded one and one from LL Beach. These are also typically cheaper as well as a lot lighter than wheeled bags.
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Old Dec 1st, 2015, 06:02 PM
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Thanks, Doug, for your suggestions. No, we are definitely in the wheels category! I've ordered the Rick Steves' rolling carry-on so am keeping my fingers crossed that we are reasonably satisfied with them and they do the job!
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Old Dec 1st, 2015, 10:10 PM
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Progol I have that bag as well, in teal blue; it's my second favorite after the Bric bag and yes, the price is right; mine has lasted some years and is still in good shape.
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Old Dec 2nd, 2015, 03:25 AM
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Thanks, annw! I appreciate knowing that it's a good bag and has held up.

We've had our samsonite rollerbags for about 15 years, and they are still in good shape, but they are now too large for carry-on. Hence, the RS bags!
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Old May 31st, 2016, 03:17 AM
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The Rick Steves rolling carry-on bags worked perfectly for us on our trip! No problems with doing carry on at all!
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