Cheryl305

I am going on a tour. The carry on baggage limit for the airline is 21.65 inches. The tour company states you can have an 18 inch carry on, which is very small. Would you go by the tour company or the airlines? I would much prefer to bring my 21 inch carry-on on the plane. Has anyone had any experience where their carry-on bag was a little larger than the tour company wants? This is the first time a tour company has stated a carry-on size limit. The tour company is Smartours. This is my first time going with them.

thursdaysd

Where are you going? Will you be on small planes as part of the tour? Does the company allow a checked bag plus a carry on, or just a carry on?

janisj

If you are also checking a bag, my guess is you really should try to adhere to the tour company's limits. Perhaps there is limited space on the coach and if everyone has a checked bag and a full sized carry-on they could run out of room.

But give us more details which tour and what sort(s) of transport you'll be taking.

Unboundly

It's not such a big difference in the end, and the strictness of the bag checks differ from place to place... You could try contacting them directly and asking about the discrepancy.

But janisj is right, the safest bet is sticking to the tour company's requests.

suze

Would you have a checked bag in addition to the 18" carryon?

flpab

Baggage Allowance:

On all smarTours trips passengers are limited to one piece of checked luggage (suitcase) not to exceed 44 pounds as well as one small carry-on. Carry-on must not exceed 18″x10″x8″.

These restrictions are based on baggage allowance by the international carrier, the domestic carriers as well as by baggage capacity of motorcoaches. Luggage that exceeds the above baggage allowance will not be allowed on the tour.

In addition, the airlines involved may impose additional baggage fees when you exceed the above guidelines. Below you can find links to the airlines featured on smarTours trips. These links may offer you general information on the luggage allowance of the different airlines.

However, please keep in mind that even if the airline allows more than the amount of luggage listed above, you’ll not be able to bring on the tour itself more than one piece of luggage not to exceed 44 pounds and a small carry-on, not to exceed 18″x10″x8″.

thursdaysd

Well, come on! If you get one checked up to 44 lbs, what on earth is your problem? My checked plus carry-on don't come close to that.

suze

My impression was that they asked because they already own a 21" suitcase, and don't have an 18" one.

thursdaysd

@suze - I was putting more weight on "states you can have an 18 inch carry on, which is very small."

evecolorado

I've traveled several times with SmarTours, last time was to Russia last autumn, always with my 22" suitcase and what they are calling a small carry-on, an approx. 18" high backpack. It wouldn't have to be a backpack, of course, could be another (small, no bigger than 18" on its longest side) suitcase. In their buses, the suitcase goes into the baggage area and the "carry-on" comes with one onto the coach, used as a day bag for all the bits and pieces a person might want during the day. Give them a call if you are uncertain, they've always been most responsive and helpful with my questions.

janisj

If you are allowed a checked bag, you don't need even an 18 inch carry-on. Any large-ish handbag or small day pack should be more than enough.

suze

I'd do like janisj suggested. That rather than having any sized 2nd "suitcase" as my carry-on, I'd take something I could use as a day bag once I arrived (over-side tote bag, day pack, etc.)

doug_stallings

Actually, t me this sounds like quite a generous policy. I can fit enough clothes for a 2-week trip into a 22-inch carry-on (I might have to do a little launch along the way, but I didn't on my most recent trip). My carry-on is nowhere near an 18-inch rollaboard. As suze suggests, the "carry on" should be a daypack.

If you limit yourself like this, you may be able to take all your luggage onto the plane and not have to check anything (a huge advantage if you are embarking on a multi-destination bus trip where a lost bag might not catch up to you for days.

suze

For me, I need some kind of a day bag, so if I didn't have a multi-purpose carryon, that would mean having 3 items with me (checked suitcase, carryon suitcase, and still need a purse or tote for every day use after arrival). And that's too much!

Cheryl305

The airline allows 50 lbs., which is fine. The tour company says 44. I will be under 50 lbs. I am not concerned about being over 44 lbs. No one is going to weigh my luggage. I also need a carryon for things I will buy. Usually my large suitcase, which I check, has no extra room. I will not be taking any flights within my trip.

kja

"No one is going to weigh my luggage."

You are certain about that? My luggage has been weighed at the airport on 2 of my last 3 international trips, and on a few trips before that. I've seen people were forced to pay for excess luggage, discard items, and or shift things to meet separate stowed and in-cabin limits.

janisj

44-50 lbs is an enormous amount for a short tour. You should easily be able to get by w/ 25-30 lbs, thus leaving you masses of room in your checked bag for any purchases. Just because you are on a tour and they handle your bags doesn't mean you need to take the kitchen sink.

thursdaysd

What janisj said. In spades.

needmorevacation

If your carryon needs to be with you on the bus, I'd opt for a backpack/handbag- more leg room

GBelle

There are many 18" tote type bags from which you can choose. Baggallini has large ones that have been recommended in these forums. They are lightweight, hold a lot, and you can often find them at places like TJ Maxx and Marshalls.