Baggage at Security Check Question

Old Sep 29th, 2000, 06:07 AM
  #1  
Hannah
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Baggage at Security Check Question

I know this will sound ridiculous, but here goes. WHAT is the NAME of the archlike hole that one must put our carry on bags through in order for the airlines to see if the dimensions are correct from side to side and up and down?
I've measured my bag and it seems to be off by one inch..I want to go to my airport to be sure it fits. I know they also have a metal apparatus you can put your bag in to see if it fits, but it looks even smaller than the arch shaped hole on security check. I need to carry mine on and not have it checked just because of one inch. Help please. I've called the airlines, I've called my local security at airport and terminal operations...the answer I got? "Just take some stuff out and put it in another bag." I said, "I DOUBT THAT WILL CHANGE the length and height and width of the BAG! THE BAGS's dimensions won't change. I know the limit is 40# with American (in my case), but I'm concerned. Thanks for any tips or hints.
 
Old Sep 29th, 2000, 07:00 AM
  #2  
Miriam
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
No questions is too ridiculous if a fellow traveler needs to know. I am going to try to get an answer for you. Meantime, let's hope someone else reads this and maybe they work for the airlines and knows the answer.
 
Old Sep 29th, 2000, 08:06 AM
  #3  
tweedy
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Hannah, I never check baggage, learned that along time ago, that when I go one way checked baggage usually goes another and it is directionally propotionate to the need you have for the luggage. The more you need the luggage the further away from you it is shipped. (lol) Ok just kidding, but it sure feels that way sometimes.

There is also a difference in the accomodations of the plane what size bags will fit. Are you concerned about it fitting in the overhead or under your seat?

I don't think in all the flying I have done I have seen an airline question my bag, and now I travel with a rolling carryon.

My suggestion 1. is not to fret too badly 2. check to see what aircraft you are flying on (an MD80 or a smaller plane and you may have a problem) 3. take the bag to the airport and get on the plane 4. if it will not fit, you can have it hand checked.

Most of the manufacturers of luggage make luggage to fit today's needs, so I would anticipate your bag working for your flight.

I have flown well over 500,000 miles and have used every US carrier. Also I can tell you that the machines used vary from airport to airport, so it seems that there are several manufactures of luggage x ray machines and some airports would probably update equipment as new equipment is introduced.

Good luck with your bag and hope this helps.
 
Old Sep 29th, 2000, 08:24 AM
  #4  
xxx
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
My rolling carry on is also an inch bigger than current specifications largest allowed under previous rules). It does not fit into the metal thing, but I've never had a problem fitting it into an overhead bin, and I've never been askedto check it at the gate. If worse comes to worse, and you are required to check it at the gate, the chances of it disappearing are very low, and the chances of it coming off first are very high. Good luck.
 
Old Sep 29th, 2000, 09:13 AM
  #5  
J T Kirk
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Most domestic carriers state that their carry-on allowance is 45" (length+width=depth). Some airlines, sometimes, enforce carry-on luggage more than others. I have seen a few airlines, at certain times (such as when taking off in very poor weather), when they are concerned about weight. I have only had one ocassion out of thousands of flights where I got caught with a slightly larger bag. I have since been using the same bag and have never had a problem. I will mention that you need to be careful with rolling bags, for two reasons. 1) They are generally of stiffer construction so there is little to no give. (Meaning: you can't cram it easily under the seat like you can a softsided duffle. To me a duffle bag makes a great carryon for this reason. You can, if you want, get more into a duffle than an equivalent hardsided bag, but you can still "squish" it.) 2) the wheels take up room and add to weight. So, those are my thoughts. If you're still conerned, I'd head out to the airport and see if it fits in the metal gizmo at the gate. Good luck.
 
Old Sep 29th, 2000, 09:20 AM
  #6  
Emily
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
I think the airlines call that metal thingy a "baggage size template" or a "security check baggage template".
 
Old Sep 29th, 2000, 09:41 AM
  #7  
Brian in Atlanta
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
I think what Hannah is referring to are those new plexiglass cutouts that limit what can actually be put through the conveyor belt at security. I know Laguardia has them, but I think they're still pretty rare (Atlanta does not have them). It's actually a pretty efficient way of enforcing the carry-on size limit - keeps them from even getting to the gate.

However, if you are caught at one of these, and it won't fit, you have no choice but to return to the flight check-in line and check it (which can be a real problem if you're running late).

Hannah, what airports are you using? Maybe someone will know whether they have these at security or not.
 
Old Sep 29th, 2000, 09:42 AM
  #8  
J T Kirk
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
I have sometimes heard it referred to as "the metal whatchamacallit." But I think that's only by those IN the aviation industry.
 
Old Sep 29th, 2000, 01:07 PM
  #9  
Hannah
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Thanks everybody. Your feedback has really helped me. Thanks also to JT Kirk. He or she is right about the bag itself being heavier to begin with because of the rollers and the handle. I just might stick to my duffle bags, I just might get a metal caddy to put it on. Even though I hope it will be less than 40#, sometimes I can't walk long distances and carry heavy bags. I'm leaving from MIA (Miami, Florida) and I'll just be they enforce it. Either way, it's too much of chance to take. They may let me through at MIA, but in LAX or NYC-LA Guardia, they may not. Thanks everyon!
 
Old Sep 29th, 2000, 07:23 PM
  #10  
xxx
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
brought mine through lga lots of times
 
Old Oct 1st, 2000, 03:09 PM
  #11  
Hannah
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Okay gang. I bought a 3 piecer. The duffle is 19 x 11 x 8 and the one with the wheels is something like 21 x 19 x 6.9 with room for 2" expansion..Now, to find a scale to be sure it weighs no more than 40#. LOL I'll carry my dog and if it weighs more..I'll know. LOL
thanks again everyone.
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -