BA Club Europe vs Gatwick Security?
 

Flying BA Club Europe from LGW to VCE. Will have a 22" wheelie & a backpack (medium size). Prefer, naturally, not to check any luggage. As 1st/business class passengers on International flights, Delta has allowed the two carry-ons (at least they did last year!!!), so I'm hoping BA will also allow this for Club Europe class.

What do you think? Will Delta & BA let me carryon the 2, counting my backpack as a personal item?

However, will I be accepted thru Gatwick security with the two? Last year only 1 item allowed thru security. This year, I noticed that BA site now says a carryon & a personal item, such as, briefcase, handbag, laptop. Will security accept my backpack as one of the qualifying personal items?

Just don't want to wait in that security line & then have to leave, go back to checkin, & go thru the security line again! But then again, don't want to play the lost luggage game in Venice!

Thanks, Julie

<i>However, will I be accepted thru Gatwick security with the two? Last year only 1 item allowed thru security.</i>

This has since been changed.

In my experience, BA is much more like the US carriers (i.e. will let you carry on whatever you want) than any of the other European carriers. My guess is that you will be able to do it, but no guarantees, as you will likely be outside the rules. If you run into someone trying to enforce the rules, then you don't really have much of an argument.

And, just to be clear, you are likely outside the bounds of Delta's rules as well, which is also 1 carry-on + 1 personal item. They also have a provision that staff can further limit carry-ons if the flight is full.

Thanks, travelgourmet. Sounds like you feel a &quot;backpack&quot; will probably not qualify as a 'personal' item, which includes a handbag, briefcase, &amp; laptop. That's what I was mulling over. No good to call the 800#, those folks don't know &amp; I'll probably get a different answer every time I call!

Maybe I can squeeze that backpack into the 22&quot;!

Julie

Julie,

There's always one more thing. I usually think of these questions at 3:00 a.m.

At fast track security, as they do in most places, there is a metal template against which one is supposed to measure one's carry on luggage.

In distinction from every other airport I've been in, they actually use them at Gatwick! If both bags fit through that framework, they are likely only to check the larger one, you will be able to carry them on. You will find plenty of storage space in Club, but may have to put the backpack under the seats in front of you.

Jeff801, now that seems strange! They both fit, but I'll have to check one?

I think what I will do is ask at the checkin desk if I can carry them both on. If they say OK, is that good enough, or can security say otherwise?

Thanks, Julie

Julie,

Sorry I was unclear. You should be able to bring both the rolling bag and backpack on board. I was able to bring aboard a rolling bag and a rolling laptop tote. The tote was at least as big as a backpack.

BTW, until recently, it was not necessary to remove the laptop from the carry-on at British Airports. That changed sometime this summer and you will need to have it packed in a place that is convenient for removal and repacking.

Thanks, Jeff801. So glad to know that I can get my 22&quot; wheelie &amp; my backpack thru security &amp; as carryon.....if they fit in the little tester box!

Is there a tester box near the checkin or before security, so I can be sure it will fit? That way if there is a security line, I will not have waited for nothing, if mine does not fit!

Julie

<i>Sounds like you feel a &quot;backpack&quot; will probably not qualify as a 'personal' item, which includes a handbag, briefcase, &amp; laptop.</i>

I should be more clear. I think that, practically, you will be able to take it on. But, technically, it might run afoul of the rules.

I would try to bring it, but be prepared that, if asked, I might have to check it. I would think that risk would be relatively low.

Julie,

The only tester box I noticed was at the security line. But, even on a crowded Saturday, we had no wait at all at that line.

I imagine there are other tester frames, but we always seem to be at Gatwick with many others and I have not looked at them.

BTW, when you arrive in Venice, you will have to carry all your bags down a flight of stairs to the tarmack and then board a bus to the terminal. (BA does not get to use a jet bridge at the new terminal.) Will that make a difference to your consideration of checking luggage?

Jeff

travelgourmet, thanks. I think, like you said, I'll just give it a try if we have plenty of time &amp; the security line is not too long.

Jeff801, don't think the stairs will be a problem with only a 22&quot; &amp; wearing the backpack. Thanks for letting me know.

Julie