Carryon allowances for US flights...have they changed?
 

I was looking at United luggage policy. I noticed they have specs on the personal item shown as a small backpack.

http://www.united.com/CMS/en-US/trav...eCarry-On.aspx

Have you run into any issues with your personal item being refused as a carryon in addition to your one carryon luggage? They have always gate checked for free anything they say don't have room for. Has this policy changed recently?

Thanks!

I think what has changed is enforcement. Some airlines didn't challenge oversized carryons, but now do. And since planes are now more fully booked, and lack the bin capacity to handle that, it is very common to see more gate checking, which I believe is still free.

Several airlines have slightly revised their carry-on luggage requirements in the past 18 months. But what clevelandbrown said is very accurate. Enforcement is being enforced more rigorously. But it depends on the airline. In general terms, as long as the personal item will fit under the seat in front of you, it's almost universally allowed.

Of course, airlines like Spirit charge for carry-on bags that are stored in the overhead bin, and the charge is higher than for a checked bag.

Seems if I have a connecting flight luggage most likely will not arrive with me...frustrated

I don't think that the carry-on sizes have changed, but I have definitely noticed that United has been enforcing the rules much more consistently lately.

Lynn - Why do you think that it is likely that your luggage will not arrive? IME, airlines have gotten a lot better at keeping track of luggage in the last 15 years or so.