We will be on Embraer planes for both segments of an upcoming flight. We don't want to check our luggage, preferring just to drop it off at the bottom of the steps into the plane and retrieving it in the same way. How large of luggage can we take through security to get to our gates - our largest piece is only 27", but I see 22" is normally considered the largest carry-on. Thanks in advance!

I have to chuckle when you say your largest bag is "ONLY" 27" - that's one of the BIGGEST bags you can purchase. Also, you'll be dealing with 2 seperate "screening processes" - the Security screener and the gate agent - what is allowed by one doesn't necessarily mean it will be allowed by the other.

It is very doubtful you could get through the security checkpoint with a 27" bag. Normally the size is limited to 22" but sometimes the TSA screeners allow a larger bag to go through but I've never seen them allow a 27" bag (and I fly several times a month).

Anyway, even if you could get through security with a larger bag it doesn't mean the Delta Gate Agent will allow you to carry-on the bag or gate check it (since you are flying on an smaller jet). Gate Agents are know for getting very hardlined when it come to carry-on luggage size. Here again, the "normal" maximum size for gate checked bags is 22". I think it is highly unlikely the gate agent will allow you to gate check a 27" bag.

A_Traveller:
No wonder you chuckled - I gave the measurement for our largest piece of luggage (just as you said.....jeez...). The piece I was considering is closer to 24", but after your response I think we'll stick to 22" and smaller. L*rdy, what was I thinking......

Thanks again.

Even with 21" or 22" rollaboards, they can't get on the regional jets. You'll take them all the way to the airplane door, and they will be gate-checked. When you get off the plane, you wait for them right at the plane door.

Anything larger than a medium-sized backpack has to be gate-checked.

How on earth would an Embraer get off the ground if everyone turned up with 2 27 inch bags weighing 50lb plus 40lb hand luggage and a "personal" item?

alanRow: You must have missed my second post where I apologized for putting in the wrong measurements. Thanks so much for your highly informative post and have a Happy Holiday season.

Yeah - I love those Embraer jets because of the gate checking - it's kind of the best of both worlds - you don't have to go to baggage claim, but you also don't have to try to get your suitcase up in the overhead compartment! And, definitely 21 or 22 inch rollers.... and I also have a tote I bought that doubles as a computer bag, stick my purse in, carry my souvenir kind of bag..... that goes on the little jet with me (fits under the seat in front of me).

Debi:
Me too, I really don't like jockying for position around the baggage claim when everybody and all their kids are crowding in. Where did, "Stand back with your 'fill in the parent/relative/guardian blank' while I get the bags" go?