Jeanne

Our carry on luggage measures 47 and 48 linear inches, which was not problem flying Continental over Christmas. Now I see that United limit is 45 linear inches. I hate to check luggage, but I also am too cheap to go out and buy all new. Has anyone had experience with United's and their carry on policy? Do you think we will be ok--really hate to have to check it at the last minute.

gail

My husband flies United a few times/month BOS-ORD on UA with an oversized carry-on and an over-stuffed briefcase on planes that are close to full - never a problem (please, no lectures on if this behavior is rude or not - he is an adult and it is his decision).

Happens all the time on many airlines - but as you know occasionally for some unexplainable reason, they will call a passenger on an over-sized carryon and make it be gate checked.

SamH

I suspect you will have no problems with your carry on at 47-48 inches. However see post #43 in the thread titled:

Send an E-mail to USAir NOW about Charge for 2nd Bag

If your bag fits into the overhead the way it's supposed to - long way - I don't see a problem. If it doesn't fit then who knows.

If it's way to big then, yes, it's rude to bring it aboard.

mrwunrfl

It's not going to be a problem. They are not going to measure your luggage.

I have two bags that I use as carry-on for longer term trips. The older one has a pocket for storing a laptop. If I am not taking my laptop then I will use the newer one instead.

When I got the old one I suspected that it might violate United's baggage policy. But I knew from experience flying on United that it would be ok. I just measured it and it is about 9.5 (more like 10) by 16 by 24. So it violates UA policy in each dimension and in sum.

When I got the new one, I had a choice between it and one that was advertised as a carry-on. The "carry-on" was too small. So I got it to use as a carry-on knowing from experience that it would be ok. I just measured it at 9x16x23 though I thought it was advertised as a 24-inch spinner.

Before those two bags I used a rollaboard backpack that measures 9.5 by 15 by 25. I still use it depending on the type of trip. This fits in some bins with the feet at the opening.

Those dimensions include handles and wheels.

I realize that UA might gate check my "carry-on" for one of two reasons:
1) it doesn't actually fit in the overhead (in a small plane),
or
2) all of the overhead bins are full.

But either of those reasons could force a 40 total-inch bag to be gate checked.

mrwunrfl

Clarification: the "new" one was not advertised as a carry-on but I got it (not the "carry-on&quot anyway because it looked close enough

mrwunrfl

Saw on another thread a claim that UA is cracking down on their carry-on policy now that they've instituded the $25 fee for 2nd checked bag. I didn't see any evidence of that on my flights in the last couple of days.

jrretired

It's guys like Gail's husband that should be forced to stop filling the cabins with oversize luggage. They us up more overhead space and usually beat up seated passengers loading and unloading their huge bags. Gail's guy and all like him should follow the rules or "check it"

gail

jr - do you want his email to tell him?

mrwunrfl

No, tell UA. Apparently, they are unaware that we are breaking their rules. We are just sneaking it right by them, I guess.

Marianna

Lots of people carry on oversized bags. It always amazes me that the check in luggage is weighed and you will be charged if it is overweight but the carry on bags are allowed on regardless of size, weight, and how many (I have seen numerous people carrying on 3 rather large bags)and they are just about ignored. Sometimes, they can hardly get the bags down the aisle not to mention getting them in the overhead bins. It doesn't seem right to me.