22" luggage
 

Need some info please. I read a lot of threads about luggage at this site. Exactly how do you measure luggage? Is it 22" the long way? What is the benefit of 22" (other than the obvious light weight)? Does it have something to do with Alitalia for instance only allowing you to board with 22" or 22" being all that fits into the overhead? I keep trying to picture me fitting everything I intend to bring to Italy in a 22" and just can't figure out how, but oh boy you guys are scaring me with the thought of hauling something larger around Italy. I will be taking the train from Rome to Florence, and in 3 different cities in 2 weeks. Help!

Yes, you measure the 22" "long" way.<BR><BR>A major benefit of the 22" is that it will fit in the overhead compartment, through the aisles on the train, and up the steps on the train without too much difficulty. The 22" is a standard, albeit smaller, suitcase size. <BR><BR>If you don't have your suitcase yet, make sure to get one with wheels. Also, if you get a suitcase where the extension arm (which you pull to wheel your suitcase) is on the outside of the suitcase, you'll have more room inside the suitcase. <BR><BR>If you're traveling for 2 weeks and want to travel light, I suggest you do some laundry on the trip. It will save your back. If you don't know how to pack light, check some websites (including this one and Rick Steves')to get some guidance.

I just measured my suitcase, and it's actually 21" in length by 12" in width by 8" in depth. It is the largest suitcase, I believe, that most airlines will let you board with, without checking it (though I almost always check it, because mine IS heavy, and I don't want it crashing down on someone if the overhead compartments open). You can pack a heck of a lot of stuff in a suitcase this size. I sometimes get my laptop into it in addition to my clothes, and I have an old laptop that weighs 8 lbs. <BR>If you're only going for two weeks, it should be a piece of cake getting everything into a suitcase this size. Just be sure you have something like a foldable duffle bag packed in there so you can bring home some goodies.

Thank you both so much. Do you bring a carry-on in addition to the 22"? I am bringing 3 pair of shoes (including what I wear on board) if I have to pack a pair in my pocket. Does anyone know what Alitalia allows as carry-on weight allowance? Or, for that matter, how many pieces?

I don't think you'll need three or four pairs of shoes for Italy. I was just there and got by with two pairs, including the one I wore on the plane. I was there for 3 weeks. BTW-Italy has great shoes...wouldn't you like to buy a pair or two to bring home?<BR><BR>I did bring a carry-on bag. Again, I must emphasize thinking light and small. <BR><BR>Does Alitalia have a website? You might want to check that. Usually on international carriers, they won't allow carry-ons that weigh more than 7 kg (roughly 15 pounds). Moreover, international carriers tend to be stingy on carry-ons and usually only permit one carry-on per person. When I flew on one carrier, the airline had the luggage police out measuring and weighing carry-on bags.

Abby: I haven't flown Alitalia in many years, except for a short hop from Rome to Marseille two years ago. I don't know, but their regs are usually fairly relaxed compared to other airlines. <BR><BR>Yes, I usually carry another bag, a medium-sized handbag that contains my books and keys and wallet and case that contains my passport and tickets and checkbook and reservation information and glasses and has enough room for a couple of magazines if I want to pick them up at the airport. My theory has always been - and I've never even been approached by pickpockets - that if I carry things the way locals do, I won't be targeted by anyone looking for mischief. So far, I've been lucky.

topping

Abby:<BR><BR>Add the length, width and thickness together and the total cannot be more than 46". The weight can be no more than 18 pounds. If you travel in upper classes of service, sometimes you can get away with more weight.

I always heard that the magic number was 45. All dimensions had to add up to 45 inches or less. Although, I think 22 inches in length is critical. Anything longer, even if it's narrow, will be a problem. I'm speaking generally, and not Alitalia. it sounds as though Tom has checked the website. Is that right, Tom?

You will probably have to check the 22" if you have a good sized carryon (plus a purse?) The 22" we are talking about is what you see the flight crews pulling around. Put at least one days change of clothes in your carryon just in case.<BR>

I had an old Jaguar/Protocol case I got in the US at JCPenney's that I loved -- I seemed to be able to get everything in it, but eventually the zipper failed. I learned quite a bit trying to replace it and finding every comparable rollaboard with considerably less interior space.<BR><BR>First, it was actually 23" (x8"x15") on its longest outside measurement, while just about every case I looked at in at least 12 stores was actually less than 22" -- some only 21" (X7"x15"). Second, the amount of interior space taken up by the sliding handles and the wheels has increased, esp. since case mfr'rs seem to think we want a lot of padding around things. Third, luggage-makers also seem to think we want a lot of packing hardware, such as shelves, netting, pouches, etc. Fourth, it seemed to me they were making cases that are substantially inside the 46" overall dimensions, perhaps to avoid any questions, although many have the "expandable" feature, which is great but which if used, guarantees you have to check the luggage.<BR><BR>Question for you all: Do you use all that interior hardware/"furniture"? Would you settle for a little less padding for a little more space? <BR><BR>And how long (either in years or numbers of trips) do you expect a rollaboard to last you?<BR><BR>

45" is the max size permitted for a rectangular bag--no matter if you measure it "the long way," short way, around the middle or up and over the top. Add up the three measurements: up/down, front/back and all the way around the middle and it must be smaller than 45".

Carriers have websites that will tell you specifically what dimensions and weight specs are -- most US carriers are more generous that most European, so you might want to find out directly from the airline. Worst case scenario, you'll have to check you "carry-on", but it's nice to know ahead of time so you can plan accordingly. Oh, unless you plan to go to fancy restaurants or out dancing/clubbing you will never need 3 pairs of shoes -- big waste of space.

It can be done! My husband & I went to Germany/Amsterdam/London for 3 weeks with only a 22" suitcase each, we made it. I will admit I got tired of wearing the same outfit but I didn't have to try & haul a huge suitcase on the train or tube. It was awful nice to get off the plane & already have my suitcase leaving everyone else in the baggage claim line!!

Forgot to add ~ most airlines have a metal frame of the correct dimensions at their check-in desk that you can put your suitcase in & make sure it fits. If you are really worried & live close enough to the airport you might want to take the case to the airport & verify that it will fit. Remember, it has to fit AFTER you have packed it too (bulges count!).<BR><BR>We flew NW & at the Baltimore airport they were making people check their carryon luggage by putting them in the frame to verify size BEFORE you could board the plane (this was done during general boarding!). If they didn't fit you had to check it.

All airlines have the right to check our carry-ons to make sure they are of the correct size. In my experience, though, Northwest and United are the most stringent of the bunch (at least domestically in the US).

22" is a kind of normal regulation largest allowable carry-on measurement for most airlines. You can have one other piece (a purse or pocketbook). You CAN do 2 weeks out of this size rollerbag, you'll just be really sick of your clothes by the end (haha - but seriously it is SO worth it to pack light, especially for train trips!).<BR><BR>I'm getting ready for 3 weeks in europe myself, leaving mid-June. I'm already hanging, sorting, organizing to make a "good pack" happen. Good luck to you!

OK, I just measured and my husband and I are sitting here with two borrowed suitcases and they are both 25'' long. One is 25"x 9 1/2 x16 the other is 25x12Dx13W. We obviously can't check them on. I really don't know if I want to spend the money for two suitcases. This trip is costing enough. My question is now that I am looking at them I am wondering what I will do with them on the trains? I am taking trains from Rome-Florence Florence-Venice and Venice -Florence. Will I be able to put them anywhere on the train? How much of a hassle is it to go to baggage clain at the Rome Airport? Thanks Karen

Don't take 2 25 inch cases,you'll be sorry!

Karen - <BR>I agree with Martha and the rest of the posters on this thread - you'll be VERY sorry for carrying two 25" suitcases through Italy.<BR><BR>No, you can't leave your suitcases just anywhere on the train. The aisles on the train are quite narrow and won't accommodate your suitcases in the middle of them (as well as people trying to pass through). As stated before on this site, you'll only be able to place your suitcases overhead or in a baggage compartment at the end of each car. However, in my experience, the baggage compartment at the end of the car is always full. Furthermore, if the trains are full, forget about finding lots of room overhead as well.<BR><BR>If you're going to baggage claim at the Rome Airport (after getting off a flight), it's no more of a hassle than at any other airport. I'm not sure what you're asking. Are you referring to storing your bags at the airport?<BR><BR>

No, I meant just picking them up after the flight. Is there really that much difference between a 22" and a 25" suitcase? What do you do with the 22" ones on the trains? Are you guys suggesting that we pack both of our things in one 22' for two weeks or do most people have one each? Thanks Karen

Yes, you EACH get a 22' bag.<BR><BR>Look for a post titled "silly luggage question".<BR>

The big difference is a 22" can go ON the plane with you as carry-on. The 25" will need to be checked. IF you are planning to check your luggage for your flights, probably it is not that much difference between the two sizes for train travel. Do your borrowed bags have wheels (hopefully yes)?<BR><BR>And yes (1) bag for EACH person. If you decide to use your borrowed bags, just do not overpack them. For your other question I can fairly easily manage my 22" up the narrow stairs, onto the train, and lift it myself into the overhead racks.

Just got back from lunch where I purchased two 22" bags, one for me and one for esposo. Thanks to all of you for your invaluable advice. You scared me into rethinking my whole packing list - two pairs of shoes for me (groan). I've got to say the 22" is teensy, but I have to give it a practice pack this weekend and see just what magic I can perform. Thank you all again.

Abby - CONGRATULATIONS! I know this post was kinda 'scary' but it's really inVALUEable advice.<BR><BR>I too am currently staring at my 22" roller wondering how I will live out of it for 3 weeks!! But I have & I will (leave for Amsterdam & Switzerland mid-June). You can even sneak an extra pair of shoes in (wear 1, pack 2).<BR><BR>Save space by seriously 'travel sizing' toiletries & cosmetics really helps alot.

I've flown to Europe many times on Continental with my 23/15/9 carry on...<BR>Never had a problem...

I had a lovely 22" rollaboard (gift from Mom) that ended up being the casualty in the "Greek Olive Oil Disaster of '97", so I bought a 22" rollaboard @ KMart for $19.99 - it's lasted five years and through two dozen trips (including a trip through the Sahara). A couple of times the airline personnel (and I use the term "person"nel loosely) have made me check the bag, but it still means I have an easily-manageable bag for public transportation (the underground from Heathrow is a nightmare with a large bag; only a minor bad dream with a small bag) and hotels (not a lot of space in single rooms, nor in larger rooms with four people!) and negotiating stairs to get anywhere (even in hotels and apartment buildings, the staircases have spirals that make the DNA double-helix look spread out). Even after many trips, I still think I have to pack extra outfits; the 22-incher reins in that urge. Like StCirq, I have a medium-sized tote that holds my on-the-plane stuff, and my flat purse (if carryons are limited to two, I pass muster). I wear a black raincoat with deeeep pockets, so I can always carry stuff in them.<BR><BR>My pet peeve (okay, one of many) is the rummager - the guy (it's usually a guy, but I've seen women do it too) who shoves his rollaboard in the overhead, then every 15 minutes jumps up to dig something out - or worse, hauls it down into the aisle. Did you not think you'd need your reading glasses?? or the travel pillow?? WHAT were you thinking when you packed?<BR><BR>On a return trip, I usually have bottles of wine, plates, all sorts of heavy/breakable stuff that I pack into the carryon. I get a seat in the back of the plane, board first, shoe the bag into the back of an overhead without endangering fellow passengers, and deplane as close to last as possible - again, if the bag slips, only I get crushed.<BR><BR>Another pet peeve - duty free. Damn it, I board with my two-limit bag quota, get the heavy bag situated before others board - then down the aisle comes some numbnuts with his/her two carryons AND a bag filled with duty free liquor. Twice I've seen those bags fall out and hit someone in the aisle seat, because the idiot who brought it on board shoved it into an-already-full overhead and then threw open the overhead compartment door - stepping back when the bag starts to fall. Fortunately, the bottles don't break; they're fall is broken by the shoulder of the passenger sitting underneath.<BR><BR>I've ranted enough - bottom line: pack a 22" bag - even if it gets checked, you're still at an advantage; if you bring heavy stuff back, be aware of your other passengers and don't endanger them; if you buy duty free stuff, pack it in your carryon (duh, like, leave ROOM in it?).

As usual, Elvira is absolutely correct. All I wanted to add is that I check my 22" bag. I really don't want to hassle with it on the plane and the wait for luggage at the airport is not THAT bad, really. Where the small bag is critical is in maneuvering on trains, taxis etc. Getting on a train in Italy or Switzerland with a large bag can be agony. On my last trip, my sister almost mailed her suitcase home it was such a nuisance.<BR><BR>Everyone says it - please believe it. No matter how much you're tempted, stick with the 21 - 22" bag. It will keep you from overpacking. Remember, if you really need something you didn't pack, you can buy it there. <BR><BR>By the way, I purchased the new wheeled carry-on from Rick Steves Travels in Europe and I love it. Long handle, roomy, good pockets, sturdy.

Does the 45" include the handles and wheels?

Yes, it does. Picture the box that the airline insists that the carryons must fit in -- it isn't gong to stretch out for handles, wheels, or bulging pouches.<BR><BR>Also, as an addendum to this discussion -- although the 45-inch limit is very very common, it is by no mens completely universal and you should check with your airline, or at least their web site. Some allow pieces a bit bigger in one or more directions. Others (I believe Brit Air is one) have very strict weight limits in addition to size.

I follow the 22" rules as outlined above and carry-on on the way over. BUT I buy there or take, a lightweight extra duffle or tote. On the homeward trip, I check the 22" thru (who cares how long it takes to get my dirtly clothes back home) and carry on the tote with any breakables, or sentimental valuables in it.<BR><BR>GO ELVIRA... merci beaucoup !! that last post was a GREAT one. unfortunately the offenders will probably not be studying up their airline manners on this BB.

Continental to Europe is not very strict with the size of carry on luggage. My carry on is 23/15/9 and never had a problem. One or two inches over the limit is not a big deal!<BR>

<BR>Abby: If you can't squeeze everything into a 22" case and a tote bag, you'll not be alone. It sounds so liberating to be able to travel to Europe for 2+ weeks without having to check any baggage. But I couldn't do it. Or at least not unless I were staying with friends or family or at a place where I already had some of my basic possessions waiting for me. Or MAYBE I could, but I'd have to give up far too much in terms of personal hygiene (i.e. enough changes of clothing to be able to wash and wait to dry clothes after each wearing), security (medicines that I hope never to need but carry "just in case"), information (language dictionary, travel info, etc.), and comfort (changes of shoes). I have no interest in being a traveling fashion plate, and I can tolerate a boring and imperfectly laundered wardrobe for 2 or 3 weeks, but I'd hate to be smelly. It's not necessarily true that you can always buy what you don't pack, unless, of course, you'll be staying in major cities or getting around by car. It's also not necessarily true that 2 pairs of shoes are enough (though on a typical easy vacation they may be). Your shoe needs will obviously depend on your activities. If you're doing real hiking on steep or rocky trails, you'll need real hiking boots, and there goes 1/2 the space in your 22" roll-on. If this is a combined business trip/vacation, you may need dressy shoes that most of us can live without on a purely recreational trip. Shoes take up quite a bit of space. So, while fitting everything into 2 carry-ons is a wonderful and appealing goal, it may not be realistic for most of us or for most vacations. We shouldn't be intimidated by the superhuman packing successes of the high-achieving super-light packers. If we do manage to do what they do, and still have a comfortable, secure, enjoyable trip, it will be a big achievement, not easy at all. But, at the very least we can try to pack a little lightER, if not quite THAT light.

Alitalia is not too careful about carry on limits. British air is very strict.

How about Cross Air? How tight are they with their restrictions?<BR><BR>When I called they said 22x16x8, 22 lbs., but when my friend called she got the same sizes but the weigth as 13 lbs. we both called twice and these are the numbers we got. has anyone traveled with them lately, who could clarify this for me?

Here's a thought that hasn't been expressed regarding 22" luggage and car rentals. A couple months ago four of us went to Italy and rented a car as we left Rome, a lovely roomy BMW. However, had we had larger suitcases than the 21-22", we NEVER would had been able to get four pieces in the trunk (boot). Although the interior of the car was quite roomy, trunk space was not.

Outbound, I take my 22" expandable, unexpanded, plus a decent size shoulder bag into which my smaller walking-around bag fits, along with one set of underwear, sample-sized toiletries for one night's emergency use, the few pieces of jewelry I take, and medications, as well as the little packet holding a folded up nylon tote bags.<BR><BR>For the return trip, I expand the 22" to fit in purchases I wouldn't weep bitter, bitter tears if I lost, and I carry on that shoulder bag plus the now unfolded nylon tote with the purchases I _would_ weep bitter tears over if I lost.

Outbound, I take my 22" expandable, unexpanded, plus a decent size shoulder bag into which my smaller walking-around bag fits, along with one set of underwear, sample-sized toiletries for one night's emergency use, the few pieces of jewelry I take, and medications, as well as the little packet holding a folded up nylon tote bags.<BR><BR>For the return trip, I expand the 22" to fit in purchases I wouldn't weep bitter, bitter tears if I lost and I check that. I carry on that shoulder bag plus the now unfolded nylon tote with the purchases I _would_ weep bitter tears over if I lost.

I wish my 22" was expandable, but it's not. So I bring or buy a nylon or woven plastic bag with zipper. Check the bag on the return flight and carry on the newly filled hand-carry.

My husband and I are going to Italy, France, Croatia for 6 weeks. Do you guys still reccomend the 22" suitcase? <BR>Thanks, Elfie