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>