1. I agree with DejaVu. Chance of losing bag on a non-stop flight is very slim.

2. Light weight 21" rollaboards that can be carried into the cabin usually weigh <8lb. Many choices out there. Like the Skyway that I bought for my mom.

I've taken the last couple of weeks off from work and spent at least a couple of hours a day doing research on my Italy trip for Spring Break. I've actually done quite a lot of traveling, but mostly within the US by car for the last 15 years due to family size and associated expenses.

It's been 30 years since I've flown to Europe and you should all realize the changes that have taken place with air travel during that time period. I have to be amused at how some people read things into other people's posts. I think that's why many schools don't like teachers to communicate with parents via email...too much can be misinterpreted. Ants original question seemed fairly innocuous to me...how Pausanias found it to be whiny and desiring special treatment is odd. The question is helpful to me because I haven't gotten that far in my research and am actually still trying to decide on the best flights and airlines. Remember...it's like school...don't be embarassed to ask a question. Frequently others have the same one.

I personally am quite OCD and would rather understand and verify all rules and regulations in advance. Websites are not always kept totally up to date. Rudeness in Customer Service should never be tolerated...their job is "Customer Service".

As Mother always said...if you can't say something nice...don't say anything.

Oh...and one other thing....some of us have to work for a living and also have families we want to spend time with. We appreciate other people's questions whether they seem novice to some of you. We don't sit on the computer all day looking for people to belittle.

Why start off a wonderful trip to Italy with a problem before departure if it can be avoided?

Thanks Deb...very well put. I have traveled for many years but like you say...things are changing all the time. I have found the Fodors website very helpful in planning my trips. I just don't understand the harsh remarks which really go overboard in my opinion.

>>There are tons of bags out there (20-22" x 14" x 9") that weigh no more than 6 pounds.

I've made five trips to Europe with a 2-1/2# ETBD convertible bag. It shows no signs of wear. I am now replacing it with a 1-3/4# Campmor bag. It's made of lighter weight nylon. I got tired of carrying 3/4# of "quality" around Europe.

Still, I am well above the Alitalia 11# limit (I get 17.6# on Lufthansa).

It is a little late now, but the best advice, check the airlines website in advance of buying tickets. They all give the carryon limit. And, don't fly Alitalia.

Ant: again, I don't think it will happen, but if it makes you feel better :-) : yes, Alitalia would get your bag to you in a city other than the arrival city. It took an extra day, but my bag arrived right at my Bologna hotel safe and sound. It's a good idea to have your hotel's full address (postal/zip code and all) in case you have to give it to the airline people. That's good practice anytime.

Oh, and I should say, I went straight from Rome airport to catch a train to Bologna, so the total time I was without my bag was two days. It would have been only one day had I been staying in Rome. It was not long.

Last few posts are awesome... I am sending a big huuuug to you all for making my thread a little more warm & fuzzy :)

I am always the one it seems that opens my big mouth and asks the questions everyone else is thinking but nobody wants to ask. It gets me into trouble sometimes, but at least I know I'm going to somehow get an answer.

Deb, very well put indeed. Larry cracked me up with that last line :)but I do thank you for the luggage suggestion. DejaVu, I will definitely have my hotel information handy, for sure!

The funniest thing about this whole thing that I just have to share with you guys is that I travel domestically quite often for both business and pleasure. I never have trouble navigating the carry-on situation with our airlines. It's just that I've been abroad only twice, both times to S. Africa for work. I had co-workers that had been there many times and they gave me all of their luggage tips, plus we had a working relationship with SAA so I never had any questions go unanswered. That was of course, before all of these new rules and restrictions.

The last thing I want to be is "that guy/girl at the gate" who's holding everyone up. I'd rather bug people on here first and see what I come up with ;)

Truly though, you guys are really helping to put my worries to rest, so again, thank you.

Hi Antln, put your intinerary with the dates, complete information where you will be staying (include the phone numbers as well) and your name and information. That way if your ID on the outside of your luggage gets ripped of the information will be inside your luggage which will help Alitalia get your bag to you. Enjoy beautiful Italy!!