I have checked both on the TSA website and American Airlines on which I am flying into LHR. I am still confused on what the limits are, especially for carry on. I hope someone can clarify for me:

For carry on: Can I take both my purse AND another bag (that doesn't exceed the size limit)? Are the rules the same coming and going? I thought I read somewhere that flying out of LHR, they limit you to just one carry on item (e.g. purse). If I take a purse and another carry on bag, that does or does not count towards my total limit? Is the total limit 3 bags (not including purse) for both carryon and checked?

Also, regarding the plastic bag - that doesn't count, right? And it must fit in what I carry on?

Thanks!

Leaving from the US you will be allowed 2 carry-on items. Leaving from the UK you will be limited to 1 item.

However that is just for passing through security screening. If you pack carefully and use the right sort of "unconstructed/squishy" handbag - just put your handbag inside the carry on while passing through security and take it out when you are on the other side.

The 1 quart/litre baggie has to come out of the carry-on for screening separately (thus creating a bit more room inside for your handbag)

Hi J,

>Can I take both my purse AND another bag

Exiting from the US, YES.

Exiting from EU airports, probably NOT. Your "personal luggage" will have to go into your carryon until you pass Security.

>Is the total limit 3 bags (not including purse) for both carryon and checked?

That depends on your airline.

The plastic bag goes into your carryon (or "personal luggage&quot. It's purpose is to reduce the time required to make sure that you are not carrying prohibited items.

Enjoy your visit.

Ira, the UK has specific carry on regulations that are different from the rest of the EU (for now at least). The UK rules were adopted as a result of last summer's terror plot chaos.

whoops, the upshot of my last comment is that it is <i>definitely</i> one carry on bag from the UK. As janisj says, you can separate your purse out once you pass security, but only one bag through security. Also, check the size limitations, as I think the one bag has to be smaller than what is allowed from the US.

There is already a thread on this forum about this topic with detailed information:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34972905

Thank you everybody - both for clarification and the &quot;hints&quot; for stowing my purse inside the carryon when coming home.