I need to replace an old suitcase and have been madly shopping. Last time I went to Europe my 22" was fine for carry on. Now I hear it's 20" - true? I will be flying Air Tahiti Nui and Swiss Air. Thanks.

Did you check their web sites? That's the best way to get up to date info.

European carriers tend to be more restrictive than US carriers.

Well I certainly hope thats true. I see no need to carry on such large pieces in the first places other than to clutter up the overhead, cause difficulties boarding, those of us that have to be behind you while you struggle with that kind of crap and you're taking room away from families with young children, elderly and handicapped who require some extra space for stowage of necessary items in flight.

Just like buying a "larger" piece of luggage, the decision to have a bunch of whining kids and to take them on an airplane is a personal one...so stop whining!!!

Most airlines still have the 22" as the largest dimension but a lot of those suitcases have wheels and handles that stick out beyond that and therefore may not be allowed. The suggestion to check the website of the airlines you are flying is a good one. But in addition to size you have to consider weight as many now have weight restrictions. I find that most carriers (even non US carriers) don't bother you too much regarding weight when you check in in the US but may for the return trip. For example Virgin Atlantic didn't weigh my bag when I went to London last month, but when I checked in for the return flight at Heathrow they did. So when shopping for a new suitcase make sure you get one that is as light as possible when empty. Also, I 've found I can get as much into a bag labeled 20" than I can into one labeled 22" sometimes. Depends on how it's made.

Sammie-
I flew Air Tahiti LAX to CDG last month with a 22" roll aboard and a small carry on bag (I put my purse inside this bag). This is all I took for an 8 day trip.
Air Tahiti says they allow one "carry-on" (my roll aboard) and one "personal item" (my other bag) and has a 10 kilo (about 22#) weight limit on the "carry-on". I weighed my roll aboard before we left and had to take out a few things.
They didn't weigh my bags in either direction.
BTW, flying Air Tahiti was great!

To traveler863

......."you're taking room away from families with young children, elderly and handicapped who require some extra space for stowage of necessary items in flight."

Bogus argument since families with young children, elderly and handicapped are always boarded first and get first shot at filling up the luggage bins.

Larry J

Hi Sammie,

It's not just a size issue, they have weight restrictions too. I was hoping not to check anything on my Italy trip, but no luck. My 21 inch roller is OK for size, BUT Delta limits you to 13 lbs. weight. The roller weight 9 lbs empty! I think this is exetremely restrictive. Oh well...

There is both a size and weight limitation. The most common weight limitation is 40 pounds (about 18 kilos) and I checked Continental, American, and Delta and they all have the 40 pound limitation.

There are, however, many airlines that have more restrictive limits, particularly the budget airlines in Europe, where exceeding their limitations can be very expensive.

On non-budget airlines being overweight is usually not much of a problem; they simply make you check the bag.

<<Delta limits you to 13 lbs. weight.>>

<< The most common weight limitation is 40 pounds (about 18 kilos) and I checked Continental, American, and Delta and they all have the 40 pound limitation.>>

My experience with Delta matches the latter statement, but it was not at all recent. Is the former statement currenty true?

British Airways does have that ludicrous 5 kilo (11 pounds) limitation), and it makes for a strong reason not to fly BA, in my opinion.

Best wishes,

Rex

I usually fly British Air and it's the weight limit that gets you before the size of the suitcase. It's no problem if you check that 22" roller that you used to carry-on & carry-on a true "carry-on". It's impossible (for me) to pack for an entire trip and keep the weight under 13 lbs.

If you're buying a new suitcase I'd want to get something that works for general airline restrictions, not only the 2 carriers you're flying this particular trip.

Thanks for the help. I did check the airline websites and by their reports I would be fine, but nothing replaces practical experience.

As for the taking too much room, I think Larry is right - those who need the space and help board first. Boy, Traveler863, you must have had some bad experiences ... Sorry you had that. My bags are never too heavy for me to manage easily. I used to backpack in the mtns so I know how to pack light and handle my own gear. Besides, if room overhead became an issue, I wouldn't freak out over letting them gate check my bag - afterall, I am not an ogre.

Isabel, good point, I will check that out. I'd not thought of that.

Suze - another good point, but that's what I'm doing. Most of my travel is domestic and a 22" seemed perfect.

Kristina - good to hear! We are doing the LAX to CDG in May and I'd not talked to anyone who'd flown with them. Can't wait.

Again - thank you all. I can't say too many times how much help this forum is in planning my trip. Thank you all for helping me! Your pearls of wisdom are fabulous.