I am going to London in a few days and will be traveling on Northwest Airlines for the first time. Was wondering if anyone could tell me if they use a bin or something to measure carry-on luggage. Their website says a max of 45 linear inches. My 21" is deeper than most and makes it measure a little over 47 linear inches. Just trying to keep from having to check any luggage if possible! Thanks in advance for any help or advice anyone can give me.

Your bag sounds like one of those 21 inchers that expands. Un-expanded they can be carried on, Expanded, they have to be checked on most airlines.

If the agent doesn't notice you'll be OK --HOWEVER standing at the check in desk is a bad time to find out one way or the other. If your bag is larger than allowed, you have two choices, check it or buy a smaller suitcase.

Thanks Janis. Yes, it's expandable - I'm thinking I may place the things I REALLY want to have with me in a small canvas bag inside my suitcase. Then if I'm told I have to check it I can just pull that out. Think that'll work?

Think smaller - take the bag "un-expanded" as a carry on for the flight over. Then expand it and check it, to hold all your new treasures for the flight home. if you start out your trip w/ it expanded to its max - then you have no "wiggle room" for the trip home.

What janisj says in the last post is <b>exactly</b> how I do it with most trips to Europe. I don't want to check my bags on the way over as having it lost or delayed will often ruin my trip.

But on the way back, I don't mind checking it, along with the small amount of extra stuff I buy.

&lt;&lt;&lt; I am going to London in a few days &gt;&gt;&gt;

You are also going home from London where your ONE (repeat ONE) carryon bag cannot have any one dimension bigger than

56 centimetres tall (approximately 22 inches)
45 centimetres wide (approximately 17.7 inches)
25 centimetres deep (approximately 10 inches)

And unlike the US they use a solid sided box

That's what I've planned to do. I was just afraid the measurements might still be larger than what was allowed - even with it not expanded.

Alan - I do plan to check it on the way back. I'm just trying to save time waiting on luggage (not to mention taking time to fill out forms if it doesn't make it to London with me!)

Thanks to all for your replies.