My wife and I are flying to London soon. We want to pack light so we both have are going to take carry-on luggage that is 20x9x14. We also want to take a small packpack.
We are flying into Charlotte, NC and have a 3 hour layover-then flying to London/Gatwick.
Would you carry on the luggage, or check it?

Considering the items that you cannot carry on, its almost to the point, you are always better off checking your bag. There is less and less space for bags once you get on a plane so bigger bags are a problem, even if they are legal size. Besides, with your 2 carryons, you will not be allowed the backpack.

Well, if you can fit all you need in to those 2 small bags,and don't have a problem with liquids/toiletries that won't fit in a 1 quart bag (I usually travel that way), go for it.

BUT, 2 caveats:

1)From London, unless things have changed, you can only take ONE item apiece. Forget about that small backpack as a second bag. Not even a purse is allowed as an extra bag Also, they are very strict not only on the size of the suitcase, but the weight. I think 6 or 8 kg might be the limit
2) Are you planning on bringing any souvenirs or other purchases back?

Make sure that any carryon bag you do take can stand a trip back home in the cargo hold. I would take along a good luggage strap.
When I came back from London once, I was forced to check what I thought was a carryon bag, and because it was dwarfed by all the other checked bags, it couldn't withstand the pressure and burst. I had a strap on it that kept most of the contents in place safely...

"you are always better off checking your bag. There is less and less space for bags once you get on a plane" Actually - there is more space for carry on since more and more people are checking everything. They think because of the liquids/gels limitations they have to check. Which is one reason why more luggage is going lost now. Not a much higher %, but w/ so much more luggage being checked the number lost/delayed is rising.

I have not checked a bag (except for when on some small commuter planes) in about 15 years.

If you just have the small bags then I would carry it on. It is amazing how much liquid you can get into that itty bitty 1 qt. ziplok bag.

there are MANY threads on here about packing light w/ hints to make it easier.

Check with your airline. It's been years since I flew to London, but I recall that the carryon allowance was much more generous for US airlines than British. I would certainly carry on if permitted to do so.

Since this is the US discussion board, you should also post your question on the Europe board.

"From London, unless things have changed, you can only take ONE item apiece."

They are flying to London through Charlotte NC. No evidence that they're flying on from London. And out of Charlotte, they're probably flying on a US carrier, with a more generous carryon allowance.

Was posting the same time as nytraveler and then the site went down briefly. The rules in the UK have changed. For most airlines, you can now take 2 bags through security out of LHR (but not yet out of LGW)

But in any case - that is just for security. Don't cram your 20 incher full and you can stuff the daypack inside it just to pass security. Once through the screening you can take it back out . . . . .


And of course - this only applies to your return flight.

Anonymous quot;They are flying to London through Charlotte NC. No evidence that they're flying on from London" .
Yes, they are flying to London, but presumably will be coming back to the US, so all of these will be issues on the way back.

Bindery, some of the concerns raised here are for airport security , some are for specific airlines, so see where your plans fit into all this. As they always say , "check with your airline"

It was a while ago, but I flew r/t from the US to London and was told on the way back, on the same airline, with lighter weight luggage (since I left alot of stuff with a friend in London and bought no souvenirs) that the bag I had suddenly did not fit the guidelines of the airline or the flight attendants union or something. Maybe the flight was more crowded. Who knows? Just giving you a heads up...

Oh, I see. My recollection (apparently outdated) was that some regs like NTSC rules were set by the departing location, but that sizes/amounts of luggage were set by the airlines and would be the same in both directions. I know that we carried on a lot coming home from London via Charlotte, ourselves, but that was years ago.

I would like to bring this up again.
We have a 3 hour layover before our flight to London. If we carry-on, we would have to lug our bags around. How bad is it to check our bags? Looking at other posts, you don't save that much time. Also I couldn't take a razor, etc when carrying on.
Is it a sin to check baggage to London?

Yes, you can put your razor in your carry on luggage. Here's a handy chart from TSA:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...ted-items.shtm

You'd need a carryon anyway, for valuable items (electronics, prescriptions) and at least one change of clothing in case our checked luggage is delayed.

No, not a sin, but if I can carry on I do! For me, depends on the length of the trip and where I'm staying. It's not so much a time-saving issue (although it does save time, especially if your checked baggage IS lost), but I feel better knowing I have everything with me. I've known too many people, including myself, who've had their bags lost for too long. I just flew with a messenger bag and a wheeled carryon suitcase and didn't feel at all like I was lugging things around the airport. You just need decent bags. Since there are two of you, you can take turns going to the restroom or wherever if it's a big concern.

I've never had trouble taking a safety razor, though I suppose a straight razor would be problematic. My suggestion for you is to carry on on the way over, but pack a flat duffel bag or something in the bottom of your suitcase for things you purchase on your trip. Then you can check that carryon on the way home, when you can afford to lose a bag. Have a great time!

I check my 22-24" suitcase, but pack a thoughtful carry-on that I could live out of for a couple days if my regular bag gois delayed or goes missing.