Bonnie

Does anybody know the dimensions of the size of the luggage we're allowed for carry on aiplanes these days (the right size to fit in overheads? Is it one bag per person for carry ons? What about hangup bag for carry ons? On my last flight my luggage was lost and never recovered so I'm going to try to carry it on this time. Whatever they allow. Anybody know the current rules? Thank you.

travellyn

I'd check web sites of a couple of carriers. Here's the address for United's carry-on information.

http://www.ual.com/page/article/0,1360,1032,00.html

Ted

Check link below, official FAA rules.

http://www.faa.gov/apa/carryon.htm

I'm sorry you lost your luggage, but please don't be one of those idiots who carries on everything but the kitchen sink and annoys the hell out of fellow passengers. Think of it this way: The odds of an airline losing your luggage again are miniscule.

J T Kirk

There have been numerous, long posts about this topic. Do a search on the US and the Europe board.

As a general rule of thumb, the measurements of the bag shouldn't exceed 45". But airlines are getting tougher and less lenient. Usually, they will allow a carry-on and a purse (or something equally small, i e, camera bag).

Do check with the airline, though!

BTW, some airlines are now charging for more than 3 (?) pieces of checked luggage.

Bonnie

Thanks for the help. I plan to take take just one small bag if I can find out the correct size. I will check the websites you have posted. Thanks again.

Bert

Bonnie, keep in mind that some airports have templates at security that your carryon must fit through or they will make you check your luggage. Don't attempt to over stuff or you may end up checking it anyway.

Jacal

If you plan to carry "one small bag," then why in the world are you worried about size limitations?? What's your definition of "small?" My guess is, that if it's truly a "small bag," you have no worries.

Finally, I agree with Ted -- when in doubt, check the darn thing and safe the rest of us your misery.

Gretchen

Generally a 22" rollaboard can be carried on plus a pocketbook. Continental has those great overhead bins that 4 rollaboards fit in lengthwise. United is the one with the templates.

S

All the luggage I've seen lately will DEFINITELY say if it meets the requirements to be carry on luggage.

Parrot Mom

THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!! With one of the sites you recommended I discovered Virgin has the strictest. To even top it off Parrot Pop and I have spent the last two days looking for a soft sided rolling duffle bag that would "work"...WE FOUND IT.. In one of the links giving luggage size they had a link to Bags, etc. (or something like that).. and we found exactly what we wanted 20" rollling duffles with a handle.. The price was very right and we maynot get it in time for this trip, but will use them (we ordered two) instead of my carrying a heavy, heavy back breaker carry on bag.. You guys are the greatest!!!

Bonnie

I went to the websites above and they gave lots of info. Thanks.
to jacal: I don't understand "safe the rest of us your misery". As I explained above, my luggage was lost and never recovered. On a previous flight there was lighening on the tarmack and everyone had to wait for their luggage two hours. Just looking for an alternative, not a way to inconvenience anyone. The rules are very clear and helpful on the individual airline websites.

jbj

Just make sure that if your bag just barely fits, you are also the last one on the plane, and running about 5 minutes late. That seems to be the way that it is supposed to work.
Also helps if you have two kids with you, both hauling bags that are bigger than themselves, and both carrying french fries or some other smelly food.

As soon as you check every single closed overhead compartment, and get someone to force all your bags into the overhead for you, start asking kind strangers to move so that you can have 3 seats together. You will hear some "please take your seats so that we can prepare for liftoff" announcements but just ignore them.

American

She would only do that if you were on the plane with her.

Dino

JBJ, most of those "last minutes" are non-rev passengers (airline personnel) trying to get a seat. The cannot get on board until all the paying passengers board unless they are deadheading the flight.

PJ

It's best to call the airline direct, since 9-11 things have definately changed domestic and international I find. So I call and get the dimensions and what is allowed for carry on now.
I used to be able to carry my standard size on, not any longer!