Carry on luggage size

If the flight is completely full the bags get more scrutiny

Thank you, Jazz+Travels!

My luggage - usually "close" to the (non budget) airline's dimensions - is rarely checked for size in the US and almost always checked for size in the UK when I'm traveling back home.

Thanks for your input, CWSocial.

Hi london,

Keep in mind that one factor could be the time of year you're flying or how full the plane is - if gate agents or crew are more strict.

My (International flights) experiences have been a bit different. I've flown through Heathrow in my trips to Italy. I (free) check a bag about 22."

I flew AA once (to Italy) My connection and return was with BA. I had 22" luggage as a carry on with no problems. But, that does not mean that you'll have the same 'ok.' *

For International, I've since flown with BA straight through. AA code shares with BA; still each line could be more strict than others.

I carry on a bag that is about 20" or about 22" - depending. Plus my tote/purse from Kipling.

The 20" is a small, cavernous, lightweight rolling duffle bag - it looks small even when packed - but I don't pack it full since I take a checked.

To give some visual examples:

The 22" I have used is my Kipling (Discover) rolling duffle. It was not questioned at Logan or Heathrow or FCO. But even when packed, it looks small compared to others. I checked it and used it as a carry on for different Domestic trips too. No questions.

Last trip to Italy, I checked my Travel Pro (Close Out 22") rolling (2-wheeled) luggage. I think it may have been okay as a carry on - it measures just a smidge over 22" but it doesn't look huge. And, it is slated as a "carry on" on Macy's website. But, it all depends on the agent or flight crew.

Most people abide, but I've seen some "questionable bags" allowed in the cabin; leaving no room for others - even a backpack.

One time, yikes, there was a bit of a scuffle or tug of war with a passenger, and the FA had to step in.

With BA, or the planes I've flown with them, they have the deep OH bins - the trick is to put your luggage sideways - feet first - it fits. Many pax make the mistake of laying flat their luggage, taking up more room than necessary. Then the FA has to come around and reorganize luggage and fitability < a word? lol

If possible, rethink the one that is 1.5" taller. Perhaps a half inch won't matter, but closer to two inches "may."

The other thing they may have you do is gate check it. I've never done it, so I can't give any experience.

• added thought

london19, one thing you shouldn't do (IMO) is rely on the manufacturer or retailer's measurements of any bag. Take a tape measure to it yourself. There is no consistency in measuring (wheels or not, handle or not) while the airlines include it all.

Sure, many people can and do get away with larger bags - that doesnt mean its wont be a problem for you. I've seen bags measured and weighed on international flights, but not always.

Girasole - Thanks for your indepth advice, I know that took time!

Thanks for your input, Stan. I have ordered but will definitely take a tape measure to it once it arrives. I don't trust website/manufacturer measurements either!

The 1.5 inches taller could make your bag 'stick out like a sore thumb', in the boarding area.

And whether you are in cattle car or real people seats will/could affect how strict the gate agent is.

Hi London 19, Packing and luggage is a hot topic on this forum. LOL. You've already ordered the bag so you might as well see if the measurements were correct. If you insist on carryon, I don't understand why you would order a bag more than the written allowed measurements as it is just risking more hassle. When they are calling for bags to be checked at the gate when the international flight is full, your bag will be pulled out if not enough people come forward. And keep in mind, a lot of gate checking on international flights means you pick it up at the baggage carousel just like everyone else anyway. Just because some people got their bag on the flight, doesn't mean you will. And it means someone else won't because your bag's measurements are too big. Also, do you want to buy a bag for one airline only? BA is super generous with their carryon measurement, and they also have free checking. AA is a partner so will often take BA's measurements, but other airlines are more restrictive. So if you ever plan to fly again, this is something to consider. If you just plan to check, you have no worries.

The above being stated, perhaps too directly (sorry), why not just check your bag? Buy the bag that you can manage and will hold what you want to bring. You don't need to carry on. More often than not, I check my carryon size anyway. It's nice not having it with me in the airport. If you check your bag with certain preparations, it is unlikely you will have a problem. I never have had a problem, but there are some things I do before I check, which I won't go into here. The people who lose their bags or have late arriving bags, IMO YMMV, are usually those who did not work in conjunction with the flights they chose. Feel free to PM me if you want to know what I'm talking about in that last sentence as it is not directly related to your question or start a topic "What should I do to avoid losing my checked bag" and there will be many answers. Regardless, Have a wonderful time in London. It is a fun and interesting city.