Carry-on Luggage Size Restrictions

Thank you. I didn't know how they actually measured the size. I didn't think about the fact that it's a soft bag. And yes, the weight will probably be more difficult a restriction to make, haha. But thanks for all that info, it's really helpful!

According to this Alitalia webpage, the hand baggage "restriction" is 55cm x 35cm x 25cm (21.65" x 13.78" x 9.84"). If they check the size it will be with a sizing box of those dimensions. The RS convertible bag is soft, so it will distort to fit almost any shape as long as the volume (2937 cu in) is not exceeded. If you don't stuff it until the side are bulging and rigid, you should be OK. Note, a rollaboard is rigid and two of those dimensions would probably not fit in the sizing box if they checked. The weight limit is 8kg (17.6#), so with a 3# (empty) bag, you get just under 15# of stuff. That might be a harder restriction to get under, and, in my experience, although I have never flow Alitalia, weighing your bag is more common than using the sizing box.

I have seen the sizing boxes at Lufthansa gates at least three time, but never seen them used. Several times I put my RS convertible bag into the box just so I knew it would fit. It's unfortunate LH hasn't used them because they could have caught a LOT of people with oversized rollaboards. However, I have had my bag weighed several times at checkin. In 2001, before I became a pack-light fanatic, I arrived at the Fernbahnhof in FRA and checked in at the LH desk in the hall. They didn't say anything about my carryon, but I asked them to weigh it anyway. 26 pounds! (I had picked up 9# of books and literature while in Germany. They didn't make me check it there, but said I might have to at the gate. I didn't have to. I guess they were more concerned about the size.

Are you talking about the RS convertible carry-on bag or roll-on bag? The convertible is soft sided. If it's not packed too tightly, it will work. The 21" roll-on has a handle and wheels that are a fixed 22". It won't shrink to under 21.65 inches and, if tested, likely won't quite fit. Often people try to pack everything they can fit into an otherwise legal carry-on and, in the process, make it too big to carry on. I never fly Alitalia, hopefully others can tell you more about their experiences. Our last trip was to Copenhagen on SAS. They have a reputation for being very strict on carry-on items. Their size limits are enforced and allowing one carry-on item means one (not one plus a personal item). I use an ebags weekender convertible carry-on and always pack it less than full. I bought my wife a 20" Hays USA roll-on because it's lightweight and definitely within size restrictions. We check in electronically so always head straight to the gate. I watched the gate attendent take numerous bags from people who either had multiple bags or whose bag was obviously stuffed full.

Heather, whatever you are thinking of packing is too much- cut it in half & have twice the fun.