Lufthansa - putting carry-on baggage in cargo hold?

I have been on flights where passengers managed to get past check in with a 'too big' carry-on and the flight attendants had to check them into the cargo once they got on the plane. They did get them back right away and didn't have to pick them up from the baggage carousel (they were waiting for them as the exited the plane at their destination). They had different tags on them to show the baggage handlers that they were to be left for the customer to pick up right away. I bet that this really depends on the airlines policy as well as how fast the baggage can be unloaded.

Here's what I would do....have a bag ready for the things you need on the plane and perhaps "just in case" you bag is delayed. You can carry this by itself or inside the bag. It will be your "carry-on bag."

Then try to get the big bag on board. If you get stopped at check-in, take your "carry-on" bag with you and the big bag will be at baggage claim when you arrive.

If you get passed the desk and make it to the plane, but are then told taht it's too big..ask for it to be "gate checked." That means they take the bag, but return it to you at the gate--not at baggage claim. (And don't forget to take you carry-on bag out of the big bag for the flight.)

And that's the reason I say have that carry-on ready to get because you won't have time to try to figure out what you'll need for the flight. Do it ahead of time.

Kristin...if you say your bag "is almost too wide to fit Lufthansa's size maximum," then you won't have any problems...after all, it'll be within the limits. But it's always a good idea to stuff a few things into your large purse or "personal" carry-on just in case.

Thanks for all the replies...I'm hoping that I won't even have to deal with this problem, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared!