I was looking a Luthansa's website. Their carry ons need to be at least 55cm (21.65in) by 40cm (15.76in) by 20cm (7.87 in)
RS roll-aboard is 21in by 14in by 9in.
My question is this. Will that 9in verses the 7.87in be enough to reject the RS roll-aboard as a carryon? The other measurments seem to be ok.
My experience with Luthansa is that they are death on size. I have stood in more than one check in line and watched nearly every rollon bag rejected because it would not TOTALLY fit inside the sizing box. Generally the wheels and handle kept the bag for fitting in their box. But our back pack style of carryon has never been question.
I agree Luthansa is pretty much death on size. I believe you are also limited to one and I mean one, carry-on when flying within the EU (could be wrong but check their web site). The problem is that unless you can fit your carry on wheels first you have to put it in the overhead bin sideways, squeezing out other passengers. At least I believe that's Luthansa's thinking. If you are flying Luthansa directly from the U.S. the one carry on does not apply or at least it didn't the last time I flew.
I made five trips to Germany with a ETBD CONVERTIBLE bag. When filled to the Lufthansa weight limit of 17.6#, it is not completely full and fits almost any dimensions. I think the contents squeeze in a little on the sides and push up against the 7.87 inches. Anyway, mine always fits easily inside the box at Frankfurt. As long as you don't stuff it beyond the weight, you should not have a problem. Note, that with 5 extra pounds for wheels and handle, you should only get about 10# into a rolling bag, so it should only be 2/3 full and squeeze in easily. But watch out that the wheels and handle don't make it exceed the 21 in. They do count, you know.
I had a RS Rollaboard. The 21 x 14 x 9 is the packing area. The 21" length doesn't include wheels or handles. Go ahead, measure it. I did.
Plus, the shell on 3 sides is hard. You can't compact it like his non-wheeled bag.
Theses airlines know most rollaboards won't fit in their sizers. They don't want them in the cabin.
And that's why I try to fly airlines that allow me to bring my rollaboard in the cabin.
I just called Lufthansa (from California, 800 399-5838) and was told that the carry on max is 22" X 16" X 8". I mentioned to the agent that 55cm is actually 21.65". The agent's reply was that they round up. I too have a RS 2004 roll-aboard. My depth is right at 8". (It won't be packed full due to the 18lb. max.) If you take off the two "skids" (those things that hold the bag upright when at rest) my bag including the wheels are right at 22". I'm going to take my bag, less skids, to my local airport and see if it fit in the United carry on "box". United's max is 22 X 14 X 9. If this works I will reattach the "skid" when I arrive in Frankfurt.
Just don't try to carry on a screwdriver. I forgot I had one in my coat pocket and TSA gave me a choice....walk back to my car and put it there, or give it to TSA to dispose of. Luckily, it was a cheap screwdriver.
That sounds reasonable. My husband is traveling to Sicily this summer and will have the Roll-avanti plus the 21inch roll-aboard. He will probably have the avanti as his carry on and just check the 21in: however, if he is allowed 2 carryons, he will have both with him.
He may not even be using Luthansa: however, they seem to be the most strick. I figure if he can pass their regulations, he shouldn't have too much trouble with any of them.
I think I am more worried about his trip than he is. :D
As for me, I will traveling to California for a few days and have the RS convertible. I do not anticipate any troubles whatsoever. :D
We each carried the Rick Steves' 21" Roll Aboard as a carry on Luthansa with no problems.
