Personal carry on question.....

It will depend on the carrier and how big the "tote bag" actually is.

I typically take a laptop bag and a carry-on in the U.S. and have not had any problems ... but the laptop bag is a standard size bag, not big enough to hold a purse also.

I used to fly BA a lot and routinely saw them make people check bags that were marginally larger than the allowed.

My best advice is to be ready to check the larger bag if you have to. That could mean putting a change of clothes in a bag that you can easily remove from the larger bag so that you can reorganize and check.

I generally have a briefcase size bag as my personal item, my wife a backpack type book bag. As long as the item can fit under the seat in front of you, it is generally acceptable. Of course all of this was prior to this latest trouble, things may change, check your airline site for any updates.

Thank you! I'm flying AA. The tote bag is smaller than the maximum size the website says for the personal item. So, I'm assuming I'm over worrying! I can tend to do that! lol!

Flying to Europe on AA shouldn't be a problem. However, many airports in Europe are now only allowing one item for flights back to the U.S.

From where are you flying back to the U.S.? You can check AA's website for information on rules from different countries.

Carry-On Allowance

Scroll down to the bottom of the page. As you can see some countries allow only one carry-on bag--not a carry on and a personal item.

Frank II....I'm flying home from Paris. The travel agent already informed me that on the flight home to be prepared to check my carry on bag, because of the recent issues. I'm okay with that. I will probably have to expand the extra two inches on the bag after buying a couple of things anyway. I have the Rick Steves' 21" rolling carry on. Thanks for the info!

Thank you Steve! That was what I was assuming, but didn't want the airlines to think I was trying to pull a fast one on them with putting a purse and a laptop in a bag. That helps a lot! I appreciate everyone's replies! I'm a first timer to Europe, so this is all new to me, even though I've been trying hard to read everything I can to be prepared.

Rules are constantly changing. Be prepared to check if necessary. Don't put anything in your checked luggage that is valuable or not easily replaceable.

Thanks, Frank II! I have flown enough within the US to know not to bring anything valuable for sure! In the past, I have always checked my luggage. Going to Europe this time, I wanted to pack light, since I will have to lug my own stuff around!

Just remember one thing...technically, the RS Rollaboard, with wheels and handle, is bigger than the allowed carry-on size. That said, you will probably be able to get in on board, but it's not a guarantee.

Oh dear...I assumed that a RS bag would work, considering he is the king of carry on! Now, I am worried. It's too late to get something else. Ugh! I hope I don't have a problem.

Please don't worry, Karen, at worst the airline will make you check the RS bag, and you'll wait for it abroad. You'll still enjoy traveling light while in Europe.

As Melissa said, don't panic. The overhead bins on the planes AA flies overseas are bigger than much of its domestic fleet so they are more lenient.

Since you're traveling in January and on a Wendesday, I'd be surprised if he plane was full. When it's not full, they're not as picky.

Lastly, even if you had to check it...you'll be glad you packed light while in Europe.

Now, if you're flying from Abilene to Dallas on AA, you'll be on a regional jet (RJ). You'll have to "gate check" the bag, That means you'll give them the bag as you enter the plane (you won't have it with during the flight) and it will be returned to you as you get off the plane. No need to go to baggage claim. Rollaboards are just too big for the overheads in RJ's. You shouldn't have a problem taking on the tote.

The RS Rollaboard packing space measures 21 x 14 x 9. When you add the wheels and the handles it will be longer...I measured it and didn't just rely on what is written on the RS website.

All rolling cases, no matter who the manufacturer, gives the dimensions of the bag itself less protruding wheels and handle.

That said, on most foreign flights on U.S. airlines you will probably be able to carry it on board. However as more people are carrying on due to checked baggage fees, the overhead space is limited and rolling bags are the first ones picked to be checked. (One of the reasons I switched to a non-rolling bag. Made me pack more efficiently as well.)

You can't look that up, you have to experience it.

Frank II....I decided to just have someone drive me to DFW, to avoid flying out of Abilene. It's too late to worry about my RS bag now, so I'll just go and if I have to check it, I'll be fine. I'm not going to let something as minor as that ruin my trip! Like someone said...I'll still be traveling light!

I appreciate the many replies, more than you know! You all are fabulous!! I can't believe that I will be leaving tomorrow for Europe!! WOW!!

Karen

Steve...that is what I came up with too. I don't think I'll have a problem. I don't even have anything in the outer pockets, so the bag is very flat. I didn't over pack it at all.

Thanks, Steve! I've already decided I'm going to check my bag on the way home from Paris. It looks like I probably wouldn't have an option anyway from what I'm hearing from the travel agent unless something changes.

"I really think my Rick bag is really 21" long total as advertised, but its hard to figure that with a measuring tape trying to keep it straight."

Stick one end of the bag against a wall, put a yard stick plumb against the other end, and measure across the top with a second yard stick. (Allow for depth of baseboard, or use a door instead of the wall.)

Thanks everyone for your replies! Tomorrow is the big day!! I just hope I can sleep tonight!!