When will I know if my 21" rollaboard doesn't qualify as carry-on?

This from the US Air site for carry on:

'Up to 45 in (14 x 9 x 22 in)'

measure the max in each dimension to include all protrusions (wheels, handle, etc)

You'll find out at the initial check-in if they don't like it.

It will be at check in and they will ask you to place it in the sizing box. Most rolling carryons fail the box test. It will vary strictly by the counter people. If the plane is sold out they tend to be more strict.

I have never seen anyone stopped at gate unless it was very obvious that it was oversized or they might have had two carryons. It varies by the airline, the day, and the hour. If they take it at the gate they will give you a tag for gate checked. You do not go back to the front because you are in the process of boarding when they take it from you.

Mine is a Weekender 22" wheelie and I have used it three times as carryon without a problem.

" If I have to check it, it's no big deal. "

Unless it goes missing upon your arrival.

If you bypass the counter altogether because you’ve checked in online, checked in via your mobile device, etc. and you’ve already gone through security, then you’ll find out when you’re boarding. Perhaps they'll let you on with no issue whatsoever. However, they may or may not ask you to place your bag in the sizer box. If it’s clearly too large, they’ll simply redirect you to the gate desk so you can pay the fee (as applicable). They’ll take your bag from there and will load it, but you’ll need to get back in line for boarding. If you think you can make the bag fit in the box and/or if the agent thinks it’s a close call, they’ll ask you to size, but they’re not going to wait all day for someone trying to repack when others may also need to size bags, people are trying to board right there, etc…it can get a little heated. As Frank said, it really depends on the airline, the agent, the flight, etc. Last November, many passengers were boarding my flight on Swiss with bags that were clearly way beyond the allowable limit, but they were not hassled at all and were allowed to board in both Chicago and Zurich with the bag...no problem. A couple of weeks ago at National in DC, my United flight was extremely strict about it…made several people check as they attempted to board. Sounds like you’re flexible either way, so if you’re prepared to check if necessary, it should be fairly smooth for you…really not a big deal. Some people get really worked up when they learn that their bag must be checked after they’ve made it all the way to the gate. BTW, you should never have to go all the way back to the counter, go through security again, etc.

You'll know when you try to board the plane. I have a wheelie. Every time I fly the people at the counter checking boarding passes are eyeballing everyone's carry-on bags. They have seen so many bags that they just KNOW whether it'll fit or not. I think they are the ones who really have the final say because they did stop some people and had them check their bags right there. The bags they were having people check were a bit bigger than mine and I know mine is the maximum size allowed, unless something has changed.

Just make sure you don't pack it so it's bulging out. You can say it makes the size requirement all you want because "it's 21 inches" but if it's bulging, they'll have you check it. When the fee for checked baggage started, I saw people trying to stuff their carry-ons and they were stuck having to check those too.

The one problem people have with their carry-on wheelies is how to get them into the overhead compartment properly. I had that problem at first and a flight attendant told me "Handle IN, Wheels OUT."

I've had my "regulation-sized" carry-on taken from me at boarding twice, but I have carried it on umpteen times, so it definitely depends on the airline, the bag, the mood the attendant is in, etc. The first time it was taken, the bag did not make my flight and I didn't get it until 48 hours later. THAT was a hassle! Fortunately, I carried my medication in my purse. In fact, both times that my bag was taken at the gate, it did not make my flights, and was delivered later. Now, I always pack prepared for my bag to be taken and checked. Very frustrating to think you have met flight regulations, just to have your bag taken!

Mine was not bulging on the outgoing flight and there was no problem, but I always check my bag when coming back because I do shop a bit and because we don't have to pay the fee! :-)

US airlines might use 22 x 14 x 9, but European airlines measure in cm, 55 x 40 x 20, which is 21-5/8" x 15-3/4" x 7-7/8", so what just barely makes it in this country might not in Europe.

Diane,

As the others have mentioned, which luggage is "allowed" depends to a large extent on the airline, the personnel working at the time and sometimes the location.

One example I can offer is a recent EasyJet flight from Rome to Athens. One of the passengers made it past check-in and security with their luggage, but the staff at the boarding gate re-checked everything in a sizing frame prior to allowing passengers to board.

One of their bags wouldn't fit the frame and the passenger got into a huge argument with the airline staff. I heard one of the staff members say "it's my decision who boards the flight, and you're NOT boarding with that luggage". I never did see how this was resolved or whether the passenger actually boarded the flight.

If there's any possibility the size of my Pack will be an issue, I just check it to avoid problems. On shorter regional flights that provide a "Sky Check" service, it's easy to drop the bag on the cart before boarding the plane and then pick it up when the flight lands. It's almost like travelling with "carry on only".

Good luck and happy travels!

Diane - If US Airways International gate agents are anything like there domestic gate agents, then you should have no issue with your carry-on.

Thank you everyone for your replies. I can now well understand that even though the airline site say such and such size, your comments prove that it doesn't always hold true. I'm not about to get into a heated argument with anyone if it's not going to be allowed. I am pleased to know though, that I won't have to start all over again. But after reading one of your posts, if they take it at the gate, and it arrives much later than me! YIKES!! Perhaps I'll check them and hope for the best while I carry my essentials in my much smaller carry on. Thanks again for your time and replies everyone. My question has been answered.

A baG IS NOT A SAUSAGE TO OVERSTUFF IF YOU WANT A CARRY ON.

Oh super. Patti's post just put fear in my heart. Now I have to rethink what I put in my "seat bag" Just in case. :/

Be sure to check the inches and also the weight of your bag; all the airlines have weight limits which are not necessarly easy to meet.