Hi, my new husband and I are flying to Naples from JFK for our honeymoon via Meridiana.
Has anyone flown with them before? How was it?
How strict are they are about carry-ons?
We plan to each bring a carryon Samsonite 21" suitcase and a small bag. His will likely be a small backpack. Mine is the Briggs and Riley Baseline Tote. I've never had trouble with airlines making me check a carry-on bag as long as the rolling suitcase will fit in the overhead and the tote bag will slide under the seat. But with some airlines' new ridiculous policies I want to make sure I don't get charged at the airport. Obviously, we booked Meridiana, we aren't rolling in cash.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23671 posts
This question is asked all the time and the answer is generally the same - It depends. Some discount airlines make a lot of money from strictly enforcing their "ridiculous policies" - but - you were forewarned. Others not so much. We recently flew easyJet and every carryon went into the sizing box. You need to comply with their stated policy - ridiculous or not. If they don't enforce IT on that flight, then consider yourself lucky. If they do, then pay the fee. All of the discount airlines tend to be more strict with tighter regulations than the legacy airlines. So plan accordingly.
Also, remember that the 21" must include the wheels and the handle. Most so called 21" bags are really 23 or 24. Do you know the actual size of the whole bag?
Posted by
Washington
56 posts
From the Meridiana website:
HAND BAGGAGE
Dimensions and weight each passenger is allowed one hand baggage item that should not exceed 55 cm. x 40 cm x 20 cm or weight over 8 kg. Moreover, it is allowed to carry on bags or briefcases, waist-bags and laptop/tablet cases, in addition to usual handbags.
Please note: in case of full flights it may have to board a certain amount of handbags inside the hold.
Conversion:
8 kg = 17.64 lbs.
21 in. x 16 in. x 8 in.
Posted by
The Heartland USA
9081 posts
People focus on the measurements, but don't pay as much attention to the weight restriction. that samsonite 21" weighs 6.6 pounds empty, according to the link. that more than a third of the weight allowed. If your bag looks fat, its much more likely to get checked in a sizer.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16243 posts
Meridiana is not a low cost airline.
I've flown Meridiana within Europe a few times albeit a few years ago. I don't remember them sizing the carry ons prior to boarding but that might have changed. I wish all airlines were a bit more strict here in America with people trying to squeeze in all kinds of carry ons to save $25.
Meridiana does not charge for the first checked bag (on any flights, including domestic) therefore you might consider checking your suitcase. Since the flight is a direct non stop the possibility of having your suitcase diverted or not loaded is very slim. The only draw back might be that you have to wait for it at the baggage claim carousel, but Naples is a small airport and that wait can't possibly be that long. At most it will add 15 minutes to your schedule.