Carry On Luggage Restrictions and Recommendations

I've never had a problem either. It sounds like your luggage actually will fit (you may have to cram it in though).

Your carry ons sound ok. The only problem you might have is your zone number for boarding. The higher numbers sometimes have no overhead room left. In that case they check it for free.

The wheels count. You might have to put your luggage in a sizing template that is 22" long. If the wheels and handle make it longer than 22 inches, it doesn't fit. Just because many people have gotten away with luggage that exceeds the limit before doesn't matter. If they check yours and it doesn't fit, it does't fit. You'll have no argument.

" All our currently owned carry on suitcases are 21 inches, but are 22.5 - 23 inches when the wheel measurement is included." 22.5 - 23 inches when the wheel measurement is included. What part don't you understand.

As Lee points out, you have to be prepared for the possibility that you will be required to check your bags. The airlines are sometimes lenient and sometimes strict.

I flew Air France recently and leaving CDG, they weighed everyone's hand luggage on check-in (there are weight limits) and then again when going through security, most passengers were required to place all their carry-on into a box-like container that checked both size and weight.

A few months ago I flew on a budget airline within Europe and in spite of all the dire predictions I'd seen, it was obvious that many passengers had carry-on that was over the limit and no one was asked to check a bag.

I have flown the US Air flights 4 or 5 times to and from Charlotte. I am not sure if your bag will fit with the wheels. I have the RS 20"bag with wheels and it fits but there is very little room when the overhead is closed. I am sure it will fit sideways but then you take up the space of others which is not appropriate.

What is the weight limit for carry-ons?

Depends on the airline, Teresa. We're flying United to Europe very soon, and there are no carry-on weight limits on that airline. Alitalia, however, has a 17 pound (8 kg) limit where British Airways is a generous 51 pounds (23 kg). So you need to check the size/weight/amount of hand baggage allowed for the airline you're flying.

US Airways doesn't have a weight restriction.

A note of caution, though, is if your flight involves more than one carrier. For instance, Delta and Alitalia are partners in the Skyteam alliance but while Delta doesn't have carry-on weight restrictions, a transfer to an Alitalia flight means having to adhere to their limits.

Besides the size of the luggage is there a concern of liquids (sunscreen, shampoo) or razors?

Thanks for everyone's replies. I think if I see a good deal on 20" carry ons, I will go ahead and pick them up. I am learning that when a company advertises 21 ", it does not include the full measurement with wheels. As always, your help is appreciated.

It's very frustrating. The bag my husband would like to purchase is supposed to be 22 x 14 x 9, and it gets really high marks! But when I read reviews, several people are annoyed because when they measured, it's actually 23.5 inches high with the handle. Who wants to take that chance at the airport! I'm going this week to measure the bag he wants to purchase myself to see and will caution him NOT to purchase it if this is the case. Sheesh...can't these manufacturers get it right?

Besides the size of the luggage is there a concern of liquids (sunscreen, shampoo) or razors?

Yes. The TSA regulations in the link below apply to flights into, out of or within the U.S.:

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/3-1-1-liquids-rule

Disposable razors are OK but safety razors are not (under "sharp Items")

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/prohibited-items

Here are the hand baggage restricted-item rules for flights within the EU:

http://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/safety/air-security/index_en.htm

What do you think about hair roller aluminum clips? I used large plastic hair rollers, and use the lightweight 3" aluminum clips to hold them in? Do you think that would be acceptable? I have found some plastic clips on the internet, maybe I should purchase those to be safe.

Oh gosh, Lulu, you'd think those would be OK but you just never know what gets the evil eye these days!
Maybe a new, no-roller hairstyle is in order? :O)

We have had no trouble flying out of the US with 22+ bags but they will not pass muster on intra European lines. We have watched people have to check bags on Easyjet and the cost done at the last minute ends up being as much as their original ticket. Every airline has its rules. I'd be particularly careful within Europe or leaving Europe on a European liner.

Lulu, I just gotta ask. How do you dry your hair on those hair rollers? With a hand-held dryer? I haven't had rollers in my hair since the early 80's, so I can't imagine how long it might take for it to dry. Therefore, I can't imagine having them take up room in my little spinner or my tote.

I flew to the US last summer on a European carrier. The cabin baggage allowance was 55 x 40 x 23 cm which translates to about 21.5 x 15.7 x 9 inches. I knew my old carry-on was too big. I went shopping for a new one in Chicago with a tape measure (both inches and centimeters). There were lots of bags that were labeled 20" or 21" but the overall measurements (wheels and handles often protruded) for every last flipping one of them exceeded 55 cm. I ended up with something smaller than a "box-shaped" bag . I do know that the carrier sometimes checks the size by making you put it in the frame.

I have medium to long hair that needs volume at my roots. What I do is spray in a root booster mouse, blow dry my hair, takes 10 minutes, then put in the large plastic rollers around the crown and sides. I put some hairspray on them, hit it with the blowdryer again for about 30 seconds. I leave them in when i eat my breakfast and put on my makeup. I take them out and voila....tons of volume. Finger out everything, shake the head...tease a little..spray...and I'm on the red carpet :) It doesn't take as long as you think. I'm not a wash and wear hair gal. A ponytail on weekends sometimes.

Lulu, I myself travel with a pocket comb, keeping it in my pocket when traveling, so no space taken up in my baggage. I use it, but rarely. But I have not been on any red carpets lately. Of course my size 13 walking shoes take up considerable space and weight in my bag. I guess we each have to contend with our own unique travel burdens. (:->)))

Larry, my son wears size 13 shoes...so I understand your pain!

I have th RS 20" rolling bag, fits perfectly, holds stuff for 3 months of travel (along with a Civita day bag.

I have gate-checked a bag before, it's still quicker to reclaim it than waiting at the baggage carousel.

Thank you again for your replies. I went shopping yesterday with tape measure in hand. I found a Swiss Gear 20-inch pilot bag at Target which was on sale for $75, rather than the usual $99. Its measurements are exactly 45 inches total for height, width, and depth. If anyone needs a good bag, it appears to be well made. I'm looking forward to our trip, having yet another detail completed. Thanks again to everyone.