We are flying with Rick Steves backpack (wheel-less, 20"(21?) x 14" x 9") so no issues with the Delta flights into Italy, To/from inter-Italy Rome/Sicily on either Ryanair or ITA, could we get "nicked" for an oversized carry-on, even if we underpack slightly and it still fits in the sizing bin? I think size will be OK on Ryanair as we're upgrading a bit, but don't think the level we'd upgrade to on ITA would still get a larger carry-on and a smaller personal item. We've combed through the rules, but not sure where actual measurements come in vs. fitting into a sizing container? Also, same on second purse/personal item -- we want to bring small backpack-bookbags that technically could measure a little bigger (1") than requirements if stretched out, but would definitely still push down into a sizing bin and have never had any trouble stowing them under seats..... Starting to think about taking the LONG train ride from Rome to Sicily just so we don't have to deal with this. As it is, we're WAY underpacking (at least from previous trips) for 27-days just because 11 days are in a Rick Steves tour of Sicily. It seems like it used to be so much easier to fly than this! Thanks to anyone who might have more recent experiences to convey.
(Not trying to flout the rules, just want to know if we follow the "spirit" of the rules will we be fine? We are doing soft-sided everything within 1" tolerances, so should be squishable to requirements if underpacked slightly, as we plan. Just don't want to have to buy new luggage for this, but also don't want a huge fee at the gate.)
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
7106 posts
Don't expect go get away with anything when flying Ryanair, follow the rules to the last detail or you might be in for an expensive surprise. Even if your bag is just a millimetre to big.
(By the way, the train ride from Rome to Sicily is long, but it is also very scenic.)
Posted by
Paris
7316 posts
If it fits in the sizing bin, you're good, but you'd better be sure it does! If it's duffel-shaped and only one measurement (i.e. length OR width OR height) is the issue, crumpling the bag does work well, but if all measurements are too large, it won't work.
Checked luggage don't cost that much when bought in advance.
Posted by
Used to be Steilacoom, now it’s Las Vegas
2311 posts
I can’t help you with the size, but ITA was very strict about weight on our flights to and from Sicily. We knew that might be an issue, so we had paid ahead for checked baggage. I hope someone else can weigh in on the size issue for you.
Posted by
Washington DC
28335 posts
I've seen sizers just about everywhere. I've never seen an airline employee whip out a measuring tape; it seems to me that would be a cumbersome process, easily avoided by dropping a bag into a sizing box. I am highly suspicious of RyanAir (and thus haven't flown that airline), but your situation wouldn't concern me. Maybe it should? My bag is larger than a carryon, so I always have to check it.