How picky are European airlines on 21.6" vs. 22?

what is an RCO?

the Rick Steves Rolling CarryOn. Sorry, I thought that was the accepted acronym. (trying to learn quickly!)

I like ebags mother lode rolling carryon.

The Bric's B/Y spinner is 21x14x9 but has miserably tight handles from
the looks of it. Not sure how I'm supposed to carry that up stairs to
a hotel if I can't fit my fingers in the handles.

The handle pulls up higher than it looks and my glove size large hands fit; but the fact that it does lay flat keeps the bag compliant (yes, at $140 it is the most expensive bag that I have ever purchased - but I wanted a lightweight - reasonably - hard spinner bag and Walmart just didn't come through for me on that count).

In my use at least, the bag spends 99% of its time on its four wheels, the lifting time amounts to about 15 seconds per month of travel.

Outside of developing Eastern Europe (Albania for example) its been a few decades since I stayed in a hotel with no lift; but come to think of it, one of the Airbnb's I stay at in Budapest does have a loft bedroom with about 8 steps up.

As for problems on cobblestone streets; again, cant remember the last time i pulled a bag down a cobblestone street (even counting developing Eastern Europe).

As for what size can you really get away with, with ITA or any airline; try and find out is the only answer (then keep trying until you get rejected and have to gate check).

just to say, that with a cryptic user name and a thread title with numbers and unknown abbreviations you may get fewer people reading your question because among the various spam threads we get it just looks like another.

That's not say that yours is - it obviously is far from it - but people reading down the thread titles may well just skip over it....

I hope you get your answers, which I saw you originally brought up in another thread....

Nigel, I changed the title to be a little more clear. As for the abbreviation, I found it reading older threads like https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing/ravenna-or-rolling-carry-on-which-one but I see what you're saying that they were from 2017 and might not reflect current users. I've had to reread that thread about 10 times to understand all the comments in it, lol. And yes, I realized my name was different from others' after I made it. I'm not sure whether I can change it. It is short for "She travels with one boy." :)

That's why I'm having to do so much thinking and research, because I'm figuring out luggage for both of us. It's actually more complicated than I've mentioned, because he's still incontinent at night. I'm trying super hard to figure out how to do this without a checked bag, but I may cave and do one smallish checked bag and be done with it. I've found pharmacies in Rome that sell incontinence supplies and old threads saying people were successful buying them in Europe at pharmacies. My test packing (with some random hardside spinners that I returned) show I can fit his clothes and 5 days of disposable incontinence supplies (bed pads, night pants). So I have to think through things like what happens when I use those up and buy a larger pack. At least at that point we'll be situated in Rome for a longer stretch and hauling them around won't be an issue. The don't tell Rick packable tote would work for that.

That's also why we have a weird itinerary, because he has a perseverative interest in tanks and thus more generally WW2. I'm taking a person to Italy who thinks they aren't interested in Roman history and ancient history AT ALL, haha, only tanks and WW2. LOL So I'm TRYING to get them to engage, but it is what it is. But that's how I end up with 3 flights, because I was thinking that if I went down to Catania to do the WW2 museum and hike Mt. Etna they'd engage more. I could get to Rome with them for our Rome days and they just sit in the hotel room and refuse to go out, kwim? It happens, the nature of disabilities sigh. But yeah that side adventure down to Catania, while it works in theory, is what is making the pain in the butt for luggage. If I didn't have that, I'd be just United and British Airways, both of which seem more generous for carryons, with no weight limits and a fuzz larger sizes for carryons. I don't even know if the WW2 museum in Catania is that great. I saw the Rick Steves tour of Sicily goes there. Maybe I can do that as a thread in the appropriate forum.

So not a troll, just crazy, haha.

Mister E, yes your posts are what I've been reading about the Bric B/Y! I may just order it and see for myself. That's helpful to know the handles do pop up enough. Yeah I am not sure on steps. We have a b&b for Venice, the Hotel Oceania in Rome, and haven't picked the hotel in Catania, looked like there were affordable chain hotels. In Naples it's some kind of old mansion that works as a b&b now. Two cruises so for those it won't matter. And a bunch of train connections.

I guess I feel really chilled about the whole luggage thing, since I can just buy a piece if I need to add or have something break. It's not like there are not stores there, mercy. I'm trying to think honestly about my body, because I like the idea of the backpack for me (which would then be 12-14 pounds total, easy peasy) but also like the ease of a piece of luggage. And for him I have to have the small backpack for the blanket and then a carryon. Definitely not expecting him to carry almost 40 pounds on his person long distances, mercy.

So probably rolling carryons for both of us, but definitely for him. I just think it's bizarre how few actual options you have that maximize carryon size/space for these tighter restrictions. Is there a cycle to when luggage comes out and about March new pieces will appear that fit the new standards? I noticed Travelpro with some new luggage marked compact. So they have domestic, international, and then a new compact international size. Maybe they are clearancing stuff with christmas priciing and the new sizes will come out after that?

Just be careful with all the claims of "domestic" and "international" sizes as there are no standards, you have to read your particular airline's requirements and dont miss the weight limits.

That bag we have been discussing is a "light" hardshell, but that still means it weighs a pound or two more than a cloth bag and with weight limits (usually, but not always, 8kg) that can become an issue.

I always got around the weight (and to some degree the space) issue by using the allowed "personal item" which on most airlines (but not all) has no weight limit to carry the heavy stuff like shoes and electronics and liquids.

That works well with most airlines as the size limitation on the personal item is pretty generous; but some like Lufthansa allow something half the size of most airlines and for this trip I am currently on it took some decision making and creativity to remain legal (and I always do - with cargo pants this time).

Good news the Hotel Oceana in Rome has an elevator: https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/02/db/b2/ea/hotel-oceania.jpg

And only a few steps at the front door and a smooth sidewalk leading to the door https://www.google.hu/maps/@41.9031557,12.4930746,3a,31.7y,41.38h,84.32t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sqdgpcIT7y8B1tOz_bsDYyA!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DqdgpcIT7y8B1tOz_bsDYyA%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D328.06485%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en&authuser=0

Most questions can be answered on the Internet. LOL

I have the Rick Steves Rivanna and the handles are not bad they pull up. It’s weird because when I packed my stuff in it it feels heavy but it’s less than 20 pounds. I don’t have an issue with the handles it seems to work pretty good.

Hi Cootnnanny, that's interesting because it sounds like the volume leads to packing more. The 20 lb would put us over the 8 kg limit for ITA, meaning I'd need to check. But I agree that just to pull and travel with that's a fine size. To get to 16 lb with the hardside packing test we did, we were pretty brutal, like really brutal. So with the extra space of the Ravenna plus the extra pound, I can see how you can easily get to 20.

Well I'm doing some tests today using a backpack different ways. I'm realizing some of this is just personal. Mister E, that's a great find on the elevator for the Hotel Oceana! Still will have stairs on the cruise, the trains, etc. I think the stairs are a realistic test for fatigue with the load, so I'm testing to see what combination feels best to him. I'm also realizing we could put the weighted blanket in the carryon (if there's room, like a backpack carryon) as there are no real weight limits (51 pounds, haha) for 2 of the three flights. T+hen just for ITA+ use the personal item to carry the weighted blanket or check it and be done with it. So that gives him the option of single backpack (which he claims he wants) or lighter backpack with a rolling (which I would have thought was better). If he does the stairs enough, he'll know which he prefers. And I think then he'll know what bag he wants for the rolling carryon because it's literally just a matter of logistics. I'm short and getting shorter, so I want the handle on the side to carry something up stairs at all. Otherwise I'm gonna bang bang. He's tall and getting taller, so he can carry a rolling carry on up any which way and be fine.

So I'm doing the tests today with weight and we'll see how that goes. He may change his mind on his theory that all that weight in one backpack would be great, haha. Even if we do a 10 or 12 pound blanket and plan to fold for the trip, neverthe less it's a lot of total weight (3 for the bag, 12 for the blanket, 10 for clothes=25). So I'll test 25. I also have the lighter backpack plus rolling bag for him to test. He can say what he wants to do. I think after the test he's gonna like the light backpack plus the easiest rolling carryon. That's my suspicion, but we'll see.

Cootnnanny, weight is a funny thing. It's not just the weight but how it distributes and how it feels with the support of that size of bag. When I take my books to the library, I have different size tote bags I can use. Some support better than others for the same load, making it feel lighter than in a different bag. In general it seems like a larger bag makes the same load feel lighter. Don't really know the physics on why that is, or it could be my imagination, lol. Nevertheless, when the bag is barely big enough, the same amount of books feel REALLY HEAVY and then fine put in a bigger bag. Go figure.

Check the height and weight requirements for every single one of the airlines you are using and take the bag that conforms with the smallest of those measurements.

European airlines are much stricter that N. American ones.
Some don't care about weight, some don't care about dimensions.
Some care about both.
Either way, if they don't like what you are showing them, they'll make you check it, and pay up.

Ask me how I know......

I was worried about my Fall trip, one leg of which was on Air France outbound. They also have a 55/35/25 size limit and an 12 kilo weight limit for carry on + personal item. I did not want to take a chance that it would be gate checked with all the problems international hub airports had with luggage this summer so I went with the highly overpriced Osprey Ozone which is 4.5#. For me it worked very well. My total bag weight was 16.1# when I left home so I could handle getting into the overheads and on/off trains.

It packs a bit weird - had various empty spaces so I'd just move things around. It also has a monopole handle so that doesn't work well if you are one that stacks a personal item on the handles. I don't so it was fine for me. I pulled this over cobbles, thru broken sidewalks in Rome and thru some dirt with no problems. The wheels are larger in diameter than some brands and they made it very easy to pull or push.

I feel like it could be checked as the fabric is light but very sturdy. I looked at the Fairview but went with the Ozone as it was almost a pound lighter.

I agree with SJ. If you are going to buy new luggage go with the smallest dimensions you think you might need to adhere to. No point in going by anecdotal reports of travelers (including me!) when it could be different for your flight. There were a couple of reports that Air France did weigh and measure luggage for passengers in transit. It did not happen to me but I was ready if it did.

Thanks SJ, that's what I'm doing. I've got it all typed up in a file so I can refer to it. The irony is forcing the limits, like 56 vs. 55 cm, doesn't seem to get you that much more storage capacity really anyway. So at some point I'm just going to choose. I'm doing tests now. I was fine with the weight yesterday but it made my lower back problems flare up today. So backpack is completely out for me, which I guess makes it easier as it means I just pick my favorite wheeled and be done with it. For my other person I need to have them do the backpack tests and see what they think. They did backpack as personal item (20 pounds) with 16 pound carryon on stairs and didn't like it. Backpack alone was fine but with the carryon. I think it's the motor planning and instability, and is forced them to use rails. They want to try all in one backpack (25 pounds) which means the half weight weighted blanket that we would fold over (which is fine, can work). T+hey can do that or the carryon with the blanket in it. I was realizing for 2 of our flights the weight limits are so high it isn't a problem. I can just pay to check on the one where it's a problem.

Ok Pam, you're KILLING me here, lol. The Osprey Ozone you have is https://www.rei.com/product/134630/osprey-ozone-42l-wheeled-luggage yes? 42L, 2563 cu inches (better than most!) 21.7x14.2x9.1 and 4.53 lb. The bomb. Now it has been updated https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/ozone-2-wheel-carry-on-40l-21-5-OZONECO2WF22.html and the new version has less space (2441 cu in) and is 21.5x14x10, ie. too deep.

I lose my mind here. I'd buy it in a heartbeat if I could get the 42L, as that fits all the specs, has snazzy wheels, sigh...

Pam, btw, what personal item did you use with this? A backpack?

The newer Ozone is the 40 liters. Look at the Osprey site and look at the measurements in Metric instead of where they have rounded up for inches. It is 55x35x25 so was exact for Air France. In fact, for any bag you are considering, look at the manufacturers specs for size in metric. Look for inches for US-based airlines but look for metric measurements for European airlines. The rounding up can put things out of whack.

https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/ozone-2-wheel-carry-on-40l-21-5-OZONECO2WF22_452.html

I actually did not have this packed full. Once I reached 16# I stopped putting stuff in. I DID have to buy an umbrella in Italy, lol as I'd left mine out at the last minute because it was too heavy. I was carrying a lot of Covid supplies including a bunch of N95 masks and a few test kits so that weighed it down some.

I did not use a backpack. I have in the past but was not doing any hiking and prefer a tote which I can carry over the shoulder or cross body. I used this Baggallini tote. I caught it on a sale and paid about $72 I think. Even though it weighs 1.5# I liked the organization of the bag and the light lining. I've previously used totes from Kipling and LeSportSac which have no organizer pockets but was having trouble getting them packed to my satisfaction.

https://www.baggallini.com/any-day-tote-with-rfid-phone-wristlet/ADT336-BG-B0002-NS.html

Pam, I need a jaw drop emoticon. You're right, that's totally what I was missing was the toggle to switch to metric!! You're so right that some of the vendors are very precise with their US measurements and some just leave you hanging. So in this case getting the metric is perfect.

So be still my soul, I have options! And you're right, anything else I like that says 22" I can hawk to find out the metric and see if it could work. Thank you!!!++

Pam, nice tote! I'll keep thinking about that. I think I have two separate issues, one is getting our stuff there (which I suspect is going to require me actually having a personal item holding stuff like 6 weeks of medications, 2 sets of headphones, etc., that's unless that stuff miraculously fits in the carryon) and two is something discrete to hold just enough when going out. I'm sure I'm overthinking it, but I'm rattled by the talk of pickpockets in Italy.

Where do people keep their PHONE when they go to Italy or are in pickpocket situations? I know RS says travel wallet under your layers of clothing and I did that years ago when traveling in college, fine. But what about your phone?? I don't want it stolen, so I don't know if I just get a small crossbody purse or what I do. Does it need to be packsafe or is just being thoughtful enough? What about all this talk of thieves cutting through bags??

Ok, this is hilarious. I was toying around with plane tickets for an idea and noticed that Ryan Air and Wizz are tighter than ITA for their carryon size. (20 and 23 cm vs. ITA's 25). So the Osprey Ozone works on ITA but not Ryan Air and Wizz unless you're lucky. I was planning ITA, so not a problem. Just had ideas and noticed this.

Pam, have you seen the RS Rolling Carryon in person (or no, haha) to have some opinion on how it compares to the Osprey Ozone? It's lighter obviously and the wheels look stellar. Anything beyond that?

Yes, the low-cost carriers like RyanAir and EasyJet are very strict. The only time I flew EasyJet they had a sizer at the jetway and had everyone drop their bag in before heading down the ramp. From reading the forum I knew they were strict so had paid to check my luggage when I bought the ticket.

Well, it took me a while to figure out to look in metric. I do not have a math mind and the sizing was driving me nuts. I had a whole huge spread sheet going!

I also have a crossbody purse that I use when I am out and around. I pack it going over and pull it out when I get to Europe. The Baggallini tote or any of my other personal items are too big to haul around sightseeing for me. I used to use a LeSportsac Everyday bag but in Belgium last spring there were 2 times that museums made me check it because it was too big (barely bigger than a sheet of paper - so 8.5x11). I downsized to the TownBagg which I found at TJ Maxx for $25.

I put my phone in my purse if it's not in my hand. I put it in an inside zipper pocket AND I have that pocket so I can use a carabiner to keep it secure. I also use a carabiner on the zipper pocket of purse. I attach a split ring (like a key chain ring that I get at Michaels by the dozens) to the purse handle and add a small Night-Ize carabiner to the zipper and click them shut. I don't like the Pac-Safe or anti theft purses with the steel mesh inside the body and strap as they are so heavy.

Trust me when I say EVERYone will be walking around with a phone in their hands! I do NOT lay it on a table as it can be snatched that way but I don't have a problem having it in my hand while following a map or for pictures.

Yes, I actually have the older model of the 2-wheel RS carry on. Mine is the 20 inch size. It is actually smaller than the Ozone BUT it weighs 6# and I was willing to spend the money to get a lighter weight bag. It is fine. I've checked it often so it is pretty scuffed up on the corners but not unusable. The handle is a little wobbly. A time or two I tried to stack a bag on top with a trolley sleeve and it was too much weight and just didn't pull right. (The monopole handle on the Osprey is MUCH sturdier) I also have a TravelPro 22inch bag. I have used it a lot but was going to be too tall for this last trip and was heavier than I wanted.

BTW, I do recommend some kind of spreadsheet or chart for all your research. You are in deep, lol, and need to keep yourself organized. Trust me on this, lol. I felt like I was chasing my tail this summer.

Ok I saw the mention of the nite-ize locking caribiner things and just hadn't made a move. Actually I wasn't sure how they worked, lol. But that makes sense that if you put the phone in a pocket and lock the pocket you've made it less easily pickpocketed. At that point they have to slash.

Spreadsheet, haha. Well I'm close! I made a chart in the app I use and keep on my home screen. I kept writing it down in my notebook and then losing the page, ugh! At least this way it's not lost and the data is all written the same way, making it quick to cmopare. I've been whittling from requirements to those that meet the requirements to a short list of those I like that meet the requirements.

I found the metric for the TravelPro btw. It's on the CA version of the site.

It sounds like you liked the RS version well enough but like the lighter weight. It at least gives us choice. We now have several options, so that's good. And I know how to be confident what the size is (check the metric) which let's me feel confident about any others I find that I like, which was my issue. The vague 22" thing was killing me. I'll probably buy several and pack them to compare what happens. :D

Your profile doesn't indicate where you live so I wonder if you live in an area where there is a Rick Steves meet up group? Generally California, Denver area, North Idaho, Portland OR, Tulsa and I'm sure I'm forgetting some. If you are near a meet up, members would probably bring their various bags if you asked, lol. Yes, I took my Osprey in for people to look at after I got it.

just think it's bizarre how few actual options you have that maximize carryon size/space for these tighter restrictions. Is there a cycle to when luggage comes out and about March new pieces will appear that fit the new standards?

You will find plenty of bags to match the European limits--in Europe. The majority of Americans are traveling domestically and they want to take the maximum allowed which is usually 22 x 14 x 9. Why buy a suitcase that is only 21.7 inches when you can buy one that is 22 inches. And most Americans don't do metric.

I just checked and they are out of the bag. I think it's being discontinued.

Here's my suggestion.....some bags from major manufacturers are sold all over the world. If you see a bag you like, check to see if it's sold in Europe. Then go to the European website of that company and check the measurements in centimeters. You might find a bag is actually 55 cm but when they market it in the USA they call it 22 inches. It's close enough that they can get away with it..

Pam, I didn't know they have meet ups! How fun. My mother did a RS tour (actually several) but I have not. No, I don't live close to those places, bummer. But good thinking! :)

Frank, I went through Selfridges website and was surprised that nothing was right. I'm wondering now if I was being shown US measurements for a US version of their site instead of the metric and that the bags actually would work. It totally mystified me because, like you say, I figured if I looked on a European/British vendor I'd see bags to fit the market. But if they were rounding to make americans happy, haha, then it makes sense. I'll go back and look.

If you are in the USA you will be shown the U.S version that has prices in US dollars. You can switch to the UK version.

I bought a bag from Selfridges just before the pandemic. It cost $30 to ship to the US and arrived in 5 days. My bag is 55 x 35 x 23 CM and weighs 1.7 kg. (4 lbs.) I've been in Europe for nine of the last 13 months with it. No problem.

They are currently out of stock. It is called the Samsonite Airea. It's possible that the bag may be discontinued as it seems Samsonite is focusing more on hardshell bags. The Airea is soft shell.

Ok, I got excited with Selfridge's claim that the B/Y Bric's has a 50L capacity, but it doesn't. It's 40L and 45L expanded.

So my current short list and reasoning:

RS Rolling Carryon-->flexibility, expandability
Osprey Ozone-->durability, zippiness
B/Y Bric's-->size

The Ravenna is a pound more than the Bric's with a fuzz more storage and possibly better durability. (crap shoot) The RS spinner holds about the same as the Bric's (expanded) and weighs a pound more, so that only makes sense if you want a fabric spinner vs. hardside. I suppose they're on the long short list, haha.

I still think handles are high on the important list, then base size before expansion, then just preference. They're probably all fine in their own ways.

Frank, Selfridges no longer has the Samsonite Airea 55cm spinner in stock. However I'm googling and it looks like amazon UK will ship to me, which gives me more places to look. Oh my, the shipping with Amazon UK is stupid high! No wonder you were saying to look at Selfridges, mercy.

I bought a bag from Selfridges just before the pandemic. It cost $30 to ship to the US and arrived in 5 days. My bag is 55 x 35 x 23 CM and weighs 1.7 kg. (4 lbs.) I've been in Europe for nine of the last 13 months with it. No problem.

They are currently out of stock. It is called the Samsonite Airea. It's possible that the bag may be discontinued as it seems Samsonite is focusing more on hardshell bags. The Airea is soft shell.

We bought 2 of them from Selfridges about 3 months ago and they shipped both of them together for only $30. They arrived really quickly and packaged very securely in one big box. These are perfect for us.

Silas, thanks for the tip!

You're now at the point where you are over-thinking. You know the exact limitations for size, volume, and mass that will get past the gate and onto your planes but a smaller bag diverts scrutiny and conveniently limits your packing. Your style and transit needs determine the format: hard, soft, wheelie, spinner, backpack; those are the five basics. Set your budget, list your criteria for features, do a thorough search for your ideal unit , and buy your bag. (Might give your local department stores and REI a chance to get your money.)

While it's nice to get real world opinions from experienced RS globetrotters, we do rather tend to provide our personal preferences. The choice is ultimately yours.

[For me: Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 (underpacked at 35L) and Patagonia 25L backpack.]

What does your packing list look like? I suggest that you pick a piece of luggage that fits the strictest carryon requirements for the carriers in Europe and pack to fit that bag. We travel with either a Tom Bihn Aeronaut 30 or 45 plus a small pack and never have had a problem. It is all in how much stuff you are putting in the bag.

If you have not done so already get a luggage scale and weigh your clothes then your bag for the total after packing. Its amazing how one jacket is 2 lbs and another is only 1 pound. I have a pair of sandals that are over 1 pound and another that are 8 oz. The luggage weight is as important as the size. I have used the 21" Rick Steve's roller bag on countless trips and it works for European airline requirements without any problems. The airline normally posts their weight limits. I have a carry on also that cost 20.00 on amazon and can be folded up into a small package and stowed away when not needed.

Has anyone used the Osprey Daylite wheeled 40

Sorry to resurrect an old post, but I just ordered this bag and while waiting for it to arrive am having buyer's remorse. The dimensions listed on the Osprey site are 9x14x22, but I've read a couple reviews stating that it actually comes in at about 22.5" long.

Pam's wheeled Osprey is listed as 21.5" so I assume she had no issues using the overhead bin, but I'm worried that the extra half inch might keep the Daylite wheeled 40 from fitting. Anyone have experience taking this thing on a flight? Or should I just not stress about the extra half inch?

Hi @Elizabeth fwiw I gave up using US measurements and am comparing the bags with cm. If you can find the metric measurements for the bag you ordered, that might make it easier to determine how close they are to the airline requirements, which for European lines are in metric as well. As you say, what seems small (½ off) might be big (1cm or more) to a picky european airline.

And yes, some of the bags were redone in new editions with dimensions that make them not work. If you find out it definitely won't work, maybe you can cancel the order or refuse delivery?

Thanks Stw1b. I called to see if I could cancel, and they said it was too late - already in the process of shipping. So, I'll check it out in-person and if it doesn't look like it'll work, will be returning. In the meantime, I'll check the metric measurements. :)

The dimensions of that bag are 55 x 35 x 23 cm.

How do I know......I went to Osprey's European website and they give the dimensions in cm.

https://www.ospreyeurope.com/shop/gb_en/osprey-daylite-carry-on-wheeled-duffel-40-2021

Thanks, Frank II… the US website had a little button so I could toggle between metric and imperial.

"Pam's wheeled Osprey is listed as 21.5" so I assume she had no issues using the overhead bin, but I'm worried that the extra half inch might keep the Daylite wheeled 40 from fitting. Anyone have experience taking this thing on a flight? Or should I just not stress about the extra half inch?"

I will say that the flight I was worried about was the Paris to Milan on Air France. My Osprey Ozone fit in the overhead bins just fine but my word...they were literally the fullest bins I have EVER seen on a flight. It felt like everyone carried on but the crew was amazing and seemed to get everything in. There were several announcements to start with asking folks to put anything under the seat that would fit but some still laid jackets out flat in the overheads, only to have to move them as the plane filled up. Even though it was a full flight the gate agents were not even blinking at what people were carrying on however, just looking, no one was bringing on huge bags.