We are flying WOW (Yes, I'm aware that it is a "budget" airline, and yes I'm aware that some folks haven't been happy with their experience!), and I was wondering if anyone here has had any experience with how strict they are regarding the size of your 'Personal Item'? The size permitted is 17x13x10. The more rigid part of my backpack is about 17.5" (and the other dimensions are well under the 13x10), but I feel confident that I could compress my pack adequately (without looking too absurd) to fit in the little frame they have that shows whether or not your bag is acceptable. Any thoughts, suggestions, etc.? Thanks!
Posted by
Washington DC Region, USA
7049 posts
I would take every airline at their word when they spell out the dimensions, especially airlines that have unbundled fares. It would go against their business model not to charge for a defined item when they can. Of course you could always get lucky, but it depends on whether you want to take the gamble. Good luck!
Posted by
OP
88 posts
I agree. I guess I'm just wondering, though, if soft luggage like a backpack can be pressed/conformed/etc. to meet the size requirement? I'm not suggesting I will jump on top of it to get it to fit, but only that my pack is about 0.5" too tall in its uncompressed state.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9420 posts
Please read my posts in this thread:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/general-europe/wow-airlines-good-or-bad
Posted by
OP
88 posts
Super helpful and exactly what I was looking for. Thanks, Susan!
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9420 posts
nicholas, checking in at WOW counter at SFO they did not weigh or make me put the 20" rolling carry-on in the sizer. They didn't weigh my son's back pack which he took on plane.
Same thing checking in at WOW counter at CDG... except they did make me put the rolling carry-on in the sizer. It fit fine.
I think, if you can fit your back pack in the sizer whatever way you can, you will be fine.
As I'm sure you already know, there's never a guarantee with any airline, any particular agent, but this was our experience.
As I said in the other thread, we liked WOW a lot.
Posted by
OP
88 posts
Awesome. Thanks again, Susan!
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9420 posts
Very welcome, I hope you have a great trip!
Posted by
103 posts
would it be worth picking something like this up for peace of mind?
https://www.ebags.com/product/rockland-luggage/roadster-17-rolling-backpack/222924#productFeatures
Posted by
OP
88 posts
It totally could be, but I love my GORUCK backpack, and plan on using it sometimes when out and about, and so I without prefer something with the right organization and aesthetics! ;-)
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
4573 posts
I have an internal frame backpack made in the US so it is 22 inches. Air Canada carry on is 21.5 and is my standard air carrier. For various reasons, I tend to check that bag, but have considered cutting doen the aluminum frame by 1/2 an inch to be compliant. There are two bars that would be easy to take a hacksaw and a file to without altering tje i tegrity or balance of the frame and support.
Would you consider doing the same for a backpack you love the features of?
Posted by
OP
88 posts
I typically don't like to modify my gear, and since the frame sheet is sewn in it would probably be more effort than it's worth. I'm feeling pretty confident - thanks to Susan - that my bag will be acceptable.
Posted by
2 posts
Nicholas, Did you take your WOW flight already, and if so, did you find them to be lenient with regard to the personal item size? I have the same question for our flight at the end of this month. We fly Spirit domestically all the time, which has very similar personal item requirements, and I have never seen them check and always see passengers with bags beyond the limitations. Please let me know what you experienced. Thanks!
Posted by
OP
88 posts
Hey kevinbmiller, no we have not. However, I'm really not too concerned about it, as my bag will without a doubt fit into the sizing compartment that they have; with it being flexible enough to be compressed. I found Susan's post to be helpful, and after my wife wasn't bothered on her Basic Economy flight via United, I just don't think it will be an issue. If it is, I only paid $280 for the ticket, so I suppose paying the fee wouldn't be the end of the world!
Posted by
2 posts
OK thanks! Have a great trip. I am not going to worry about it either :)
Posted by
1 posts
Hey guys, I'm flying WOW from BOS to CPH in June, and I was wondering what your guys experience was on your different trips with the luggage you took as a personal item? I'm looking at getting the Cotopaxi Allpa which is 20 x 12 x 8. It fulfills the 40 linear inches and would stick out of the seat a few inches. I'm feeling like taking a risk, what do you guys think? Thanks!
-Daniel
Posted by
Chicago
7811 posts
It should fit just take stuff out of it when the make you put it in the container to measure it.
It is more strict checking on full flights
How to arrange your WOW air carry-on baggage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phjWLTHa90A
Posted by
OP
88 posts
Honestly, they were pretty chill. They didn't make us fit our personal bags in their little measuring box, but as long as it is somewhat compressible, you should totally be fine.
Posted by
1855 posts
I was just in Marshall's. I saw a few Swiss gear brand rolling cases that are 17" long. They were nice little sturdy cases for $50. I would have bought one if I needed it. I would also take a tape measure to the store to double check the dimensions before purchasing. I can never tell if the luggage company is including total length or just the interior compartment length.
Posted by
1 posts
daniel0monahan I have the exact same bag and was wondering the same. What did you decide on? Have you gone on your flight yet?