Aegean Airlines - baggage allowance

The information on that link does seem to say that only one item can be carried on. But if by "standard size backpack (for stuff I can't live without)" you mean a daypack, I would make the assumption that it would be allowed the same way a woman's purse would be. Try sending Aegean another email and also go to Tripadvisor.com and ask some of the more recent travellers to Greece what their experience has been.

Jennifer, I've found the most European airlines allow only ONE carry-on item of the approved size (and they usually check). That DOESN'T mean "one plus a personal item such as a Purse or Laptop case", it means ONE ONLY! Some also check the weight, others don't. The Aegean information you posted sounds much the same as RyanAir, EasyJet or other carriers in Europe. Are you travelling with a carry-on, "a standard sized Backpack" as well as a checked bag? I suspect you'll have to modify your packing scheme so that you'll be able to meet the stated requirements. You may have to use a large enough carry-on bag that can fit at least some of the "stuff you can't live without", and then check one bag. Since this won't be a code share flight, you'll have to retrieve your checked item in Athens, and then re-check it on the U.S. flight. If you're checking luggage, be careful with the weight limit. If you think it might be over the allowable limit, pay for the extra charges at the time of booking. That's much cheaper than having to pay at check-in. I don't recall having any problems last time I flew with Aegean. I had one checked bag and carry-on. I found them to be a "real class act", and I'd fly with them again anytime. Happy travels!

Ken, Normally I check a bag (carry on size), carry the backpack on the flight along with a purse (not bigger than a money belt) but on this trip, I am going with a slightly larger bag, stuff the empty backpack (for long day trips) inside the checked bag and carry a small purse for my valuables (passport, money, credit cards, phone & camera). Weight will not be an issue. I appreciate the suggestion on a bigger luggage since there is no 'size' limit. I know what a pain in the rear it is to drag it everywhere...in every condition imaginable so I have learned to travel light :)

Jennifer, Thanks for the additional information. I have a few further thoughts..... "I appreciate the suggestion on a bigger luggage since there is no 'size' limit. " While there's usually no "size limit" for most luggage, there will always be a weight limit. I believe 32 kG is the MAX. that airlines will carry, unless it's classed as "air cargo". How big is your Daypack? Since your Purse isn't very big, you could still use your Daypack for carry-on, and just store your Purse inside it when you go through check-in. When you get seated, you could separate them again (ie: one under the seat, one in the overhead bin). I always pack my Netbook in carry-on, so need to use a Pack that can accomodate that. One final question - what type of phone are you using, and have you checked that it will operate in Europe? Cheers!

Ken, One bag means one bag and a backpack is subjective so I will not carry the backpack as a carry on and check another bag. I will bring a slightly bigger bag and stuff the empty backpack or a draw string backpack (not the most comfy to carry but takes no room in the suitcase) in it to use while I am there. I will bring a purse of this size which will take no room at all and I doubt they will make me pay it. I won't even put it underneath the seat or overhead. I carry it over my shoulder and push it to the side of my seat without any discomfort. I've done it many times. http://www.amazon.com/baggallini-Womens-Handbag-Champagne-Caspian/dp/B0066P2ZO2/ref=sr_1_84?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1341611363&sr=1-84&keywords=baggallini+handbags I will take my Iphone and it will be on air plane mode and an unlocked phone. I am only bringing the unlocked phone because I am staying in guesthouses in the islands and most places offer free airport or port pick up and don't have 24 hr reception. Cheers!

Jennifer - Aegean's new policy is that you can bring 1 carryon and 1 checked bag. If you are doing 1 carryon bag only, it must be no more than 8 kg total. They changed the weight limit and number of bags for both checked and carryon. They used to let you check multiple bags per person not even looking at the weight AND let you carry both 1 carryon and 1 personal item. Now, their policy for Economy is 1 carryon (no extra personal item) up to 8 kg. and 1 checked bag up to 20 kg. You can pay an overweight fee for up to 32 kg but they won't accept anything more than that. You can also pay for additional checked bags. If I understood your last post, your tiny purse would be considered your carryon. But you could put it in a bag up to their weight/size limit for carryons. I have seen European carriers hassle people for a small purse like that and not let them on the plane if it was an additional carryon until they put it into their other bag. I know that was easyJet and it was either Olympic or Aegean monitoring every item last year... Per the Aegean air website link you posted - Hand luggage (Economy class) Each passenger may carry on board the plane 1 item of hand luggage, weighing no more than 8 kilos and measuring no more than 55cm in length x 40cm in height x 20cm in width. (that is 19.68" x 15.75" x 7.87") Checked Baggage - Economy Class Domestic& from/to Greece to/from Cyprus: •1 free bag up to 20kg. •Any extra piece or heavier than 20kg there is a charge of €12/£10 if booked online, through the mobile or through our call center. •Any extra piece or heavier than 20kg there is a charge of€20/£16 if paid at the airport. •Baggage that weighs over 32 kg cannot be accepted.

Jennifer, My previous reply was simply a suggestion on a method you might use to travel with only one carry-on item, which would accommodate not only your Purse but also the "things you can't live without". Travelling with only the Purse as your carry-on item shouldn't be a problem. Given your location, are you aware of the RS Denver group that meets on the third Saturday of the month at a Panera Bread location in the city? Cheers!

I finally received a response from Aegean. I asked about the carry on size luggage and backpack. "Further to your query, we would like to inform you that you are not allowed to carry both bags on the plane. As hand luggage, you are allowed to carry, only one piece weighting no more than 8 kilos and measuring no more than 55cm in length x 40cm in height x 20cm in width. In addition, if the luggage to be handed over to the check in counter will not exceed 20 kilos, you will not be charged." That is great news :) Thanks everyone for your response. Ken, I am aware of the RS monthly meetings. I have other engagements which prevent me from attending. I have received very useful information from several of the members :) Happy Travels!