My husband and I will be flying from Edinburgh via Heathrow on to Albuquerque. We want to use carryon baggage only and I've heard that BMI at Heathrow is very strict about carryon luggage size. I have a 21" roller bag that measures 22 1/2" including wheels and handle. Does anyone know if I will be required to check it? If so, I will go smaller which means buying another bag. Thanks.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
There is no hard and fast rule other than it depends !!! It depends on the who is doing the check in and how strict they are that day. The measurements of rolling bags do not include handle and wheels so they always fail the test. You will just have to take your chances.
Posted by
OP
Tijeras, New Mexico, USA
25 posts
Thanks, I think that answers my question. I don't want to have to worry about whether it passes the test or not so I'm going smaller (19 in.). This is the first time I will be doing carryon only but I think I will be fine. Now if I can just get my husband to go by the size rules!
Posted by
Boulder, CO, USA
780 posts
Heathrow has a Measuring "rack" type thing that you have to fit your carryon luggage through. If it doesnt fit, it gets checked. And if you are in line to board and if they make you check it then, it will probably miss your flight and go out on the next since they have already loaded luggage by then.
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
Consider Rick's convertable bag. I've used the same one for more than 20 years. It looks like new! It always fits the checks at all the airports we've flown through.
Posted by
OP
Tijeras, New Mexico, USA
25 posts
Thanks everyone for the information. I'm going to check out Rick's bag. It must be great quality if it's lasted this long. I'm looking forward to taking less on this trip.