I cannot find exact wording regarding carry on rules for leaving UK> I know everywhere says one bag, but do they also allow a personnal bag such as a purse or camera bag?
Posted by
Lawrenceville, Georgia
693 posts
It depends on the airline - which one are you using? Some do not allow a personal item and some do.
Posted by
OP
Westminster, CO, usa
6 posts
My husband and I will be flying on British Air in September, and our daughter is leaving on Continental in a week. I have searched the Continetal web site and I am only finding TSA rules.
Posted by
Bellingham, WA, USA
94 posts
It also depends on which airport as well. Some airports have stricter limits as carry-ons so go through the airport's website as well as your airline's website.
Posted by
Lawrenceville, Georgia
693 posts
Sherri, re Continental, yes, they could be clearer. However, I scrolled down past all the other stuff under "Carry-on baggage"and found a headline "Personal Items" - check it out; it seems they allow one small personal item, like a purse, briefcase, lap top, etc. The problem arises if you use a European carrier once you're over there, some have extremely strict weight and size limits with heavy penalties if you go over and some DO NOT allow a personal item. Re British Airways: It looks like you get one free checked or carry-on bag AND a personal item (purse, laptop). Again, I think they could be clearer, too. They mention the personal item when you read up on hand baggage. Again, check out the weight and size restrictions and remember that wheels count in the size.
Posted by
OP
Westminster, CO, usa
6 posts
Anna, thanks. You have read everything the same way I have. They sure make this confusing!
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
When I travel with British Airways, last time May this year, I check in my suitcase (for free) and carry on another bag as well as a largeish travelling purse. They have one of the most generous allowances over here. http://www.britishairways.com/travel/baggag/public/en_gb
Posted by
NC, United States
970 posts
Sherri, check the airport sites on this, too. I've found the Heathrow and Gatwick sites very useful in this regard. Heathrow is at www.heathrowairport.com. Scroll down and look for "Security and Baggage" on the left. Gatwick is at www.gatwickairport.com. Scroll down to the large green footer and click on the "Check-in and Security" link. Remember that rules on international flights can be different than domestic flights.
Posted by
St. Paul, MN, USA
15 posts
I flew to Ireland and London just this week and expected the baggage to be an issue (I had a rolling carry-on, laptop, and purse) and it was not an issue at all! I do think it depends on the airline, the worker, etc. but so far it's been a lot less stric than I expected. I flew Sun Country, Aer Lingus, and Aer Aerann.
Posted by
New England
317 posts
Hi Erin, Your post reads like you are in London. I sent this by PM also, so you'll get an email note in case you don't check this thread again. If you are in London (and for anyone flying with Aer Lingus and its regional), FYI, when I flew Aer Lingus and Aer Arann last year to Edinburgh, going over I had no problem (10kg). Coming back, Aer Arann almost made me check my carry on. I had to quickly stuff a lot of stuff in coat pockets and purse to get the weight down (7kg allowed). Meant to include link to Erin: http://www.aerlingus.com/help/help/baggageinformation/#d.en.1215 When I booked the ticket, the information I saw said just 6kg, so I was already going to the airport light-ish. But coming back, of course you've got souvenirs adding to the weight. What drove me crazy was the thought that I knew the bag would fit the Aer Arann plane with no problem because it had fit the turboprop going over. Why then make an assumption the same bag doesn't fit going back the other way?! (I didn't buy that much, but with a few items and brochures from sightseeing, it's usually about 5 lbs more coming home.) Betsey