I will be taking United airlines from SFO to DC then Madrid. When I contacted the airlines to inquire about carry on luggage restrictions I was told that I could take one piece of luggage (45 inches), and one personal item (which they refused to elaborate on details). So what does that really mean? Is a standard carry on suitcase 21" suitcase 45 inches? And is a backpack considered the personal item? Or does it need to be smaller - like a purse?
What have people done? I know that flights overseas have smaller overhead compartments and that they are pretty strict at SFO.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5850 posts
It is generally best to check directly on the airline's website for their restrictions. A backpack can be considered a personal item as long as it is small enough that it will fit under the seat in front of you. Keep in mind that the airline can always ask you to gate check anything that is too large to fit under the seat in front of you, even if it is within their limits. Sometimes the overhead bins fill up and you have no choice. Below is what United states: For the carry-on: "The maximum combined linear measurement (length + width + height) of carry-on bags must not exceed 14 inches x 9 inches x 22 inches (23 x 35 x 56 cm) or 45 linear inches (114 cm)." For the personal item: "In addition to one carry-on item, you may bring one personal item such as a shoulder bag, backpack, laptop bag or an item of similar size." Here is the website with everything spelled out: http://www.united.com/CMS/en-US/travel/Pages/BaggageCarry-On.aspx
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
The 45 refers to the total - length,width,depth. A21" bag could be 21,12,10. Total is 43 and acceptable. The personal item needs to be small but will solely depend on the mood of the gate personal. They might it and they might let a big back pack by. Actually some of the newer overseas planes have larger overhead storage.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10601 posts
On United I have carried on a 22" roller bag. As for your personal item, it will have to fit under the seat. I have taken a tote bag (that slips over my roller bag) with no problem.
Posted by
St. Louis, MO USA
1976 posts
I flew Continental 2 years ago from Newark to Hamburg and they had the same carryon requirements as United (which I'm flying in September). I traveled with a carryon-size suitcase, a backpack, and purse/daybag. I stuffed my daybag into my backpack when I got to the Newark airport so it looked like I had only 2 bags: suitcase and under-the-seat personal item. When I checked in for my flight back to Newark, I forgot to hide my purse and they made me check my suitcase, so yes, they are strict about that.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10601 posts
That is a good tip to put your purse into your personal item. I always do that too. You are not allowed 3 items.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Ditto Andrea. We've flown United to Europe and back. I usually have 3 items. One checked, one smaller handheld that goes overhead as carry on and my computer that goes under the seat. On some shorter trips, I have a 21" roller bag that fits straight in overhead without going sideways plus my computer that goes under the seat. I've never been challenged on sizing.