Hi there -
I've never been to Europe and I'm soooo excited to finally be going! Am going with a somewhat large group and we're taking Lufthansa nonstop from Seattle to Frankfurt.
- How strict are they about carryon dimensions? Their website says the overhead suitcase can be max equivalent to 21.7 x 16 x 9" (55x40x23 cm) and under-seat personal item like purse or laptop bag can be no larger than 12x16x3.9" so it definitely sounds like no small backpacks or small duffle bags etc. even if they do fit under the seat (if they're strict about their dimension rules). That's super inconvenient.
My Briggs & Riley overhead domestic sized overhead suitcase is 22x14x9" (the latter being expandable up to 11.5" which it sounds like I wouldn't get away with doing). I REALLY like that brand for its true lifetime warranty including on damage (and how 11.5" of densely piled-high clothes squash permanently down to 9" - except that the bag becomes quite heavy then when anyone's paying attention!), but I"m guessing just too tall? Their 21" carry-on suitcase it's the exact same dimensions only 1" shorter (no wider which seems ridiculous since they'll allow 2" wider) however it looks like they'll soon be releasing their latest update which is 21" tall but 15" wide instead of 14". I thought "oh good I'll just get that and sell my domestic one" as it's in good shape and I'll use it for both however I then saw that domestic won't accept wider than 14"!! :-p At any rate I'd rather not have to worry about a new bag if I can help it!
I may bring along a water bottle with ice only and get water on the plane. In the states they don't care what bottle size as long as it's either empty or with only ice in it when entering the plane. Does this airline care about water bottle size and are they cool with ice in there and no liquid or do I need to just bring it on empty?
Any other tips or suggestions for flying with this airline or even just for flying 9 hours nonstop? Unfortunately because we're traveling as a group and will have a section of the plane just for us, I can't guarantee I'll get a window or aisle seat. That will completely ruin any and all chances of comfort egads... I understand they give out blankets even in coach. We arrive at something like 4:15 a.m. "my time." I rarely get a wink of sleep on planes for reasons I can't fathom other than I think just because - beyond discomfort - I know how miserable I'll be if I don't, and that awareness keeps me from being able to - like some stupid form of anxiety I guess! I have a few neck support pillows to choose from so at least I have that down. I have noise-reduction or noise-cancelling (?) headphones though they don't reduce the noise a whole lot. Feel free to suggest good ones that fold up for storage. I think the issue is mine are just a bit too loose. Are the foot rests (like little travel ottomans) worth getting to help with back and leg pain?
Thanks so much!