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Alitalia carryon

I’d like to take the bigger Away carryon on my trip on Alitalia. It’s a little bigger than the airline guidelines.
Has anyone done this and knows whether it fits in the overhead compartment?

Posted by
7453 posts

Just pointing out, I think you mean ITA, Alitalia shut down almost a year ago.

Posted by
23178 posts

The issue is getting pass the gate keepers. Don't know what you mean by a little bigger -- half inch is probably OK -- two inches is not. Airline guidelines are enforced at check-in and the boarding gate. If you get pass both, it probably will fit unless is obviously oversized. Good luck if you feel lucky.

Posted by
23178 posts

Wow -- just looked it up. More than a little bigger but am impressed that someone is willing to spend $645 for an AL box that weighs almost 11 lbs. (Lee would not approve.) When packed it could hit 30 lbs. Well outside the limits set for some cabin luggage. It will not fit on some of the smaller airlines and especially the discount lines. You will probably be OK with the legacy airlines. May be a terrific bag but not my style. I doubt if it would pass the box test. It doesn't compress.

Posted by
2168 posts

Is this an international flight or within Italy? I know they were pretty strict within Italy, especially regarding weight, but I can’t speak to their international flights.

Posted by
14811 posts

I think Frank was looking at the aluminum version.The regular bigger carry on doesn't weigh 11 lbs but it does way a little over 7.5 lbs. And it only costs $295,

ITA only allows 17.5 lbs for your carry on. That only gives you 10 lbs available to pack. (And yes, they may weigh it.)

The dimensions are also slightly larger than allowed: 57.7cm x 37.3 x 24.3 for the bag verus 55 x 35 x 25 for ITA.

You could certainly try to get it on but must be prepared to check it if the airline insists on it.

I used the regular away carry-on on a few trips. It was okay but I retired the bag because it didn't roll as well as I had hoped, got scuffed very easily and weighed too much.I switched to a Samsonite that is 1/3 lighter than the Away.

Posted by
1259 posts

I’d like to take the bigger Away carryon

There are no "bigger carryon" bags; there exist only carryon and small carryon.

Posted by
8 posts

Frank ll you are correct about the bag. Ok I’ll look for a Samsonite. Any particular one you can recommend?

Posted by
14811 posts

Debra....you don't have to just look for a Samsonite. (The bag I use is not available in the USA.). Look for a carry on that meets your needs. There are many brands. Look for one that is the right size and perhaps lighter than others.

Stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Ross usually have a good selection of bags. Bring a tape measure and a luggage scale if you have one. Some major department stores also have a decent selection of bags. If there is a luggage store near you, visit them as well.

Posted by
8 posts

I’ve shopped and bought many bags from discount stores only to be disappointed. That’s why I’m looking to make an investment. But thanks anyway.

Posted by
8377 posts

I was curious. I see that Away has a chart that shows compliance for carryon bags by airline. compatibility It shows that the Bigger Carryon is not compatible with Alitalia [sic}. I just think that is a good piece of information for them to share, regardless of how it impacts your decision.

Posted by
271 posts

I purchased a very lightweight Lipault bag a couple of years ago, and while it is a bit smaller than the Rick Steves bag I had been using, it weighs less than 5 lbs, which is really important in keeping the weight below 18 lbs. Here's the current site: https://www.lipault-usa.com/luggage?prefn1=overall-length&prefv1=18%22%20to%2021%22%20%28International%20Carry%20On%29
I have found it big enough, and it encourages light packing!

I think I bought mine on sale for a little over $200, and the only color was red, which was fine, although since I've never checked it, I don't have to worry about spotting it on the luggage carousel.

Posted by
8 posts

Thank you very much i will get to work, using your advice.

Posted by
3067 posts

Speaking from experience of a couple of trips ago, European airlines are much more strict about carryon size and weight than N. American airlines.
Be sure to measure the bag you are buying to include the wheels!
Best to stick to the absolute size and weight recommended by the airline you are flying.

Posted by
23178 posts

....bought many bags from discount stores only to be disappointed. ..... But disappointed in what way? I know it is personally preference but for me all I want is a rectangular bag with no bells or whistles or inside dividers or anything else that adds weight without real function. I will settle for a couple of outside pockets because they can be handy. And I don't like the clam shell bags because they take more room to open. I prefer the 50 to $100 bags at discount stores because if the bag is damaged I am not out that. I can have three or four new bag while someone is spending 500 or $600 on one bag. I see little to no advantage for the high price, named bags.

Posted by
3067 posts

I agree, Frank.
I would rather spend my money on experiences and dinners, etc at my destination, than buy an expensive suitcase.
I like TravelPro.

Posted by
165 posts

My upcoming trip starts on Air Canada which allows 21.5”/55cm for the length of a carry on bag. I just bought the Heys “21 inch softsided spinner”, listed as 21” on their site and AS ITS NAME, but lo and behold it’s 22 inches long. Grrrrr. It appears to be well made and I like the design so if that size works for your flights I think it ts going to be a good one. Listed as 5.5 lbs which I haven’t verified but feels accurate. $145. I think I’m going to chance it.