We are leaving for France in three weeks travelling on American Airlines. Business Class from LAX to JFK/JFK to CDG, then CDG to Miami business class & Miami to LAX 1st Class upon our return two weeks later. I SWEAR that when we flew more or less the same route three years ago that we were allowed three pieces of carry on luggage each (we travel with five two roll aboards, a tote, a small backpack and my small purse). I am also remembering using our handy luggage scale to weigh and re-weigh our items because there was a combined weight limit for carry ons. I have scoured the AA website (after accusing my husband of missing the information I asked him to print out for me!) and can find nothing on either extra bags being allowed in business class or weight limits of any sort. Does anyone else remember such a thing? Obviously we will conform to the current rules, but I find it puzzling. Perhaps they changed things when they started charging for most checked luggage. My husband absolutely remembers the extra bags being allowed because one time we flew from LAX to Chicago business class, then on to our intended destination in Montreal in coach and I had to stuff my purse in my tote before changing planes. However he feels that the weighing and re-weighing might have been for Qantas carry-ons to Australia two years ago. I always make sure there is room for "purse stuffing" no matter what, and I'm glad I'm discovering the issue now rather than the day before as it just makes preparations more civilized and less frantic. But truthfully I get anxious when I can't have my purse out where I can see it, no matter how tightly I clutch the tote bag!
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
You can find quite a bit of information beginning on the following link: http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/baggage/main.jsp?anchorEvent=false&from=Nav
Posted by
Texan in CA
4412 posts
Yeah, the website now lumps Business and First Class in with Coach on International flights...(although I wonder how stringently it's enforced - probably depends on the size of the carry-ons). AA always allowed 2 carry-ons in First, plus a personal bag... FWIW, the last couple of times I've flown coach domestically, I've had to stuff my purse into my carry-on at the gate - ONE bag only!!! (hometown airport only) Of course, I just yank it out on the plane...(rolls eyes). There are too many people bringing too much large stuff these days, so even the ones playing by the rules pay. Rant over... You'll be fine with the small bag stuffed into something...it's easier when you know ahead of time, at least. Richard Branson has HIS airline; it's time for Rick Steves' Air!!! No overpackers on THAT airline! They'd serve picnics for meals, make sure everybody's moneybelt was securely fastened...I can see it now...
Posted by
OP
San Pedro, CA, USA
186 posts
I went over and over the "rules" and sure enough they no longer break out first & business from coach. But I bet I don't have to do any purse stuffing in the TSA premiere line unless all the other airlines have also gone to two items in the "upper classes". I once watched mystified as they made a woman with a tiny make-up case and 3/4-normal size rollaboard stuff her 8" wide strapless clutch purse into her luggage, when all around her stood folks with big ol' honkin' backpacks and larger rollaboards, to say nothing of tons of shopping bags. Thank goodness for mileage programs on long haul flights we always buy a class below and then upgrade with miles. Still doesn't mean I can sleep only that I'm more comfortable while not doing so. Next thing I know they'll be banning us from the business class waiting room on foreign flights like they do on domestic upgraded tickets don't merit the same perks as full fare, I guess!