I'm sure this may have been asked and answered before, but I'm having trouble figuring out carry on luggage dimensions. USAir says 21x14x9. I have a couple old suitcases at home that are about an inch bigger than this in every dimension, so I figured I needed a new bag. But checking on line I'm seeing many "carry on" bags that are 25x15x10. Should I adhere to the smaller size and get a new smaller bag or is there wiggle room to use one of my old bags if it isn't stuffed full?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23301 posts
You have two different issues. First, the manufacturing will call just about anything carry on because that is what they want to sell. There is no standard for carry on. The old, somewhat standard was 45" total. Add all three measurements. So the fact that they say it is carry on means nothing. Second, airline are free to set their own standards for carry on size for their planes. And it can be and is anything. The closest you come to a standard is the measuring box that the airlines sometimes use. It it fits it is OK and if it doesn't you check. Some airlines are very rigid, so are pretty relax, and some are both depending on who is checking in and the day of the week. To be safe you should probably get a smaller bag or just be prepared to check you bag if it is a strict day for checking.
Posted by
Des Moines, IA
2193 posts
If you know your bag is flexible, you don't stuff it full, and can manipulate it to fit in the sizer box at the gate if asked to do so, then there may not be a need to purchase a new bag. If part of your bag is inflexible, has wheels and a handle, or otherwise can't be manipulated to fit in the box, then you're risking it. The best case is that nobody notices your bag is slightly larger than what is allowed and you go right on the plane. The worst case is that they make you check it at the gate. The good news is that, if this occurs, US Airways lets you check one bag for free (not on domestic flights but to Europe).
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19100 posts
USAir's carryon limit is 22"x14"x9", not 21". US Air had an open sided box with a lines at 22", 14", and 9". Not very exact. Most European airlines specify 21-5/8"x15.75"x7.87". Lufthansa has a 21-5/8" by 7.87" box, 15.75" high. Much harder to fool. That's 2682 cu in. My carryon back is ony partially filled, 1400 cu in plus the volume of the bag itself, so I can push it into almost any size and shape.