my wife and I are flying to Madrid from Portland, Maine in October and are considering taking carry-ons only. We've traveled to Spain several times recently and certainly travel light. US Airways says that we are allowed two items apiece in the cabin - one piece of luggage and a "personal item" like a purse. Does anyone have any recent experience? Can a traditional Rick Back Door bag or its equivalent (I've got an old Patagonian MLC bag)serve as a carry-on on US Airways international flights?
Posted by
Freedonia
16283 posts
If it's the non-wheeled RS bag, you'll be fine. Just make sure the total weight of both (carry on and personal item) is less than 40 lbs.
Posted by
Boulder, CO, USA
780 posts
I flew US Airways on all connections on my round trip to London last December from Denver to Philadelphia then on to Heathrow & vice versa on the way back. I took 2 carry on bags (standard size mini duffel type, not wheeled suitcase ones)and had no issues. Also on the way back through Heathrow, I had bought so much stuff in London and also duty free stuff in the airport, I had my carry on and a huge tote bag over flowing with stuff and they didnt bat an eye at me as I got on the plane. The tote was huge. It was definately bigger than a purse. That is just my experience, but it may have to do with the fact that it was around Christmas time and they are used to people having loads of stuff....
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
I fly to Europe multiple times each year on US Airways. I often take my Rick Steves roller bag (21" I believe) and have never had an issue carrying it on or finding an overhead in which to store it during the flight.
Posted by
Littleton, CO, USA
44 posts
I just flew on United, not US Air but I did not check any luggage. I bought a 21" wheeled backpack from Kohls.com that had a zip-off backpack that I stored my toiletries in and counted as my "personal item". From Denver-London I also had my small shoulder bag that I was using for a purse, but on the way home I stored it in my other bag. I had no trouble at all with this, no one asked me about the size or weight of the bag, and the ability to carry the bag as a backpack was great for walking around the tube stations.