Luggage size restrictions recently imposed, No Rick Steves bags !

What are the new restrictions, and from what airline? It depends on the airline what rules are imposed. Some allow you to pay additional to carry an oversize bag on, and some make you check it. On most airlines a 21" bag is fine.

Most U.S. based airlines allow the 21" rolling bag as a carry-on. However, with the advent of check bagged fees, more and more people are carrying on and the overhead bins are getting full. Once full, you will be required to check.

Some foreign carriers have gotten very restrictive. You really have to check each individual airline.

The non-wheeled RS bags can usually be made to fit under the seat in front as long as it's not filled to the gills.

When you book with your airline, read their webpage for luggage restrictions.

If you cant understand them, phone the line and ask an agent your questions.

On my last three flights (two international one to Hawaii) there was lots of space in the overhead. It may be that alot of travelers did what I did. Sigh deeply, buy a larger size suitcase to check, pay the fee and then just take a couple days of undies and t-shirts, toliet kit, meds, spare eyeglasses and essential travel books in the carry on. You know the airlines will never ever do away with the checked baggage fees so what the hell. At least now I have room for some goodies to bring back (and yes I used to travel with one carry-on and a personal item). That said, I'd never check a bag if I had to make a connection of less than 3 hours (and then I have my itinerary inside and international cell # inside and in my luggage tag - a bright yellow one that says in 999 languages - itinerary inside).

I don't understand your question "no Rick Steves Bags". Does this mean you don't want to purchase a RS bag OR the airline does not let you let you carry on RS bags?

I have the RS 21" roller and I carry it on. My friends have the traditional RS backpack and they always carry them. Never a problem with any of the bags. I just made a trip last month and no restrictions.

Please clarify. Lufthansa is the only airline I've had a problem with and it was 22 inch and exceeded the carry on weight.

Frank is absolutely right--many so-called 21 inch bags are actually too big for the sizer boxes because the nominal size is based on the bag alone. Also, bags--whether wheeled or wheel-less--often bulge beyond thickness limits when fully packed.

My 20 inch roller case currently works for most airlines (though given the increasingly limited weight allowance on some international airlines, it mostly gets used on domestic US and Canadian flights.) When I go wheel-less, it's Tom Bihn for me. My old Rick Steves convertible carry-on doesn't see much use these days.

EasyJet told me my RS 21" roller was "too big." This was at the Orly and Lisbon airports in April-May this year. Reading their small print, my bag fit within their guidelines. On easyJet there is more limited overhead space, so maybe they arbitrarily decide who is over the size limit. Of course I had to run around the airport to pay the fee, then return to the check-in desk. Good thing I had allowed plenty of time.

What small print? Under "Baggage" the EasyJet website states that you are allowed one piece of "Hand Luggage" at 55x40x20 cm. 55cm is 21.65", less than 22". According to here (read "Carryon Friendly" - total length is 22"), with wheels and handle, the RS 21" Rollaboard is 22" long. That is more than the 55cm allowed on EasyJet, and most European airlines.

One of the problems with rolling bags, including Rick's, is that the dimensions given are for the bag itself (sometimes the inside dimensions) and do not include handles and wheels.

One of the reasons I sold the RS wheeled bag was that the dimensions of the actual bag with wheels was like 23 x 14 x 9--and that was rigid.

Many Frequent Fliers, who want wheels, are switching to bags no more than 19 or 20" because with wheels they will fit in the sizers. Just make sure the width and depth do as well.

I've run into this problem as well. As much as people like to rave, it's not possible for me to go carry-on only.

My airlines, both of which allow ONE piece (no personal item, purse, etc.) which at most can be either 45 x 35 x 20cm (in inches 17.7 x 13.8 x 7.9) or 23 x 40 x 20cm (9.1 x 15.7 x 7.9). Maximum weight 5kg or 11 pounds. I consider myself a light packer, but even I can't pack for a month long trip in that amount of space/weight.

My airlines won't allow paying an extra fee to carry on a larger bag, only to allow more checked luggage.

I'm having difficulty even finding a bag that would meet these limits, and am considering sewing my own in order to maximize space.

JumpingBug...what are those two airlines?

Here's a bag that fits the restrictions given: Tom Bihn Western Flyer. It measures 18x12x7 and weighs just over 1 kilo. It's not cheap but it's tough as nails, extremely well designed, and made right here in Seattle. You can get it with either a sling strap or backpack straps, but I tend to use a detachable shoulder strap. Fantastic bag for the extra stingy airlines.

The Tom Binh bag weighs 2.53# and costs $160! I have a backpack that big at home. It weighs half as much and only cost me $15. The TB bag would be big enough for me, as I am usually weight limited, not size limited, but on an airline that limits you to 5kg, why carry around a 2½# bag for only 8½# of stuff?

My RS 21" roller-bag is indeed 22 1/2" measured from bottom of wheels to top of cloth handle. I have taken this bag, as a carry-on, all over the US from Hawaii to the east coast and back and forth to Europe with no problems, However, whenever I have flown in Europe, it is always on a connecting flight thru the airline that I flew to Europe on, or are going home on. Right now I am faced with having to check a bag due to it containing liquid holiday presents. So go the rewards of seeing the world.

Lee, I looked into them, too, and thought the exact same thing. : )

Regarding Tom Bihn bags, and Red Oxx, for that matter....those bags are not designed for the once or twice a year tourist visitor to Europe. They are designed for the "road warrior," the frequent flier who is on a plane weekly and needs a bag that can stand up to just about anything all the time.

They are made virtually indestructible and the warranty means they will be fixed or replaced almost forever. The fabric is virtually bullet proof and the zippers are the best on the market.

Additionally, they look professional. You really can't say that about a lot of the leisure style bags--of which I own a few.