Got an email from AA 'reminding' of the carry-on baggage policy, but what I didn't catch until reading up on it on Flyer Talk is that AA has started enforcing the 45" linear limit with new sizers they have.
My question is whether the rollaboards sold through the ETBD Travel Store will fit those sizers. Has anyone had a recent (since June 15 2009) experience with this? I think they are 22" on the outside and won't fit.
This is an obvious effort to collect more bag check fees!
My observation has been that most rolling bags fail the box test because the wheels and handle are not include in the bag measurement. Personally I would like to see all of the airlines rigidly enforcement this requirement. We recently returned from Boston on a completely full 757 flight. By the time we boarded in the fourth wave much of the over head space was taken by oversize wheeled bags having to be placed sideways instead of straight in. Why should I be penalized because someone else choose to ignore the size limit and got their first?
Frank - sorry you were inconvenienced. Still looking for a response to my very specific question.
I used to have the RS 21 rollaboard and when measured it came out to be about 23 1/2 inches including wheels and handles. Which is why I got rid of the bag.
My suggestion would be to measure it including all handles on all sides. (or take it to the airport and see for yourself.)
You didn't say where you are going...but..if you are returning from either Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Italy or Spain, you will only be allowed one carry-on item. Not one and a personal item. Just one.
And yes, they are doing this to get more bag fees. However, there is a bill currently in Congress that will standardize the size of carry-on bags and the rS roller would fit that one.
Here's the AA website on the subject which has recently changed:
AA Carry On Bags
Still looking for a response to my very specific question.
Have you thought about posting this question on Flyertalk? You might be waiting around here for a long time considering you're hoping someone here flew American Airlines within the last week.
There is a very long and (typically) snarky thread in the AA section of FT on this topic with many bags identified as fitting or not fitting, but this one is not mentioned. Since people here would be more likely to have one, it seemed logical to ask the question here.
Well, Frank, I read your response at work, where I don't have access to FT except on my iPhone, but I see that you posted a very helpful, friendly message there asking folks to help me out. I really appreciate it.
Happy travels.
"if you are returning from either Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Italy or Spain, you will only be allowed one carry-on item. Not one and a personal item."
Really? According to the Lufthansa website, "In addition to your hand baggage and technical appliances you may take the following items into the cabin: A handbag, wrist bag or small bag (or small laptop bag) and their content".
Yes, Lee, you are correct. When we flew a couple of years ago DUB/ORD/DFW on American, we rolled on our 21" RS bags, and also I had a backpack and my wife had a small carry-on. The 21" RS bag fits just fine in the overhead on the 767, which is mostly what we see going to Europe.
We are happy to carry on our bags and travel light, but if the RS 21" bag is rejected by AA, we will have either to find a smaller roller or check. Or wear the same clothes for two weeks, which may not enamor us to the other tour members.
The 21" RS rollaboard has not been a problem in the past, but I just wanted to check. It seems AA is tightening up on their policy, probably in the hope of collecting more checked bag fees.
Lee...what I wrote was the new American Airlines rules. What Lufthansa does is there own business. They don't rule the airline world. I'm sure they'd like to, but thankfully they don't.
Since AA uses a linear 45" total measurement, I'm not sure how they can use airport sizers, since the combinations of height x length x width are virtually unlimited. I tend to agree with Frank....far too many are being allowed to get aboard with bags that should have been checked. And it would be nice if they followed another airline rule that never seems to be enforced....putting the heavier bags underneath the seat, not in the overhead bin. I guess it'll take someone getting paralyzed by a heavy suitcase popping out of an overhead bin during turbulence befor the airlines finally start enforcing this one.
All that being said, an e-mail to the RS office asking them to measure the 22 incher from the top of the handle to the bottom of the wheels, then the width and depth, would probably be answered quickly....especially if you say you're considering purchasing one of them! ;)
Norm...You're right. Just saying 45" is ambiguous. So, this is what they have on their website:
Total dimensions (length + width + height) may not exceed 45 inches/ 114 cm, with each dimension no larger 22 in/56cm long, 18 in/45cm wide, and 10 in/25cm height.
Frank...that's interesting, because when I go to the AA.com page labelled "carry-on luggage," I only see the following....
"How Much Can I Carry On?
You can carry on one bag plus one personal item per passenger as long as:
They weigh no more than 40 lbs/18 kgs
The bag is no more than 45 inches and the personal item is no more than 36 inches when you add the length + width + height so that it fits in an overhead bin or under the seat
Personal item - includes: backpack purse, briefcase, laptop OR a similar item such as book bag or tote that does not exceed 36 inches( length+width+height) and fits under the seat."
I notice your quote far down under the heading, "For international passengers connecting in the United States." Now maybe I'm dense, but if I was an American reading that, I would assume that applied to foreign passengers coming in to the U.S.to connect with an AA flight. Very confusing!
I agree it is very confusing.....but they also mention that these limits can change depending on how full the flight is...or, I'm guessing, at the discretion of the gate agent.
You know it's not going to be in our favor...:)
