Traveling to USA next year & really want to cut right back on what i take as trip there in 2010
got slugged $25 to check in 15kg pack on a flight Nashville to New Orleans.
I have a small pack which can fit under seat 5kg plus similar size bag with snorkle/mask
fins 2kg and as this is all i need would i be able to do it as carry on in US
Thinking pack overhead & other under seat or both would go under seat like when i did Great
Barrier Reef trip
Any domestic US travelers out there may help --be appreciated
Reply to this There are several airlines in America and each of them have their own regulations.
I found a website that should be useful to you.
Reply to this Hi Barry -
Most domestic airlines will allow you to carry-on two items, which they classify as one piece of luggage and a "personal item" (small bag, purse, laptop, briefcase, etc.) free of charge. One needs to fit under the seat (weight doesn't matter so much as size).
The dimensions of my carry-on/suitcase which goes in the overhead (an pretty much hits the size-dimension limits exactly) is 22"L x 15"W x 10"H (or 55cmL x 38cmW x 26cmH). This will just fit into all the pre-screening size racks at check-in/security/etc so no one will force you to check it. Any larger and they will likely ask (insist) you check it.
Like MerryJo said, fees and regulations vary somewhat so you can also check with the specific airline you're flying. A few don't charge for checked bags.
Reply to this In response to: Msg #144117 My small pak is the prescribed size and like
yours fits the test cage near checkin. Have over year got bit crafty as to what to take basically two outfits (on on / one packed)
Thanks for your advise it appreciated & NY is one destination the gang & I will visit
Reply to this It depends on which airlines you travel with Barry, however the general rule is that normally they care about SIZE and weight. What I do before I fly with a carry on (I live in the US and travel internally all the time) is that I go on the airline's website and I look at the carry on restrictions and I use measuring tape. You normally need to add the length, width and height (I normally fly with US Air, Delta or Jet Blue) and add them together. I then do this a second time while talking with a customer representative on the phone, giving them my length, width and height measurements and my sum to confirm that the website information is up to date. Also be aware that you are normally allowed 1 carry on luggage and one personal item. Be sure to check the website and I'd call the airlines directly to confirm that your bags will be considered such. Normally airlines, I know the three I listed will not charge you for carry on luggage, however each airlines is different and the restrictions do change and also it might depend on who's working that flight too. In my experience some employees are more anal about the carry on policies than others and will give you more trouble than necessary, so that's why I suggest you call the airlines and look at the website first of the airlines you choose. I hope this helps you Berry, good luck and happy travels!
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Our personal belief is that it all depends on the agent you get. A few years ago we were in Savannah, Georgia and encountered an agent who actually got out a measuring tape to see if we met the requirements. Once they added the length and width we were about a 1/2 inch over. She was preparing to charge us an additional $50 when a co-worker came along and questioned her..... she said, really?
I guess her co-worker shamed her enough and she let us move on without the fees.
Good luck!
Reply to this I've actually had similar experiences Dave and Merry Jo Binkley; I often travel with a violin case, sometimes I am not questioned whether or not I should check it, but then I've had some once I get on my flight say "hmmm that bag is to0 big for carry on maybe you should check it, or buy another plane ticket for your instrument." that's why I've started to call the airlines before I go on, so that this way I give the excuse, "Oh I was told by the lady/gentleman I spoke to on the phone said that my case fits the requirement and I was told I can bring it on," and that shuts them up. I'm sorry to hear about your experience with that lady who wanted to charge you $50 for your bag being 1/2 inches over-that's a rip off! Thank goodness things worked out to where you never had to pay that!
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