Do you trust suitcase/ carryon dimensions?

dakotacheryl

Will you be flying any of the small commuter planes? Those big sized carry ons won't fit in those little planes and get gate checked.

9 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

The sizes were reduced last year on a number of airlines, esp in Europe. Also complicating matters is that the dimensions given are sometimes for the INSIDE of the case. Not even the case minus wheels. There are quite a few bags on store shelves labelled as carry-on that aren't anymore. I don't think you're being obsessive.

9 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

Thanks, dakotacheryl. I don't mind gate- check, and we might just check bags for Ireland , but if I bought s new bag I want it to be regulation carryon.
Thanks, rachylou, I'm wondering what the spinner craze had done? Some of the old 2- wheel models were low- profile wheels, as I recall.

9 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I got some suitcases last year. Thought twice, looked up size allowances, found they'd been reduced, and was back out the door to return the 22" within an hour. We are talking 19" now on the outside, which needs to include wheels, and this still may need to be checked on some airlines. The carry-on I got was just shy of 19" (x12") and is called 16". I wouldn't bother trying to bypass checked luggage anymore.

I have a whole theory of suitcases. Buy cheap. Put cheap stuff inside you don't mind getting lost/stolen. Don't bother locking the suitcase. Put one super compact change of clothes in your carry-on, like a jersey dress, and call it quits.

9 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

Rachy, so funny!
If we end up checking our bags, I swear I may just use my ancient Amelia Earhart NON- WHEELED. Bag that is pretty much a 22x 14 rectangle. It is my basic car- trip suitcase and I'm used to packing it, with a main compartment
and 2 full- zip sides that keep pants folded flat and so on. The heck with spinners. Then I can shop at leisure. I had not expected all these apparently ok bags to be not- ok. I might want to pay motors attention to design for optimal interior space and not so much wheel focus.

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9 years ago

Joy

Veteran

We downsized from 22 inches to 19 or less a few years ago because several airlines changed their qualifications. I also use a duffle or backpack that can be squished under the seat in front. I have seen wheeled cases looking a bit larger sent back to be checked, not gate checked. The person had to shell out cash for checked luggage.

9 years ago

Runcarla

Veteran

Rachylou has the right of it. Since DH checks his often bigger bag, I'm going to wait around anyway, so I check mine. However, I have brought it aboard without problems. I do not trust the advertised dimensions, and have a mini measuring tape in my purse. (Comes in handy for all kinds of things.).

My bag of choice is branded by Air Canada, and measures 20 inches, 20.5 with the wheels x 14 x 7 ( but can bulge to 9). It is not a spinner. Packed full, it usually weighs in at 20lb. It fits in the overhead compartment of planes, busses, and trains without any problem. This is the suitcase I used for 4 weeks in the UK on 3 separate trips, during the months of April, July, and September respectively. Also shorter trips to Norway, various Caribean destinations, or just a weekend getaway.

Although I might very well pack some favourite comfy clothes over which I would shed a tear if lost, I don't bring anything too precious with me when I travel. I also like to have some room for purchases, and might very well purchase clothes, and put them into rotation, when abroad.

3 bottoms (one worn on plane) 10 tops (ditto), a leather jacket, jean jacket, trench was all I needed. I always bring a bathing suit, 1 yoga Capri, hat, and gloves or fingerless mitts, as well as a pashmina scarf. Underwear, and socks of course. 3 pairs footwear (one pair worn on plane) and flip flops. This is good for 10 days - 2 weeks. (I don't mind doing laundry enroute. It can be an adventure and you get to mix with locals. There are some very nice laundromats, too!).

The yoga Capri works with a T-shirt for a cover up over the suit if there is an opportunity to swim or spa. It works as a cover up in lieu of PJ's as well, or when just lounging in the hotel room. The flip flops are in lieu of slippers.

FWIW, to get through airport security easily, dispense with the fancy cosmetics bag, and use a couple of zip lock freezer bags. Put them in one of the pockets on the front, and when you go through security all you have to do is pull them out and lay them on top of your case.

Also, try to avoid belts, jewellery, and thick soled of heeled bulky shoes, or shoes with ties. Also clothes with lots of hardware, grommets, etc. These are all things that will set of alarms, and will have to be removed, scanned, and then put back on!

9 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

I watched a Samsonite video that said" ding include the wheels" and " don't include exterior pockets , and don't include the handle.
But would you trust that now? I can see its being okay sometimes and then Zap, Gotcha!

9 years ago

dakotacheryl

Veteran

This is the carry-on bag I have...It's spendy, but it fits into even the tiny over head bins on the Dash planes used in smaller airports.

Amazon

Tumi Voyageur Super Leger International Carry-On

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9 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

dakotacheryl, for sure Tumi has a great reputation. Good to get the IRL report.

9 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

Carla and I are travel twins. I'll second everything she says about what to pack and how to pack.

I agree with your thinking that buying a too large carry-on is a waste of money if you travel internationally. And I'd err on the conservative side with bag dimensions because airlines, especially budget ones, are constantly reducing the size of carry on bags and some are charging exorbitant fees if you have to gate check.

As for using your non-wheeled bag for a checked bag, it really depends on how you travel and where you go. Many of the smaller airports outside of the U.S. don't provide free luggage carts, and those carts can be short supply if a couple of international flights land at the same time. Hauling 40-50 lbs through a customs and immigration line-up for an hour isn't much fun. In addition, it can be quite a walk from an arrival gate to a taxi stand in many international airports if you are carrying a suitcase in your hand. And, if you stay in smaller hotels, you'll find European hotel rooms can be quite a bit smaller than North American ones and you may be climbing stairs instead of using an elevator. All in all, someone could be getting a good workout. Just something to consider.

9 years ago

rizamei

Active Member

Another vote for "appropriately concerned." I intentionally purchased an "international" size carry-one when I upgraded my luggage a couple of years ago. The upside is that it's now impossible for me to overpack the bag to the point that I can't lift it over my head into the bin. (Which was sometimes a challenge, since I am not very strong!) I agree that spinner wheels decrease your actual bag size, but I've found schlepping a spinner through the airport so much more pleasant that I've decided it's an acceptable tradeoff. YMMV, of course!

9 years ago

Astrid

Veteran

I'd stay on on the safe side if the bag isn't squishable. My Osprey Farpoint 40 is said to be "usable for all European Airlines", but in fact it's slightly too big in height and depth (when packed to the max) for some. But it's squishable and I just see it as a challenge not to overpack. But I would definitely take care to follow the regulations - I once had to pay 50 € at the gate for my carryon bag being 300g over weight limit. If you're unlucky and they pick you out... That's how they make their money.

9 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

Ah, Gaylene, so right! I will press on with tape measure in hand, then. I was just so frustrated to find these Travelpro and Samsonite bags and then worry about counting wheels. Maybe I will measure the Travelpro Crew10 at dept store and see if it's different. I certainly don't trust the sales staff sfter chatting with one SA.
rizamei, I hear that. Easy rolling can make me forget lifting.
I actually would not mind having a bag capsule for domestic vs. International if I thought it were clear cut which to use, and useful to have a little more space.
Maybe it is just time to embrace minimalism. I have always been a more maximal packer and just now beginning to see the light. Even for this trip I have not bit the bullet yet on " lay out your stuff and then take half of it".

9 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

Well, if it's any consolation, I haven't found that going light really hampers my style as long as I am very picky about what goes into my travel capsule. I use a single color and classic silhouettes for my base garments (usually black because it is easiest for me to dress up or down) and only take items that have impeccable fit, good construction, and easy-care fabrics. My style comes from my accessories and how I wear the items. Angie's mantra of a good haircut, stylish glasses, great undies, and a good bag really come into play here. A pair of great boots (or walking shoes) and a dress-up alternative--both of which must be super comfortable--are usually my only footwear.

I've found the less I have to fuss with my luggage or wardrobe, the easier it is to enjoy all the new sights, sounds, and experiences. And, ultimately, isn't that why we travel? Besides, if you really need something, you can usually find exactly the right item at your location--giving you a great souvenir and a chance to add something unique to your wardrobe. Nothing like getting a compliment on your rain hat once you are back home and saying "Thanks, I found it in a little shop in Ireland ". Have a wonderful trip!

9 years ago

Laurinda

Veteran

Or just get a Stuffa Puffer jacket

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9 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

Gaylene, I'm all over the map on this but am having another thought.
I measured the bags in Dillard's and only the 20" Victorinox (which I liked, though the outside pockets get panned) and maybe the Travelpro Magna 21" are at 22"--all of the other 22 or 21" bags are 23 + " tall, if it matters, and look easy to inadvertently expand to over 9" deep.

I liked the Victorinox and it clearly looks smaller and more overhead-friendly, and probably less easy to get too heavy to lift, than the other "regular" carryons. But, it is small compared to what I'm used to!.The Victorinox is available on e-bags on sale as maybe a past year's version--in fuchsia! and in gray (also black). I'm tempted by the fuchsia--just talking fun here--because it's one of my colors and it stands out, but wonder if it might be too shocking. Gray would be a safer choice.

But, my next what-if question to myself is re-thinking my existing rollaboard (not the non-wheeled bag you talked me out of!). My prior (and current) air travel bag is a 2-wheeled Dakota bag with hanging bar I found at TJMaxx years ago and have loved it for professional travel because I just hung things on wire hangers and went from case to closet. I have never weighed it, but I''m sure is heavier than the current "lightweight" bag trend, maybe not only the materials but also that it has various flaps, compartments, and garment stabilizers. It's also a bit tippy if heavily loaded, and also if overstuffed, it may invite "gate check".

I haven't ever really measured it but now plan to do so!

It's possible that I should use it, packing lightly, until I can figure out all these other size issues. I had kind of ruled it out because of 1) size/weight and 2) the hanging-oriented design, but heck, that's not a rate-limiting issue.

9 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I'm a terrible one to ask. My bags are all too big; we bought our carry ons before an airline downsize and now they look the size of what many people check! (And I do indeed check mine every time.)

I travel a lot, and I'm not a light packer. I find it really depends on the activities you'll be doing. If you have a lot of different kinds of things going on...well...I would love to be like Gaylene or Carla...but it hasn't worked out that way. On my current trip (10 days with two appearances and various other stuff) I have one small checked bag and one carry on. Sigh....

Stuffed in there is probably a lot more than I will need. But then again, maybe not. It just depends on the weather.

9 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

Suz, thanks!
When I saw that the "usual" carryon's might be too big, but that also they are more often offered at discount stores and prices and are only a little too big, I wondered if it actually does make sense to think of a suitcase capsule. Well, of course it does, but I mean, not worry so much about the "one" bag. I think the ones advertised as 21-22" that I am fretting over as being 23-24" tall with the wheels, will still qualify for at least gate check for awhile.

The problem I see so far is that the smaller bags are going to be the most expensive!

9 years ago

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

OK... stunned they would charge 50 Euro for being 300g overweight Astrid. That is a stickler for detail if ever, didn't you want to scream?!? And to require that of a young person is unbelievable to me. I was once charged $135 for over weight luggage when I was only 16, I was traveling alone and somehow managed to scrape together the money but I remember crying at the desk, in front of the attendant.

Sorry for the thread hijack!

And no you are not obsessive to wonder about these things, all you have to do is consider these anecdotes.

So I purchased and then returned a carry on from TJ Maxx because I got it to replace an old Lark I had from the 90s. It looked bigger, that's why I got it. Then I compared the interior space next to my old one and my old one had just as much room, but a smaller footprint. Not to mention that the materials were inferior compared to my old Lark. Now I am just keeping that old Lark until it rips or breaks. It works fine, no stuck zippers, no holes etc. It just looks worse for wear and old, but I imagine is a testament to the quality of things made in prior eras. Sigh.

My Mom has a great carry on from TravelPro, it's about twice what the bags at TJ Maxx go for but has held up beautifully. It has huge capacity and fits above on most domestic planes like a 737.

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9 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

Cocolion, rant away, I'm feeling lack of love for measurements.
I have examined the Travelpro Crew 10, it is huge and it is also over 22" tall due to wheels and is a pretty beefy 9" + if you count the pockets. But what I'm thinking is, it is the carryon of the moment, it is clearly advertised as being a carryon, it's linked to airline crews, for Pete's sake, and that domestic airlines will take it. And its wheel action is very good.

I'm so conflicted, because my overpacking-self wants the most room for usual trips.

9 years ago

shiny

Veteran

I have the 22-inch Vitorinox. I am not sure what year; I bought it last August at Bloomie's on sale (not online). I *adore* this bag!!! I vastly prefer it to my Briggs-Reilly, which is slightly bigger but still a domestic carry on size. I have had zero problems with either on domestic flights. International is a different story. I've had to check the Vitorinox at the gate for a flight to Toronto on a commuter plane. For recent trip to Europe, I packed 10 days' worth of stuff in it (with expanders fully expanded), but chose to check it anyway.

Just came back from a week in CA on combined business + vacation. For this trip I took the Briggs-Reilly because I was on the fence about what to pack (i.e., had a last minute freak out and threw extra/ EXCESS stuff in the bag) so decided, ahem, I wanted more room. It will fit in the overhead, but I checked it anyway. Ultimately I wound up wearing nearly everything I packed at least once, so I guess it was the right choice, but I really missed the Vitorinox -- it is so so so much easier to schlep through the airport! So now I think I want to invest in another Vitrorinox that is a little bit bigger, for checking, but without schlepping.

My Vitronox has held up very well so far, despite me dragging it over volcanic roads in Iceland for about 2 miles... I was worried about that. It seems none the worse for wear.

9 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

Shiny, thanks! The bigger( 22") Victorinox is available locally for Bout $250. It still bugs me that it is maybe 23" tall but it sounds like domestic air is okay with that. I read somd might use " maximum" of 24" and so maybe that's what manufacturers are going for.
If so I might compare the Travelpro with Vic ofmr go back to TJMaxx and find the " smallest too big" bag there.

9 years ago

DonnaF

Veteran

unfrumped; many thanks for the heads-up on this! I won't be traveling overseas until my elderly mom & MIL pass away and by then would probably be ignorant of changed carry-on standards which no doubt be *old news*. I've heard that a few domestic airlines are getting stricter about carry-on sizes, and know that DD had to check her bag on her last flight. Gr-r-r-r.

9 years ago

donutty

Active Member

I just went through this exact experience a few months ago when I needed to replace my old carryon size luggage (I had naively trusted the manufacturers then but it didn't fit in many planes). I love your post because I also took a tape measure with me but I didn't see anyone else at the store with one (I went to TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross). So, like you, I found the bags measured to varying heights, some to be up to 4 or 5 inches more than the number on the sticker! Check all the dimensions!

Before shopping, I checked my most frequent domestic airlines to find out the smallest dimensions. I can't remember what my bag measured, but I know I erred on the side of caution. For extraordinarily size restricted flights, I plan to use a weekender bag or check my luggage.

I think I read somewhere that flight attendants recommend Travelpro but there weren't any in the right size. I purchased a Samsonite and I'm so happy it, love the light weight frame and especially LOVE the 360 degree turning wheels. It is a joy to navigate compared to the attractive but clunky Diane Von Furstenberg I had before. Most of luggage bags have the 360 turning wheels now but I did come across some that still don't have them.

9 years ago

Olivegreen

Active Member

Love the Stuffa Puffer! Confess to having a Scottevest that could weekend with if I wanted to. Great for photographers. And hikers.
When they nark you at the overweight, you could just take out some stuff and put it in your puffer, vest, or Scottevest trench pockets. Yes, I have done this. Smiling!
Stealth packing.

9 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

donutty, I am going to go back to TJ ( a hassle since it is the farther-away one) and re-think/remeasure now that I know even the in-store carryons "break the rule".
Photo below is a 20" Victorinox, on sale so is older model I expect, I am tempted to get as a small bag and play with how it would pack IRL, and maybe get a "regular size" locally, not cut tags and see what's what.
Back to scary question: how crazy would the fuchsia be? I would get that over teal, or red, or orange, etc. . OTOH, the "sand" next to it would be not-black and "safe", though would prefer gray. Burgundy might be my safe but fun target color but is not available in every bag every year. Hmmm, May just try and then return.

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9 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Well, you know I am going to vote fuchsia!

9 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

Ha, Suz, yes I do! Seriously, do you think that reads like a 7-year-old's carryon ( well, it's not hot pink, at least, nor has kitties on it) , or playfully intentional & easily recognized? Wouldn't it be great to have a fuchsia and gray tweed or stripe!

9 years ago

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