I’m shopping for a new piece of carry-on luggage. I see that the generally agreed-upon size restriction for carry-ons is 22x14x9 including wheels and handles.
It’s easy to find luggage from a million different brands that’s advertised as ‘carry-on’ but does not fit these dimensions. Almost everything is too big by 1-2 inches along one or two directions.
I don’t get it.
Companies that make luggage know the restrictions. Why do they even bother to make these bags that ALMOST satisfy the requirements but not quite? Why is this so hard? Ugh.
The size restrictions are not enforced as written, especially not the 14" dimension. In nearly all cases in the USA, carry-on luggage that is slightly oversize will be allowed aboard until the bins are full, after which point no more carry-on luggage will be allowed unless it is ‘personal item’ sized and can fit under the seats.
Even where luggage sizing boxes are in use, the size boxes are typically 23x15x10. The 15" dimension is the one from the floor to the top opening. A bag that protrudes slightly out of the top of the box will usually be let through.
@Kirby
For real. I’ve never seen anyone actually measure bags at the gate unless the flight’s super packed. As long as it fits in the overhead, you’re usually good.
Zen said: @Kirby
For real. I’ve never seen anyone actually measure bags at the gate unless the flight’s super packed. As long as it fits in the overhead, you’re usually good.
A particularly crabby American Airlines gate agent put my carry-on in a sizer, and it was very marginally too big. She did not make me pay a fee but did make me gate check it, which meant it arrived on the carousel. I had definitely irritated her, not sure why, because she let way bigger bags than mine through. Anyway, as flights are increasingly full, I have heard more and more announcements that ‘all bags WILL be put on the sizer, so gate check them now.’ I would not chance one of these slightly oversized bags, especially if you fly internationally. I’m not precious about luggage, so I literally take a tape measure to TJ Maxx now. My last one is perfect and has held up well.
@Aveline
Once when I was waiting to board, an airline person asked me if my luggage was carry-on size. I told her it was, and she walked off. It was a weird conversation as she could have measured it. I took it at face value that she just didn’t know, though at the time I thought she was looking for bags to gate check. They can gate check your bag even if it is the right size.
Zen said: @Kirby
For real. I’ve never seen anyone actually measure bags at the gate unless the flight’s super packed. As long as it fits in the overhead, you’re usually good.
Some airlines definitely do check (especially Frontier, Spirit, etc.), and their GAs are incentivized (i.e., earn a direct bonus) for every ‘oversized’ bag they gate check and charge for. It’s one of the shittiest ways to nickel and dime passengers. ‘I’m sorry, sir, you can’t board unless you pay $50 to gate check this bag.’
Zen said: @Kirby
For real. I’ve never seen anyone actually measure bags at the gate unless the flight’s super packed. As long as it fits in the overhead, you’re usually good.
Asian discount airlines measure every single carry-on as you go through the gate to board. I believe it’s double the price to check baggage at the gate.
They also weigh each piece, and you have to pay if your carry-on is over 7 kg.
Also, a lot of times the dimensions they state aren’t accurate. I used this Youtube channel to find mine, and I’m quite happy with my choice, and I was sure about the sizing: https://www.youtube.com/@ItsTheKellys
I think the problem are the 4 wheelers. I go with the two wheels that are almost fully built into the bag. They are hard to find, but I am taller and like dragging my bag. Those 4 wheelers make you push because if you try to drag it and are tall, it doesn’t really work.
I think they did not redesign bags that much when they put the 4 wheels sticking out the bottom.
@Freddie
There’s a company that makes the wheels removable to facilitate fitting into the racks, so it might be better than where the wheels are more recessed.
Jordan said: @Freddie
There’s a company that makes the wheels removable to facilitate fitting into the racks, so it might be better than where the wheels are more recessed.
I like mine. They are like rollerblade wheels (good heavy duty). Yes, I lose a tiny bit of space in the case, but I lose more from the extending handle. I don’t think it is worth the hassle, and they barely stick out, so the entire bag is full dimension.
Jordan said: @Freddie
There’s a company that makes the wheels removable to facilitate fitting into the racks, so it might be better than where the wheels are more recessed.
Take off luggage? Have you tried them, and if you did, how do you rate it?
Travelpro all day!! The lite international is unreal—so light, fits in NORSE luggage containers, and packs a ton! I have others in the life series, and they’re 10/10. Great sales too!
Harlow said:
Travelpro all day!! The lite international is unreal—so light, fits in NORSE luggage containers, and packs a ton! I have others in the life series, and they’re 10/10. Great sales too!
My Away carry-on meets all dimensional criteria on every airline I’ve flown, domestic or international, and has been with me through 6 continents, endless work trips, and 400,000 miles. It’s been 6 years and still going strong.
I kinda wish it would quit on me one of these days because I want a new color, but there’s nothing this bag can’t handle, and I really can’t justify buying another one for no reason!
that’s the answer.