How strict are airlines with carry on bag size?

IceBus · 15 Sep 2006 at 21:22

Hi all... I'm looking to buy a backpack to take my laptop and other fragile stuff over to uni in the neck few weeks. I was wondering if people who've flown since the restrictions have been put into place could help out.

I'm flying with BMI baby and here's what their website says:-

In most instances passengers are permitted to carry ONE item of cabin baggage through the airport security search point. The dimensions of this item must not exceed: a maximum length of 45 cm, width of 35 cm and depth of 16 cm (17.7"×13.7"×6.2" approx) (including wheels, handles, side pockets etc).

Looking on the Targus website... the bags I really need are a bit over one of the dimensions here or there:-

Sports Notebook Backpac - 47 x 45 x 14 cm
Urban Backpac - 45 x 40 x 21 cm
Sports Deluxe Backpac - 50 x 45 x 14 cm
Campus Notebook Backpac - 45 x 40 x 13 cm

Do you reckon I'd be alright with any/all of those as long as I don't pack them so they're too full and they're not packed out to the extent of those dimensions?

Thanks for any advice.

Peter

Dunks · 15 Sep 2006 at 21:34

Would the laptop be allowed as cabin luggage for a start?

delta555 · 15 Sep 2006 at 21:37

i usually take this backpack which i use for most things, travelled with it plenty before, always amazed me at what some people bring on as carry on.

i was thinking that:

1: the bag is not rigid, meaning that it can more easily fit into the measuring thing.

2: if it is bigger than they allow, then put stuff in your pockets. I like to travel with a pair of trousers that have plenty of storage room for a phone, two wallets (1 for each currency), music player, passports, tickets etc.

I was perfectly fine, they didnt even measure it, but i think that they would have if it looked as if it might be too big or carried a bomb.

So, i would suggest getting something that is just under the maximum size, but dont worry about over stuffing it, you can always put the extra in your pockets.

delta555 · 15 Sep 2006 at 21:38

DunK1 said:
Would the laptop be allowed as cabin luggage for a start?

Yes, i think they just want to make sure that they work, if i remember correctly, the guy next to me in the queue had a laptop, and they checking it did stuff.

rpstewart · 15 Sep 2006 at 21:39

It sounds like the carry on rules will be reverting to their usual sizes from early next week so I'd hang fire for a few days and see before investing in a new bag.

Spamalot · 15 Sep 2006 at 22:51

I took 10Kg in a capming rucksack last week, no probs even through the tightened secrity. They just though it was funny, the joke wore off when the had to serch my dirt smalls.

IceBus · 15 Sep 2006 at 22:56

rpstewart said:
It sounds like the carry on rules will be reverting to their usual sizes from early next week so I'd hang fire for a few days and see before investing in a new bag.

Where did you hear that from?

Hmmm I don't know what to do. I leave on Sunday but don't want to leave it too late to order in case it's delayed getting to me. I'll wait until Monday I suppose.

rpstewart · 16 Sep 2006 at 12:00

IceBus said:
Where did you hear that from?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5343018.stm

Look for an announcement on Tuesday.

Vixen · 16 Sep 2006 at 13:30

My mum brought her work laptop back from Canada a couple of weeks ago and is now taking it to London and back every week with no issues. This is with BA, and they were the strictest ones when this all kicked off last month, so I'd assume everywhere else is fine too.

I used my uni bag as hand luggage when we came back from Canada, and had no problems at all, although the staff in Toronto didn't seem to be checking hand luggage sizes. The bag is big enough to hold my laptop and a couple of nights worth of clothes, so it's a decent size. If you have something similar, you shouldn't have any issues, especially if it isn't totally packed.