So I'm Flying for the First time

[Gerald Creasy]

Monday I'm taking a flight out to visit my brother. Got a good deal on tickets.

The problem I am having is with "Carry on" luggage.

The airline gave me specific dimensions of what is acceptable as Carry on luggage.

People keep telling me "I have a carry on bag" and then presenting me with a bag that exceeds the dimensions given to me by the airline.

They then get offended -or even worse laugh at me like I'm an idiot- when I tell them the bag is too big that it exceeds the dimensions given to me by the airline.


So should I accept the bigger bags and try to take them as carry on or should I stick with what the airline has asked for??

[DeWayneTN]

Sometimes the airline gives you dimensions for a bag that will fit under your seat but the overhead compartments are much bigger. A duffel bag is carry-onable unless it's big enough to carry a body in, especially since it's flexible. If you carry on, of course remember to keep any liquids in one clear plastic zip lock bag and they can't be in big containers. I also prefer wearing slip on shoes since you have to take them off through security too.

If your bag is too big (it probably isn't), they'll just give you a tag and put it in cargo and charge you for the carry on. You'll find out as you board.

[RamboPreacher]

most airlines are getting more strict. around here, the bag has to fin in a special template-jig, to verify that it is within it's size limits.

[scooter]

Monday I'm taking a flight out to visit my brother. Got a good deal on tickets.

The problem I am having is with "Carry on" luggage.

The airline gave me specific dimensions of what is acceptable as Carry on luggage.

People keep telling me "I have a carry on bag" and then presenting me with a bag that exceeds the dimensions given to me by the airline.

They then get offended -or even worse laugh at me like I'm an idiot- when I tell them the bag is too big that it exceeds the dimensions given to me by the airline.


So should I accept the bigger bags and try to take them as carry on or should I stick with what the airline has asked for??

Response: Worst case $20.00 to check the bag. No worries!

[DeWayneTN]

Also remember - most airlines allow for one carry on and one personal item. Personal item can be a laptop bag or small duffel bag (or large purse for ladies).

So what took you so long to fly?

[Gerald Creasy]

most airlines are getting more strict. around here, the bag has to fin in a special template-jig, to verify that it is within it's size limits.

Worst case $20.00 to check the bag. No worries!

Exactly what I'm afraid of: Being charged money for 1) Not following the rules 2) Listening to someone say "it'll be okay' who DOES NOT have to fork over the extra 20$

So what took you so long to fly?

Never really had a need to fly. Wouldn't of this time but flying was actually much cheaper than driving.

[Linda]

Check Southwest Airlines, it gives you a great source for travel restrictions. There overhead compartments are larger than some planes and you can get by with slightly larger measurements on carry-on bags. If you are flying another airline, its best to go by there measurements/restrictions to play it safe. Before going through security, you have to put shoes, belt, change, cell phone, laptop, backpack, etc. into a bin. If in doubt as to what to do, ask...they are very helpful to first time flyers.

Hope this helps!

[paul]

(lL) 20 -22 INCHES
(w) 15 INCHES
(H) 9-10 INCHES
General weight limit varies from 15 to 31 lbs

If you booked it on line look at the bottom of the Summery and ticket receipt and it should tell you of the particular airline limit.

And yes, you are generally allowed one personal bag, such as camera, or laptop etc....

Look klike a pro Gerald, put the carry on in the overhead wheels first, verticle. The flight attendant will look at you and smile and say, how nice to have a seasoned traveler on board.

[Gerald Creasy]

(lL) 20 -22 INCHES
(w) 15 INCHES
(H) 9-10 INCHES
General weight limit varies from 15 to 31 lbs

If you booked it on line look at the bottom of the Summery and ticket receipt and it should tell you of the particular airline limit.

And yes, you are generally allowed one personal bag, such as camera, or laptop etc....

Look klike a pro Gerald, put the carry on in the overhead wheels first, verticle. The flight attendant will look at you and smile and say, how nice to have a seasoned traveler on board.

THAT was the dimensions I was looking at except they cut it down to 14 on my booking reciept.

Thanks for the tip, Paul.....and everyone else too.

[Pastor Gary]

Enjoy the flight. As one who has flown a lot, on good airlines and bad, I have only seen anyone checking the exact size of carry-on bags once, in Seoul, Korea.

If your bag is pretty "normal" looking when you are in the check-in line, and doesn't stand out as humongous, you should be fine. I have several carry-on bags (different bags for different kinds of trips) from a really nice, leather, business case to a backpack from Sam's Club that's really handy.

Personally, I prefer either a small rolling case of some kind (easier to drag through the airport and down the narrow airplane aisles) or the backpack (so I can throw it over a shoulder) -- I don't like hand-carrying bags too much.

You have a pretty short flight, probably 2 hours +/-, so most of the trip will be getting to the airport and from the airport and through security. As a first-time-flyer, I would suggest you really follow the recommendations and show up 2 hours before departure. Security check-in lines seem to go in spurts, from nobody in line, to wrapped around the building about and hour before departures, and departures are often clustered for connection convenience... in other words, there are times when it's a breeze to sail through TSA without being rushed, and there are times when it is really hectic. I prefer going early and having a more leisurely start to the trip.

And, yes, it is often MUCH cheaper to fly than drive, especially if you don't need a car rental at the destination.

[paul]

Unless I am staying for more than two weeks. A carry on is all I take. I wash out my things in the bath room sink in my room. take a small 110/220 portable iron to press what I need for the day.

Generally take a couple trousers and a sport coat that will match with them. One tie ( just incase I speak in a more formal church. ) couple shirts necessary other garments and toiletries.

Personal carryon is generally my laptop and a digital camera, bible and notes. Usually a good book ( somethng by gordon Fee, or Chuck flynn).

I hate waitng for the baggage. To many lost, torn, ripped bags over the years.

Check in early and head to the clipper or flagship lounge for free breakfast or lunch. In between long flights with a long layover usually a shower. Relax and wait for the call to board.

Packing tips: If you ever served in the navy you will remember getting a whole depatment store of stuff in that sea bag. Well it works also for the carry on. Tightly rolled clotheing wrinkles less and you can get a gop of clothes in that small carry on.

also in the suitcase you generally have those straps that buckel across the clothes. Use them. After packing, snap them and pull then tight. This will hold the clothes in place and they will not shift when you pull the suitcase. The clothes will stay in place.

[Linda]

I hate checking luggage also. My hubby (with his military background) has our family trained to use only 1-carry-on bag. I have learned to pack a 7-8 day trip worth of clothes in my bag....with a little room for a small gift. We do not like to wait for our luggage...we would rather get to Mickey Mouse's house faster!

Have a great time Gerald! Do arrive at the airport, like the others said, 2 hours early. It will make your flight less stressful!