I don't have all the facts here .. I am not sure whether these new rules are in place in all European countries. but certainly if you are flying into London do check your allowance.
Hand luggage size is being strictly enforced over the next couple of months. The new 'frames' for checking size are in place at Heathrow. At the beginning of August the security machines will be replaced and only bags fitting through the new smaller size will be allowed to pass.
BA's website states that the maximum carry on size is 22" x 18" x 10" - in looking at the measuring frames I would say that the 10" measurement is the one that will create most difficulties - don't overstuff your bag!
There has been some discussion over at FlyerTalk about the fact that these regulations will not be imposed in North America, possibly creating a problem for anyone with a connection in Europe - will the passenger have to check the bag at the connecting airport?
Better safe than sorry!
Sheena
Posts: 2259 | Location: West Vancouver, B.C. Canada | Registered: 28 February 2004
My husband recently flew from Paris to Toulouse with a very small carry-on, the same carry-on which he took with no problems from Boston to Paris. The gate attendent in Toulouse would not let him board with the bag because the little ridge that stabilizes the bag when upright stuck out of the measuring frame.
Amy, That's shades of my flight with easyJet last April! It was a little piece of the exterior trim of my carry-on that banned it from being a carry-on. There was a metal measuring thingie, with a wire shape like a piece of luggage and any bag that didn't skin thru' without touching the metal measuring device in any way was refused as a carry-on, and the owner was made to check it. It didn't matter if the bag was smaller or lighter than it needed to be, it depended totally on the bag not touching any point of that metal device, as the bag was dropped through.
A more sorry feature of that little scene is this: the total weight of your checked luggage then potentially becomes overweight, and THEN you pay for the privilege of having your carry-on refused!
I've used that same carry-on for years, with no trouble at all, ever-ever. On that flight, it became a huge issue, not just for me but for half of the passengers on that flight...they were really angry and upset!
I've read so much about packing light and only taking carry-on luggage, so you don't have to retrieve any luggage from the carousels after you arrive. What if you have to check it anyway, because it won't fit the measuring device? Then you are stuck...no extra things that you might have brought with more luggage, no extra luggage room for bringing gifts back with you, and you STILL get to go to the luggage carousels and wait for your former carry-on/now checked bags!
What to do, what to do? I still don't know the answer to that. The only thing I've decided to do this trip is to pack my carry-on with a little zipper-bag full of my meds and other treasures, in case I have to check it again, along the way. Then, if I am told to check the carry-on, I can open it, remove my little treasure-bag, hand the carry-on over to the airlines (albeit somewhat unhappily) and trust that it is all going to be ok on the other end.
If I packed my carry-on with way too much stuff, I'd expect this to happen. But, I pack it really carefully, so I am a little surprised when I am asked to check it.
“Did you ever notice that the first piece of luggage on the carousel never belongs to anyone?” ~ Erma Bombeck Brenda
There are also different security rules in many European airports. Our favorite corkscrew, which was no problem in the US, was confiscated in Paris because of its length. Let us know if you learn more, Sheena. Aloha, Ann
Aloha, Ann
Posts: 1503 | Location: Sunset Beach (Haleiwa), Hawaii, USA | Registered: 16 September 2001
That's shades of my flight with easyJet last April!
The European budget airlines such as EasyJet and Ryanair have always had very strict luggage restrictions, but these new regulations are imposed by the airport authority - not the airlines. The restrictions will apply to all airlines including the majors!
I like my carry on luggage to be wheeled - after all it is the only luggage you really have to move any distance. I have a very small wheeled tote bag - its overall measurements are far smaller than those allowed, but it would not pass the 10" measurement!
I think the luggage companies are going to be producing new items to fit these regulations - and making a killing!
Sheena
Posts: 2259 | Location: West Vancouver, B.C. Canada | Registered: 28 February 2004
I would say that the 10" measurement is the one that will create most difficulties - don't overstuff your bag!
OY! I just bought a really cool rolling tote from Rick Steves--place for computer & files, separated from an open space for 'treasures'. It measures 10", but I'm already fearing having it rejected, and I don't want to check my computer.
quote:
I've read so much about packing light and only taking carry-on luggage, so you don't have to retrieve any luggage from the carousels after you arrive. What if you have to check it anyway, because it won't fit the measuring device? Then you are stuck...
Brenda, I so remember that part of your story, and thinking how much it was a racket. I, too, have been imagining packing light this time. At first I thought I could do it with just my rolling tote and a small roll-on; but alas, not for a 3 month trip: like you, too many 'necessaries'--supplements, health and personal comfort items and such.
So my current theory is 2 22" bags--one as carry on along with the rolling tote, one checked. If I keep each down to 25 lbs, then I'll make the BA 50 lb requirement if they force me to check the 22" carryon.
I like your idea of the optional ziplock bag with essentials.
By the way, how do you guys weigh your luggage at home? I don't even own a bath scale!
I weigh mine at home, but luggage stores have a hanging scale. If you are packed early enough, you can take it the day before your trip and make any necessary adjustments BEFORE the airport.
I weigh mine on the bathroom scale, which is not very accurate! However, Magellan's catalog has a hanging scale with a hook and handle, where you hold the scale with the bag dangling from the hook.(It costs $9.85 USD) If it's a heavy bag, that could be problematic?! Has anyone used this kind and does it work? Joana
Posts: 111 | Location: Baltimore, MD USA | Registered: 02 June 2003
With the big duffels we are taking in two weeks, we have taken them to our vet's office and weighed them on the scales there. Think about some business around you that has scales and see if they will let you use them.
So my current theory is 2 22" bags--one as carry on along with the rolling tote, one checked. If I keep each down to 25 lbs, then I'll make the BA 50 lb requirement if they force me to check the 22" carryon.
Karen, your bag is probably sold as a 22” but measure it at its longest point - i.e. including wheels and handle.
Re weight, BA are very strict - I believe it has to do with protecting the luggage handlers from injury. We usually weigh our luggage using our bathroom scales, but forgot to do it when returning from the UK. One bag was 2lb over and we had to open both bags and do a shuffle!
For BA checked luggage, up until October 2006 you are allowed two pieces with a maximum weight per piece of 70lb. That is quite a lot!
After October 11th the allowance is reduced to maximum 50lb and just one piece if travelling economy, 2 for all other classes with the exception of flights from North America where two bags will still be allowed.
It is also worth knowing that allowances within Europe are lower, but so long as you are travelling on one ticket you will be allowed the higher Trans Atlantic amounts. A point to remember if you are considering purchasing a separate ticket for travel within Europe.
Sheena
Posts: 2259 | Location: West Vancouver, B.C. Canada | Registered: 28 February 2004
Well, I measured my 2 22" and the 22" does include the wheels and maybe 1/4 to 1/2" for the handle, which would be the only problem if it extends from their gizmo just a scoshe.
Worst case is they force me to check both 22"'ers, which, as I think about it, might be a good idea in any case: I mean, if I have to check one anyway, why not just check both, and only have my rolling tote to deal with on the plane?
Then I wouldn't have to worry about how full I packed them, full pockets not letting it fit into the gizmo, etc.
Re: the BA weights, my dilemma is I leave 23 Aug, ie: before 11 Oct, but I return 14 November, after 11 Oct, when stricter weight limits are in play. If only it were the reverse!! How will I have less weight going home than going over??
Re: the BA weights, my dilemma is I leave 23 Aug, ie: before 11 Oct, but I return 14 November, after 11 Oct, when stricter weight limits are in play. If only it were the reverse!! How will I have less weight going home than going over??
I think that if you leave before the new regulations the old ones are in effect for your return. I would call BA on that and get it in writing so that you can hand it to the person checking you in - should they not know the rules!
Sheena
Posts: 2259 | Location: West Vancouver, B.C. Canada | Registered: 28 February 2004
I knew about the changes in BA's limits, but I'm thinking I'm going to have to reread the dreaded "Packing Heavy" thread, or maybe even start a new one for the severly packing-challenged (me). Oh boy!
I like my carry on luggage to be wheeled - after all it is the only luggage you really have to move any distance. I have a very small wheeled tote bag - its overall measurements are far smaller than those allowed, but it would not pass the 10" measurement!
The last two times I had to fly between Chicago O'Hare and MSP, the United flights had such small overhead bins that nobody with a carryon with wheels could get their carryon into the overhead bin. I was glad to have my backpack instead.
Posts: 3743 | Location: St Paul, MN | Registered: 10 February 2006
Magellan's catalog has a hanging scale with a hook and handle, where you hold the scale with the bag dangling from the hook.(It costs $9.85 USD) If it's a heavy bag, that could be problematic?! Has anyone used this kind and does it work?
Yes,we got one of these and it works great and we even used it with our M bags for sending books.We got it at magellan,but they also sell them for the same price at radio shack here.
I figured it would come in handy for all the flying that we will be doing ( and probably more Mbagging or sending back).
We live in a rural area,so the more we can just stay at home and do it ourselves the better.Plus I do not want to have problems with the luggage,so want to have it down to a science here ,so we glide thru easily there.We had planned to have everything in carry-ons ( they are already packed) but have to take a duffle or two for car seat vest and tripod for satellite,so get to throw in more things .Yea...more books...we are endless in that category.LOL.
BA has pretty strict luggage rules as we found out 4yrs ago at least here in Orlando. So for the last 3yrs, we carry on a back pack for my husband purchased in Italy after our luggage fiasco 4 yrs ago and I carry a trifold garment bag that filled to the max still only weighs about 13-15lbs and measures 22x14x6.Hopefully no hassles in Oct as we go back to Pisa via Gatwick.I'm afraid to attempt a rolling bag because of the measuring thing at the gate.
WT- Thanks for the report on the luggage scale; it always helps to have first-hand information when considering something like that! Have a wonderful journey and be in touch about your adventures! Joana
Posts: 111 | Location: Baltimore, MD USA | Registered: 02 June 2003
Topic Closed
.Yea...more books...we are endless in that category.LOL.
