Carry-on Bags that aren't.
When we went to Great Britain recently, we decided that we didn't want to check our bags. So we limited ourselves to our American carry-on sized bags -- one Calvin Klein and one Swiss Army. Both bags are 22" x 9" x 14". They expand, but like good little soldiers, we kept them all zipped up.Before heading out, we checked the British Airways website, which says that you can carry on bags that are 22" x 17.5" x 9.85" -- not exactly the same size, but technically bigger than the American allowance.
To save time, we checked in online, and then headed to British Airways check-in to have our documents verified before going through security. We queued up and were promptly directed to the line for people wishing to check baggage. "No, no," we said. "We're carrying on our bags." "Not those bags," was the reply.
Once at the counter, the agent told us, "No way are you carrying on those bags." With no viable alternative in sight, we surrendered. Between the check-in desk and the place where you hand over your bags, we managed to slip out a few pairs of underwear and a change of clothes. But if we'd known we were checking our bags, we'd have packed our actual carry-ons more strategically.
The moral of the story is that if you want to carry on your bags, don't think an American carry-on bag is going to cut it. If you can't fit it all in a kid's bag, ship it. Or resign yourself to checking your bags and plan accordingly. And be aware that bags that are marketed as "carry-ons," aren't.
