Carry-On only???

[ScottB]

Hi all,

For the first time ever, we are going to attempt our vacation with nothing but carry-on luggage so we can avoid the whole baggage claim routine, jump in a taxi, and be on our way.

I have a couple questions...
What is the real deal these days as far as what they will let you carry on with you? I know it (supposed) to be 1 bag per person, but what about my normal carry-on, and a small snorkel bag? Or a regular carry-on + my girlfriend's purse?

Last question is what is the biggest carry-on they will allow? I see so many different sizes at the store. When I checked a suitcase in the past, my carry-on bag was tiny, and it wasn't an issue. If they won't let me carry my snorkel bag (in addition) then my carry-on needs to fit my fins.

Thanks for any and all help.

[tjwgrr]

Continental- carry on + 1 personal item:
Carry on: 45 linear inches or 115 cm (L + W + H) 40 lbs or 18 kg

Personal items
In addition to the one carry-on item, you may bring free-of-charge the below items:

one small personal article such as a briefcase, purse, day planner, small laptop computer, camera case, compact disk player or similar sized personal entertainment item

personal aid devices such as wheelchairs, braces, canes, crutches, prosthetic devices and walking sticks, provided passenger is dependent on them

one infant article such as a small collapsible stroller, a diaper bag or a government approved child seat (larger strollers can be checked in the jetway prior to boarding the aircraft)

full-size video game consoles (for example Playstation®, X-box®, or Nintendo®), full-size DVD players, and video cameras that use video cassettes (must be removed from carrying cases and submitted separately for x-ray screening)

CPAP breathing machines (must be removed from carrying case and submitted separately for x-ray screening)

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Delta- carry on + 1 personal item:

Carry on:
Weigh less than 40 pounds (18 kg).
Not exceed 45 inches (length + width + height).
Fit easily in our SizeCheck® unit (approximately 22"x14"x9").
Fit in an overhead bin or underneath the seat in front of you.

Personal item:
Purses, briefcases, camera cases, and diaper bags
Laptop computers (can’t be checked and must be carried on)
Items of a similar or smaller size to those above
Other Carry-on Items Allowed
You may also bring these items onboard. They do not count toward your personal item.

Food items for immediate consumption
Assistive devices such as wheelchairs or crutches
One box or bag of duty free merchandise
A coat, jacket, or umbrella.

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US Airways- carry on + 1 personal item:

Carry-on baggage
You are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item. Personal items include a purse, briefcase, laptop or diaper bag. Carry-on baggage must be stowed in carry-on compartments of the aircraft, under a seat, or in an overhead compartment.

Size requirements
Up to 51 in/129 cm (11 x 14 x 26 in or 28 x 35 x 66 cm)

[msgcolleen]

In October I took a 23x16x15 carry-on suitcase and a large beach bag on the plane. The baggie of small toiletries went in the beach bag along with another small bag with I.D's & money, hat & sunglasses. I used my Iphone as my camera. I could have put the snorkel gear in the suitcase or beach bag but chose to rent the gear when we got there.
Pack lightly and the gear should fit in your carry-on or large shoulder bag.
If you have a washer/dryer you can always wash & wear again. A couple of shorts, bathing suits, t-shirts/tropical shirt, undies is all you need with sandals & flip flops.
You can buy most things when you get there (bug spray, sunscreen)
It will be worth it when you walk off the plane and go straight to the taxi stand. But, if you are coming off a small plane like American Eagle, you will have to wait for your bags to unload from under the plane. Also, you might have to wait for the people waiting for their luggage in the terminal so the taxi will be full for the ride to Red Hook.
Maybe hire a private taxi.
Lots to consider, but now that I have done it, I will never check baggage again. (especially if you have connections)
Good Luck!

[ScottB]

So I should be all set to have my snorkel bag over my shoulder along with my carry-on? My snorkel bag is small & thin...just fins, mask & snorkel. I would assume that would be my "personal item"?

[RickG]

We routinely bring a snorkel bag with two sets of gear as a personal item. We've never had a problem, but we're prepared to put it under our seat if needed.

My two carry-ons in November were a computer bag and a medium polar bear cooler. NoTanLines had a carryon legal suitcase and a snorkel bag. No problems on USAIR down and Delta back.

For the last two trips I have not been able to checkin online for the trip home. That is the single best reason to do carryon only. Arriving I always find that at least one person wants to change clothes, use the bathroom, get a couple beers, etc. that takes up enough time that the luggage is on the carousel by the time we leave.

Cheers, RickG

[cptnkirk]

I was a little worried this time as I had heard they were cracking down on carryon. Delta nor AA checked our carryon. We are legal size wise but over on the weight on our food suitcase it was almost 60Lbs Our backpacks take up all the feet room but they fit under the seat. You should be good to go.

[nancyg]

hi,

we just did a weekend trip to the bahamas and my husband did a carry on and snorkel bag and I did carry on and back pack. The back pack and snorkel bag had to go under the seat. BTW we were on american.

Nancy

[ScottB]

Thanks guys, It certainly looks like I will have no problems just throwing my small snorkel bag over my shoulder along with my roller carry-on bag.

Only 195 days to go...

[tjeng58]

I've never tried this myself, but how about stuffing things into a garment bag made for suits, dresses, etc? I bet you could get 1 set, or maybe even 2 sets of fins to fit into one bag. I wonder if airlines give you more leeway with bags that can be reshaped to fit into the overhead bins as opposed to rollerboard bags which always take up the same amount of space.

I like the previous post about shipping stuff to your villa or condo and am considering doing that so that I can lighten my load since my wife and I will be visiting with both sets of families before we go off on our own!

Best regards,
Tim E.

[otenkides]

I like the idea of just using your carry-on. I think it provides a lot of benefits like the OP said, plus it's a good mindset to have (to avoid the material world as a source of happiness). I also found a cool website that might be useful... I think there's maybe a thing or 2 missing from the packing list maker, but it's cool enough. http://www.carryononly.com

[Lulu76]

I wanted to add a comment to this discussion as I re-read it. I checked Spirit Airlines' carry-on size requirements before I bought my new bag for my November trip. I knew that my bag fit within the requirements, but there were these two pockets on the front that even when empty were a little poofy. It fit in the overhead bin with a little room to spare, but it was not a small bag.

Anyhow, when I checked in at the Atlanta airport, they put a tag on it that said "Carry-on" and sent me on my way. I had to leave the Terminal to meet my brother for lunch and check back in to security. As I was standing there talking to my brother, I see several people with bags about the same size as mine getting measured in that thing and sent back to the counter to be checked.

I was sure that the guy would send me back too, but he just looked at my blue "carry-on" tag and sent me through without measuring my bag. I guess he figured they did that in Atlanta.

So, I'd say if you don't want to check your bag on Spirit, ask for one of those tags at the ticket counter.