Carry-on question(s)... :)

[LynnieGirl]

Hi Guys...For all you seasoned travelers here, I have a couple of questions about doing carry on. This is the first time we will be doing carry on (and to visit STJ) and we have those bags covered. One of my questions is about the personal item. We have a polar bear cooler (24 pack size) that hubs planned to take as his personal item but I also have his laptop (which will fit in the front pocket of my carry on) and my Nikon D5000. On Delta's website it states that the personal item can be a camera bag, purse or diaper bag (etc.) but it doesn't say how big the items can be. Under baggage it says that items can be no more than 45 linear inches but does that apply to the personal item as well? Will the cooler and a large tote, small gym bag or medium Kyss bag qualify as personal items even though they are relatively good size? I really don't want to check my camera and was hoping to be able to put it inside my tote. I haven't flown in seven years so I haven't paid that much attention to the bag changes. I'm worried that I will "think" I have it all figured out then have to check several bags when I get there. Thanks!

~Tammy

[mrscherry2000]

The personal item has to be able to fit under the seat in front of you.

[PA Girl]

Not to be a wet blanket but double and triple check the measurements of your carry-ons. Two weeks ago my friend was forced to check her carry-on. Between the two of them, they had two personal items (daypacks) and one carry-on. The FAs deemed the personal items were carry-on size and she was forced to check her carry-on bag. This bothered them greatly as they were all about doing carry-on only for the time and cost savings.

[jimg20]

Everything said above has happened. There are so many factors that affect what will happen when you pass through that aircraft door. Those factors will be the percentage of occupied seats, the time of the year (more coats etc.), when in the boarding process you get aboard (already full?), is the flight running late making it necessary to baord quickly, even the FA's mood (did they get enough sleep last night). Once the bins are full there are no more choices.

No matter what you do, do NOT check your camera. Delta stands for Don't Expect Luggage To Arrive. Electronics are theft targets. They get broken. I think they even warn us not to check things like that. Find a way to carry it with you.

Generally, the size of carry-on bags does not become an issue. Board the plane as early as you can. If you are entitled to get on with early boarding, do so. When you get on board make eye contact witht he FAs at the front of the aircarft. Smile and talk to them. Tell them how excited you are about going to STT. Avoiding them will actually attract their attention. (The same is true for TSA.) I frequently smile and ask them are we there yet. The space under the seat is actually pretty big. My big briefcase fits. If the cooler is not too distended, it might fit.

Have a great trip. Let's see that trip report when you get back.

JIM

[KTinTX]

Pretty much what Jim said. My experience is that if you have to put a personal item in the overhead bin because it won't fit or you want the foot room, then that is where your risk factor increases. Also be sure your carry on is of legal size for your airline.

[LynnieGirl]

The personal item has to be able to fit under the seat in front of you.

Thank you mrscherry, I did finally find the info I was looking for about the amount of space under the seats.

Not to be a wet blanket but double and triple check the measurements of your carry-ons. Two weeks ago my friend was forced to check her carry-on. Between the two of them, they had two personal items (daypacks) and one carry-on. The FAs deemed the personal items were carry-on size and she was forced to check her carry-on bag. This bothered them greatly as they were all about doing carry-on only for the time and cost savings.

Not by any means PA Girl, that is excellent advice. I have to remember the old saying "measure twice, cut once". Better safe than sorry and $70 or more out of my pocket .

There are so many factors that affect what will happen when you pass through that aircraft door. Those factors will be the percentage of occupied seats, the time of the year (more coats etc.), when in the boarding process you get aboard (already full?), is the flight running late making it necessary to baord quickly, even the FA's mood (did they get enough sleep last night). Once the bins are full there are no more choices.

Board the plane as early as you can. If you are entitled to get on with early boarding, do so. When you get on board make eye contact witht he FAs at the front of the aircarft. Smile and talk to them. Tell them how excited you are about going to STT. Avoiding them will actually attract their attention. (The same is true for TSA.) I frequently smile and ask them are we there yet. The space under the seat is actually pretty big. My big briefcase fits. If the cooler is not too distended, it might fit.

Have a great trip. Let's see that trip report when you get back.

JIM

More excellent advice Jim. So boarding early is key and allowing my husband to get his schmooze on won't be a problem. You will often (very often) hear me say, "I can't take him anywhere" with a deep sigh and an eye roll Right now my cooler plan is to freeze everything "flat" and stack so that there little or no distention (I plan on a practice run to the lake this summer). I will be sure and do that trip report and I hope everyone will bear with me as I can be extremely detailed (i.e. long winded)

Pretty much what Jim said. My experience is that if you have to put a personal item in the overhead bin because it won't fit or you want the foot room, then that is where your risk factor increases. Also be sure your carry on is of legal size for your airline.

Thanks KT, I am going to be getting a lot of use out of my measuring tapes!

[EagleRayLover]

Pretty sure my hubby answered your question on another Forum, but since we just got back- I can confirm that the Polar Bear you are considering fits nicely under the middle or window seats ( which are slightly differently in size). We are exclusively carry-on people and love it. We have never had trouble with our food thawing- even if TSA wanted to take a quick peek. This pass trip, none of our luggage got any items got inspected. ( I think the best was when we took all the lionfish markers and they really wondered what was going on with the washers!!) we also can fit our snorkel bag with gear for two including fins as one bag without objection ever from the airline. Hope this helps you and others!! Have a blast!!

[Bigcheeze]

2 adults 2 teens = 3carryons plus a snorkle back pack. The kids bring a back pack too