Carry ons on planes

[sddsddean]

Does anyone know how strict airlines are about carry on sizes? I have seen a 'bin' at BA where they supposedly measure bags, but have never seen it used and people seem to get on with bulging rucksacks! I have an upcoming trip which will use both BA and US Airways. Both have a length limit of 22", but mine (including the wheels) is 23". Also, US Airways width limit is 14" and mine is 15". Anyone have any experience?

[chazza]

We flew BMI baby recently and they made everyone boarding the plane put their bag into the measuring bin (unless they were obviously tiny)

I would stick to the guidelines just in case, better safe than sorry!

[ganesh]

they are very strict here but don't appear bothered on the way back,but I expect it depends on the country and their attitudes rather than the airline. Easyjet rules have even smaller limits,so best play safe.

[mikey0118]

I would assume that those airlines charging for hold baggage (Easyjet, Ryanair, Flybe etc) will try and catch passengers out. Because passengers (understandably) do not want to pay over the odds to check in a suitcase, their hand baggage often ends up being much larger than it should be. I fly a lot, but rarely low cost or charter, and have never been quizzed over the size of my hand baggage, which kind of proves my point. Flying the major, full-fare carriers, I cannot see you having much a problem if the dimensions of your carry-on bag is larger than what the airline supposedly allows.