Considering doing only carry-on luggage - ?s about what is allowed

Nick-H · Nov 13th, 2007, 21:03

Just a thought... If you are taking several cameras, it might be worth having the receipts with you if you can.

I really don't think you will have a problem, but they just might query a case-load of gear --- grey-market stuff has to enter the country somehow!

Edor · Nov 14th, 2007, 11:50

Thanks Nick and good information. I'm leaving the more professional equipment at home and traveling with a good quality point and shoot digital camera and a compact video camera. Don't have a bag full of equipment.

However I have been taught to take receipts for valuable items that I might be taking with me for photo equipment or laptop so that when I return to the USA they can't claim that the item was purchased while traveling and therefore they can charge import duty. Not sure how other countries handle things when you return home but a copy of receipts can be handy for several reasons.

Edward

70s-80s overlander · Nov 14th, 2007, 11:52

The dimensions you cite -- 9"x14"x22" -- are common enough, but you should note that your allowed 25 lbs is a bit generous, as many international flights into and out of the US only allow 15 pounds. On my last trip abroad I used a simple, light-weight Samsonite ripstop nylon bag that was exactly 9"x14"x22", plus an expandable "personal items" bag [kept unexpanded while on the plane], plus my 20-year companion, a "photographer's coat" that has many pockets. Generally I put the heaviest stuff possible into my coat and pants pockets as well as in the small "personal items" bag. I also tend to wear an extra layer of clothes while boarding the plane, just so the extra pounds are not in my carry-on bag.

While I depart with a list of stuff to buy upon arrival, I also start the trip with items, eg clothes, that I plan to discard along the way.

So, yes, there are SOME airlines that allow your noted 25 pounds, but I feel is it crucial that people be aware of that **15 POUND** limit that some airlines have for the piece of carry-on luggage.

nycank · Nov 16th, 2007, 15:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70s-80s overlander

So, yes, there are SOME airlines that allow your noted 25 pounds, but I feel is it crucial that people be aware of that **15 POUND** limit that some airlines have for the piece of carry-on luggage.

Quote:

Delta

All carry-on items must meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, fit easily in a SizeWise® unit (approximately 22" x 14" x 9"), and weigh less than 40 pounds. The FAA mandates that all carry-on items have to fit under a seat or in an enclosed storage compartment.
Our gate or flight personnel may need to further limit the amount of carry-on baggage for a particular flight, depending on the cabin stowage capacity of the plane and the expected number of passengers.

and http://www.continental.com/web/en-US.../carry-on.aspx

and AA http://www.aa.com/content/travelInfo...llowance.jhtml

and NW has no mention of weight limit - http://www.nwa.com/travel/luggage/carryon.html#carry

If your airline restricts you to 15lbs ex US - time you took your miles and moola to one's that dont put that restriction

Nick-H · Nov 16th, 2007, 17:02

Good ideas 70s... getting as much onto the plane as possible that isn't counted in the allowance.

On my way back this time I took a couple of big carrier bags in my carry-on. As soon as I got on the plane, off came the heavy coat, and the heavy boots, on with the sandals from my carry-on case. Also out from the bag came the small shoulder bag with the stuff I wanted for the flight, although I kept it in the locker until after take off as I didn't have a seat in front of me to hide it away under (it's allowed).

BA, although they are making life difficult for the not so strong with their one-check-in-bag-only rule (it can weigh up to the same 23Kg limit as before) have eased up on hand baggage. The only rule is that you must be able to lift it yourself into the locker.

I don't think they still allow that 'one small camera bag' allowance. I used to cram all my heavy mains adapters into that.

Another general hint: take an empty carrier bag for rubbish. That way you don't have to be always waiting for the staff to take away empty packets and glasses etc. My neighbour on the last flight shared mine and thought it was a neat idea.

Britishraj · Nov 16th, 2007, 17:06

I was trampled to death by a man believed his luggage would be the first piece off. If he were an experienced traveller,he would know that the first piece of luggage belongs to no one. It's just a dummy suitcase to give everyone HOPE!

Does lost luggage always end up in that Big Bermuda Triangle in the sky?

70s-80s overlander · Nov 16th, 2007, 17:53

The point remains: you had better check for the specific number of pounds allowed THIS YEAR by your SPECIFIC airline.
http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_...ageinformation
"The total weight entitlements of your cabin baggage are as follows:
First Class - 15kg (33 lbs)
Business Class - 10kg (22 lbs)
Economy Class - 7kg ***(15lbs)***"

"Due to hand baggage restrictions at London Heathrow Airport, passengers departing from or transferring through the UK can bring on one piece of baggage onboard only."

It looks like the American carriers you cited have made their policies more liberal recently -- probably in order to be more competitive -- which isn't a bad idea.

Nick-H · Nov 16th, 2007, 18:57

For Heathrow departures, that one-piece-of-hand-baggage rule comes from airport security rather than the airlines. I think it applies to all classes of travel too.

Though I expect those elite beings who vanish into the arms of the FastTrack entrance, bound for their First-Class Comfort Cocoons, can still take their grand piano, candelabras, pianist, etc, with them.

Envious?

What, Me?

nanstallon · Dec 4th, 2007, 03:24

Butterball's 'very jolly security man' - I didn't know such a thing existed!

One way out of the problem of forbiddedn items is to buy them in India and not carry them on the plane at all. Coming home, either sell or give away in India. I very much believe in travelling light and hate carrying baggage, and waiting at the carousel for it. A warm country where you can wash clothes overnight and they are cheap to buy anyway has a lot going for it.

John

Edor · Dec 4th, 2007, 10:44

Thanks all for great information, experiences, and a good laugh at some of the posts. Long ago I gave up on doing all carry on as an option for me on this trip. Will still do significant carry on of things that are vital, and/or expensive. Nonetheless I plan to have a total of no more than 25 pounds when I leave and a somewhat empty pack so I can buy things along the way. Only two weeks until departure.

Edward

Atypicas · Dec 9th, 2007, 08:41

No one would know if British Airways might be a bit lax on the size requirements? My backpack is at 59cm in length and they limit it at 56cm

. I did notice that bacteria is not allowed, but I see that they're pretty relaxed about that, so why not for bags?

midlifetravel · Dec 9th, 2007, 19:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70s-80s overlander

So, yes, there are SOME airlines that allow your noted 25 pounds, but I feel is it crucial that people be aware of that **15 POUND** limit that some airlines have for the piece of carry-on luggage.

I thought that sounded a lot - 7kg is the standard limit in Australia / NZ with carriers such as Singapore / AirNZ / Qantas Though I must say Ive never been checked - just make like its light and don't let the staff hurt themselves putting it in the overhead locker! The stupid part is then off course (into NZ) you can carrier 3 x 1.125 spirits plus 6 x750ml wine or about 24 cans of beer and trust me that lots is a little more than 7kg!

Nick-H · Dec 9th, 2007, 19:24

British Airways certainly do spot checks, and if your bag looks like an unconventional shape or size (ie not the usual rectangular wheely) I suspect their more likely to check it.

SteamBuff · Dec 9th, 2007, 19:56

Nick,

Indeed ... I have had my bag checked for size and weight in the past few months. (It was only a laptop bag), both at check-in AND when bording the plane.

I think they are more likly to check if the plane is full.

Nick-H · Dec 9th, 2007, 20:00

Indeed. I've got away with nearly double the checked-in allowance on a quiet flight.

I've always been lucky with hand baggage: its the guy in front of me that gets stopped, as I wheel my 15Kg as if it were a feather --- allowance then was 6Kg only.

They have now taken off the weight restriction; it is only stipulated that you must be able to lift the bag, unaided, into the overhead locker. The size restrictions remain.

Nov 13th, 2007, 21:03	#16
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 25,781	Just a thought... If you are taking several cameras, it might be worth having the receipts with you if you can. I really don't think you will have a problem, but they just might query a case-load of gear --- grey-market stuff has to enter the country somehow! __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

Nov 14th, 2007, 11:50	#17
Edor Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Oregon, U.S.A. Posts: 94	Carry a copy of receipts Thanks Nick and good information. I'm leaving the more professional equipment at home and traveling with a good quality point and shoot digital camera and a compact video camera. Don't have a bag full of equipment. However I have been taught to take receipts for valuable items that I might be taking with me for photo equipment or laptop so that when I return to the USA they can't claim that the item was purchased while traveling and therefore they can charge import duty. Not sure how other countries handle things when you return home but a copy of receipts can be handy for several reasons. Edward

Nov 14th, 2007, 11:52	#18
70s-80s overlander 70s-80s overlander Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: chicago,il,usa Posts: 141	Beware of the 15 pound limit some airlines have for carry-ons The dimensions you cite -- 9"x14"x22" -- are common enough, but you should note that your allowed 25 lbs is a bit generous, as many international flights into and out of the US only allow 15 pounds. On my last trip abroad I used a simple, light-weight Samsonite ripstop nylon bag that was exactly 9"x14"x22", plus an expandable "personal items" bag [kept unexpanded while on the plane], plus my 20-year companion, a "photographer's coat" that has many pockets. Generally I put the heaviest stuff possible into my coat and pants pockets as well as in the small "personal items" bag. I also tend to wear an extra layer of clothes while boarding the plane, just so the extra pounds are not in my carry-on bag. While I depart with a list of stuff to buy upon arrival, I also start the trip with items, eg clothes, that I plan to discard along the way. So, yes, there are SOME airlines that allow your noted 25 pounds, but I feel is it crucial that people be aware of that 15 POUND limit that some airlines have for the piece of carry-on luggage.

Nov 16th, 2007, 17:06	#21
Britishraj Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Devon, UK Posts: 98	The luggage goes around and around till your dizzy. I was trampled to death by a man believed his luggage would be the first piece off. If he were an experienced traveller,he would know that the first piece of luggage belongs to no one. It's just a dummy suitcase to give everyone HOPE! Does lost luggage always end up in that Big Bermuda Triangle in the sky? __________________ Elvis Has Left The Building

Nov 16th, 2007, 17:53	#22
70s-80s overlander 70s-80s overlander Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: chicago,il,usa Posts: 141	Carryon Bag weight allowance NOT consistent world-wide The point remains: you had better check for the specific number of pounds allowed THIS YEAR by your SPECIFIC airline. http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_...ageinformation "The total weight entitlements of your cabin baggage are as follows: First Class - 15kg (33 lbs) Business Class - 10kg (22 lbs) Economy Class - 7kg *(15lbs)*" "Due to hand baggage restrictions at London Heathrow Airport, passengers departing from or transferring through the UK can bring on one piece of baggage onboard only." It looks like the American carriers you cited have made their policies more liberal recently -- probably in order to be more competitive -- which isn't a bad idea.

Nov 16th, 2007, 17:02	#20
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 25,781	Good ideas 70s... getting as much onto the plane as possible that isn't counted in the allowance. On my way back this time I took a couple of big carrier bags in my carry-on. As soon as I got on the plane, off came the heavy coat, and the heavy boots, on with the sandals from my carry-on case. Also out from the bag came the small shoulder bag with the stuff I wanted for the flight, although I kept it in the locker until after take off as I didn't have a seat in front of me to hide it away under (it's allowed). BA, although they are making life difficult for the not so strong with their one-check-in-bag-only rule (it can weigh up to the same 23Kg limit as before) have eased up on hand baggage. The only rule is that you must be able to lift it yourself into the locker. I don't think they still allow that 'one small camera bag' allowance. I used to cram all my heavy mains adapters into that. Another general hint: take an empty carrier bag for rubbish. That way you don't have to be always waiting for the staff to take away empty packets and glasses etc. My neighbour on the last flight shared mine and thought it was a neat idea.

Nov 16th, 2007, 18:57	#23
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 25,781	For Heathrow departures, that one-piece-of-hand-baggage rule comes from airport security rather than the airlines. I think it applies to all classes of travel too. Though I expect those elite beings who vanish into the arms of the FastTrack entrance, bound for their First-Class Comfort Cocoons, can still take their grand piano, candelabras, pianist, etc, with them. Envious? What, Me?

Dec 4th, 2007, 03:24	#24
nanstallon Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Cornwall, UK Posts: 42	Butterball's 'very jolly security man' - I didn't know such a thing existed! One way out of the problem of forbiddedn items is to buy them in India and not carry them on the plane at all. Coming home, either sell or give away in India. I very much believe in travelling light and hate carrying baggage, and waiting at the carousel for it. A warm country where you can wash clothes overnight and they are cheap to buy anyway has a lot going for it. John

Dec 4th, 2007, 10:44	#25
Edor Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Oregon, U.S.A. Posts: 94	Thanks all for great information, experiences, and a good laugh at some of the posts. Long ago I gave up on doing all carry on as an option for me on this trip. Will still do significant carry on of things that are vital, and/or expensive. Nonetheless I plan to have a total of no more than 25 pounds when I leave and a somewhat empty pack so I can buy things along the way. Only two weeks until departure. Edward

Dec 9th, 2007, 08:41	#26
Atypicas Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 15	No one would know if British Airways might be a bit lax on the size requirements? My backpack is at 59cm in length and they limit it at 56cm . I did notice that bacteria is not allowed, but I see that they're pretty relaxed about that, so why not for bags?

Dec 9th, 2007, 19:24	#28
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 25,781	British Airways certainly do spot checks, and if your bag looks like an unconventional shape or size (ie not the usual rectangular wheely) I suspect their more likely to check it.

Dec 9th, 2007, 19:56	#29
SteamBuff Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Essex, Endland Posts: 370	Nick, Indeed ... I have had my bag checked for size and weight in the past few months. (It was only a laptop bag), both at check-in AND when bording the plane. I think they are more likly to check if the plane is full. __________________ Huffing & Puffing along ... The Steamy One!

Dec 9th, 2007, 20:00	#30
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 25,781	Indeed. I've got away with nearly double the checked-in allowance on a quiet flight. I've always been lucky with hand baggage: its the guy in front of me that gets stopped, as I wheel my 15Kg as if it were a feather --- allowance then was 6Kg only. They have now taken off the weight restriction; it is only stipulated that you must be able to lift the bag, unaided, into the overhead locker. The size restrictions remain.

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