Carry on luggage

I'm going to Kenya later in the year, and am flying from Brussels. However I've been told that on the connecting flight from Manchester to Brussels the carry-on luggage sizes are smaller than on the long-haul flight. So now I have to find a bag that will take all my essentials (and fragile bits) but is less than 45 x 35 x 16cm. Most of the carry-on luggage I can find on line is either tiny, or starts at 55 cm.

Has anyone found something that would suit?

John

Ive never seen anybody actually measure a hand luggage bag.

Easy jet have a contraption at their desks whereby if your bag fits in it then your ok, but they also have a policy if you can lift it into the luggage racl unaided then your ok as well, regardless of its size.

Generally hand luggage (if it is checked) is checked by weight rather than size. I have seen all sorts of shaped and sized bags go through as hand luggage, i wouldnt worry overly.

That's not quite correct.
Easyjet carry on luggage policy is that you're not restricted by weight within reason (ie you have to be able to put it in the overhead locker) but you are limited size wise. I travelled twice last year with a carry on case just within the size limit and had to put it in the bag measurer on each leg of the journey.
But they also have a policy now that if you don't check and you get to the check-in gate and your bag fails the size test there you have to pay about £40 I think it is to then load the case.
The carry on bag size limit on Ryanair is much smaller (as is the weight 10kg) and not surprisingly they sell one that matches their specifications. But I wouldn't take any liberties with size or weight with them as the excesses that might have to be paid are extortionate.

Good luck with your search - try goog ling it? Very difficult to combine cheap flight with long haul... Let us know if you find something? I too have witnessed people's luggage being measured...

I dont kniw if this is still the case but a few years back one of the airlines ( could have been Easijet) was runnin ga a hand luggage scam. If you bought on line you went trhough a different baggage check and guess what - the measuring grid was smaller than for those goign through the main ticket check in. by the time folks were through they had no option but to pay the excess.
always worth double checking your measures

WLT

That was BMI baby airlines it was investigated by Watchdog on BBC

My daughter lent me a bag when I went to Crete. It had zips which reduced its size if needed. Very cunning. I can't remember how big it was but it fitted the First Choice measuring device perfectly.

Not all the on-line shops put the dimensions of their hand luggage - they say thngs like "accepted by the majority of airlines" of which clearly my carrier isn't one. I'm bloomin' annoyed - having bought the ticket, and a bag which fits the long-haul requirements, I've emailed them to ask how I'm supposed to get it to Brussels!

One suggestion I've had is to cram everything into my pockets, and then put it into the bag once I'm on board.

John

thanks LucyJ Probably where I saw it.

John

Cant you buy really small trolley cases? Im sure I saw some in poundstretcher the other year Failing that, what about an old fashioned flight bag?

And there was me thinking a new film was being released! ;-)

John

Cant you buy really small trolley cases? Im sure I saw some in poundstretcher the other year Failing that, what about an old fashioned flight bag?

Hi John


I have travelled a lot over the last few years with budget airline to Italy and they do check the measurements. The length restriction is not so bad as long as your case can be crammed in the basket at check in. This will measure your bag if it fits it goes on board. I realised that my pull on case which i do use is really handy in the fact there are zip pockets on the front but this can be a bit mis-leading as I tend to stuff the pockets out so it dosent fit.
So my suggestions are - Seriously wear a couple of layers strip off ( not literally ) once you have boarded. Make sure your case does not have pockets at the front as handy as this is for documents it make you think you have space when you don't. This could stop it fitting in the basket. I dont recall ever having it weighed but I tend to fly Ryanair as they fly straight to my local airport so I dont know much about other airlines. You could use a bumbag for your documents just don't let them see it if they have a bad day they could tell you to put it in the case I am not sure.
I have also used a rucksack it is surprising how much you can get in and it is easier to squash in the basket.
Don't forget only a certain amount of liquids can be taken on board this was increased last year with Ryan Air to 100ml but is always worth checking. With liquids once you get into duty free you normally find boots or superdrugs but you still have to fit them in the case.
Have to say you are very brave going hand luggage only all the way to Kenya:-)
Finally depending on the airline they sometimes do offer if you book hold luggage on line.

Good Luck

Fairy Spice

I've never had a problem with BMI Baby when taking the smallest sized suitcase on wheels. It fits in the baggage bin and also the overhead locker.

You lot are really helpful. I think I shall go and have a look at some luggage places again, equipped with a tape measure and see what I can find. At the moment I've got my camera gear and my medicines crammed into an old shopping bag style shoulder bag, and that fits within the dimensions, but isn't too elegant.

Just to clarify - this isn't my only luggage, I will be checking another bag into the hold.

John

Try looking at the Argos website, I got mine there and it gives sizes of all luggage.

I bought a cabin sized wheelie suitcase thingy from M&S and it says it is acceptable as hand luggage by most airlines. I use it for work trips and have never had a problem. It's big enough to take enough clothes, laptop etc for a short trip. I also bought a matching bigger wheelie suitcase thing for holidays - both of which I am really pleased with. They are good and sturdy and easly recognisable. I think they are guaranteed for 5 years too (might even have been 10 - I can't remember).

M & S may have similar cases in their sale at the moment.

here's a link in case you are interested

http://www.marksandspencer.com/Value-Luggage-Soft-Rollercase-Small/dp/B002GKHVEK?ie=UTF8&ref=sr11&nodeId=42966030&sr=1-1&qid=1325446629&pfrdr=1FTXTK23680FCQDKTXBX&pfrdm=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&pfrdt=301&pfrdi=0&pfrdp=215485807&pfrds=center-3

maybe not in pink though!

usually laptop case can be carried on separately as well as hand luggage bag... so that you could have medicines and paperwork in that...

Thanks Jem, unfortunately the M&S case is too big for my connecting flight. There's a whole thread on t'internet with people moaning about the tiny luggage allowed on internal flights (which apparently Brussels is).

John

There is a very good luggage shop in the shopping arcade just off Hitchin market square. Rather a long way for you to travel, but I could look in there and report back if you wish.

maybe take a look on qvc; the likes of kipling accessories would probably have something to meet your needs. have a great trip x

Just been looking on poundstretcher website
you can buy a small case for £8.99

It measures 48cm (inc wheels - 45 cm ex wheels) x 32 cm x 18 cm.

do you think it would be worth contacting your carrier re the exta 2cm?

google dunelm

•Sizes available: Small W 41cm (16") x L 16cm (6") H 30cm (12"), Large W 51cm (20") x L 18cm (7") x H 35cm (14")
Reasonably priced and prob available in the shop too

Brilliant, thanks for looking. I've also been pointed in the direction of Pacsafe, which look quite promising.

I've had an email from the airline saying I can take a carry-on bag and a laptop bag, which makes life a little easier - they don't say you have to have a laptop in the laptop bag! I can also carry a "small" camera - but needless to say they don't define "small".

Evidently they are very strict about the sizing, they have gauges that you have to cram the bag into, and people have been forced to check in things like camera bags as hold luggage, which I really don't want.

Sorting out the luggage is becoming more complicated than what to put in it!

John