A carry-on question.......

In anticipation of a short trip about to happen I hauled out our fairly new carry-on bags (the ones we carried aboard AA and JB the last three trips we made to SXM) and DH questioned me about their size possibly being too large. I told him they were fine and of course, then second guessing myself, I went to the JB website and much to my surprise, they are actually oversized by less than 1.5 inches over-all, but the bottom line is, they are over-sized.

So my question to anyone that may know, since I did actually check both the AA and JB sites before I bought the luggage less than two full years ago, is has JB recently changed their carry-on rules? and if so, will they force me to check them due to 1.5 inch total overage? I've always stayed within their parameters in the past but I categorically refuse to buy another set of luggage and at the same time, I hate to ship luggage for such a short stay. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

I have no idea what JetBlue might do as I have never had any personal experience with them.

Here is a discussion from 2015 regarding carry on bags.

Personally, I would go with what you have and hope for the best. Worst case scenario is you have to check it. If it is not packed really tight it should fit in one of the measuring devices if it comes to that.

Thank you, J.D. We purchased a new and relatively expensive set of luggage March of 2015 and it complies to the exact numbers mentioned in the article prior to the suggested changes so I guess that's where the problem lies. The website says the dimensions must include the wheels and handles and that's where the extra 1.5 inches overall comes in. Hmmm, guess I'll soon see what happens. Worse case, we pay the fee and check them but I hate to have to wait for baggage at JFK, not that SXM can't sometimes be slow but in New York? OMGoodness!!

Still wondering if anyone has experienced JB refusing the old legal sized carry-ons.

I noticed the change on JB, American and Delta website back in August, so we called LL Bean and they said that they would exchange the carry on for free, but she opted to purchase a new carry on bag instead.

Hi Pat: We ran into the same problem on two trips. Both times we got thru to the gate with no problems. One trip we used the overhead and on the other they gate checked it free of charge.

Thank you, LINNY and SAMMY,

So for the record I just called JB. The reservationist 'didn't think' the 1.5" in overall dimensions would be a problem but she decided to check with a supervisor whose response was "if it's been used as a carry-on in the past it will probably be okay" and then went on to say it will really depend on the person who's checking us in. If they're cranky they'll make us check it but if they're in a good mood, probably not. I think I'm just going to check the darn thing and be done with it! trying to get a straight answer isn't worth the effort. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Pat, personally I would carry it to the gate.
If they do decide to gate-check it fof the 1.5", there is no charge.

As you get off the plane, it's being pulled out and handed to you... no waiting for luggage at the carousel.

I would also just take it on board...plan B (gate check) is always there if you need it.

I fly JB frequently and I have never even seen them question a bag size...really...

I agree with BeachKitten & boucharda.

Just don't pi$$ off the agent!! You should be fine. What they tell you on the phone may or not mean anything. As you said, it will all come down to when it actually happens and the mood of the agent.

I agree with JD. Just make the agent smile and put her in a good mood and all will be fine. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" /> Don't check it prematurely as if they don't take it at the gate, they will handle it for free.The agent will need a good eye to spot an extra 1.5 inches!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Pat, I just noticed the 1&1/2" over size on my bag too. Please let us know what happens. Good luck.

J.D. - You know me better than that. Would I ever? Wait! Don't answer that!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Moxie, I'm looking at other options right now but I will let you know if we do take the roll aboard carry-on, for sure.

And thank you all for your thoughts.

Whew, you had me worried, Pat. Just measured C.R. bags we've used for 4 years and they match measurements exactly. Worried because that's all the luggage we bring.

You can always tell when measurements change---that's when American Tourister has a sale hahaha!

Pat, I don't know the answer, BUT I have seen enormous bags being stuffed in the overhead on every JB flight we have taken!!

I don't even know what Jetblue allows and our carry-on is OLD. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />

Once watched many of those enormous bags get stuffed into overhead then a woman boarded with a small case and was sitting in 1st row (no under seat storage) and bins were full.

Stewardess told her she'd have to check the small bag and she didn't want to saying she had valuables inside.. Stewardess said then she'd have to take another flight if she refused to check the bag. Several people on the plane offered to have their bag checked so the lady could keep hers.

Thought that was great but the stewardess ignored the people, It almost came to a riot with people yelling that the airline should measure bags, that they saw several that are taking the space for 2 and that a solution was being offered. Of course those with (I assume) large bags yelled "check it or get off the plane so we can leave..."

Finally, the stewardess took an offered bag to check and let the lady put her small bag in the overhead. Sometimes I don't think airlines & their personel have any common sense.

That's the thing. You put your valuables in your carry-on for a reason, and to be forced to check it because others push the limits of the rules is just wrong.

I've been on flights where the flight attendants asked people not sitting in the bulkhead row to move their things so those seated there could use the space. That's the way it should be done.

I did learn an interesting fact on a flight a few years ago. Did you know that the flight attendants aren't being paid until the plane pushes back? For the entire boarding process, they're off the clock. I'm not saying that excuses the behavior you witnessed, but it does help to explain it.

Wow , GaKaye, I didn't know that about pay time. It explains a lot.

Yes, I did know that and this is the reason there is such a big turn over in that job. I was told that not all airlines follow that rule to the letter, but charters definitely do.

I wouldn't even mention it to a gate agent or anyone else. If they stop you, so be it. My guess is they are not big enough to cause a problem, however, this is JMHO.

Pat, we just flew on JB in November and had no problem with carry-ons, even our son who had our OLD luggage. No one questioned him at any of the airports. Some of the crap we see people trying to cram in the overhead bins is a joke! Plus, we were on two different types of planes. A small one from SYR to JFK and then an Airbus JFK to SXM. The overhead bins are different sizes, but no problem.
Were you able to rent the villa we spoke about or going elsewhere?

JB BOS-SXM today. Quite a few decent sized bags being brought on board. Not even a glance from the agent towards anyone.

Thank you to all who responded.

Think I'm gonna' just play it by ear and see what happens. Worse case scenario - I either get denied my carry-ons and pay up front or the bags get gate checked. Or we get to bring them on board with all the extra 1.5 inches of total running dimensions. Whatever will be, will be...... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

I have a three racquet tennis bag stuffed with extra items (shorts, cans of balls, 2 racquets, magazines.) Not even a glance

Mom - you get your boarding passes at home and check in online, when you get to the airport go straight to security, no one will look at your bags, after security, go to the counter or they will announce your name to get your id checked. When you get on the plane, they will either not bother with you (which I'm sure they won't) or gate check your bags. Pretty simple.

It must be hard to look after your mother!

And that is why the airlines are trying to crack down on the oversize offenders.

I, and quite a few of my playing partners, have taken the same tennis bags on four different airlines over the last two years. Never been questioned about it.

Just trying to give an example to a concerned traveler and my bag actually takes up much less room than many of the foot lockers I have seen squeeze down the aisle.
It sits upright in the back of the overhead space and bags can be placed in front of it (4 inched wide). It is the only bag I take on board.

In response to my own question, I took Kim's advice and followed it to the letter - went through the security precheck line (ended up getting wanded because apparently my Pandora bracelet worn on the same wrist as my watch set off the alarm....) and right on in to my gate. The gate agent never even looked at our bags. Personally, I think JB runs a sloppy ship but this time it was in my favor. Otherwise, a great flight and met a delightful man from Morocco traveling to the island for the first time.

Funny thing is, I was concerned about being over by 1.5 inches total dimension and I saw people coming on with full-sized suitcases. Our flight was completely full and the last group of people were really upset with the baggage situation so there is definitely something to be said for paying for those up front seats as the early boarding pretty much gives you the pick of the plane. Both rollaboards went in the overhead and both knapsacks under the seat and we were off! After they finally got all the excess baggage stowed, that is.

And so we're here. And exhausted. The simple fact of traveling used to be such a pleasure but IMHO, not anymore but it's the price we pay to e here, right? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Good deal. It pays to listen to your kids once in a while! Have a drink or two!

Glad you arrived ok! Enjoy!

I thought you were going in April! I guess you could not wait that long! Have a good trip.

Nice...and you nailed the good weather. Winds decreased significantly today and zero precipitation issues.