Purley

I am wondering if anyone has flown Air Canada recently and if so, are they really fussy about the size of carry-ons? I have always taken a bag as my second piece of luggage, but according to the AC site, the second piece now has to be 13x17x6 inches (they show a picture of a laptop bag) and my bag is probably 15 x 13 x 12. So its much wider. Also, my granddaughter wants to take a duffle bag that is certainly longer than the size they say.

In the past, when I had my two pieces of luggage. Leaving Heathrow, coming back, other people had two pieces of luggage and carrier bags with duty free and one guy even had a hockey bag and nobody said anything.

However, I prefer not to check a bag on the way over at least. I am not taking every item of clothing that I own (can't say that for my granddaughter!) because we can do laundry at my sister's.

Anybody got any recent experience?

Auld Yin

So much depends on the check-in person and how busy is the flight. I have seen people with marginally larger bags being forced to check in the piece and others with obviously larger pieces, being allowed to carry-on.

Purley

Thanks -- I kind of suspected that was the case!! I like to carry on everything I take with me -- that way when you get to your destination, you are guaranteed that all your luggage has arrived at the same destination!

Auld Yin

The bag you have described is virtually twice the size of what's officially allowed. I would doubt that would escape detection but it's worth a chance. The worst that can happen is you're refused and you're obliged to check it in. If your granddaughter's duffle bag is noticeably longer you may also experience difficulty. A couple of inches may not be noticed, but longer ????? Remember the check-in people do this all the time and can probably spot oversized luggage very easily.

Aviator

It is much tighter now than it used to be. Even if you get through with it in one direction, no guarantee you'll get it through on the return. Best bet, make sure you are within limits or prepared for checking your bags in.

Part of the reason is the amount and sizes of carry on people would take was ridiculous and caused some safety concerns. Get into some bumpy air and a whole pile of baggage drops on your head, guess who gets the blame, not the passenger who put it there. With cabin space being restricted loose articles have to be stowed under the seat or in the overhead during critical stages of the flight. There is only so much that will fit.

Aviator

If it does not fit into the bag checker, then likely it won't get through. That's why its there. I have seen people jumping on their bags to get them in, then not being able to get them out again!

Auld Yin

I would have loved to have seen that. I really don't have too much time for those who don't choose to live by society's rules.

Cookie

Remember if you are only taking over hand luggage, then you are not allowed to carry over 100ml of gel, liquid or aerosols - these items have to checked in. Likewise, gas-operated heated hair stylers.

Purley

Thanks. I am trying to discourage my granddaughter from checking a bag. Its quicker if we don't have to contend with the baggage carousels at Heathrow. If we have to check a bag coming back, that will be fine because we are coming through Calgary and that's not nearly so busy.

startwin

It's no big deal checking a bag, just takes a few minutes longer, and you have to wait in line at customs anyway. They have really clamped down on the size of carry-ons in the past year or so. About time too.

DaveLovesDee

Have you thought of sending a bag via parcel post or UPS/FedEx? You have the advantage of being able to track it';s delivery as well.

Purley

I don't think we will actually need to check a bag going over there. Of course my granddaughter wants to buy a load of stuff while she is there - I don't think she realizes how expensive things are. I usually buy a tea towel for a couple of my friends - those scenic ones - just for a memento. Clothes I find are super expensive - but she will discover this when she gets there.

ann m

Can any teenager seriously go on a one or two week holiday to the UK without checking in a suitcase? Seriously? Now that is travelling light!!

I could barely get stuff in a carry-on for a weekend away to Edmonton!

Butch Cassidy

two sides to that one.

Yes you POSSIBLY cant get clothes as cheap over there BUT if we compare 'designer' labels WAY cheaper in the UK. (Here I'm talking Ted Baker, Paul Smith, YSL, D&G etc).

Also lets be serious you buy style in the UK, you (tend to) buy for function in Canada

Flossie and Jim

Last time we dropped our folks off at Calgary Airport (January), the check-in dragons were making every single person put their hand luggage bag in the little hand-luggage bag size checker thingy and then they were putting a tag on the bag if it fit ok to show it was cleared for the cabin.

You may get them on a day like that or they may not be there when you go...its a 50-50 thing!

Good luck
Flossie