AirTran Airways A+ Rewards - Noobie help with carry-on

I am new here and hunted around, I am sure that there is probably a thread about this but I couldn't locate it.

What is the prevailing situation with regards to carry-ons. I see that they are cutting down from 55" down to 50" on March 1st, and how strict are they with personal item carry-on sizes.
Any help would be appreciated. We are used to WN bags for free so this is rather new.

GVretiredguy & Wife

I've never had a problem with a standard size roller bag.

Is this because of the new interior configuration?

I have never seen them tell someone a carry on was too big, and some people had ridiculously large carry ons...

I have never seen them tell someone a carry on was too big, and some people had ridiculously large carry ons...

But on the flip-side of that, I've repeatedly seen TA's pull out the tape measure on checked bags. :rolleyes:

Is this because of the new interior configuration?

No, there are many harmonization changes taking effect March 1st in anticipation of SOC. Pet fees increase $6 to $75 match WN, some larger overweight/oversize bag fees drop substantially to match WN.

I should note WNs 737 300 and 500 overhead bins are a bit smaller. (i.e. a standard and very commonly used 22" roller has to be placed in sideways and even with 2 free checked bags they are often full) Their 737-700s are exactly the same as FLs and I assume the new 143 seat config uses the current bins. The 800's sky interior uses something different. I haven't seen dimensions but I'd bet it's somewhere on the net.

And to address the OP's question... yes it's watched pretty closely that one of your two carryons items include a personal item that fits under the seat in front of you versus two that would have to go overhead. Preflight announcements by FAs also ask that you refrain from placing coats and jackets in the bins until all passengers have boarded and then place them on top of the bags.

55" carryon was huge when you consider the standard checked bag limit is just 62"

Thanks for all the great responses and information. With all the other stumbling blocks in travel we certainly don't want to start by arguing about luggage and carry-on sizes. I think we will just adjust the way we pack and avoid the problems.

Again, thanks for the help !!
GVretiredguy

But on the flip-side of that, I've repeatedly seen TA's pull out the tape measure on checked bags. :rolleyes:

Because they charge a TON for oversized/overweight checked bags. If a carry on is too big they would just gate check it.