This is a perfect time to retell one of my favorite moments flying EK. This was several years ago (I think maybe 6-7) and I was flying EK. I had a lot of bulky fragile items so I got a copy of EK's carry on size rules and bought a carry on that (just) fit the dimensions.

At check-in everything was fine but at the gate the agent was like 'sir, your bag is too big.'

I was praying she would say that because I was so well prepared to argue. I started "au contraire... here are your size requirements and here..." but she cut me off and said ok fine. I was so upset, I had a measuring tape, the label of bag showing its dimensions and a copy of the rules all ready to show her.