Originally Posted by
mspreh
Tumi has the best record for bags fitting as described, their international carry ons even pass the tests at LHR which is the strictest in my opinion and many others on flyertalk of any airport in the world.
From the Heathrow website:
Size and number of bags
To avoid unnecessary delays, Heathrow operates a two-bag policy at airport security. Only two items of hand baggage may be taken through security control, and they must be no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22in x 18in x 10in). Items larger than this must be checked in as hold luggage – you can check your bag size using the gauges at check-in.
Handbags and laptop bags count as a piece of hand baggage.
Which is 50 linear inches. UA only allows 45 linear inches, so domestic in this case is more restrictive than LHR.
I agree with the OP that manufacturers can (and should) do a better job of describing the dimensions of their bags if they claim "carryon" status for them. Better yet, they should simply design bags that meet a 45 linear inch requirement (wheels and handles included).