So I live in Japan and always fly Delta for my trips to and from the U.S. However, for the first time, I bought tickets from ANA for my return trip- MSP to ORD to NRT because it was significantly cheaper.

I have always brought a purse and a carry-on that fits size restrictions. In my carry-on, I tend to put my laptop, my Wacom pen tablet, my DSLR and a number of books, since I have a large collection in the US and can't afford to ship them to Japan. therefore I've been taking them over in stages.

I have never been required to weigh my checked baggage in the past, but although I've carried some heavy carry-ons, I've never need help loading them, and I've always waited until most passengers have gotten off the plane until I take it down from the overhead.

Anyway, imagine my shock to stumble across the ANA policy of 22lbs between ALL carry items. Since the airline can't insure my electronics, that means my laptop and Wacom tablet alone are going to knock off half of my allowance at about 10lbs combined.

So here's my question- anybody have experience with ANA that can tell me how strict this policy is? I hate the fact that if my carry-on gets tagged, it looks like I'll be required to pay 100USD for an additional checked bag, since my previously checked bag will have already been processed at that point and I can't just transfer the heavier items to my checked suitcase for the 40USD fee of overweight baggage...