The hand luggage saga is a continuous battle all over the world. The same piece can be permitted by some, haggled with by another lot and refused by others, regardless of the weight !. An airline sometimes allows it and the next time they try and refuse the same bag on the same aircraft .

Being one of the last to board a full F100 to the UK usually triggers an investigation into your hand luggage. I always try to ensure my PE tag is visible and I still have my (now tatty) 'KLM Approved Hand Luggage' label on, which I use in my 'defence'. Along with the 'I've been all over the world with this, and you're the first person who has tried to take it' line .

Usually works !