Originally Posted by
PAL62V
I have floated this question over at the BA forum, but I will ask here as well.
I have a trip coming up where BA handle the flights to/from USA, but there are a couple of AA domestic legs (two connectng flights to enable me to get where I need to be - SJC-DFW-YYZ). Given all the current problems at airports both in the UK and the USA, I am considering doing the whole trip with a large carry-on plus a small backpack.
My carry-on bag is the largest 'legal' size for BA, however at 56 x 45 x 25cm (22 x 18 x 10in) it is larger than AA's allowance. Straight up, what is the likelihood of being told I must check it in or is there some flexibility in AA's policy when it comes to international pax? As a side point, the domestic leg is not immediately on arrival or departure from the US. It is in the middle of a two week trip.
Also, both legs are a 737 and I am flying in MCE if that makes a difference?
It's totally up to the gate agent.
If they ask you to gate check a bag that is too big you may also be charged $30. I'm not sure how strict they are about this but I saw it happen to someone on my last flight. I'm not sure if the guy missed the bag drop cutoff or if he was just trying to avoid the checked bag fee but he brought his bag through security and then tried to gate check it. The GA said "that's not a carry-on so there's a $30 charge". He didn't seem too happy but he paid it.