Originally Posted by
yamanote8
Generally never had an issue with an extra duty-free bag or two, particularly out of TYO where pretty much every passenger will have done some shopping at duty free.
Though once at ORD I encountered a real stickler for the rules who insisted my girlfriend take off her tiny shoulder purse (one that can barely hold a cell phone...) and jam it into her tote bag before being allowed into the group 1 holding pen. Good thing she did too since it was real tight on space on board - we were the only two pax in F.
Wow and in F too?! I feel like a rollerboard + backpack and small crossbody is reasonable especially in F and J but what do I know.
In any case, I boarded successfully with the 35L backpack, large Tumi “just in case” tote and my cross body purse, and no one even batted an eyelash. A few folks had arms full of shopping bags but tbh most people didn’t have a ton of carry on so I was initially very nervous.
Next challenge - getting home on the LIRR - subway without tripping, falling and smashing the ceramics 😂
Thanks everyone!