We are flying BMI for the first time this Thanksgiving. We'll be flying ORD->MAN->LHR, LHR->MAN->ORD. On the BMI website, it looks like you can only have one carry on if you are in Economy. (Somehow, even with pretty pricey tickets we are still in Economy.) Can you have one personal item (backpack/purse/briefcase) + 1 carry on, or is it just 1 item total?

Also, any suggestions on how early to be at LHR for the return flight (Sunday the 30th)? Finally, any suggestions on likelihood of an upgrade from economy to new economy? Any luck buying an upgrade at LHR or ORD?

Thanks!