Thanks for the advice, sadiqhassan (and thanks for the compliment, Sunnyhere!) -- to clairfy, I am flying on NW to DXB and picking up an EK flight a couple of days later. 2 carry-on sized suitcases is simply not going to cut it, given what I need to take there (and hope to bring back!)

So I'm thinking that I still don't qualify for US baggage allowances, but I'll take my chances with the 62" size suitcases and hope to be as lucky as you, or be prepared to pay the $25 oversize (and if anyone can confirm that this is the case, I'd appreciate it) fee.

Thanks for the tip re: scales to weigh carry-ons -- I guess I'll have to figure out how to make my laptop look like a hat before I go!

One last and stupid question that I can't find answered on the EK website -- can I lock my checked luggage or not?

Thanks much (again!)