Quick carry-on question
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: BA Executive Club, AS Airlines Mileage Plan
Posts: 977
Quick carry-on question
Maybe a stupid question but I just want to check.
I will be flying SEA to BOI on a 737 in First next week. I would like to carry on a fragile model airplane kit (for a Wright Flyer, all wood parts) in a nearly flat cardboard box that measures 36” x 4.5” x < 1”. This is longer than the 22” limit for cabin baggage, but well under the 45” limit for combined dimensions. It will easily fit lengthwise in the overhead compartment, on top of whatever else is in there. Is there any reason it won’t be allowed?
I can’t see why it wouldn’t be, but I would hate to lose it. Thanks for your reassurance.
I will be flying SEA to BOI on a 737 in First next week. I would like to carry on a fragile model airplane kit (for a Wright Flyer, all wood parts) in a nearly flat cardboard box that measures 36” x 4.5” x < 1”. This is longer than the 22” limit for cabin baggage, but well under the 45” limit for combined dimensions. It will easily fit lengthwise in the overhead compartment, on top of whatever else is in there. Is there any reason it won’t be allowed?
I can’t see why it wouldn’t be, but I would hate to lose it. Thanks for your reassurance.
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
That will most likely not stop people from breaking it when they try to remove their bags from the overhead and shove them back in.
I would not put anything fragile up there, personally, unless it's not worth much and you are ok with it being broken. Better to ship and insure it.
I would not put anything fragile up there, personally, unless it's not worth much and you are ok with it being broken. Better to ship and insure it.
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SEA (the REAL Washington); occasionally in the other Washington (DCA area)
Programs: DL PM 1.57MM; AS MVPG 100K
Posts: 21,309
window seat in Row 1; place the box on its 1" wide edge, slide it along the sidewall at floor level next to your seat
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 12,550
You may be able to find a poster tube that's large enough diameter to fit it inside for extra protectio. I've carried poster tubes about that size on AS and many other airlines without any issues.
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: BA Executive Club, AS Airlines Mileage Plan
Posts: 977
It is not valuable, other than sentimental value. It is a model airplane kit I bought for my son when he was in his pre-teen airplane craze phase, and very good at making things. But we never found the time to tackle it, and then he outgrew his interest in model airplanes. So now I am taking it to his twin boys who love little projects like this. And he will get a kick out of assisting them. I took the boys to the Boeing Museum of Flight when they were here visiting 2 months ago, and they loved it—-especially the old planes and the replica of the Wright biplane.
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SEA (the REAL Washington); occasionally in the other Washington (DCA area)
Programs: DL PM 1.57MM; AS MVPG 100K
Posts: 21,309
unless the FA is paying a great deal of attention while you’re boarding and getting situated, I’d say you won’t have any issues at all … and your legs will largely be blocking their view of it during the flight anyway
#9
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: PDX, OGG or between the two
Programs: AS 75K
Posts: 2,842
I think technically it shouldn't be next to the seat but I agree the FAs are unlikely to notice. I regularly stash my laptop down there so I can have it sooner than if it's in the overhead. This being said I don't think you'll have a problem with your initial plan of putting in in the overhead bin. You just need to pay close attention and "help" anyone getting in there.
#10
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: San Francisco
Programs: Alaska 75K (RIP VX), Hyatt Globalist, BonVoy Plat, National Exec
Posts: 197
In between to your seat and the window is the best move.
I had no issues with a 36"x24" oil painting, framed with glass, in between 2A and window on SFO-JFK, nice and secure.
For added discretion, if preferred, you can just cover your window armrest with a jacket, and FA won't even know it's there.
Since you're on the 737, there's also the option of the F coat closet.
If you go the overhead bin route, aim for the aisle seat beneath the bin your fragile item is in, so you can politely alert folks if needed when loading/unloading.
Pleasant travels!
I had no issues with a 36"x24" oil painting, framed with glass, in between 2A and window on SFO-JFK, nice and secure.
For added discretion, if preferred, you can just cover your window armrest with a jacket, and FA won't even know it's there.
Since you're on the 737, there's also the option of the F coat closet.
If you go the overhead bin route, aim for the aisle seat beneath the bin your fragile item is in, so you can politely alert folks if needed when loading/unloading.
Pleasant travels!
#11
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,123
All the advice you have gotten is good, just beware that there is a small chance a gate agent will insist on following the rule that limits the length of carry-ons. They can get in trouble with the FAA for not following their carryon rules.
#12
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: The Far, Far North
Programs: Alaskans fly everywhere on any aircraft going there!
Posts: 1,262
And if AS starts doing that there will be a huge number of unhappy fisher folks all summer! I'd ask to put it in the coat closet....I take a cane seat and they are always really lovely about standing it in the closet for me. It's about 30" all together.
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: BA Executive Club, AS Airlines Mileage Plan
Posts: 977
OK, thanks to everyone. Looks like I have good options and can just figure it out when I board. Putting it in the coat closet is not a bad solution—-the flight attendant offered this on our last flight 2 weeks ago, when my husband carried on a 22” x 20” x 3” plywood box that contained a painting we were giving to our daughter. Checking in, I see I have been moved from 1F to 3F, so it may be overhead bin or the coat closet.
I did look at the mailing tube option, but the one we have (4” diameter) won’t hold the model kit.
I did look at the mailing tube option, but the one we have (4” diameter) won’t hold the model kit.