Luggage Size Question
Jul 20, 2015, 10:07 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Alabama
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Luggage Size Question
I'm flying out of Chicago soon to Berlin for our honeymoon on air berlin. We're flying AA to Chicago to catch that flight.
My wife would like to use a 29" Samsonite spinner. I fear it will be mighty close to the required 62". How strict are they if its a few inches over?
My wife would like to use a 29" Samsonite spinner. I fear it will be mighty close to the required 62". How strict are they if its a few inches over?
Jul 20, 2015, 10:45 am
#2
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: US
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 1,753
It depends on the bag, the station, and sometimes the behavior of the customer.
For example, MIA is becoming extremely strict with regard to overweight/oversize bags (51 pounds is no longer acceptable), but the agents usually only pull out the measuring tape for boxes or oddly-shaped bags. For an otherwise normal looking suitcase, I don't think you'll have a problem at ORD, but your mileage may vary.
For example, MIA is becoming extremely strict with regard to overweight/oversize bags (51 pounds is no longer acceptable), but the agents usually only pull out the measuring tape for boxes or oddly-shaped bags. For an otherwise normal looking suitcase, I don't think you'll have a problem at ORD, but your mileage may vary.
Jul 20, 2015, 10:46 am
#3
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: DFW
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Posts: 1,112
I think you'll just need to worry about weight - they check every bag. For size, I'm sure if it's close, they won't bat an eye.
I've been in the check-in line behind the Brazil flights which are notorious for massive luggage and never seen an agent measure.
But if I were you, I'd try to get her to size down to something more manageable. No person in history has ever been happy lugging massive luggage through Europe. It makes public transit a laughable experience and is likely to make your new-bride miserable. Or you'll be miserable when she can't handle it around cobble-stone roads and up stairs.
I've been in the check-in line behind the Brazil flights which are notorious for massive luggage and never seen an agent measure.
But if I were you, I'd try to get her to size down to something more manageable. No person in history has ever been happy lugging massive luggage through Europe. It makes public transit a laughable experience and is likely to make your new-bride miserable. Or you'll be miserable when she can't handle it around cobble-stone roads and up stairs.
Jul 20, 2015, 10:52 am
#4
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Location: Alabama
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Would a 25" checked bag with a medium carry on duffel be more manageable?
Jul 20, 2015, 10:59 am
#5
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If you are going for under 2 weeks, stick to carry-on. It just takes discipline. Self-sufficiency will make your trip so much more pleasant in a million different ways.
Jul 20, 2015, 12:07 pm
#6
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Going for 15 days.
Jul 20, 2015, 2:27 pm
#7
Join Date: Oct 2011
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Smaller checked bag, plus carry-on isn't a bad idea. Imagine when the airline loses the checked bag and plan accordingly.
A duffel bag plus backpack is also a good idea. The more you can get on your body, rather than having to roll, the better. Now, if you're being met by a car service and going straight to a hotel, then take whatever you want. If you're going to be on the move - think about how you'll actually be on the move.
I can typically go 2-3 weeks in a carry-on (like the Red Oxx Sky Train) and just do laundry / have it done 2-3 times. Would rather be light and nimble and repeat an outfit, rather than carry the kitchen sink.
A duffel bag plus backpack is also a good idea. The more you can get on your body, rather than having to roll, the better. Now, if you're being met by a car service and going straight to a hotel, then take whatever you want. If you're going to be on the move - think about how you'll actually be on the move.
I can typically go 2-3 weeks in a carry-on (like the Red Oxx Sky Train) and just do laundry / have it done 2-3 times. Would rather be light and nimble and repeat an outfit, rather than carry the kitchen sink.
Jul 20, 2015, 3:52 pm
#8
Join Date: Dec 2009
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I don't recommend such a large spinner case in Europe. They don't seem to work well on anything except a smooth, flat surface such as an airline concourse. Any irregularity in the surface catches the wheels and they tip over.
Trying to use such a suitcase on the journey I just made from Amsterdam airport to central city hotel: Airport to train (steps into train), then train outside to tram, then tram and across the block-paved streets to my hotel - that would be such a pain the posterior. I regularly see tourists from far away struggling with their large spinner cases here. Berlin's streets are not much more level.
Check a smaller bag, like a 23" to 25" or so, preferably not a spinner but with two large wheels, and keep the weight to under 23kg. You'll want to bring home some souvenirs. Air Berlin are an overgrown budget airline, so don't expect any mercy for overweight bags.
Meanwhile, for carryon, Air Berlin limit is 8-10kg so those who think they can carry on the kitchen sink and complete global expedition gear will be disappointed. Note particularly that passengers without OneWorld status and on a cheaper ticket are limited to one item.
Trying to use such a suitcase on the journey I just made from Amsterdam airport to central city hotel: Airport to train (steps into train), then train outside to tram, then tram and across the block-paved streets to my hotel - that would be such a pain the posterior. I regularly see tourists from far away struggling with their large spinner cases here. Berlin's streets are not much more level.
Check a smaller bag, like a 23" to 25" or so, preferably not a spinner but with two large wheels, and keep the weight to under 23kg. You'll want to bring home some souvenirs. Air Berlin are an overgrown budget airline, so don't expect any mercy for overweight bags.
Meanwhile, for carryon, Air Berlin limit is 8-10kg so those who think they can carry on the kitchen sink and complete global expedition gear will be disappointed. Note particularly that passengers without OneWorld status and on a cheaper ticket are limited to one item.
Jul 21, 2015, 7:25 am
#9
Join Date: Aug 2010
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Posts: 1,659
Let her take whatever bags she wants that are allowed by the airline and use taxis to and from the airport. You can use public transport for all your sightseeing. My 2 cents,
Jul 21, 2015, 9:59 am
#10
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: OKC
Programs: IHG Spire, National Exec, AA Plat
Posts: 2,274
These are all good points. If you are going to be moving around alot, pack smaller. If you're just going from airport to hotel and back to airport, you could pack heavier if needed. The point above about uneven sidewalks is huge in Europe - factor that into the mix.
How many times I would have to be moving the luggage would impact my choice here the most.
As a benchmark, I am going to Ireland in November/December. I'll probably take my 26" spinner, because the only places I have to move it are from the DUB airport to the train station, on the train, to the hotel in Galway, and then back. On previous trips where I have moved every 2-3 days for 2 weeks, packing lighter was a better choice.
How many times I would have to be moving the luggage would impact my choice here the most.
As a benchmark, I am going to Ireland in November/December. I'll probably take my 26" spinner, because the only places I have to move it are from the DUB airport to the train station, on the train, to the hotel in Galway, and then back. On previous trips where I have moved every 2-3 days for 2 weeks, packing lighter was a better choice.
Jul 21, 2015, 11:29 am
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Alabama
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Gold, Sixt Platinum
Posts: 190
I don't recommend such a large spinner case in Europe. They don't seem to work well on anything except a smooth, flat surface such as an airline concourse. Any irregularity in the surface catches the wheels and they tip over.
Trying to use such a suitcase on the journey I just made from Amsterdam airport to central city hotel: Airport to train (steps into train), then train outside to tram, then tram and across the block-paved streets to my hotel - that would be such a pain the posterior. I regularly see tourists from far away struggling with their large spinner cases here. Berlin's streets are not much more level.
Check a smaller bag, like a 23" to 25" or so, preferably not a spinner but with two large wheels, and keep the weight to under 23kg. You'll want to bring home some souvenirs. Air Berlin are an overgrown budget airline, so don't expect any mercy for overweight bags.
Meanwhile, for carryon, Air Berlin limit is 8-10kg so those who think they can carry on the kitchen sink and complete global expedition gear will be disappointed. Note particularly that passengers without OneWorld status and on a cheaper ticket are limited to one item.
Trying to use such a suitcase on the journey I just made from Amsterdam airport to central city hotel: Airport to train (steps into train), then train outside to tram, then tram and across the block-paved streets to my hotel - that would be such a pain the posterior. I regularly see tourists from far away struggling with their large spinner cases here. Berlin's streets are not much more level.
Check a smaller bag, like a 23" to 25" or so, preferably not a spinner but with two large wheels, and keep the weight to under 23kg. You'll want to bring home some souvenirs. Air Berlin are an overgrown budget airline, so don't expect any mercy for overweight bags.
Meanwhile, for carryon, Air Berlin limit is 8-10kg so those who think they can carry on the kitchen sink and complete global expedition gear will be disappointed. Note particularly that passengers without OneWorld status and on a cheaper ticket are limited to one item.