iahphx

I've got my first flight ever on GOL coming up. I checked their carry-on bag restrictions. They seem "normal" to me, albeit a little imprecise:
In addition, they say the maximum size of the carry-on is 16 x 10 x 22 in. There are no measurements given for the additional "personal item."

So, in the real world, is there any "strict" enforcement of these rules? I have a regular USA-sized carry-on that I'm pretty sure would fit inside a sizer with those dimensions. I also think it wouldn't weigh more than 22 lbs. I'm more concerned about the imprecise "personal item" rule. On foreign trips, I like to travel with a relatively small backpack where I put my small laptop and a few books and papers, and maybe a small snack or two. Is that likely to get me hassled, or is the "personal item" interpretation similar to that used in the USA? In other words, do they carefully check carry-ons, or is it pretty chill?

Thanks!

macdonaldj2

I've never been questioned, but I always try and book an exit row seat which gives me priority boarding anyway.

lmsalman

I flew Gol twice in July, neither flight did they check the size or weight. Keep in mind I was connecting either from or two an international connection so perhaps they're a little more flexible in that situation.

RafKa

Very lax... Having just lobbied the govt to remove the legal requirement for free checked luggage allowance, It’s not in their interest to start cracking down on carry-on to the point where passenger uproar might get the law reversed.

Yesterday at pre boarding they were offering to check any hand baggage for free (which everyone of course ignored, as a way of protesting the recent changes).

iahphx

I didn't see them hassle anyone on my flight, either -- although they did have a sizer box near the gate. I noticed that Brazilians had fewer carry-ons than Chileans. In Chile, I saw huge non-complaint bags. In Brazil, pax seemed to be playing it straight.