Rucksack as hand luggage

Old Aug 12, 23, 5:22 am
  #1  
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Rucksack as hand luggage

I’ve always had my rucksack wrapped in plastic and checked it in. On my last trip through T5 I saw a couple with rucksacks who were intending to take them as hand luggage.
The frame of my rucksack (65litre) is 1cm longer and 1cm wider than the BA limits. However the website says “A larger bag is allowed in the cabin, subject to available space.”
We will be flying Business class to Salzburg, early morning, mid-week.
Are we likely to be allowed our rucksacks on board? (I would not want them to go in the hold without being wrapped)
Thsnks for responses!
muscat is offline  
Old Aug 12, 23, 5:38 am
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I think so yes .
dnajockey is offline  
Old Aug 12, 23, 8:13 am
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Would agree you will be allowed.

I sometimes travel with a bag that is exactly on the size limits and have never had any issue, it's never been "targeted" - presumably it is squishable to a small degree so it will fit into the overheads no problem.
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Old Aug 13, 23, 4:31 am
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You should be fine in Business as there is typically enough space. You would have more of a problem in Economy.

Whenever the crew have been trying to get people at the gate to check-in larger bags, a flash of a boarding pass saying "Group 1" is usually sufficient to move them on to someone else.
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Old Aug 13, 23, 4:44 am
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A 65L rucksack seems quite large. Are you sure it’s within the dimensions? I suspect you would have to stow this sideways in the overhead bins.
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Old Aug 13, 23, 4:45 am
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I agree you will probably be ok. I’m just saying this now though to manage expectations: you might not be! As the website also says
  • “It may need to go in the hold”

So, it’s your risk if the gate agent or crew do decide it needs to be checked in.
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Old Aug 13, 23, 4:47 am
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The official dimensions suggest a baggage size of 61.9 litres so yes you are a bit over, but if the rucksack isn't full then you could be under. The problem really are bags which are both over and have rigids sizes such that they take a disproportionate amount of overhead space and can't go under the seat in front. Squidgy bags are much better in that respect.
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Old Aug 13, 23, 4:48 am
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Originally Posted by KARFA
A 65L rucksack seems quite large. Are you sure it’s within the dimensions? I suspect you would have to stow this sideways in the overhead bins.
I read the OP as saying it is ‘slightly oversized’ - 1cm x 1cm. Hence my health warning!
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Old Aug 13, 23, 4:57 am
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Originally Posted by IAMORGAN
I read the OP as saying it is ‘slightly oversized’ - 1cm x 1cm. Hence my health warning!
Yes, but equally I am very familiar with how big a 65L rucksack is, and it doesn’t immediately strike me as being within size. I know we always say gate agents pick on roller bags and tend to ignore backpacks, but a 65L rucksack will stick out like a sore thumb. Briggs and Riley cargo backpack it ain’t
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Old Aug 13, 23, 5:02 am
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Could you make it look smaller by having a second piece - maybe take the 'brain' off? Think you'll be fine in business either way.
zarp is offline  

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