22" Duffel as Carry-On
Nov 5, 2019, 4:21 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 105
22" Duffel as Carry-On
I bought this 22" duffel bag that I hoped to use as carry on luggage on Delta and other airlines: https://www.macys.com/shop/product/n...fel?ID=6339294
It has the following dimensions: 13"H x 22"W x 12"D
Strictly speaking, it exceeds the 45" total length that Delta allows for the carry-ons (makes the total of 47"). But it can be squeezed to 9" easily (if not full of stuff).
Does anyone have any experience with the duffel bags as carry-ons?
Do they force you to check them in at the gate?
Will they allow this one into the regional aircraft such as CRJ 900?
It has the following dimensions: 13"H x 22"W x 12"D
Strictly speaking, it exceeds the 45" total length that Delta allows for the carry-ons (makes the total of 47"). But it can be squeezed to 9" easily (if not full of stuff).
Does anyone have any experience with the duffel bags as carry-ons?
Do they force you to check them in at the gate?
Will they allow this one into the regional aircraft such as CRJ 900?
Nov 5, 2019, 5:45 pm
#2
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: MDW/Chicago south suburbs
Programs: Delta Skymiles
Posts: 34
On my last trip, I carried a soft-sided backpack of about the same dimensions as your duffel. I didn't encounter any DL employee enforcing bag sizes.
On MDW-DTW, which was a CRJ-type regional jet, I made it to my seat in the rear of the aircraft with my bag, when one of the FA's noticed it wouldn't fit. I was ready to run it back up front to gate-check it once I got my laptop and phone out of it, but thankfully she decided to strap it in an unoccupied seat behind me. Returning home (to avoid a repeat performance) I asked the GA what to do; she said to gate check it.
On DTW-LHR, I was able to stow it under the seat, which was fine because I had the entire row to myself. On the return flight, I stowed it in the overhead bin.
On MDW-DTW, which was a CRJ-type regional jet, I made it to my seat in the rear of the aircraft with my bag, when one of the FA's noticed it wouldn't fit. I was ready to run it back up front to gate-check it once I got my laptop and phone out of it, but thankfully she decided to strap it in an unoccupied seat behind me. Returning home (to avoid a repeat performance) I asked the GA what to do; she said to gate check it.
On DTW-LHR, I was able to stow it under the seat, which was fine because I had the entire row to myself. On the return flight, I stowed it in the overhead bin.
Nov 5, 2019, 5:57 pm
#3
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,413
If they're not solidly packed full and don't have hard frames, duffle bags and back packs tend to squish into smaller spaces, so they fit into the sizer and can be stowed on board. It's similar to the recommended use of soft-sided pet carriers that will fit under seats even if they theoretically are slightly bigger than the allowed dimensions.
Nov 5, 2019, 7:44 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 105
If they're not solidly packed full and don't have hard frames, duffle bags and back packs tend to squish into smaller spaces, so they fit into the sizer and can be stowed on board. It's similar to the recommended use of soft-sided pet carriers that will fit under seats even if they theoretically are slightly bigger than the allowed dimensions.
This person did something amazing that I never thought of - he actually measured one of these sizing boxes to see what type of bag will actually fit in there.
My only concern is that if they see me with this duffel that is 13 inch high they can stop me and force me to red tag it.
Nov 5, 2019, 10:38 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: NYC
Programs: AS MVPG, DL KM, Bee Six, Bonvoy Plat, Avis PC, Natl Exec, Greyhound Road Rewards Z"L
Posts: 16,701
The dimensions are more for guidance. In the end it has to fit into the sizer at the gate. As you said, as long as it can compress a little, it should be perfectly fine on anything larger than a CRJ.
-J.
-J.
Nov 6, 2019, 9:28 am
#9
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: DTW
Programs: Delta SM, ICH PLAT
Posts: 1,188
You already got enough responses, but I'll add that over the years, I've been challenged twice with a backpack and duffel, one time at the gate (An agent walking around the boarding area) and one time actually during boarding. Both times, my bag "didn't fit" until I took out my winter jacket and put it on for a minute until I board.
In terms of the CRJ and MD small planes - Again, if it is not overly filled, your bag can fit under the seat. If it is relatively flat/compressible, you may be able to squeeze it into the overhead compartment. Note that some overhead compartments are bigger, even on the same plane... (The right side was the larger side if I remember correctly)
In terms of the CRJ and MD small planes - Again, if it is not overly filled, your bag can fit under the seat. If it is relatively flat/compressible, you may be able to squeeze it into the overhead compartment. Note that some overhead compartments are bigger, even on the same plane... (The right side was the larger side if I remember correctly)