So I am taking my first flight ever this coming Sunday for business and not really all that nervous about the whole flight situation, just the matter of passing security and the likes. I will be flying with U.S. Airways within the United States and have looked on their website to see what they offered. Well, to avoid paying for a baggage fee, I would like to keep it as a carry-on and the personal item.

For their carry on, it can be (14x9x22in or 45in) and they say that a Personal item can be a purse/briefcase/laptop bag.

My current situation. I have a dufflebag which is about 14x12x22. The only thing that I am getting stuck on is the height by 3 inches. For what I am taking, it is just clothes for 5-6 days, and deodorant/shampoo/bodywash/toothpaste (all under the 3oz limit). So I may be able to squash it down, however as this is my first time flying... I do not know how they do the whole measuring thing. I don't want to get up there with a squashed up bag, and them stretch it out to where it isn't smashed and say that I am missing out and need to go pay for it. So is if I were to be able to make it fit, how strict would they be about the measurements thing?

As well, the website doesn't say exactly how big of a laptop bag is as a personal item. I have two backpack options that were Laptop backpacks basically. Just wondering what the limit for that is. I would like to fit my laptop/charger/notebook in it is really all.

So, I guess for the "Too long didn't read" portion. How strict are they when it comes to the carryon/personal item size.

Welcome to this great community!
To be quite honest, as long as the duffle isn't packed super full. You should be fine.
If it is, just move some stuff to the personal bag.

It's not like they'll sit there with a tape measure and measure out your bags.
Just hope you have early boarding and are able to get a overhead space (if it's a packed flight)

Once again. Welcome to FT!

Yeah, I just tested it with ideally what I should be taking. The duffle scrunched down (height wise) is roughly 9 inches. If they like stretch it out and make it look packed, it is like 12 inches high. Didn't know how strict things get, but it is good to know that I won't have to go out and buy a new travel bag.

Then I have a backpack like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Wenger-GA-7305...RGY+GA-7305-14

The other option I have is smaller than that. These are about the only concerns I have is not looking like a fool who has to leave the line and go pay. Trying to avoid that haha.

Thanks for the input!

You'll be more than fine! Don't stress. ^
I use a backpack for holding a spare pair of clothes (just in case)/laptop etc and it lays under the seat just fine with plenty of room.

Have a fun and safe first flight! Hope you got a window seat!

As others have said, you'll be fine.

The main purpose of the size limit is to make sure the bag(s) will fit in the overhead compartment. So if the bag and contents are squashable and the duffle complies when it's squashed, it will fit the overhead = all good.

Many airports have a "sizer" at check-in and/or at the gate, which is a metal box with a base and four sides corresponding to the size limits; if your bag fits into it (possibly with squashing), it's fine. I don't fly in the US but in my experience elsewhere these are rarely used - they're available if there's a debate about whether a bag is too big or not, but they don't make every passenger try their bag with it.

I have flown (in Australia and elsewhere) with a full-size rolling carry-on and a backpack big enough for a full-size laptop. I think the Wenger would be okay, but if you can fit what you need into the smaller backpack, it will be easier to stow on board.

Have a good trip.

Can't add to what has already been said.

Take some time to read through other forums, there is a ton of info for the new traveler, all of which will make your expirience better.

You are signed up with a FF program to recieve credit for this flight, right? You are only 67.5K miles away from a oneway first class ticket to HKG!

Welcome to FT!

Welcome to FT!

I second everything here, you should be fine. Let us know how it goes.

You will be hearing noises you have never heard before.

Be sure to read up on what is allowed through security and
what the protocols are.

Pack light... makes for a more enjoyable trip.

Above all enjoy!

I have a regular rollaboard that's probably a similar size to your bag and have had no problems. I even asked at US' PHX ticket counter once if it was okay to carryon (I had bought it based on Southwest's carryon guidelines). The US agent took a cursory glance at it and said no issues.

One thing I would recommend is to have your toiletries bag, laptop, etc easily accessible so you're not fumbling around at the xray. And also don't put anything in the duffel bag that you wouldn't want to check (keys, medicine, electronics, etc) just in case the overhead bins get full before you board and you have to check it at the gate.

As a flyer with low boarding priority, be prepared for the real possibility that you may have to check the larger bag if there is no more overhead space. Pack accordingly-- keep valuables (electronics/medication) and entertainment/snacks in the bag that fits under the seat in case the bigger bag gets gate checked. Have a super trip!