I'm in the market for a new carry-on bag, and have noticed that the 22 X 14 X 9 standard (particularly w/ United) clears the template at Security quite handily, indicating to me that I may be able to squeeze through a few more linear inches of packing space. I'm sure you could get away with another inch or so on the length, but don't know about the width & height.

I've seen quite a few bags at ebags.com that have width dimensions of 16 to 17 inches, and am wondering if any FT'ers have had success carrying on luggage that size.

Thanks!!!!

BBQ

We have one carry-on that is almost 17" wide. It fits fine in most overheads, but it is an effort to get it into the overhead on a 737.

If you are in the market for a carry on consider Tumi. I find Tumi is the most durable luggage although a little pricey. Well worth the price though...

It comes down to two. Tumi and Briggs & Riley. I chose B&R for the warranty. Theirs is the only one that is lifetime and covers any and all damage, including by the airline.

Only risk I see in buying a larger bag is that the TSA will install sizer boxes based on the 22 x 14 x 9 standard and deny any bags larger than that.

I've had to argue with screeners lately who think my briefcase (personal item) is too large. It's less than the 37 total linear inches AA says is OK for a personal item.

That possibility of checkpoint sizer boxes doesn't seem any more farfetched than a rule prohibiting standing within 30 minutes of takeoff or landing. Anything for additional security, you know.

Never mind, maybe. Here is a story running in today's Knight-Ridder papers claiming that the TSA wants the checkpoint templates removed:

www.miami.com/mld/miami/business/3177411.htm

So the bigger bag might be ok after all. Just make sure it fits in the overhead bin. Of course, the TSA doesn't say what they might have up their sleeve.

If I were to err in one of the dimenissions, it would be the 22 inches, as that isn't sized in the sizers. There are plenty of bags out there that fir the 14 x 9 x 22 sizes, you don't have to push it size wize. If you think you need more space, get one you can expand another three inches or so.

Two things to keep in mind - Make sure when looking at sizes it's external not internal dimenissions, many manfgs are pushing bags that are a bit oversized by giving their inside dimenissions. Second, if you buy Tumi at one of their outlets, they don't have any warantee what so ever on their seconds, only their first quality top priced items. It may not be a concern, but it's not something they go out of their way to tell you.

A *little* pricey?? Every now and then, I think about getting a roll on bag like every other Tom, Dick and, Harry. Then I go shopping and go into sticker schock. I think I'll stick to my cheap Eddie Bauer duffle bag. Never a problem getting it into an aoverhead bin.

I only fly 25 or so trips per year, so its very difficult to justify expensive luggage that I wouldn't use very much.