I've stuffed a lot of extra stuff into the pockets, it was ok.

On international flights I am almost always in C class on UA. I comply with the two item carryon rule but usually have a duty-free bag that is given to me just after tic is taken by GA. I have never been required to reduce the baggage to two bags but I leave room in one of the carryons to accommodate the duty free items should someone demand such action.

Flying from lhr terminal 3, the security checkers are very strict and allow only one bag.

After packing my carry-on suitcase is bulging to about 11" in depth (it's 9 without stuff in it). Everything else is fine (22L X 14W).

I hate to panic, but was wondering if some of you experienced travelers can help me out. Should I check it? Or just hope it passes. Because I've only taken clearly ok stuff on board, I have no idea how strict they'll be.

Btw- If it matters, I'm flying ORD to LAX and will have the same issues on return. Thanks.

Also, the backpack is more than 45 linear inches, but only if I count the length twice (for true linear). But why should I have to do that?

If you're confident it will still fit in the overhead bin, I'd bring it along. You're unlikely to be challenged, especially if you act confident and don't make a big deal about it.

I'm confused, linear inches I thought was length + width + height.

Shoot Continental lets you carry on everything including the kitchen sink. It's a zoo out this way with what get's taken on board.

Any thoughts on the changed landscape in Europe....
They seem overzealous in limiting size of bags and weight as well.
UK is especially ridiculous with weighing machines by the pointless check of your ticket before you go into security.
It appears you need different luggage to not check luggae when flying in Europe - any suggestions?

There has ALWAYS been a weight limit for carry-ons in Europe - as little as 5 kg with some airlines, though more commonly between 8 and 10 kg. And in general it has always been enforced. People have been able to get away with more because enforcement has tended to be by way of spot checks rather than by checking every single bag, but as a regular European traveller I know that my limit is X and that if my bag is more than X I risk having it taken off me... so I make sure I don't go over the limit, or that anything small-but-heavy gets stuffed into my coat pockets.

The reason you now see scales by the security checkpoints is that more and more people check in online, so if they have no baggage to check they don't go anywhere near the check-in desks. This means that the spot checks are now done at the security point.