How strict are airlines with checked baggage?

[Azbubu]

Edit : Title fail, it should be cabin baggage not checked baggage.

I travel frequently but only ever with a backpack. Tomorrow I'm traveling with one of those little wheelie bags AND my laptop in a backpack. The tickets states only one bag is allowed on board. Do you think they'd be so strict to make me only take the laptop backpack on the plane and have to check-in the little wheelie bag?

 

[Totempole]

I'm pretty sure your backpack would constitute hand luggage which you carry with you,
and your wheelie bag would be your actual luggage, which will be kept elsewhere.

And yes, Airlines are pretty darn strict and don't make exceptions, they have to be this
day in age.

 

[Azbubu]

I'm pretty sure your backpack would constitute hand luggage which you carry with you,
and your wheelie bag would be your actual luggage, which will be kept elsewhere.

And yes, Airlines are pretty darn strict and don't make exceptions, they have to be this
day in age.

My wheelie bag is really small. About the size of a backpack too. That's why I'm wondering if they can both be considered hand baggage instead of having to check in something that small. It doesn't even weigh more than 5 KG.

 

[Totempole]

I guess all you can do is ask them, perhaps they'll make an exception.
Stranger things have happened.

 

[mjkelly]

If it's not a budget airline, they should allow one hand luggage bag and one laptop bag. Although for woman handbags would count as one bag. I always travel with 2 bags, my girlfriend always puts her handbag inside her one hand luggage bag, and then takes a laptop bag. But then we always fly BA, they dont even have a weight limit on their hand luggage bags. As long as you can lift it by yourself into the overhead compartment.

 

[Mila]

because the scratch in everything and take your things, 1time allows you with your wheelie bag. Once you get to the door of the plane they tag it and put it in the nose of the plane. Which is brilliant. When you get off the bags is waiting for you at the door.

 

[I.am.Sam]

they fine with 2 bags just keep the one on your back ...i never had an issue with a backpack and handluggage bag long as its not huge

 

[Venomous]

I don't really have much experience on local flights....

Flying internationally - I have been allowed my hand luggage & my laptop bag as hand luggage. I also know other people that travel often for a 2 to 3 nights stays to other countries(business reasons) that take a really small case & their laptop & are allowed both in the plane. It often saves them time as they don't have to collect a bag from the baggage area.

 

[AvOk]

Not much experience on local flights either but on international they have always been flexible. Emirates, Etihad, SAA etc. I have more than once had a laptop bag, camera bag and a small bag similar to what you have described.

I was even asked (I think it was Emirates) if I would rather take my small clothes bag with me as hand luggage rather than checking it in. So I think it depends on the airline and the staff at check-in.

 

[AvatarS]

Domestic flights - you can take the following:
- 1 bag of the dimensions specified on their websites
- 1 laptop bag
- 1 handbag (assume this is only if you're a woman, but feel free to test it)

They may ask to take the bag from you if the flight's full or if they think it's too big (it then goes into cargo, and you get it as you leave the plane or next to the carousel or next to the luggage office). If you're within regulation sizes and there is space for your bag and you would prefer to keep it with you, feel free to tell them no thanks.

 

[The_Ogre]

they fine with 2 bags just keep the one on your back ...i never had an issue with a backpack and handluggage bag long as its not huge

Same here, never had a problem (both SAA and Mango - the only airlines I've flown in the last two years)

 

[Just_Ice]

I regularly fly locally on Mango, and I have never had a problem taking my laptop bag as well as a backpack on board.
I dont think they have much issue with you taking your laptop in addition to a small backpack on board with you.

 

[ponder]

I always took both into the cabin.

 

[Azbubu]

Thanks guys. I'm flying with Emirates.

Cabin Baggage Allowances
Generally, the amount of cabin baggage you may bring depends on which service class you are flying.
First Class and Business Class customers are permitted two pieces of carry-on baggage: one briefcase plus either one handbag or one garment bag. The briefcase may not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm); the handbag may not exceed 22 x 15 x 8 inches (55 x 38 x 20 cm); the garment bag can be no more than 8 inches (20 cm) thick when folded. The total combined weight of both pieces may not be more than 26 lb (12 kg).
Economy Class customers are permitted one piece of carry-on baggage that may not exceed 22 x 15 x 8 inches (55 x 38 x 20 cm) and must weigh no more than 15 lb (7 kg).

Unfortuantely I'm economy class but I don't think they'll have issue though unless someone is in a foul mood. Will let you know later.

Edit : they allowed me with a backpack, little luggage bag and another little satchel

I'm out, Seeya guys

 

[zippy]

I hate lugging cabin luggage around. Especially international flights. I prefer to have everything in the hold. The only stuff on me is my iPad(preloaded with whatever I want to read), iPhone, a bottle of water, wallet and travel docs. If thieves want to nick my luggage in the hold, that's fine, I have no fashion sense and my clothes are never newer than 4 years anyway they will be doing me favor

 

[mjkelly]

I agree, especially on long-haul international flights. If I didn't have to carry my laptop bag with me, I would have almost nothing. Although I now always carry my trusty sleeping tablets!

 

[I.am.Sam]

I hate lugging cabin luggage around. Especially international flights. I prefer to have everything in the hold. The only stuff on me is my iPad(preloaded with whatever I want to read), iPhone, a bottle of water, wallet and travel docs. If thieves want to nick my luggage in the hold, that's fine, I have no fashion sense and my clothes are never newer than 4 years anyway they will be doing me favor

yeah but being clean with a a new set of clean clothes on is better and if the thieves steal from you , then you need to cough up and buy new ones

 

[Billy]

My wheelie bag is really small. About the size of a backpack too. That's why I'm wondering if they can both be considered hand baggage instead of having to check in something that small. It doesn't even weigh more than 5 KG.

So you intend to take up more than your allocated space in the overhead lockers.

In my experience the airlines are not strict enough. I have on many occasions had to sit through a flight with my "legal" bag under my feet because inconsiderate people had filled the overheads with multiple carry on bags.

Be considerate, check your bag.

 

[Venomous]

So you intend to take up more than your allocated space in the overhead lockers.

In my experience the airlines are not strict enough. I have on many occasions had to sit through a flight with my "legal" bag under my feet because inconsiderate people had filled the overheads with multiple carry on bags.

Be considerate, check your bag.

What I have often found is that people that sit further back place their carry bags in the hold near the doors as they then don't have to carry them when getting out the plane. Well not until the last minute.

 

[noxibox]

The backpack I use is larger than the specified dimensions, but it fits perfectly in the overhead compartments because it's the right shape.

So you intend to take up more than your allocated space in the overhead lockers.

In my experience the airlines are not strict enough. I have on many occasions had to sit through a flight with my "legal" bag under my feet because inconsiderate people had filled the overheads with multiple carry on bags.

Most of the time there is plenty of space. Even on packed flights. Can't always put it in a compartment right over your own seat though. But that's no big deal.