Carry-on baggage for US carriers

[Gareth Forwood]

Hi all,

I'm heading to the US in about 3 weeks and will be taking all my camera equipment. I will be taking several domestic flights during my time there, and was wondering if anyone could shed some light on the Personal Item allowance in the carry-on baggage. Every airline I'm travelling on allows 1 piece of carry-on plus 1 personal item, including laptop bags, camera cases etc. However, the don't define the size limits of such personal items i.e. camera cases can range from slimline P&S up to full backpacks (like mine is).

TSA says (TSA Website (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1248.shtm)):
You may carry one (1) bag of photographic equipment in addition to one (1) carry-on and one (1) personal item through the screening checkpoint. The additional bag must conform to your air carrier's carry-on restrictions for size and weight.

Just wondering if anyone has had any personal experience bringing a large camera bag as a personal item. I will be flying with 7 airlines all up, and don't particularly want to have to contact them all but I may have to do that to be sure. Worst case, I just take it on as my sole carry-on bag as it fits well within the size and weight limits for that.

Thanks all!

[Greg McDonald]

Dunno if this helps or not mate...

http://www.luggagelimits.com/

[Will H]

Hey Gareth,

I've flown with numerous US carriers with my Lowepro CompuTrekker backpack. Aside from a Crumpler, there aren't many bigger camera backpacks out there.

Sometimes I also fly with a smaller messenger bag that I leave at my feet.

Internationally I always fly with both and have never had problems.

US carriers are starting to crack down on excessive carry-ons, but for that they're looking at people with roll-a-boards trying to escape luggage fees ($25). I've seen people board with two full-size roll-a-boards, a roll-a-board and a duffel bag, etc.

A backpack shouldn't cause problems.

I wouldn't worry about weight. I've done hundreds of domestic US flights and never once had my carry-on luggage weighed.

In the very unlikely event they make a fuss, point out the gear is expensive (toss around a figure of five grand?) and say their airline probably doesn't want to be responsible for it. ;)

[Gareth Forwood]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I also emailed Delta and Continental, and their replies were far from helpful - when prompted a bit further Continental said as long as it can fit under the seat in front, it can be brought on as a personal item.

So I'll keep my 2 carry-ons relatively small, I can't see myself needing too much.

And Greg, that site is awesome, turns out I get 2 free checked bags on my HA flight home :D