Taking both of these bags as carry-ons?

Question

I have a rolling duffel that's (LxHxW) 20"x 14"x 10" that I'm planning to take as my main carry-on bag. For my personal item, I was thinking of taking a large tote bag that's 24" x 13" x 8". I'm flying Delta Air Lines and I checked their site, but I didn't see anything about the size of a personal item.

Can anyone out there shed some light here?

Answer 1

You can always call your airline to see what their policy is, but many airlines restrict your personal item to no more than 36 lineal inches and your primary carry on to be no more than 45 lineal inches. By most airlines standards, you are over the size limit for carry-on baggage, some airlines are very strict when enforcing the limits, others are not. No offense, but why don't you check one bag in so others who abide by the limits have room to stow their bags in the overhead bins, too. Is it that much trouble to wait an extra 20-30 minutes for your bags to arrive rather than inconvenience others who adhere to the rules?

Answer 2

The definition of a "personal item" is usually described as a purse or laptop.  

Your "secondary" bag is actually bigger than your "primary" bag based on linear inches (44 vs 45 linear inches).  So it sounds like you have two bags that both max out the allowed size of a carry on.

I expect that this is something that is left somewhat to the discretion of the gate attendants.  So you might get away with it if the flight isn't full and the gate attendant is having a good day.  If he/she hasn't had that 3rd cup of coffee yet you could get told to check one of your two bags.

Answer 3

The carry on size limitation was 14 x 20 x 8" as this is the size that will fit under the seat. It also takes up the room for your feet. This has not changed since the aircraft manufacturers started putting in closed up over head storage for bags.

Put your tote bag under the seat, and put the other in overhead storage.

Regards,

Dan