Alaska Airlines more generous carry on rules now apply to Virgin America flights (Photo: Boeing)
One of the many nice things about flying on Virgin America over the years has been its generosity when it comes to carry-on bag sizes.
Virgin has been able to do this because its new(ish) Airbus fleet comes with oversized carry-on bins. Its maximum bag dimensions have been 10 x 16 x 24 inches while most major carriers are stingier at 9 x 14 x 22. And as we all know, two inches can make a big difference when it comes to carry-on bags 😉
Sometimes my trusty Briggs & Riley Transcend wheeled carry-on gets a little bulgy, especially in winter, when packing heavier clothing and shoes. When flying Virgin America, I never worry about the baggage police forcing me to check it. But I get really nervous when I try to breeze by wary gate agents when boarding United, Delta or American! (Or most European carriers which are much stricter than US carriers when it comes to carry-ons.)
Advice: How to choose the best carry-on bag
Since I’ve not flown Alaska Airlines very much, I had forgotten that it offers even larger carry-ons— its maximum allowable dimensions are 10 x 17 x 24 inches. And today Alaska announced that its more generous dimensions now apply to Virgin America flights. (Southwest also offers more generous dimensions.)
To me, that’s a nice kiss on the cheek of business travelers from Alaska Air, since one of our most frequently followed “rules of the road” is “Never check a bag!” Right?
How big is your bag? Do you check it? Ever get hassled by the baggage police? Please leave your comments below.
Also, Alaska announced more instances where its rules are replacing Virgin rules: Check in cutoff and boarding times, onboard pet policies and unaccompanied minor travel. For details see the Alaska Airlines blog
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None of which explains to me why I should cede custody of my carry-on bag. The fact that sometimes Delta didn’t lose your bags is hardly persuasive
So yesterday I checked two bags, one of which contains a $40K camera. They declare the plane broken right before boarding. Six hours later another plane is provided. I switched flights three times trying to get to my destination as quick as possible but weather worked against me. At midnight I land in a very remote airport with nothing but a small laptop bag. Bag carousel starts up, within a minute both bags come out! No hassle, no dragging bags around the airport for hours and hours. No Worries! Thanks Delta!
Each passenger makes their own decisions. I think too many flights are delayed while passengers try to deal with bags that should have been checked, not carried on. A couple years ago I saw a woman melt down because her bag would fit in the overhead. She eventually screamed “my bag was not designed to go into an airplane hold!” All of us in First broke out laughing. They took her bag, she took her seat.
If we’re ever on the same flight there’s plenty of room above my seat for carry ons – please use the space!
That’s a reason to check a bag but NOT a reason to carry on nothing!
There are some items that must be declared upon check in and cannot be taken on board. There are other items such as tools that are prohibited. Many passengers pack more than just socks, shirts and pants!
I cannot think of a single reason why somebody “cannot” carry bags on, unless you have a disability that prevents you raising your arms or lifting any kind of weight anyway. Or because you are carrying items that are forbidden on board.
The problem with checking bags is that the delay in getting your bags back varies a lot by airport. I think my worst experience was a wait of about 40 to 50 minutes. That’s intolerable.
Not that I like seeing people with huge bags in the cabin either.
It would be nice if the bin at the bulkhead in First would be the same size at the rest of the bins though. Some plane it is some it is not. This is the one place it needs to work correctly so a carry on will fit.
Wrong. I fly 150,000+ miles a year on Delta and NEVER carry on, always check my bags. It’s been five or six years since the last time they and I didn’t arrive at the same time. I have specific reasons why I cannot carry on…
Keep in mind, however, not all AS planes have the extra bin space. I’ve flown on 737-900s and my luggage still sticks out. Unfortunately, I have to be a jerk and turn the bag. The FA’s have never policed, though.
Road warrior 101: are two kinds of bags, carry on… and lost.
Unless you fly Alaska/Virgin exclusively or have enough cash to purchase multiple pieces of luggage, the larger carry-on size is meaningless. I fly on Alaska/Virgin occasionally, but I fly on other airlines most of the time. I won’t be purchasing new luggage for Alaska/Virgin travel. One set of luggage for my wife and myself is plenty.
I’ve had no problems with my carry-on size because it was purchased with the standards in mind so I wouldn’t have problems. Air travel is hard enough without self inflicting extra problems.