Hi all,
Im currently looking to buy a carry on sized luggage due to flying often for work. I usually fly Virgin, but I have noticed the bag I am looking at is a standard 55cm but over the official size restriction online (but OK with every other airline). I have never seen anyone being flagged for oversized luggage on Virgin, and was wondering if anyone ever had any issues?
This is the one that I am looking at getting
https://www.bagworld.com.au/shop/detail/samsonite-72-hours-s…
i've never been stopped. even when I had an obviously over size hard case that only just fit in to the overhead compartment.
though just last month in HCM the Air Asia check in staff were going over board with measuring and weighing cabin luggage. I mean seriously - "I'm sorry sir, that carry-on bag is 400grams over weight, you need to check it in and that will be $75"
it was like they were getting a cut of the luggage charge so they were hyper vigilant.
Virgin normally has free checked luggage, on the times they don't want to let you carry on perhaps you could just check in?
Ive got one like that, it's so lite I find it top heavy.
I've had the telescopic handle replaced twice under warranty.
The next one I buy will be a rolling tote, more wider than tall.
Is the quality not very good? The online reviews are very mixed.
The handle came off in my hand the first time, the second time a taxi driver pushed it down and it broke, the wheels are pretty close together and the bag is tall comparatively, when full it often falls forward when upright. I think a rolling tote being wider would have better stability, I would love to know what any pilots on here would recommend for cabin bags?
I spoke to a lady from Sydney luggage repair center recently and she said that because of ever shrinking airline restrictions the new bags focus more on weight, often at the expense of durability.
As someone said above, they usually allow for checked in luggage as courtesy I think? But in terms of checking sizing, I've never seen them actually test anyone. I only ever see Jetstar checking luggage (occasionally).
Personally though I'd suggest 1. Not checking it in front of staff and 2. If your there lateish and they're trying to get people on board asap they probably won't care to check.
Just keep in mind that the size restriction is partly there so it fits in the overhead of the plane, if it doesn't fit and they have to move it I don't know what happens but I can't think its cheap?
I've had no problems using my Samsonsite 72 hour on Virgin Oz, both domestic and international. It fits into the overhead compartment easily.
Also had no problems with mine falling to bits. Mind you it is still new(ish), but it went all the way to the US and back without a hitch. Maybe the secret is to resist the temptation to overfill it! I put the heavier things at the bottom and lighter things at the top. That seems to balance it a bit better for rolling over various surfaces.
Thanks for the information everyone.
I did end up picking up a 50cm from David Jones yesterday for $149 (the 55cm was $164 I believe).
I don't think the extra 5cm (or 4L of space) will make a significant difference anyways.
I did note that the 50cm has 2 wheels built in and is a lot sturdier standing up than the 55cm, which has 4 wheels underneath.
I could easily tip over the 55cm, but not the 50cm (although with 2 wheels the 50cm cannot be dragged upright).
Looking across at reviews, I suspect most people with problems with their cases are 55+cm where moving luggages with significant weight can put stress on the relatively un-sturdy construction.
I do note that DJ's is the same price - although I don't know if that was what you were going to say. Will have a look.