45x35x16 - What a ridiculous set of measurements!
Paxing All Over The World
Glad to be of assistance Jetnoise UK 
As to the X-ray department ... on T1 international there were (if I recall correctly) 5 out of 6 machines running but don't quote me. We had to take laptops out and they went through in a separate tray. Shoes off as well for X-ing.
In the queue for checking bags into the cage, there were folks walking up and down to double check that you had nothing like cosmetics
or hand cream 
but they would allow lip ice, I was told. Less worrying than lip stick? 
All items were collected in bags and removed for ever. (Land fill or Ebay?) My niece returning from Paris had a tube of mascara confiscated.
The one 'smart' that I got away with was ... a set of wheels. My regular cabin bag is a standard 'approved' (how far away those words seem now) with wheels but I knew would not fit. So I got out an old computer bag and the strap-on wheels. The wheels were not ideal and I soon remembered why I was glad to give them up when I (literally) dusted them off.
On approaching The Cage, I slipped the wheels off the bag and folded them under my jacket. When I knelt down to wrestle the bag into the cage, the wheels were not seen. The bag squeezed in (earlier post) and then I picked up my jacket with the wheels inside. Once in the longer queue, I put the wheels inside the bag until through x-ray.
The wheels were not questioned - even though they made the bag outside the new dimensions. Once I had put my shoes back on, wheels on and away!
Oh yes, one last thing that went (accidentally) through the x-ray was a blade. Yes, a good old fashioned blade.
It might be only 4cm long but it can do a heck of a lot more damage than a bottle of hair gel ... 
Once again my favourite quote ...
__________________
"I tell you, we are here on Earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you any different."
Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
As to the X-ray department ... on T1 international there were (if I recall correctly) 5 out of 6 machines running but don't quote me. We had to take laptops out and they went through in a separate tray. Shoes off as well for X-ing.
In the queue for checking bags into the cage, there were folks walking up and down to double check that you had nothing like cosmetics
or hand cream but they would allow lip ice, I was told. Less worrying than lip stick? All items were collected in bags and removed for ever. (Land fill or Ebay?) My niece returning from Paris had a tube of mascara confiscated.The one 'smart' that I got away with was ... a set of wheels. My regular cabin bag is a standard 'approved' (how far away those words seem now) with wheels but I knew would not fit. So I got out an old computer bag and the strap-on wheels. The wheels were not ideal and I soon remembered why I was glad to give them up when I (literally) dusted them off.
On approaching The Cage, I slipped the wheels off the bag and folded them under my jacket. When I knelt down to wrestle the bag into the cage, the wheels were not seen. The bag squeezed in (earlier post) and then I picked up my jacket with the wheels inside. Once in the longer queue, I put the wheels inside the bag until through x-ray.
The wheels were not questioned - even though they made the bag outside the new dimensions. Once I had put my shoes back on, wheels on and away!
Oh yes, one last thing that went (accidentally) through the x-ray was a blade. Yes, a good old fashioned blade.
It might be only 4cm long but it can do a heck of a lot more damage than a bottle of hair gel ... Once again my favourite quote ...
__________________
"I tell you, we are here on Earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you any different."
Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
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Derekl et al,
I emailed DfT (15:24 on 21/08/06) and received a reply (20:04 on 21/08/06) in a reassuringly quick time. Unfortunately the reply (and first my original email) is as follows:
"Dear Sir/Madam,
Before the existing restrictions were put in place, the maximum size of a
bag that could be carried on board was expressed as the sum of its three
dimensions. The new restrictions have only been given in the press and your web site as 45x35x16 cm. Does the same rule apply as before in that a bag is allowed as long as it is less than the sum of 45x35x16 (i.e. less than 96 cm)?
The reason I ask is that my camera bag is 45x36x9 - i.e. shorter in one
dimension (by 6 cm) but slightly larger (by 1 cm) in another and totalling
only 90 cm. I am obviously very reluctant to check in my camera as hold
baggage or replace the bag which was only purchased in May!
As I travel on the 5th September, a quick response would be most
appreciated."
The Reply:
"Thank you for contacting Transec.
The rules for the maximum size of cabin baggage are 45cm by 35cm by 16cm. Unfortunately, we do not allow any deviation from these measurements unless they are smaller.
Yours sincerely"
etc
Oh well, back to "Cunning Plan No. 3"
Jet.
I emailed DfT (15:24 on 21/08/06) and received a reply (20:04 on 21/08/06) in a reassuringly quick time. Unfortunately the reply (and first my original email) is as follows:
"Dear Sir/Madam,
Before the existing restrictions were put in place, the maximum size of a
bag that could be carried on board was expressed as the sum of its three
dimensions. The new restrictions have only been given in the press and your web site as 45x35x16 cm. Does the same rule apply as before in that a bag is allowed as long as it is less than the sum of 45x35x16 (i.e. less than 96 cm)?
The reason I ask is that my camera bag is 45x36x9 - i.e. shorter in one
dimension (by 6 cm) but slightly larger (by 1 cm) in another and totalling
only 90 cm. I am obviously very reluctant to check in my camera as hold
baggage or replace the bag which was only purchased in May!
As I travel on the 5th September, a quick response would be most
appreciated."
The Reply:
"Thank you for contacting Transec.
The rules for the maximum size of cabin baggage are 45cm by 35cm by 16cm. Unfortunately, we do not allow any deviation from these measurements unless they are smaller.
Yours sincerely"
etc
Oh well, back to "Cunning Plan No. 3"
Jet.
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Just thought I would add my experiences to this matter after having just flown MAN-STR-MAN this weekend.
At my check in at MAN, I was told I must check in my (newly aquired) laptop case as it was "definately too big"! However this was only being done by a quick visual inspection by check in staff. Luckily, I had measured it, and did insist it fell within guidelines. Again I was politely told that the new restrictions in place would meen that it would have to go in the hold. At this point I asked if I could put it into the 'size cage' to show it was OK, but they replied saying they didn't have one and I would have to go to security to try it.... which I did... and where it fitted (of course).
Annoying though, for firstly being given wrong info, and then for not having the hardware in place to prove them wrong.
At my check in at MAN, I was told I must check in my (newly aquired) laptop case as it was "definately too big"! However this was only being done by a quick visual inspection by check in staff. Luckily, I had measured it, and did insist it fell within guidelines. Again I was politely told that the new restrictions in place would meen that it would have to go in the hold. At this point I asked if I could put it into the 'size cage' to show it was OK, but they replied saying they didn't have one and I would have to go to security to try it.... which I did... and where it fitted (of course).
Annoying though, for firstly being given wrong info, and then for not having the hardware in place to prove them wrong.
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camera gear
This is still a problme for those of us who want to take camera gear on board.
I don't want to put it in tthe hold in case it is stolen or broken.(The arguemtn that it can be insured is not valid, if this is on the outbound trip , you are stuffed at your destination.) I certianly don't want to put film in the hold as that WILL be ruined by teh stronger x-rays that are used.
The amount of kit I persoanally take will just be outside of these dimensions, and because it is lots of hardware, will atract attention (I''m fine with that - I have no objections to a manual hand search)
I'm not keen on going digital at the moment as it will cost me upwards of £4000 to get the equivalent of what I have today.
I'm flying out to the fareast in November, if I can't take my camera gear as hand luggage, I will have no choice but to cancel teh trip as this is what I'm going out for - photography.BAA do not seem to have taken inot account photographers in these rules whats so ever.
Photography is jsut a hobby for me,but tehre will be professionals who will see this as being even more significant.
I don't want to put it in tthe hold in case it is stolen or broken.(The arguemtn that it can be insured is not valid, if this is on the outbound trip , you are stuffed at your destination.) I certianly don't want to put film in the hold as that WILL be ruined by teh stronger x-rays that are used.
The amount of kit I persoanally take will just be outside of these dimensions, and because it is lots of hardware, will atract attention (I''m fine with that - I have no objections to a manual hand search)
I'm not keen on going digital at the moment as it will cost me upwards of £4000 to get the equivalent of what I have today.
I'm flying out to the fareast in November, if I can't take my camera gear as hand luggage, I will have no choice but to cancel teh trip as this is what I'm going out for - photography.BAA do not seem to have taken inot account photographers in these rules whats so ever.
Photography is jsut a hobby for me,but tehre will be professionals who will see this as being even more significant.
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squeezing ?
Question to recent flyers: are you allowed to squeeze a bag down a bit so it'll fit through these gates ? In other words, if you've got a soft bag that's perhaps a little bit too high (say, 17, 18 cms), but not full inside, are you allowed to squeeze it through ? Do you get to put your bag through the gate yourself or is one of the 'specialists' 
doing this ?
doing this ?
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Originally Posted by 172driver
Question to recent flyers: are you allowed to squeeze a bag down a bit so it'll fit through these gates ? In other words, if you've got a soft bag that's perhaps a little bit too high (say, 17, 18 cms), but not full inside, are you allowed to squeeze it through ? Do you get to put your bag through the gate yourself or is one of the 'specialists' doing this ?
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Spikeair,
Same problem here with camera gear. However, the Lowepro Slingshot 200AW camera bag that I purchased fits the bill (when empty) in all but one dimension and then it is only 1cm over - if I squeeze it, it should fit (I will find out in September when I fly out of Gatwick).
As I understand it, "electrical items" should be removed from the bag and x-rayed seperately. I intend to remove my camera and lenses from my bag for that very purpose immediately before putting the bag in the "size check cage" and then repack once through security. Naturally, I do this only to speed up the security & x-ray process for the benefit of all
Cheers,
Jet.
Same problem here with camera gear. However, the Lowepro Slingshot 200AW camera bag that I purchased fits the bill (when empty) in all but one dimension and then it is only 1cm over - if I squeeze it, it should fit (I will find out in September when I fly out of Gatwick).
As I understand it, "electrical items" should be removed from the bag and x-rayed seperately. I intend to remove my camera and lenses from my bag for that very purpose immediately before putting the bag in the "size check cage" and then repack once through security. Naturally, I do this only to speed up the security & x-ray process for the benefit of all
Cheers,
Jet.
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Jetnoise
You post to Derek et al, I guess I must be a bit slow here as I thought I read the reply from the jobsworth that 96cms or smaller is acceptable. You have 90 cms. I suppose it would be like f.rting against thunder to argue this at the time.
Nevertheless, as I'm flying out in a months time, all the posts here are extremely informative and helpful.
Thanks
You post to Derek et al, I guess I must be a bit slow here as I thought I read the reply from the jobsworth that 96cms or smaller is acceptable. You have 90 cms. I suppose it would be like f.rting against thunder to argue this at the time.
Nevertheless, as I'm flying out in a months time, all the posts here are extremely informative and helpful.
Thanks
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I have interpreted the official response as being that the 45x35x16 restrictions apply in the stated dimensions and that any bag must meet all three dimensional restrictions (or be less). Unfortunately the old system of totalling them and using that as the limit was far too simple and flexible for them!
As has already been hinted, I believe that the new measurements are a sop to the business traveller who can not bear to be parted from their laptop (as they create a great deal of revenue) whereas the common or garden passenger (such as someone going on holiday and wishes to take photographs with a half decent camera kit) is not important in the grand scheme of things. The more cynical may suggest that the DfT team all have shares in Samsonite and Pelican!
As has already been hinted, I believe that the new measurements are a sop to the business traveller who can not bear to be parted from their laptop (as they create a great deal of revenue) whereas the common or garden passenger (such as someone going on holiday and wishes to take photographs with a half decent camera kit) is not important in the grand scheme of things. The more cynical may suggest that the DfT team all have shares in Samsonite and Pelican!
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Thanks for yours. I'm flying to Nice (for the 4th time this year) on biz for a couple of days, this time for the Monaco Boat Show and I was thinking of using my laptop case in lieu of my normal carry on, especially as I shall have my new JVC HD camera with me. I guess I shall just have to measure it carefully. Its extremely difficult to remain polite and calm when faced with officialdom at the best of times but as mentioned here earlier, it probably does more good than harm
I love cynical.
JC
I love cynical.
JC
Thread Starter
Jetnoise says:
Not so sure about that. As mentioned above somewhere, many Samsonites are 36cm wide, which technically makes them 1cm above the requirements. Don't know about Pelican.
The more cynical may suggest that the DfT team all have shares in Samsonite and Pelican!
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Bittusdimmus?
Sorry for being a bit thick here
..... but what's the actual difference in the handluggage sizes going to do for my security? I don't know how to make too many kinds of explosive, but I'm sure a clever Chemisty Graduate could put something nasty in the new size hand luggage (or the hold) despite the new baggage size... after all, our boffins were putting C4 and other nasties into pencils, cowpats and knockwurst sausages in the 40's.
So why all the fuss/delay/agro on the new sizes/limits? I'm emigrating to Oz in a few weeks and want to take as much with me - and it goes without saying that I'll smell pretty bad by the time I get there without the Lynx/toothbrush etc in my handluggage!!!
I just don't get it at all....
WF
..... but what's the actual difference in the handluggage sizes going to do for my security? I don't know how to make too many kinds of explosive, but I'm sure a clever Chemisty Graduate could put something nasty in the new size hand luggage (or the hold) despite the new baggage size... after all, our boffins were putting C4 and other nasties into pencils, cowpats and knockwurst sausages in the 40's. So why all the fuss/delay/agro on the new sizes/limits? I'm emigrating to Oz in a few weeks and want to take as much with me - and it goes without saying that I'll smell pretty bad by the time I get there without the Lynx/toothbrush etc in my handluggage!!!
I just don't get it at all....
WF
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Hello,
Dura lex sed lex.........
You have other solutions instead complain here...(useless complains BTW..)
No fly at all.........
Make a meeting in the street ..and complain about the new laws...
(hunger strike is also appreciated if performed in departure halls)
Persuade a entire flight passengers to make strike in front of a security check point...
And so one.....but certainly the solution is not there.....
BTW..I travell regulary with NO LUGGAGES AT ALL....and I'm many time considered as suspect!! ROFL.
Regards.
Dura lex sed lex.........
You have other solutions instead complain here...(useless complains BTW..)
No fly at all.........
Make a meeting in the street ..and complain about the new laws...
(hunger strike is also appreciated if performed in departure halls)
Persuade a entire flight passengers to make strike in front of a security check point...
And so one.....but certainly the solution is not there.....
BTW..I travell regulary with NO LUGGAGES AT ALL....and I'm many time considered as suspect!! ROFL.
Regards.
Too mean to buy a long personal title
Originally Posted by weselfluren
Sorry for being a bit thick here ..... but what's the actual difference in the handluggage sizes going to do for my security?
..
I'm emigrating to Oz in a few weeks and want to take as much with me - and it goes without saying that I'll smell pretty bad by the time I get there without the Lynx/toothbrush etc in my handluggage!!!
..... but what's the actual difference in the handluggage sizes going to do for my security?..
I'm emigrating to Oz in a few weeks and want to take as much with me - and it goes without saying that I'll smell pretty bad by the time I get there without the Lynx/toothbrush etc in my handluggage!!!
The solution to your problem is to give yourself an extra 10 minutes so that you can pop into Boots after security. Then you can take your purchases onto the aircraft. You may want to check to see what the security arrangements are for your transit/transfer points, too, to see where (if at all) you're going to have to give up your purchases if you take them off the aircraft.
Fixed+Rotary (aircraft, not washing lines)
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FYI - at MAN (BMI) they have cardboard boxes at the check-in desks, and probably do at BA desks too. If your bag doesn't fit, it goes in the hold. No exceptions.
Note that it is a cardboard box. So with a bit of pushing and shoving my laptop bag could be made to fit.
Get in the queue for boarding passes and there is another box which looks much more rigid - made of metal or perhaps tough plastic. A security chap there is zealously looking for bags which might be the 1cm too large and if it doesn't fit it is back to the check-in queue. As my 'backpack' style bag was just about squeezable into the cardboard box I was getting a bit concerned that I'd have to return to the back of the queues. Fortunately someone else was picked out and I made it past the dreaded size testing device. They were being very, very, strict here with absolutely no exceptions.
The next day at LHR on my return I noticed similar boxes with wooden looking frames. Again, if it doesn't fit, it isn't going in the cabin.
This means that it isn't total dimensions that count, it is the very specific height, width and depth. And studs / wheels / straps etc have to fit in there too.
I notice a *lot* of 'slim' cabin luggage, which is about half the size of the traditional cabin cases, having to be checked in.
Next week I've a day return MAN<->LHR booked. I'm considering taking no laptop and just using my wit and charm for the meetings I'm attending. It could be a liberating experience!
Note that it is a cardboard box. So with a bit of pushing and shoving my laptop bag could be made to fit.
Get in the queue for boarding passes and there is another box which looks much more rigid - made of metal or perhaps tough plastic. A security chap there is zealously looking for bags which might be the 1cm too large and if it doesn't fit it is back to the check-in queue. As my 'backpack' style bag was just about squeezable into the cardboard box I was getting a bit concerned that I'd have to return to the back of the queues. Fortunately someone else was picked out and I made it past the dreaded size testing device. They were being very, very, strict here with absolutely no exceptions.
The next day at LHR on my return I noticed similar boxes with wooden looking frames. Again, if it doesn't fit, it isn't going in the cabin.
This means that it isn't total dimensions that count, it is the very specific height, width and depth. And studs / wheels / straps etc have to fit in there too.
I notice a *lot* of 'slim' cabin luggage, which is about half the size of the traditional cabin cases, having to be checked in.
Next week I've a day return MAN<->LHR booked. I'm considering taking no laptop and just using my wit and charm for the meetings I'm attending. It could be a liberating experience!
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Smelly PAX
I could pop into Boots Globaliser...... but problem is we're flying the nice US route, thinking we'd be clever and get the extra baggage allowance for emigration.... that also means we've got a 30hr+ flight in total.
Unless the rules change in the next two weeks, we won't be allowed to take any "liquids" on board to or from the US, including toothpaste and deoderants
. I hope the airlines are offering these to all PAX when onboard the plane, not just business or 1st - I know it always whiffs on the plane, but it'll need quarantining by the time it lands in Adelaide at this rate! The nice chaps at border control are welcoming enough in states without me smelling/looking like I'm related to Worzel Gummidge...
Last three times I flew to Oz, Quantas (2000) and Malaysian (2003&4), there were no "comfort packs" - didn't notice any being offered on KLM flight to JFK in January eiher.
Size issue still seems a bit OTT IMHO - but although I'm not an expert on x-ray machines or scanning devices, I do know that you'd need a nice sheet of lead in your case to stop the x-ray passing through and giving a reading. Paid attention in a physics class once all those years ago..... seems to whiff like an opportunity to cut baggage sizes down a bit.
Smelly theme emerging here!
WF
Unless the rules change in the next two weeks, we won't be allowed to take any "liquids" on board to or from the US, including toothpaste and deoderants
. I hope the airlines are offering these to all PAX when onboard the plane, not just business or 1st - I know it always whiffs on the plane, but it'll need quarantining by the time it lands in Adelaide at this rate! The nice chaps at border control are welcoming enough in states without me smelling/looking like I'm related to Worzel Gummidge...Last three times I flew to Oz, Quantas (2000) and Malaysian (2003&4), there were no "comfort packs" - didn't notice any being offered on KLM flight to JFK in January eiher.
Size issue still seems a bit OTT IMHO - but although I'm not an expert on x-ray machines or scanning devices, I do know that you'd need a nice sheet of lead in your case to stop the x-ray passing through and giving a reading. Paid attention in a physics class once all those years ago..... seems to whiff like an opportunity to cut baggage sizes down a bit.
Smelly theme emerging here!
WF
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At the risk of being told, "for heavens sake boy pay attention" I can't remember if I'm allowed to take my mobile phone or has it got to go in the checked in case.
Can some one please advise
Thanks
JC
Can some one please advise
Thanks
JC
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Pay attenetion at the back
You can take your mobile on board.
It's best to check BAA.com as the advice has changed over the past week on other items e.g. On Saturday we were told Lipsticks were OK, now it's no cosmetics at all.
(and I'll work out how to edit the title so that my lousy spelling doesn't show me up)
It's best to check BAA.com as the advice has changed over the past week on other items e.g. On Saturday we were told Lipsticks were OK, now it's no cosmetics at all.
(and I'll work out how to edit the title so that my lousy spelling doesn't show me up)
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As commented by some previous posters...
...And when will the Airport Operators actually invest properly the Security Surcharge that most of them have apparently been pocketing over the last few years...
Get all the security lines fully open, fully staffed, fully operational etc. etc. LHR/LGW I have never seen this happen - dont hold/inconvenience me and/or my customers in long lines as YOU the airport operator cant provide a fundamental service/task to the levels required by yr throughput YOU the airport operator charge me the airline (and so the customer) for every head so about time you provided the required true capacity per head
5 years of bsh!t excuses from them as to why they cant/how etc. is getting a bit thin
On the actual point of hand luggage size as an operator I am all for restrictions albeit this one does seem a tad to small - I am sick and tired of finding my bins broken and/or full with giant holdalls and other such items (particularly apparent in the USA it seems)
...And when will the Airport Operators actually invest properly the Security Surcharge that most of them have apparently been pocketing over the last few years...
Get all the security lines fully open, fully staffed, fully operational etc. etc. LHR/LGW I have never seen this happen - dont hold/inconvenience me and/or my customers in long lines as YOU the airport operator cant provide a fundamental service/task to the levels required by yr throughput YOU the airport operator charge me the airline (and so the customer) for every head so about time you provided the required true capacity per head
5 years of bsh!t excuses from them as to why they cant/how etc. is getting a bit thin
On the actual point of hand luggage size as an operator I am all for restrictions albeit this one does seem a tad to small - I am sick and tired of finding my bins broken and/or full with giant holdalls and other such items (particularly apparent in the USA it seems)