Expert: Roberto Gomes - 8/14/2007

Question
QUESTION: United Air says you can take a "personal bag" such as a briefcase in addition to a regular carry on bag. I cannot get an answer on this one: the "person" bag I want to take measures 1" less than a std briefcase - it is shorter and fatter. Do you think I will be allowed to carry it on? We are going to Zurich from Dulles.  Thanks for any assistance.

ANSWER: Dear James,

For travel worldwide on United, regulations says that you may carry on one bag and one personal item such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop computer. A carry-on bag must fit under your seat or in the overhead bin.

Carry-on bag dimensions should not be more than 9" x 14" x 22" (length + width + height) or 45 linear inches (the length, height and width added together).

If your "person bag" fits these dimensions your are fine.

Hope this helps to clarify your question.

Best Regards,
R. Gomes

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Mr. Gomes: Thanks, I did not ask the question properly. The
"personal item" size is what's bothering me. The bag I want to use is a tad smaller than a briefcase, but shorter and fatter. It is a small "tote" bag 1" smaller in overall size to a std briefcase. I am just wondering if they will think its too big. This in addition to the 9X14X22 regular carry on. I want to carry fragile items - cameras, etc.

Answer
Dear James,

I am also sorry if I misunderstood your question.

If your additional item is smaller than a regular briefcase, you will be fine, but if it is fatter remember that it must fit under your seat or in the overhead bin. Otherwise you will have to check it.

Hope now I clarified it to you.
Best Regards,
R. Gomes