Heys Carry-On Luggage; Bogus Dimensions. Need Help

[SKYMTL]

I posted this at the Flyertalk forums but since everyone here is Canadian, I hope to get some better help here.

I convinced my girlfriend to only pack carry-on for an upcoming trip 2 week trip we have to Italy. There was however one condition involved: that I buy her new luggage.

To make a long story short, her heart was set on the Heys Portal 21" in red. After doing no small amount of research, its specifications (21" x 14.5" x 9") fit well within Air Canada's guidelines for carry-on (21.5" x 15.5" x 9") and it seemed to be relatively well regarded by some well traveled friends have.

Well, today I have the foresight to take out a tape measure and lo and behold, the height Heys states on their site isn't remotely close to reality. Instead of being 21" high, it is actually 22.5". Add another 1/2" for the top handle and we've got a 23" high piece of luggage that doesn't fit within Air Canada's stated "regulations".

This is causing me no small amount of frustration since Heys clearly lists it as "carry on".

So, here are my questions:

- Knowing the overhead bins on an Air Canada 767-300ER, will this 1 1/2" cause an issue?

- Are the Air Canada carry-on dimensions similar to United's (ie: maximum combined linear measurement)?

- Are there any other carry-ons you can recommend that incorporate great features but actually fit within Air Canada's guidelines?

Hopefully you guys can help and also take this as a warning to NEVER purchase carry-on luggage until you dimension it IN PERSON....

[jacksorbetta]

Are your dimensions including the wheel height? I don't think that counts anyway. I've got that same suitcase, and had zero problems putting it in the overhead bin on AC, Transat and WJ. I love it in fact. Just used it for an 8 day trip and crammed a crazy amount into it. Not sure it'd work for a 2 week trip though-maybe bring a backpack too for carrying shoes and toiletries.

Edit: maybe consider a Widebody carryon? I've played with this one, and it's a nice suitcase.

http://shop.heys.ca/ProductDetails.a...AltairHybrid21

[SKYMTL]

Yes. My dimensions are including the wheels, as are Heys' supposedly. Not to mention the wheels on this thing are quite large.

However, AC indicated their dimensions for carry-on INCLUDE the wheels...which is why I'm worried since with they indicate 21.5".

Is yours the actual Portal 21 like THIS ONE or a similar series? When you put it into the overhead, does it fit with wheels pointed towards the exterior of the bin?

[jacksorbetta]

Yes. My dimensions are including the wheels, as are Heys' supposedly. Not to mention the wheels on this thing are quite large.

However, AC indicated their dimensions for carry-on INCLUDE the wheels...which is why I'm worried since with they indicate 21.5".

Is yours the actual Portal 21 like THIS ONE or a similar series? When you put it into the overhead, does it fit with wheels pointed towards the exterior of the bin?

Mine is a similar version, same size though. And yes, point the wheels in. Honestly, I've never had them ever make me check the size in the rack before boarding. I wouldn't even worry about it.

[jacksorbetta]

Oh, maybe you could return it, and try a different one? This seems like a good deal with the Ecotex bags included:

http://shop.heys.ca/ProductDetails.a...r21-TrvlOrgSet

[SKYMTL]

Mine is a similar version, same size though. And yes, point the wheels in. Honestly, I've never had them ever make me check the size in the rack before boarding. I wouldn't even worry about it.

Do you know the actual height of yours, wheels included and the series it is? I think that's the issue with this one; the wheels are gigantic.

We were going to go with the WIDEbody but I've heard the series has wheel issues.

The last thing I want is to board the plane and be told the suitcase has the be checked....

[WhatADeal!]

Unless your carry-on is WAY bigger than the guidelines, they would never have you try fitting it into the rack. I have seen carry-ons people managed to get on-board that are OBVIOUSLY much bigger than the guidelines. So I wouldn't even worry about it.

[SKYMTL]

I guess the worst that can happen is we get on the plane and the suitcase has to be stored length-wise instead of wheels-first. After numerous lost baggage experiences, I want to ensure we avoid checked baggage; that goes doubly for suddenly having to check a bag at the gate.

Nonetheless, it is still a pain in the butt that Heys doesn't even offer proper dimensions of their luggage.

[PrincessD]

So a luggage with these dimensions 23"H x 15"W x 9"D will not be a problem when I board the plane, correct?
I bought my luggage in the US and was told it's a carry on size, but I see the dimension for baggage allowance differs from the dimension of my luggage so I'm worried...

[SKYMTL]

It MAY be a problem since Air Canada states: 21.5" x 15.5" x 9" (wheels and handles included).

If you get a gate agent that's having a bad day, they could ensure your bag conforms EXACTLY to their specs.

Hence why I am concerned as well.

IF Air Canada uses the formula from other Star Alliance members (like United) which gives an allowance of 45 linear inches total, then it's perfectly OK. Unfortunately, AC's website doesn't say anything about combined dimensions.

[goob3r]

It MAY be a problem since Air Canada states: 21.5" x 15.5" x 9" (wheels and handles included).

If you get a gate agent that's having a bad day, they could ensure your bag conforms EXACTLY to their specs.

Hence why I am concerned as well.

IF Air Canada uses the formula from other Star Alliance members (like United) which gives an allowance of 45 linear inches total, then it's perfectly OK. Unfortunately, AC's website doesn't say anything about combined dimensions.

Relax. The chances are slim to nil on AC. Don't draw attention to yourself lining up, don't be one of the last to board the plane and don't be carrying a purse, camera bag, laptop bag and backpack.

[SKYMTL]

I think we will go out tonight to look for alternatives. I'd rather eliminate the worry altogether, for future trips as well.

Looks like Sears has a pretty good sale on right now and I'll make sure to bring a tape measure....all this because of Heys putting up the wrong specs for their luggage.

[TrevorK]

I think we will go out tonight to look for alternatives. I'd rather eliminate the worry altogether, for future trips as well.

Looks like Sears has a pretty good sale on right now and I'll make sure to bring a tape measure....all this because of Heys putting up the wrong specs for their luggage.

I think you're making the right decision. While the chances are minimal it would still be annoying to have to deal with it, especially when they tell you that you'll have the pay a fee too. In addition if you ever travel on other airlines (as luggage is not a disposable item so it makes sense you would be using this for years to come) that do make you put it in the luggage racks (such as discount European ones) you'll run into problems.

I just hope your wife understands

[Mars2012]

We just got back from Maui, and on our flight, there were a few people with the hard-body carryons. They must be larger than traditional cloth carryons because only one could fit into the overhead compartment. We have the regular ones and had no problems getting two to fit side by side. The airline won't stop you from taking it onto the plane, it's just when you are stowing it away that problems could arise, especially if it's a large capacity flight and people are fighting for storage space.

[pakmode]

You shouldn't have a problem taking it on.

But if you're not satisfied I would call or contact Heys customer service directly. They're actually based in Mississauga. My friend knows the founders and said nice things about them. So I'm sure they're extremely reasonable people to deal with.