V-Flyer

As usual, the husband springs something on me the day before a trip....

He wants to take our LittleLife Infant Carrier Backpack through the airport (and onto the plane). This is the model - http://www.littlelife.co.uk/html/child_ ... eedom.html

We are travelling LHR-MIA-LHR on Virgin Atlantic in Upper Class.

The backpack is not technically within the "hand luggage" restrictions. Although a stroller isn't either (which you can gate check). Would BAA/TSA security bulk at it at their checkpoints (not allowing it) or are they likely to accept it as "infant transport" (through the airport) and assume it will be gate checked? Will Virgin likely insist on it being gate checked or be likely to let it slide (especially if we carry infant onboard in it and since we are travelling Upper Class).

In addition to this, we would have one carry-on nappy bag (regular/small normal backpack), my (normal/acceptable sized) wheeled carry-on and my hand bag, that would be it.

Any thoughts (especially quick ones ) appreciated.

Boo

Looking at the dimensions, it falls outside the maximum permitted so I would be prepared to have it checked at the gate.

Darren Wheeler wrote:Looking at the dimensions, it falls outside the maximum permitted so I would be prepared to have it checked at the gate.

You think that it would get as far as the gate? Not be totally rejected by BAA/TSA at their checkpoints? Or do they not do that (ie size is regulated at the gate instead)?

Thanks
Boo

BAA don't seem to worry, plus you'll be using the Upper Class wing. Same for TSA, but the airlines are usually more strict at the door although I do wonder at times).

I've had a aluminium framed model which is about 90cm overall length on 3 separate round trips to MCO between my 2 sons, all no probs. Just march on the plane with son in carrier on back, straight to seat, unpack, then stow it, either in overhead (TIGHT) or in wardrobe.

Remember, the Airbuses (46% chance on VS5/6) have no centre overheads and limited wardrobe space.

Thanks very much, both of you

Darren Wheeler wrote:Remember, the Airbuses (46% chance on VS5/6) have no centre overheads and limited wardrobe space.

We are checked into 2, 3, 4 & 5k on the outbound (4 adults, 1 infant) and reserved into 2 & 3k for the return (2 adults, 1 infant) - both on A346. That should (hopefully) improve our chances for overhead locker space. Although how big are they on a A346?

Thanks again
Boo

Problem is, the overheads on the 346 are smaller than the 747 and from 8-D onwards, passengers use the overheads above row K so there is an inevitable creep forward.

Good point....

I think that we will "give it a go": if it comes to it, we will gate check it.

Thanks

Darren Wheeler wrote:Problem is, the overheads on the 346 are smaller than the 747 and from 8-D onwards, passengers use the overheads above row K so there is an inevitable creep forward.

Quick update - did get it onboard ok, no hassle . Fitted in the overhead bin too . Great flight, fantastic crew, food good too (Rissoto great, guinea fowl good if you want something light, bread and butter pudding good for a stodgy pud).

Boo