Right, laptops and their cases are personal items and count separately from carry-ons. I mean, they certainly aren't going to make you check a laptop or camera.

What you really need to check is the new weight allowances and the fees for excess baggage over the limit. These just changed (for 2006 I think), especially for intl travel, but sometimes the domestic limit is very low and it is expensive if you go over. It varies by airline.

More info here: Airline Carry On Luggage Allowances

What is a personal item? Some airlines give examples, and suggest that a personal item may be :

Briefcase

Camera

Handbag/Purse

Laptop (in carry bag)

Other items not exceeding 36" in total dimension

Reading Matter

Small book-bag style backpack

Umbrella

I love the vagueness of "Other items not exceeding 36" in total dimension" and the fact that it is not the last item on the list.

That's what I'm angling for--garment bag, laptop bag, small backpack.

I think that they'll make you check the garment bag.

I love the vagueness of "Other items not exceeding 36" in total dimension"

Huh. How tall do emperor penguins get, anyway?

Emperor Penguins are 3.5 feet. Too tall.

Emperor Penguins are 3.5 feet. Too tall.

Crap.

How tall are they when they bend their heads down?

Emperor Penguins are 3.5 feet. Too tall.

Unless you call it an unbrella.

...or Percy.

Timelies,

Why the hell aren't most of the users on vacation today. I came in expecting a slow day and the phones have been almost non-stop.

Some airports are more relaxed than others. At the Airport here you can take on 2 items only and w/a garmet bag, a laptop bag, and a backpack they'd make you check 1 bag.

I've seen the gate agents make passengers repack their stuff so it's two items. Including making women put their purses in one of their carryons so they have 2 items.