A question we hear nearly every day from our Missionaries is this: does my missionary backpack count as my carry-on?
Answer: No. Not in the way a full size carry-on does.
In reading most calls, the luggage specifications are pretty much the same. Two large bags that are no larger than 62 dimensional inches(height+depth+width) and no heavier than 50 pounds. In the second paragraph in the luggage section you'll notice that it also says you can take one bag that can be no larger that 45 dimensional inches.
Those can vary slightly, but for the large bulk of missions, those bags are all they'll allow you to take on the plane unless you want to pay hundreds of extra dollars per flight for overage fees. I don't know anyone who actually wants to pay those, but luckily you shouldn't have to.
Nearly every airline, international or domestic, will allow those two 62 (or smaller) cases and the 45 inch carry-on plus your backpack/shoulder bag/man purse. "Hey Pomeroy's, that's four pieces of luggage where they say only three..."
Yes but the airlines do not count your backpack as a carry-on piece as long as you can fit it under the seat. It's considered a personal bag instead of a carry-on. Which means you have a full size (45 inch) carry-on plus a backpack with you when you go onto the plane.
Why is this important? Do you really need that much luggage? Yes. Getting all two years worth of clothing across the globe is much easier this way. The airlines generally only weigh the two checked bags (the large ones) and since they have to be under 50 pounds... guess where you can put those heavy shoes, books, and overcoat? That's right. Into your 45 inch carry-on and your backpack. As long as you can lift it, you can carry it on.
Save yourself some money, don't pay overage fees to the airline.
Get yourself a 3-piece set and a backpack and make life easy on yourself.
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