Well, I called Usairways, and they said it has to fit under the seat in front of me, so I guess it won't work. I was trying to carry-on all my luggage and stuff, but for a 10 day trip, it looks unlikely. We have a nonstop flight there, so it will be unlikely (fingers crossed) that my luggage will be lost...
I just don't like the idea that we have to pay for our luggage...do they not think we need our clothing, toiletries,etc...to travel?...they certainly charge enough for the ticket...and no food to boot.....

I normally only travel carry on. The suitcase (21") goes above and the backpack under the seat in front of me. Never a problem on any airline.
The real question is can you manage to get 10 days worth of toiletries in a quart zip loc and all under 3 ounces? It is an art, but I have managed it pretty darn well.:-)

I use US Air and take a carry on and also a backpack for my laptop. The carry on goes overhead and the backpack under the seat. I can't remember the last time i checked bags.

how much stuff can you possibly need anyways? bathing suit, a few pairs of shorts, shirts, underwear, and flip flops!! do laundry down there if needed and possible where you are staying. You can always just buy some toiletries when you get there too. Much easier to do carry-on than check luggage.

Just please follow the rules. There is nothing more annoying than having the person in front of me schlepping more luggage as carry-on than I CHECKED.

I couldn't agree with you more LindaJ. Just coming back from Orlando our plane was late leaving the gate due to the fact there was some idiots who didn't want to pay the luggage fee and was trying to shove there luggage UNDER the seats only to be told by flights attendants that there to big and have to go into the upper bins which were now full. Nothing annoys me more than that when flying. Just common sense. Not calling anyone on here a idiot just venting that's all.

i hate carry-on hogs. It's a shame the airlines don't enforce their rules. if you'r in the last group to board you'r lucky to find space in a bin.I went to Tulum a few years ago on Continental. The flight there had the usual carry-on abuse. On the return however there were at least 25 bags piled up in the middle of the ramp on to the plane. They actually checked measurements of suspect luggage & put into the hold. We had a good laugh over that one. Unfortunately I've never seen that before or since.
You can do it with 2 bags. Just max out the dimensions on your bin luggage. I believe US Air is 45" total, L+W+H. I'm flying with them in December.
Tim

When we go back I think we will take American or Delta and will do 1 carry on each. Being I dont need a ton of clothes and will have access to a washer in the villa. But will stay defiently within the bin limits so I dont hold anyone up and just carry my purse. Here's a question for anyone, which group boards FIRST so I know what seats to buy to be able to get first stab at a open bin?

I'm pretty sure boarding is done front to back. At least that's been my experience. If you don't mind sitting on hold forever call the airline.

Tim

I NEVER understood this front to back thing. Wouldnt it make more sense to board the back so people in the back arent trying to get past the late front seating people? I dont understand this at all but maybe it's just me.

A carry on and a back pack (regular sized) is fine. Just jam the backpack under the seat in front of you, it works, I always do it .

I use a USAir Signature Mastercard which gives priority boarding right after first class.
Never have an overhead problem.
We just got back and my kids backpacks fit easily under the seat.