TUMI BAGS

I learned the following little facts from a flight attendant... She was talking to a Tumi exec who was flying Continental. She asked him why so many of the Tumi carry-ons don't fit in the overhead compartment with the wheels out. The answer -- they measure the inside of the bag, not the outside, so Tumi bags labeled 20" will be bigger than others. The second question she asked the exec is what he does about Tumi bags getting stolen - A lot of people refuse to check their Tumi bags because they fear that their bags will get stolen. He said he recommends his friends take off the Tumi luggage tag. Hmm. Not sure people like that answer.

I happen to own a Tumi bag that fits with the wheels out. I believe mine is one of the few. It's a smaller but chubbier Tumi that is now and old model. I love it and though it's a little small, it forces me to pack lightly. I think I'd be peeved if I bought an expensive Tumi bag and found that it inconveniences me when I try to find a spot to squeeze my luggage into on those flights where I arrive late or on a non-preferred airline.