<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:I am used to flying Virgin Upper Class and do not usually have to worry about lugage allowance.[/quote]That won't help with oversize cabin luggage.

I have a Samsonite case specifically designed to meet the dimensions allowed for cabin luggage. I have used this scores of times in many different airports. It fits in 'lengthways' into most overhead locker(i.e. wheels first)

I got stopped by airport staff going into Security at Manchester airport and had to place the case into their 'cage'. It wouldn't fit as the wheels protrude 1 inch. I had to take it back and check it in as hold luggage. (I had taken this case through Manchester many times and have subsequently several times.)

When I got to Chicago I retrieved the bag and it was used as cabin luggage for the onward flight and the rest of the trip.

There have been many reports of this happening at UK airports on the Frequent Flyer forums - the airport staff being the problem, not the airlines.

Ryanair are the worst for this, they stop you at the gate when boarding and if your case is fraction too big it has to be put in the hold at a cost of £30. I was on a flight to Limoges a couple of months ago and they 'caught out' several people.