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Confused about Sata carry-on restrictions...

quebec
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85 posts
5 reviews
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Confused about Sata carry-on restrictions...
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Hello everybody,

Husband and I have bought a light fare from Sata and I'm trying to find out if along with the carry-on who meets the airline requirement in size and weight, if we can each carry a backpack as well? Or do I have to carry my Ipad, magazines, etc in my carry-on? Note that we will be boarding Sata in Boston (in case it makes a difference on how the crew applies the guidelines...)

Thanks for sharing your experience with us!

Toronto, Canada
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29 reviews
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1. Re: Confused about Sata carry-on restrictions...
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Nominally, you are allowed one bag each, plus the following:

Quoting from https://www.sata.pt/en/useful-information/hand-baggage

In addition to the cabin baggage allowance, passengers may carry the following items free of charge:

One overcoat, a coat or one blanket;

One umbrella or one walking stick;

One photo or film camera of small dimensions and/or one pair of binoculars;

Books and magazines in a reasonable quantity to read during flight;

One diplomatic handbag type or a bag with one laptop;

One lady’s small handbag, a wallet or a purse whose dimensions are in accordance with the normal wear for the flight and did not contain articles that may be considered as baggage;

*Passengers travelling with babies: one portable basket, food and clothes to be worn during the flight;

*Incapacitated passengers or passengers with reduced mobility: a collapsible wheelchair, one pair of crutches, prosthetic devices or other articles considered indispensable for his locomotion;

*Deaf or blind passengers (partial or total): a guide dog travelling with passengers since a pre notification has been done and confirmed.

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When you say "a backpack", I'm not sure if you mean a small pack that only carries your reading materials, or something that comes close to carry-on size limits. If it's the former, I doubt you'll have trouble. If it's the latter, they may let you through, or give you hassle, depending on how they feel that particular day.

One thing I tent to do to maximize my carry-on capacity is pack any camera related gear in a separate bag, with some clothes used for padding. It will not matter to those with small cameras, but an SLR with a couple of lenses is not only somewhat bulky, but it's also fragile and expensive and no airline is going to force you to check that stuff in - because they know chances are it's not gonna come out fully functional at the destination and you'll be upset and hassle them over it.

In general, many people do go over the official limits and the airline staff do not make a big deal out of it every time. However, the overhead bin space is running out by the time the last batch of people board the plane, so I do expect them to start cracking down on people with 2-3 big bags sooner rather than later.

quebec
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85 posts
5 reviews
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2. Re: Confused about Sata carry-on restrictions...
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Thanks BlueSkyHeart!

Traveling in June, we will hope for an early summer in the Azores so we can leave the heavy clothing like jeans and sweaters at home! :-)

NY, NY
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193 posts
36 reviews
17 helpful votes
3. Re: Confused about Sata carry-on restrictions...
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I took a regular sized backpack and a small wheeled luggage. It was not a problem. There is very little legroom on their planes. There is no room under the seat for the backpack ..at least mine wouldn't fit and even if it did I would literally have no room to sit....I would take some things out that you think you will need, magazines, iPad etc. and put the backpack in the overhead.

Ann Arbor, Michigan
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320 reviews
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4. Re: Confused about Sata carry-on restrictions...
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There is a reason they charge $200 for extra bags. I'd be safe than sorry. I encountered a person who had to shell out $200 for being over limits...

Sao Miguel, Portugal
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5. Re: Confused about Sata carry-on restrictions...
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As Joker quite rightly said, I'd rather be safe than sorry. Be very careful which options you choose with SATA. A recent family of 5 travelled from Canada and ended up paying an extra $200 per bag, per person for EACH leg of their journey. Needless to say it turned out to be a 'not so cheap' holiday!

quebec
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85 posts
5 reviews
5 helpful votes
6. Re: Confused about Sata carry-on restrictions...
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Definitely right! I'm currently shopping for the lightest carry-on that would meet SATA's dimensions (probably a backpack) and will have a small over the shoulder bag to carry personal items on the plane. No chance to take... I prefer to spend my money in the restaurants!!! :-)

7. Re: Confused about Sata carry-on restrictions...

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