ATG Stores Blog

To keep the passenger compartment safe and uncluttered, the airlines have put rules and size limits into place on the luggage that each traveler can carry on the plane. For bags carried on-board, the primary rule is the size limit. All bags carried on-board must be small enough to be stored below your seat or in the overhead compartments. Bags carried on-board that do not fit in the overhead bin or below your seat will cause delays for all passengers and potentially for the flight.

At this present time, the rule for carry-on baggage is it must not be taller than 22 inches, must not be wider than 14 inches, and must not be deeper than 9 inches. Additionally, there are many cases where a weight restriction has been added by airline regulations as well. Below we have gathered the details of restrictions by heavily traveled airlines.

Carry-On Luggage Regulation Guide

		Carry-Ons		Checked Luggage
Airline	No. of bags allowed	Max Dimensions (L+W+H)	Max Weight	Max Dimensions (L+W+H)	Max Weight
	1 Per Passenger	45″	26.4 lbs.	Depends on flying class/destination	50 lbs.
Air France
Carry-on info	You may also carry a purse, computer, briefcase, or small tote
	1 Per Passenger	55″	-	61″	50 lbs
AirTran
Carry-on info	You may also carry a purse, computer, briefcase, or small tote
	1 Per Passenger	51″	-	-	-
Alaska Air/Horizon
Carry-on info	You may also carry a purse, computer, briefcase, or small tote
	1 Per Passenger	45″	40 lbs	62″	50 lbs
American Airlines
Carry-on info	You may also carry a purse, computer, briefcase, or small tote
	1 Per Passenger	51″	-	-	-
America West
Carry-on info	You may also carry a purse, computer, briefcase, or small tote
	1 Per Passenger	48″	26 lbs	130″	50 lbs
British Airways
Carry-on info	You may also carry a purse, computer, briefcase, or small tote
	1 Per Passenger	51″	40 lbs	62″	50 lbs
Continental Airlines
Carry-on info	You may also carry a purse, computer, briefcase, or small tote
	1 Per Passenger	45″	40 lbs	62″	50 lbs
Delta Airlines
Carry-on info	You may also carry a purse, computer, briefcase, or small tote
	1 Per Passenger	Airbus A320 56″ for EMBRAER 190 50″	-	62″	50 lbs
jetBlue
Carry-on info	Each customer may bring onboard one personal item (purse, briefcase, laptop, etc.) plus one carry-on bag.
	1 Per Passenger	45″	40 lbs	-	-
Northwest Airlines
Carry-on info	You may also carry a purse, computer, briefcase, or small tote
	1 Per Passenger	46″	-	62″	50 lbs
Southwest Airlines
Carry-on info	You may also carry a purse, computer, briefcase, or small tote
	1 Per Passenger	45″	40 lbs	62″	40 lbs
Spirit Airlines
Carry-on info	You may also carry a purse, computer, briefcase, or small tote
	1 Per Passenger	45″	40 lbs	62″	50 lbs
United Airlines
Carry-on info	You may also carry a purse, computer, briefcase, or small tote
	1 Per Passenger	45″	40 lbs	62″	50 lbs
US Airways
Carry-on info	You may also carry a purse, computer, briefcase, or small tote
	1 Per Passenger	45″	35 lbs	81″ (Economy Class)	50lbs
Virgin Atlantic
Carry-on info	You may also carry a purse, computer, briefcase, or small tote

Get the 3-1-1 for your Carry-Ons

More Information

For more information on innovations in security, technology, and the checkpoint screening process visit the TSA Website or TSA BLOG

It is a pretty typical Wednesday at the ATG Stores office. Gloomy weather and having the realization that the work week is half over. In my daydreaming out the window sort of state today, coincidentally I’ve noticed we’ve also had a child-like theme going on! Our Daily Deal 12′ & 14′ Diameter Trampolines, cupcakes and fun kids lighting by Philips Lighting. So for this blog post, I’m going to reminisce back to childhood, and also provide you with some considerations when buying, a trampoline for your home.

As a child, my parents were very protective of my safety. And as I remember one house in particular where we had a n especially large yard. I wanted and wished I could have a trampoline to jump on and invite all my friends over to play. That idea, was vetoed very quickly without any consideration or looking further into the products. There was no discussion or compromised solution due to trampolines being stamped as unsafe. So, I had resulted to going to friends’ houses to play on them, while also hiding that I got my trampoline jumping fix from my parents. Now, as an adult, I am able to see the rational side of being cautious when being on trampolines, but I think that being educated about them and remembering things  to consider when purchasing a trampoline can help ease the dangerous thoughts running through your head.

Consider the Yard

Plan out the space you have available where you would like the trampoline and measure out the space. Be sure you leave a few extra feet around where the perimeter of the trampoline will be so that kids aren’t bouncing into walls or trees. Check for low hanging branches (or even some that are high, people can get jumping pretty high!) and if you are putting your trampoline outside be sure you have chose a nice flat surface.

Think Safety

Safety of course is the number one priority when buying a trampoline that kids and adults will be using. Check out the frame of the trampoline – do the joints look securely welded or pieced together? Does the aluminum look sturdy or cheap? Be sure there is no rough or bubbly spots where welding has been done, look for good smooth lines and joints. Be sure there are no revealed legs that have been cut and not sanded and rounded and that there is no rust. Trampoline enclosures can be purchased separately or sometimes come with the trampoline. Basketball hoops, balls and other toys can also be fun.

Think Education

Like all things dangerous, remember to educate your trampoline users to be safe and smart when using it. Half the battle is teaching proper use. Afterward, have fun! Trampolines can be great exercise, entertaining and useful. Get out there and play!

Wine tasting is an activity that has risen to the top of my spring activities list. Whether it’s purchasing a few different bottles and tasting them at home with close friends and family or attending a wine tasting, it’s a fun way to spend time with people you enjoy most. There’s nothing like being surrounded by great conversation, good people and your favorite glass of wine. There’s much to know about wine, and tasting is a great way to learn, expose yourself to many different kinds and then be able to discuss what you like or don’t like and why.

Glasses play an integral role in the wine tasting process and certain glasses help play up the different aromas and flavors better than others. If you are looking to  just purchase wine glasses, or looking to host your own wine tasting party, these tips on choosing the right glasses will help you.

The first tip when purchasing wine glasses is to look for glasses that are clear. Etched, frosted and beveled glass affects the look and the amount of wine that is exposed to air which affects that taste of the wine. Clear glass provides the best results for inspecting the wine while the thickness of the rim effects which parts of the tongue taste the wine. In general, a thin rimmed glass will provide the best tasting experience.

Although there are many styles of wine glasses, there are four main categories of shapes. The shape used by a majority of wine drinkers would be a large tulip shaped glass. The advantages of the tulip shape are that the narrow opening makes it easy to swirl without spilling and concentrates the aroma.

There is also a smaller tulip shaped glass which is often used for white wines because the smaller size keeps the wine chilled. Also, white wine requires less aerating than red wine and by having a smaller tulip shaped wine glass available it will help guests to know that both red and white wine is available.

Next, there is a large pinot glass, also referred as a burgundy glass which offers the most air exposure and a dramatic style.

Lastly, there is the champagne flute which is clearly noticed by its distinct thin body frame. The small size of the flute keeps beverages chilled and prolongs the bubbles of sparkling wine.

Hopefully, with these tips you can purchase the perfect wine glasses and can begin your own wine tastings and enjoy them the way that I do.

Spring is in the air! It is that time of year  again where those indoor and outdoor projects that you may have been avoiding or simply saving for spring are at the forefront of your mind.  One of my most troublesome areas, that requires attention every spring is my closet. How my closet becomes so out of control every year, well I have yet to put my finger on it. I do however, have some tips for the individual like me, who has to tackle this daunting task frequently or the individual who wants to avoid their closet becoming an out of control mess.

The first step to organizing your closet is to make a plan. It might seem like a good idea to simply tear your closet apart throwing everything into a heap on the floor, but once it is all in a pile it will only seem more overwhelming. First, determine how you want things organized – shirts on one side and pants on the other, or nice clothes on one side and lounge clothes on the other. Always be sure to organize so that it makes your life more convenient.

Once you have a good idea of where you want all your clothes and accessories to hang or sit in your closet you are ready to start shopping for closet accessories that will help you get the job done. If your closet is lacking any kind of shelving, a quick solution would be a closet kit, which allows you to build shelving directly into your closet.

Once you have the basic bars and shelves for hanging or holding folded clothes, you are ready to choose the best closet accessories for your needs.

Hanging Closet Accessories: Hanging closet accessories are easy to install and don’t take up much space. These include things like hanging shoe organizers, hangers which hold more than one pair of pants and basic hangers that either save space or are non-slip. There are also larger hanging systems available which are freestanding and do not need to be screwed into an existing closet.

Shoe Racks: Shoe racks are perfect for holding shoes, stowing pairs together or keeping shoes away from hungry puppies. Shoe racks are available as floor standing, hanging or trunk options. Be sure to determine ahead of time how many shoes you have so that you purchase a shoe rack that will accommodate them all.

Container Storage: Container storage is a great way to pack away things like winter clothes during the summer and vice versa as well as other limited use items that take up space in the closet like blankets and more. Container storage options including collapsible zip up container, bags which as vacuum sealed for ultimate space saving and hanging options.

I hope that these simple tips prove to be helpful when deciding best how to tame closet. These tips are good for the DYI enthusiasts or people who simply just need a starting point to know which direction to head. Naturally there are also intricate closet systems out there that can also fit your needs as well. Happy organizing and good luck!

Valentine’s Day is coming up fast, it is probably time to start thinking about something that will be romantic, meaningful and surprising for your sweetheart without draining what you’ve managed to save up since the last holiday season.

ATGStores.com’s partner manufacturer, Canvas to Art, has a quick and easy solution. Canvas to Art can use your favorite photo and turn it into a photo quick and inexpensively. There are a variety of size and style options available for the actual painting, so once you have picked that you can upload your photo and receive your canvas art in days!

What is the best Valentine’s Day gift you’ve ever received?

When you think of faucets, towel bars and toilet paper holders, you probably don’t think Armani, Gucci or any other brand name. In fact, most normal home owners or renter don’t give a second thought to their towel bar beyond the moment when they have a damp towel.

ATGStores.com’s new manufacturer, Mico Designs, if here to make that change. The home bathroom deserves to be as luxurious as a fine hotel’s and a great place to start is with the fixtures.

By combining artistry, quality European engineering and the finest materials available, Mico Designs has created a variety of fixture collections that give exquisite style to any bathroom. Check it out and let us know what you like best.

The answer is easy  – wine of course! But there is more to a wine glass than just the beverage inside; the shape, the stature and the style of your wine glass is most likely affecting what is inside.

The first thing to notice when you are snobbily judging the wine glasses at the next wine and cheese party you attended would be clarity of glass. As you know, you there, with your nose in the air, that only half the experience is what you taste when it comes to wine drinking that rest of the experience is a combination of smell and sight. Crystal and hand blown glass wine glasses are held the highest in regard.

Next you must be exact in choosing the perfect shape glass for the wine of your choice. If you are enjoying a Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah, a good sized Bordeaux glass so that the wine goes from cup to the back of the palette for a full body experience.

Let’s say you are sipping white wine. A smaller tulip shaped glass will keep your drink chilled and keep you looking stylish. If you are in a bubbly mood, lean towards something lean and slender, like a champagne flute (even if you are drinking sparkling wine!).

So next time you are choosing your wine glass at a party, don’t get caught with Syrah in a champagne flute and enjoy your wine to the ultimate degree!

But it is! When the winter blues get you down, drop the doughnut, and turn on the lights! Seriously though, no one could drop a doughnut so just take it with you to turn on the lights.

Not just any light though, a therapeutic light! Therapeutic lights aren’t different than regular lights because they give more.. light! Or lux, if you want to get technical. The idea is to have this light shining where your eyes can see it, but don’t go staring directly into it, that hurts. With just 30 minutes of extra light in dark, dreary winter, you just might start feeling a little bit better and quit planning to move to Mexico where it is sunny all the time.

If you think you are suffering from SAD or any sort of winter blues, please consult a doctor before starting any treatments.

Check out therapeutic lighting from atgstores.com

The December 2010 issue of InStyle had a “Wheels Up” story featuring the best carry-on luggage. Nothing sucks like dragging a relentlessly soggy duffel bag through the airport – InStyle whipped up 4 of the best carry on luggage pieces for you!

Two of the brands featured are available on ATG Stores’ site luggageshowroom.com – Go Samsonite and Ful!

We have the suggested Samsonite Pivot Carry On Luggage on our site. It features wheel that pivot 360 degrees for whisking up switch back ramps, jumping curbs and easily maneuvering on and off moving sidewalks at the airport!

When my parents were finally in a place to build there own home, as opposed to the mobile homes I had grown up in, I vividly remember my mother’s search for the perfect pendant for the dining room. She has always been a sucker for bright colors and flowers, so it was just natural that she feel in love with a Tiffany Glass pendant. We had a beautiful view of our farm from the dining room during the day, but the room was just as beautiful at night when the rich and colorful Tiffany pendant was lit up.

The history of Tiffany style glass was pretty well pegged for over a century until recent research started to shed some light (no pun intended) on a group of creative women, unsung heroes in the creation of Tiffany lamps.

Until about 2007, Louis Comfort Tiffany, an American artist influenced heavily by the Art Nouveau movement and most known for his work with stained glass, was credited with the total invention and production of Tiffany lamps. However there is more to the story.

Clara Driscoll, maiden name Wolcott, was a brilliant, artistic and motivated woman who was born in 1861.  Impressively for the time, she pursued higher education and it while studying, it became apparent she had a great talent for art. After gaining some experience designing for a furniture maker, Clara’s clear aptitude for arts and designing landed her a job by the now very successful Tiffany Studios, founded by Louis Tiffany.

Present day curator Margaret Hofer and professor Martin Eidelberg discovered that Clara was in fact responsible for the creative designs, management and production of multiple famous lines of Tiffany lamps that were recently credited exclusively to Louis Tiffany. These lines include Wisteria, Dragonfly, Peony and Daffodil.

Clara was a widow when working at the Tiffany Studio, but was remarried in 1909. Unfortunately this meant the end of Clara’s career since at this time married women could not work at the Studio.

Tiffany stlye lamps are still in fashion today, over 100 years after they were created. It is remarkable how easily the work of Clara Driscoll and the Women’s Glass Cutting Department at Tiffany Studio (The “Tiffany Girls”) was forgotten, but due to the hard work, digging and investigating of researchers today we now know to thank not only Louis Comfort but also the Tiffany Girls when we switch on our beautiful stained glass lamps at night.

Check out Tiffany style lamps by Quoizel on Lightinguniverse.com