So I bought a new carry on to fly out to Hawaii. It was fine heading there. Flying back the attendant looks at my bag and tells me to see if it fits in the dealy that measures your carry on. Sure enough it was too big. Didn't come close..... I said it was fine on the way over....she said Alaska just changed their carry on policy and it would need to be checked. Luckily they didn't charge me.
Also I bought a really nice luggage scale and I know it is accurate. Even so, I give myself 3 to 4 lbs leeway. So my bag weighs 46lbs in the hotel and 50lbs at the weigh in. Exactly 50....although they let you slide if it is barely over....still, I know they rig those scales.
RIP Bucky - 7/25/1943 - 1/19/2013