What is the maximum height for carry-on luggage?

Can you verify that this luggage will work as carryon and personal item?

• My teenage daughter and I will be flying from the US to China this summer, on Continental (or I guess United, as they are merging). We want to avoid checking luggage, if possible. I want to use a 21" spinner from Samsonite- the dimensions are 21X15X8.25 (each of us will carry one of these, hopefully) for our carryon. I want to use a "Wheeled Tote" from Samsonite- the dimensions are 13X17X7 (each of us will carry one of these, hopefully) for our personal item. The labels on the spinner bills itself as regulation size carry on but has a disclaimer that it may not conform to some airlines carry-on standards. The labels on the wheeled tote bills itself as designed to fit under most airline seats but has a disclaimer that it may not conform to some airlines carry-on standards. Any input/feedback/advice? Thank you very much for your time!

• Answer:

  http://pss.united.com/CMS/en-US/travel/Pages/BaggageCarry-On.aspx The maximum combined linear measurement (length + width + height) of carry-on bags must not exceed 14 inches x 9 inches x 22 inches (23 x 35 x 56 cm) or 45 linear inches (114 cm). The 15" may be an issue. The second one is fine. Although the total linear inches are OK and they would not stop you from getting on the plane, when you try to get it in the overhead, it may be a tight fit on the 15" dimension in trying to stand it outward; that is normally they try to go 22 deep and on edge. Also, the dimensions have to include the wheels. I believe they often can do the at-plane checking if you get into problems with it. I decided on a duffel bag instead and when they questioned the length, I squished it, and they let it on. Don't be the last one on the plane.