traveler24

Really seems like it has gotten smaller....
Purchased new Travel pro bag mainly because has built-in strap that fits over handle of suitcase.All this with goal of using smaller checked bag and "under seat bag " for my meds.papers, wallet etc..Travel pro size seemed to fit my needs...
AND seemed like it would fit undersea in front of me..
WRONG
It was 2-3 inches too high and too long by 3 inches...very frustrating
I fly mostly Southwest...mainly because other cancellation policy and point system for free flights..
I wonder if they have "reconfigured" the space???
Anyway, wonder if anyone else has has this experience.??

NoFlyZone

Which TravelPro item did you purchase?

laurie_ann

Southwest flights, and I love Southwest, the aisle seat I have found has a much smaller underseat area than either the middle or the window. And I prefer to keep my wheeled briefcase and my (large) handbag under the seat rather than above. Accordingly I have changed from previously preferred aisle seat to window seat on that airline where they both fit. As it turns out I actually like the window better. I tuck into the window seat, don't have to get up again to accommodate a seat mate later in the boarding process, I work and read undisturbed. Now I am typically on short fight (1.5 hours) so expect I never have to get up myself, but if I did I don't mind to ask seat mates politely to let me out.

traveler24

Don't know "model" but it is 16 inched across, 11 inches "tall" ..has zipper area in front with slots for pens, little mesh compartments ..inside main area has another compartment. the sides have very firm construction..so not really able to compress tom"squish" under seat.
I really like this brand--just a little too tall & wide for my purposes..

historytraveler

Not certain but it seems to me that it's been a long time since one could put a bag 16x11 under the seat in front of them. One can barely get a large hand bag under a seat.

janisj

I use a larger bag than 16X11 for my personal item (more like 18X13) but it is 'squishible'. My current one is something like this (not exactly but the same sort of size. Mine is a Kate Spade and looks more like an oversized handbag and less luggage-y) and it fits under the seat even on small planes -- but then it isn't ever crammed to the limit and does squish.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/zella-al...ioncolor=BLACK

historytraveler

Squishiable is the key word when trying to store bags under the seat and it's often required for bags placed in the overhead. I have a 22" Rimowa that I travel with and not sure it'd fit in some of the overhead compartments. On non-stop flights, I always check it. Hate hauling bags around the airport but, then, I don't even like carrying handbags.

NewbE

That Zella bag is really ugly!

I wish gate agents did a better job of screening carry on bags. IME, they do no such screening at all, and the result is confusion and delays in boarding.

janisj

>>That Zella bag is really ugly!<<

Glad you think so -- since that isn't my bag

Jeeze louise -- I linked it merely to show the <i>size</i> and the handles plus cross body strap.

traveler24

Laurie anf Janis have really good info....
especially since the "problem" i had was in aisle seat....and the bag inhale is not very "squishable"
I love this forum....
also I found a great "strap" to hold little case. laptop case or even backpack this secures these items to top of regular suitcase..called "travelon"
looks awkward but really works .
small strap clicks on to handle of suitcase --then stretches over smaller bag that you place on top of suitcase..over handle of suitcase and tightens with a slide.
This very hard to explain but the web site has a video..
"US adjustable Travelon Bungee suitcase attachment system"
I have used this 2 times and have no negative issues.I even placed a small travel pillow on top of my small bag and the bulge held it quite well..
No, I do not have stock in the company--only cost 5-6 $$ online..
Try it you'll like it.....

suze

Ugly? Really??? A duffel bag???

I like it.

suze

I find a simple tote bag works best. Here's mine:
https://www.google.com/search?q=zumb...IZWcT4Idc6UMM:

janisj

suze: >>Ugly? Really??? <<

That was just you-know-who being you-know-who

suze

iknowiknow. just can't seem to help themselves.

suze

But actually I DO like the look of it - no kidding! And seems like it is the perfect size and squish-i-ness for this request about using under the seat.

That's why I like a canvas tote instead of an actual piece luggage. You can just shove it around with your feet!

marvelousmouse

I think the duffle is pretty classy. Would prefer not black, but I really like the structure.

I think squishability and shape is the key. I've tried a few different bags and usually shape is the biggest issue. I use a tote like suze pretty often- just one of those reusable nylon grocery bags- and the shape conforms to the space, very useful. It's not comfortable to carry but usually it's just a way to get surplus stuff home on the return leg.

NewbE

No, I really think it's ugly! Didn't notice who'd recommended it, actually, but there you go, some people just can't help themselves.

And of course, squishability is the key. It comes in better looking options, but to each their own.

suze

And I really don't care if other people think my carry-on duffel bag is beautiful, or not.

Sue_xx_yy

janisj, I like the look of your bag but size of 'personal item' to be stored under seat can be order of ( 17 * 13 * 6 ) and dimensions of your bag are given as (19 * 13 * 10) - are those dimensions pessimistic? Can you fit it under seat?

janisj

>>Can you fit it under seat?<<

Again -- that is not my bag, but it is similar dimensions. Mine is even a teensy bit larger in width but not the same depth. No one has ever given it a second look because looks like an oversized handbag. It easily fits under the seat front on even the smallest planes. 'Squishible' is the key.

I travel carry on only w/ a 19 or 21 inch rollaboard in the overhead (or occasionally gate checked on the smallest planes) and this large, squishible handbag/personal item. It is never crammed full - there is no need. It holds my tablet, cosmetics/any meds, my Bose ear buds, passport case, wallet, sometimes my 1 qt. liquids baggie, sometimes my camera, and anything else I'd want on board like slippers, or snacks if I'm not flying business. I'm short so I also use it as a foot rest if needed.

I pack a smaller cross body bag in my rollaboard so I don't have to carry the large handbag everywhere at my destination.