You may want to check out the Heys X-case which weighs under 5lbs:
http://www.fodors.com/community/air-travel/carry-on-weighing-under-7-lbs.cfm#comment-2337313

I would err on the side of safety and get a 19" instead of 20". Many carryons "claim" that they are 20" but when you include wheels and handles, they can be as long as 21.5 or 22", which will fail the size restrictions.

YK, Thanks so much for the timely reply. I had looked at the Heyes, but I can't wrap my mind around a hard suitcase. No extra stuffing, which is one of my bad habits. I do like the look of it though.
I do want to downsize to a 19", but it is almost like breaking up with your current boyfriend, 22", and going with a younger guy. Breaking up is hard to do, but it must be done.
I was hoping someone would say, "Go get this bag, it is perfect for you." Silly, I know.
thanks again, Brownley

I can tell you that last year, I downsized from a 21" to a 19" because of the luggage restrictions.

This was the best thing I've done in a long time!

My 21" measured 22.5" from wheels to handles, so when the airlines started cracking down on carryon suitcases (so that they can charge you $15 for checked luggage), I decided it was time to go smaller.

The 19" fits in the airline luggage sizer, and it is much easier for me to handle, since I am just 5'2". What I got was a TravelPro 19". I got it at a clearance place, so I got a good price for it, though it wasn't as light as I had wanted. I think it weighs between 7-8lbs empty.

In any case, I've had the 19" for over 6 months now and have used it on 6 trips (both short and long). I never looked back and never missed my 21".

Well, the hard-sided cases are the lightest ones you will find. Otherwise, you might want to go with something truly soft-sided, like the Mandarina Duck isi line or even a basic wheeled duffel. Be forwarned, though, that the monopole that you don't like is becoming standard.

While noting that you don't like the monopole, I will recommend the Samsonite Pro-DLX line, which is good quality and has a really thoughtfully designed interior. You can get a 20" version, I think. They have straps that enable you to put their laptop cases over the handle and keep it from spinning around.

As to whether your bag gets sent to the hold is strictly up to the agent. You will almost certainly be over the weight limit. Even the 55cm Samsonite X'Lite, which is about as light as wheeled luggage gets weighs just under 3 kg. Air France only gives you 12 kg in allowance, and you've already given up 25% of your allotment on the bag. A more traditional bag, like the Samsonite Pro-DLX, weighs in at 3.6 kg.

In my experience, if you are going to be asked to have your bag checked, the deciding criteria for the agents is wheels vs no wheels, because they know that, if it has wheels, that it is almost certainly over the weight limit. I don't think being off an inch here or there is nearly as big of a deal, because measuring is too much of a hassle and it is harder to eyeball 21" vs 22" than wheels = overweight.

Just another point of view here:

Several of my recent trips (within the last 6 months) were domestic, flying American Airlines. More than twice I was asked to put my 19" carryon into the luggage sizer at the boarding gate to ensure that it fits.

Last year when flying out of Heathrow, I also witnessed passengers being asked to place their carryon luggage into the Heathrow sizer (which is smaller than the "standard" US Airline sizer).

As I've said, my 19" TravelPro (with wheels) weighs around 7-8 lbs. When fully packed, it weighs about 20 lbs. So if I were to fly Air France, I will have no problem staying within their weight allowance.

Thanks ya'll! I have a couple of questions please.
yk, could you tell me where you bought your travelpro luggage? I would like to look in to that brand.

Travelgourmet, please tell me more about the monopole business. I can't believe they are headed that way, the luggage is much less stable with the slender handle.

Yk, I WILL reduce my bag thanks to your positive reply. Thanks again, Brownley

We've finally given up on our long-standing carry-on-only policy. Each airline, airport and agent seems to have their own inconsistently applied rules. We check one wheelie bag each and hope for the best, and we carry on one small bag each with a change of clothes and a few basic toiletries. So far (knock wood), there have been no problems, and we've come to like boarding the plane with just a small bag.

Briggs & Riley 22" no-frills, non-expanding "box on wheels"

bramsole - Well the monopole looks cool and it takes up less interior space. There are certainly some brands that continue with the traditional handles, but they seem to be the more staid (and heavier) brands like Briggs & Riley and Travelpro. Personally, I haven't had any problems with the monopole, but I understand what you mean about the twisting problems.

Brownley - Many stores carry TravelPro luggage. Here's their website showing the carryon-size:
http://www.travelpro.com/viewByStyle.cfm?style=Rollaboards#

Mine is similar in look and weight to the Walkabout Lite, but mine was the Crew5 (or Crew6?) series which has been discontinued. The website also has a "Where to Buy" tab.

I bought mine at one of those discount stores - either TJMaxx or Marshalls - and it was fairly cheap because it was discontinued product. The reason I prefer buying in a store is because I bring my measuring tape with me so that I know the dimensions exactly - something you can't always trust on websites.

In any case, I still wish my suitcase were lighter when empty, but for the price I paid I guess I can't be too picky. In terms of quality, the TravelPro is pretty good. The material they use is thick and sturdy (perhaps that explains the weight), and mine is still in very good shape after 6 trips.

P.S. I'm someone who uses public transportation and walks a lot. My suitcase has been dragged on cobblestone streets or regular sidewalks for at least several miles in the last few months.

Jean, I know what you mean. I traveled to Pennsylvania last month and checked my bag. I was carrying cornmeal to out kids. A hard to find itam in Pa. you know. I took my purse on board and a book. What a joy that was!
When we trip travel, I must carry three or four books to read along the way.
Travelgourmet: That is exactly what I mean. That twisting and turning. It works great for a while and then wham-oh, I am struggling to upright the silly thing.
Yk: You are shopping my favorite stores. I'll keep an eye out there. I do love a discount bargain.
Right now, I am thinking about finding one for me and letting Dh carry the 22" and deal with all the issues, if any that he incurs.
Thanks everybody for the luggage ideas. B.

Eagle Creek Hovercraft 22" 7 lbs 6 oz. I have used it for multiple trips to Europe and all over the U.S.

Kind of unrelated.

Has anyone checked at Heyes case? I am considering one but since I am going to be traveling with my mother I might as well check. (I have her down to a 24" and that's as SMALL as we are going to get LOL!)

Wasn't sure how well these would check.

I have both a 22" Vitronix (that unlike the first poster I love) and a 21" Rick Steves (that I also like, but find it's not good for business travel as it tends to 'tip over' if you attach your briefcase to the front)

CarolA - there are lots of reviews of the Heys X-case on ebags.com. You can sort through them and see if there are comments on checking them:
http://www.ebags.com/heys_usa/xcase_20_lightweight_carry_on/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=56285

One thing about the TravelPro I have - it is designed to tilt towards the handle bar, so even if you attach a briefcase to the top, it won't tip over because of the design.

My Heys Hybrid weighs LESS than the Heys hardside luggage. Sadly it only comes in three piece sets, but Heys Canada told me to go to a shop that sells their lines, and I could order the 19" outside of the set.

I would have done that, but found someone selling the 19" Heys Hybrid on ebay. What a score. It is the lightest piece of luggage that I have ever owned and I love it. About 4 lbs.

CarolA: you and your mother could split the Heys Hybrid set that is on ebags and a bunch of other places.

I also have an EagleCreek 18" rolling piece, but it doesn't hold as much as my Heys 19".

For what it's worth - I just bought a 20" Heys 4WD, (4 wheels), but haven't actually used it yet. Weighs just over 6 lbs and has an expansion feature that will add an extra 2 inches to the capacity. It has a "normal" handle that will accommodate a smaller tote bag. It probably won't pass the carry-on sizing since overall it measures about 22-1/2" but I intend to check anyway, so for me it's no big deal. In preliminary packing, it seems to hold almost as much as my heavy, old 22". I bought it at SteinMart for about $100, half of suggested retail.

Alright ya'll, let me ask ya'll another question. I am flying Delta next fall to Paris and on to Florence on
Air France. I have my 22" roller Victrinox Werk. If I piggy-back on the matching tote will that be two much for carryon? I have been studying the web and I have traveled with those two bad boys before, but now I am a little concerned. I could carry a tote, but that would mean huffing it across CDG with a arm load and pulling as well.

I understand the need to pack light, really I do. I just don't know how women do it. I'm the one carrying the hairproducts, for both, make-up, and Lord have mercy... At this age I need all the goose juice on my face I can get. I've got the moisturizer, the sunscreen, lotion, soap, (I can't stand those tiny hotel bars), ya'll get the picture.

I don't want to go to Europe and hit the drugstore first thing. I understand a lot of people think that is a treat, but not me.

Travelsmith or Magellan had tiny paper products that were shanpoo, conditioner, handcleaner and lotion. I'm thinking of trying something like that. That would lighten the packing and take care of the liquid issue.

I also understand it doesn't matter what I carry if I am breaking my back trucking it all around. Edit, edit, edit. Oh, to be a man with a duffle! B.

I also am going to quit obsessing about this, I always think someone has a better mousetrap than me!!

I just found the Heys Flylite Extreme Hybrid luggage at www.luggage4less.com and the pieces are available separately as well as in a set. I might try the 20" and compare it to the 4WD before deciding. Hmmmm

If you travel often and can put up with your old luggage for one more trip, you may want to wait and shop in Europe, where there's a much bigger selection of smaller, lighter luggage. In Florence, I saw lots of beautiful light-weight suitcases at reasonable prices (north side of the Arno, a block or two west of the Ponte Vecchio). In Paris, at Printemps, I bought a collapsible 21" by Lipault that weights only 2.2 kilos (4.85 pounds)-- can't wait to try it out on my next trip.

Always bring a tape measure when shopping for luggage-- it's never exactly what the tag says. In the US, the real measurement is usually 1 1/2 to 2 inches over what they call it, while in Europe it's sometimes a little under. Watch the width too-- the side that needs to be under 14" for most airlines-- that's where many brands are oversized.

I have my 22" roller Victrinox Werk. If I piggy-back on the matching tote will that be two much for carryon?

Air France says you can have 1 carry on + 1 personal item. Again, the issue will be weight, as the total of the two can't be more than 12 kg. On the way over, I don't anticipate too much of a problem. You should be able to get onto the Delta flight with it and I think the likelihood of Air France forcing you to check it at the gate are probably pretty small.

The times I have had trouble is at check-in. At some airports, Air France actually tags your carry-ons to verify that you are within the requirements. It is at this point that they would be most likely to force you to check. But at some airports, the check-in staff simply don't seem to care, so you may coast through.

I haven't traveled a Delta codeshare, but "real" Air France has always weighed my carryon, in the US and in Europe. People frantically repacking from their carryon into their checked bag is a common sight at Boston Logan.

I wonder if that is a bit of a Logan thing, as Northwest was always pretty aggressive there too, but that was one of the airports where they do seem to aggressively check carry-ons.

By contrast, they haven't seemed to care very much at Zurich, Copenhagen, or London, all of which I have recently flown from on Air France.

Thanks for the advice everyone. I thought I would be fine on Delta, but I thought Air France might be a bit problematic. If I have to check on A.F., it will be O.K.
Mad.Fifi, that is a great idea, new luggage, greater memory.

Weight won't be an issue for me, I don't think. I just don't want to waste my weight limit on luggage if I can go lighter. I was think, small handbag in small tote. Oh, well, as Miss Scarlett says, "I'll think about it tomorrow."

thanks once more, Brownley

it looks like costco is having a sale on heys...
http://tiny.cc/k7LS8

I find most European airlines check weight of carry-on .
I have never been asked to put it in a sizer ( perhaps because it is a soft shoulder bag with no wheels).

carry on, no wheels, 3 pounds 10 oz. New for us, it is waiting to be packed but bigger than I expected.

http://www.ebags.com/ebags/weekender_convertible/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=15026

A useful guide to British/European travel with hand baggage.
http://www.holidayextras.co.uk/news/airport-hand-luggage-security.html

I find most European airlines check weight of carry-on .

It varies a bit by airline. Virgin Atlantic is notorious for rigidly enforcing weight limits. Ryanair, of course, is in a league of its own, by all accounts. And I have found SAS to be sticklers, at least if you catch the wrong agent at check-in. KLM and Air France seem to focus on the number of carry-ons and I've had them check that, but I've never had them weigh my bags.

BA, on the other hand, doesn't care, as long as you can lift it. Same for Easyjet, I think. Swiss has the rule on their books, but I've never been asked to weigh my bag. Lufthansa also seems to be a bit of "don't ask don't tell".

Hey Brownley,
Sorry if this help is a little late.
I would recommend Heys luggage. I have used it before and I had no problem with it. You said you wanted smaller size cases? I know they have lots of lightweight stuff, and good small stuff. Heys luggage is available here:

http://www.irvsluggage.com/Heys-USA-Luggage

and it is on great sales. They've got Eagle Creek baggage there too. There are a few other brands if you have preferences on brands. Hope I helped, and sorry if this is too late and you have already left!

I recently traveled with three friends to Italy for two weeks. Each of us carried a Heys 20" 4WD. We did carry-on for the trip to Italy and checked the bags traveling home. While traveling around Italy we opened the expansions. They all survived the ride home and we were traveling on different airlines: United, Air France, and American. One lady flew to Italy on Delta and commented that the storage bin was very small, but with help she was able to fit her bag in.

I was surprised how much this bag could hold. I moved up from an 18" Heys bag and the two additional inches gave me a lot of extra room. Overall, I recommend this bag.

I bought mine on eBay, but the other three ladies purchased through an online luggage store for $69 each including shipping. Only two colors to choose from here. http://www.peninsulaluggageonline.com/collection.php?cID=155

You can see a photo of us with our luggage at http://gallery.me.com/twdcards#100151&view=mosaic&sel=0

Reviving this- it's the new year and all, time for resolutions and boxing week sales.

Tuscan's posts got me interested in the Heys Flylite hybrid:

http://shop.heys.ca/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=FlyLite

Unfortunately they were only available as a 3-piece set. BUT (drumroll) it's now possible to buy them separately from Sears (and for a pretty good price too):

http://www.sears.ca/product/heys-flylite-hybrid-20-upright/A0003187591455956

So I just ordered the 8x14x20 inches (weight 4.8 lbs). I have no idea of the exact dimensions with wheels and handle included, I'll have to take measurements when it gets in.

<<I am afraid that the 22 inch won't make it as a carryon on the jump from Paris to Florence.>>

I'd worry too. It will probably depend upon the space available on the plane. When I flew AF from Paris to Atlanta in October they were taking some rolling backpacks that were smaller than 22 inches. I have a 22" that does not fit into the sizer in Paris because of the wheels. But they let me take it on board a few years ago because it was only 15 lbs and there was plenty of space on the plane. Not sure that is happening these days.

<<So I just ordered the 8x14x20 inches (weight 4.8 lbs). I have no idea of the exact dimensions with wheels and handle included, I'll have to take measurements when it gets in.>>

Let us know how it works out for you. It looks good in the pics and is ballistic nylon so should be strong. I like the hard shell on the back. I just bought an Osprey 19" about five pounds, so lightweight, but the back is the fabric so no protection if I have to check it, although my luggage often shows up upside down on the carousel.

Re Air Francre - last year my TC and I approached the check in counter and they were eyeballing luggage. They picked up my TCs bag and said it had to get weighed. They just slapped a "cabine baggage" tag on mine so it didn't have to get weighed. My is about 19", her's was a tad over 20" (but less than 21). So it's kind of a crap shoot.

Re lightweight luggage. The lightest I've found is the cheap stuff you can get in Target or wherever. I have one that is Eddie Bauer and it's held up on many trips. But while pretty light it's close to 21" so now I use a no-name 19 inch. Weighs about 5 pounds and has held up on several trips. There are some even lighter but they look like they'd fall apart.

You should check Altman's Luggage in NYC (they will ship) for GREAT prices on TravelPro.

Welcome to light-packing, Apres Londee. That looks a lot like my Lipault bag. I think you'll like the change, especially for those walk-up apartments. 8" is kind of flat though, especially when it's non-expandable.

It's not going to be easy but I'm determined to do it. I'm definitely going to have to practice pack. There should be some bulging room with the Flylite but it will be interesting to see how much.

I've been meaning to come back to this thread forever- back in January I got the Heys Flylite hybrid I mentioned earlier. I haven't used it yet, but I've measured it (unpacked- I'll be practice packing soon and will re-measure when its full)

Anyways, the website said it's 8x14x20 inches (weight 4.8 lbs)

I measured:

7 3/4 inches deep with wheels
20 inches tall including wheels and handle
14 inches wide but it will be closer to 15 inches when packed

The weight on the tag on the suitcase is 5.1 lbs or 2.3kg (not 4.8 lbs like it says on the website). I haven't weighed it but it is really light. I noticed how light it was right away because I had to carry it home in a big box on the subway.

The wheels and handle seem to be really good quality, not sticky or wobbly at all.

So it looks pretty good so far. I definitely have to practice packing though. This little piece of luggage looks so small!

Please let me know what you manage to squeeze in there, Apres. I am trying to do carry-on (first time) for a trip that will involve binoculars, camera plus lenses, back-up camera, hiking boots!, all kinds of random stuff not easy to buy where I'm going. I would love to hear what's possible/realistic in a carry-on.

And where are you headed next?

Hi Leely, sounds like you're headed back to Africa! When are you going?

My trip is a lot less exciting than that- London, Paris (1 night only, sniff), back to England and then Scotland, in late May for 2 weeks.

I won't be packing much more than some clothes and a few small personal items like make-up. Also my small digital camera, itouch, phone, and maybe my netbook although I stepped on it by accident a while ago and now the screen has a big crack but it's still usable.

I'm planning to buy toiletries like shampoo and stuff when I get there, and I will dump any leftovers before coming home.

I thought about getting and packing a lightweight foldaway duffel bag or something, but the fact is I don't have space for a bunch of souvenirs in my apartment either. So I'm planning on going carry on only both there and back.

I'm a real wimp, here I am worrying about carry-on for an easy trip to the UK when you are going carry-on on a safari!

Apres, that sounds like a wonderful trip, even though you are shortchanging Paris. You may not have space for souvenirs at home but what about something--or some things--nice to wear?

And yes, I have dutifully saved my pennies and vacation days and will be off to Rwanda and Kenya, finally finally! I am sort of promising to take my sister's family to either France or Italy the following year, so I need to do what I want to do this year. But the carry-on luggage question remains to be seen.

Happy travels to you!

Leely, can you wear the hiking boots instead of packing them?

Apres, if you're not sure whether you'll need the duffel bag, don't pack it. If you do end up needing more space, just pick up one of those huge cheap reusable grocery bags from Tesco or Shopi.

@MademoiselleFifi - I see that you are located in NYC, just as I am. I am in love with the Lipault line. I am gearing for my Europe trip and always looking for lightweight luggage since I travel light. Do you/anyone else know where I can purchase this line at a discounted price? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!