Travel Tote/Bag (women) for carrying on plane

Old Apr 6th, 2013, 06:57 AM
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Travel Tote/Bag (women) for carrying on plane

I will be heading to France and Italy for 2 weeks. I am carry on only and taking my Heys 21 inch expandable spinner. I would like to find a carry on personal tote for the plane and can't seem to find the ideal one. I would like straps that go over my shoulder but really want a longer shoulder strap to use as a crossbody. I won't carry this bag except on plane and to an from airports. Want to pack my iPad or macbook air, snacks, rollup flats, extra jacket, paperwork, magazine, water bottle, cosmetics etc. Can't seem to find either the right size or material. I ordered a Baggalini but really hate the old metal zippers. Looked at Kipling and LeSportSac. Thought of diaper bag but most look really big.

I also looking for suggestions for every day bag crossbody style that cant go into evening but carry water bottle, paris pratique guide, small cosmetic essentials, camera and cell phone.
Much appreciate any ideas for fellow Fodorites.
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Old Apr 6th, 2013, 07:50 AM
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I forgot add would like something very lighweight.
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Old Apr 6th, 2013, 08:12 AM
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Took me ages to find the right tote for flights. Finally got a made-to-order LL Bean Boat and Tote and it works great. You can choose the strap length, your colors, whether or not you want a zipper and pocket, etc., but no cross-body.

Durable and practical. I realize that's the kiss of death for posh types, but it works perfectly well for casual bumpkins like me.

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/40297...t-and-tote-bag
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Old Apr 6th, 2013, 10:43 AM
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For an airplane bag, I can't live without my Longchamp Le Pliage: http://www.longchamp.com/en/le-pliage-women-255.html

Inside I put everything (all electronics, meds, etc.) plus my daytime cross-body (a man's bag, but I love it too!) http://www.jackspade.com/Waxwear-Por...efault,pd.html

Have a great trip!
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Old Apr 6th, 2013, 11:10 AM
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You should look at messenger bags for the carryon - they all go crossbody and are usually sized for carrying a small laptop.

For the second bag I have a baggalini messenger sling bag and their big zipper bag, both are cross body and will hold a fair amount. Too bag you feel that way about the zippers because baggalini has a huge selection of attractive cross body bags, and has lately been making much more stylish bags. I like them because they're built like tanks, and an everyday bag that might fail for some reason would be totally unacceptable.
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Old Apr 6th, 2013, 11:16 AM
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You can also check out Lesportsac, which has a wide variety of options and prices.

I have a unisex version that I've had forever. Took it on my first trip to Europe in 1985. It goes with me on all buisness and holiday trips.

http://www.lesportsac.com/
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Old Jun 3rd, 2014, 05:02 PM
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My ideal tote has to be able to lie flat under front seat so that I can put my feet on it; must have outside pocket(s) for water bottle & those things that I will be using several times during flight; must zip closed so small items don't fall out; handles to grab and shoulder strap. My newest favorite is a navy quilted yoga bag that is rather deep & squarish, but zips, has outside pockets, and is quilted nylon w/ coral inside (helpful on dark planes)! So, look in your womens exercise department of department or discount stores. I have had LeSportsac, Ripley, Baggalini (agree about appearance), my huge LV NeverFill, but this yoga bag is the lightest and don't have to worry about it getting beat up. Prefer more vertical over horizontal bags for ease thru crowds. My smaller everyday travel bag is by Travelon, slash-proof cross body about 8 x 9, but very stuffable w/ latching zipper to boot. I pack it in my 21" Lucas and use my tote onboard, always wearing clothes w/ pockets for lipbalm, glasses, etc.
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Old Jun 4th, 2014, 02:47 PM
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I carry a big black Kipling on the plane and a lovely vegan leather bag as a day bag. It's got a shoulder strap, a wrist loop, or can be used as a clutch. Very versatile! I got it from the Etsy shop Tracce Bags.
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Old Jun 8th, 2014, 10:22 AM
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Sorry you don't like Baggallini as I love mine, and I have many! I prefer their crossbody messenger bag for everyday use because it has room for glasses, water, phone, etc.

However, I finally got tired of the carryon bag that sat on top of my suitcase and ordered the North Face Women's Recon backpack from ebags. I've never liked backpacks because they were also uncomfortable around the armpits, but this one is designed specifically for women.
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Old Jul 3rd, 2014, 08:54 AM
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http://www.zappos.com/dakine-womens-bags~b

Lots of choices on zappos
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Old Jul 14th, 2014, 03:58 PM
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I was just shopping for a replacement to my worn-out leather laptop backpack, and came across one that might interest you. It is a bit too small for my laptop, otherwise I would have bought it:

http://www.amazon.com/AB-Earth-Leath...YRTPKQ57CR87PT

I think it's a nice looking bag, and it does have that extra strap so you can also sling it over a shoulder.

For comparison, here is the bag I did order (caveat: it hasn't arrived yet, so can't guarantee it will suit either):

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Old Sep 21st, 2014, 11:04 AM
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For flight you can take one normal bag with standards 22 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm.
I hade a case a little bit smaller than this standard from genuine leather Brand Florence Calzione, i had a right problem, because the customs would not permit me to enter with this bag to the plane. They had thought that it is just contraband bag... After giving information about strategy of brand Florence Calzione (they have only exotic leather products) i had got a permission to the plane...
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Old Nov 19th, 2014, 08:14 AM
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cant live without my Longchamps La Pliage. that is my go to tote bag on flights. if it is a short flight, i have a large Fendi purse that holds what i need.
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Old Nov 25th, 2014, 02:32 PM
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good tips!
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Old Mar 27th, 2015, 10:47 AM
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Longchamps La Pliage is a great choice. Can be carried by hand or over shoulders. The small version makes a great choice to fit inside medium one and use as purse on arrival. these are available at Nordstroms and other stores in US, but if possible, buy in France to save money, and for best deal, at Charles De Gaulle airport, duty-free on departing EU.
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Old Apr 7th, 2015, 05:39 PM
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For my personal carry on, I love the Tom Bihn Synapse 19 that also serves as a daypack. It carries everything I need on the plane where it fits comfortably against my own seat behind my legs so I can stretch out and utilize the full amount of space under the seat in front of me: http://www.tombihn.com/PROD/TB0110.html

As for a purse, I gave up on trying to find just the right travel purse and designed my own, with help:
http://packinglighttravel.com/travel...-travel-purse/
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Old Apr 30th, 2015, 07:17 PM
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http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/ca...entId=8&id=566

I use this one as my purse/small carryon. It fits a lot of stuff and I can wear it across my body or put it over the handle of a roll on bag and drag it.
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Old May 10th, 2015, 11:11 AM
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Baggalini lovers, they are finally making their bags with nicer zippers -- hooray! Nice selection of several in my local TJMaxx.
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Old May 14th, 2015, 11:13 PM
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Check out the Neva lines. I bought my husband the super case with strap and myself the backpack/tote. They are expensive but absolutely lightweight with wonder line lines and shapes
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Old May 26th, 2015, 07:52 PM
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If you would like to come to my house and check out my huge selection of totes for taking stuff on the plane, you are very welcome. Heck, I'll sell you one if you find one you like.

I have them for every weather and length of trip. If I see them at Marshall's or TJ Maxx and they look like they might work, I buy them.

I have one with secret sewn in pockets for dangerous airports. I love a large back zipper pocket for a book or magazine. Oh heck, I have them all.
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