Tonight I've been 'practice packing' (yes, absurdly far ahead of time but still fun!) and am curious about the dimensions of my bags for carry-on. Instead of a small purse and a larger roll-aboard I have two bags that are more medium sized and am wondering if the dimensions will work. Will one fit under the plane seat? Is it too much of a stretch to consider one a 'personal item' for an Aer Lingus shuttle flight?

Packed, the total weight is about 18 pounds (together) and dimensions are: 15x10x10 and 16x15x6 (this is more of a tote bag style).

I was really surprised at how much fit into these two bags, leaving about 1/3 of the tote bag still empty!

I have another bag that is 15x8x5 that I could replace the totebag with if necessary but it would leave me less room to bring things home.

For my 'day purse' I have a regular Chico bag and am hoping that will work alright since it packs away so small. I've been looking at the ones that are more of a messenger bag style and if they pack small enough I may just buy one of those.

Also, I plan on carrying my coat and using it as a blanket/pillow on the plane.

Thanks!

Forgot to say that my trans flight is on Continental. Not sure if that info makes a difference or if all planes have relatively similar under-seat space?

Aer Lingus are pretty strict on carry on, at least from the Netherlands to Ireland they were. When they say one piece of carry on they mean one piece of carryon. No personal item just a single bag.

From the Aer Lingus website:

Cabin/Carry-On Baggage Allowance
Max Bag Dimensions
* Baggage is restricted to one piece per passenger.
* The maximum dimensions for a cabin bag are 56cms x 45cms x 25cms or 22in x 18in x 10in.
* Baggage must weigh under 10 kgs/22lbs and be small enough to fit in overhead bins or under your seat.
* Additional small items (cameras, personal stereos, overcoats, handbags) are allowed.
* EU security rules regarding liquids, gels and aerosols in cabin baggage apply...

sorry - but 15 x 10 x 10 is probably too big to be considered a 'personal item'. Now - a gate agent <i>might</i> allow it but much more likely you will have to pay extra and check it.

I'd personally go w/ a larger carry on and a small purse.

I carried on a shopper close to those dimensions flying from Dublin to JFK, and was okay with it, but I was a little surprised that no-one demanded that I check my actual carry-on, especially as I also had my purse and a camera bag. I was travelling with my elderly father who only had his cane and a small carry-on, so there may have been an assumption that some of those items were really his, and I was just the pack mule, which was to some extent correct.

Airline can be VERY strict - esp on the way back from europe. I have seen many passengers have to gate check small wheelies that would be allowed in the US. Definitely use one the full size of what they will allow and make sure the second item is clearly a purse and not another carry-on.

Thanks everyone!

I appreciate the advice and will keep an eye open for a bit larger bag and see what I have that will work for a traveling purse. Maybe this is why these like-new bags were at the second hand shop? LOL Someone else may have realized they wouldn't quite work.