Carry on luggage suggestions?
 

I found out that we are only allowed a maximum carry on of 55x40 cm which converted is only about 22x16 inches. Not very big at all. Should we consider backpacks as a carry on? I have two nice roomy carry ons that I've always used before but they are too big for this trips' allowance.
Thanks,
TB

Personally, I don't like backpacks because if you wear them, you can't protect them from "intruders" very well - standing in a long line with folks right behind you, just seems too easy an arrangement for theft. I don't find them that comfortable to carry on one arm (pulls on my clothes and keeps falling off, etc.) or in my hand (I trip over the straps hanging down).

I'm currently using a 22" duffle bag. It's got several smaller compartments inside and outside for my small wristlet wallet, papers, books, iPod, etc. And a nice roomy main inside for bigger items. Since it's softsided, I can squish it to make it fit size requirements. With the shoulder strap and the handles, I can easily carry it at my side or in front of me (while trudging through the plane's aisle).

That is a very generous allowance - most airlines limit carry-ons to 22X14X9 inches.

Any 21 inch or most 22 inch rollaboards will be your best bet. The reason I say "most" 22 inchers is that some have large wheels and/or bulky handles that really make them 23 inches long -- too big for many sizer boxes.

I always use a daypack of about 30-40 litres. It means my hands are free for other things & that I've got something to put my towel / book / water / sunglasses / suncream in when I go to the beach.

Can't see the point of carrying a heavy bag (which cuts into your luggage allowance) which is then going to sit in a corner for the holiday.

Valuable stuff like cameras always travels close to my body except when going through UK airport security

I'd say it depends if you are traveling alone. I just returned from Europe and I usually like to take a carryon with wheels, but I decided to carry a backpack instead. I was able to fit it under the seat but it was heavy on my back when going through the airports. I also have a carryon that is on wheels and the front part zips off a small backpack-that way you can separate it to fit on small airplanes and it is on wheels. They also make backpacks on wheels.

TB- Are you also checking luggage? If so, any daypack, oversized pocketbook, messanger bag, can work for the carry-on.

I loke my Steves' Veloce bag - it is a backpack, but also a shoulder bag that can be carried like messenger bag. Several pockets, mesh pockets for water, and can hold plenty in the main compartment, including a 14" laptop (books, cell, camera, journal and carry on cosmetics, not to mention a change of clothes if needed.)
It's a good size...room for everything without being too bulky for my small frame, so it can double as a large daypack for trips to the market or the beach.

<< I found out that we are only allowed a maximum carry on of 55x40 cm which converted is only about 22x16 inches. Not very big at all. >>

Which airline? What's the carry on weight limit?

For us, the main issue is the weight limit. For our trip next month to Prague, the weight limit is 15 lbs.

Woody

Woody- carry on weight is 17 pounds. I plan on weighing it before we leave. This weekend I went and found (LOL, a little obsessive, I brought along my measuring tape!) and found a perfect duffle bag, with shoulder straps and carrying handles. Fits size requirements and plenty of room.

Sounds like you did your homework. Good job.

Woody

The weight for carry on with Alitalia is 11 lbs. Does anyone know if this is being enforced?

Alitalia is my problem with packing too...

Just make sure that it is on WHEELS and not on your shoulder! You have no idea how long the walks can actually be from one gate to another!! I'm thinking Brussels and Heathrow!

With a 11 lb. limit, there is no way you can take something with wheels --- there's 5 lbs. right there. It would be easy to carry 11 lbs. I was just hoping that maybe it wasn't being enforced so I could take something that totalled more than 11 lbs.

I think I am going to check a 25", 9lb, eagle creek rolling bag, carry on Air France a 3 1/2 lb High Sierra Travel pack with everything I don't want to risk losing from Boston to NY to Paris to Florence. For the Alitalia flight, the back pack will go into the 25" bag to be checked. I will bring a very light weight Nike duffel, < 1lb, and fill it with my carry-on - I plan to put my Rome clothes in either a large ziploc bag or a packing cube so they stay separate while we are in Tuscany. I can't believe how much thought I have tried to put into my packing/luggage options.

Any idea what I will be allowed from Rome to Paris? We have a layover from about 12:30pm to 8:00am the next morning.

Beware carrying anything valuable in the too-convenient small compartment at the back. I have watched this pocket being raided as the owner was waling along. Some checkins will ask you to use their large items checkin as the straps foul up the conveyer belt. Some backpacks have a way of folding all the dangly bits away to avoid this hassle.

THank you but the back pack will either be with me (I tend to just put the pack over one shoulder) or will be inside checked luggage. I will be very careful of pickpockets. I have been pickpocketed in Paris - not fun!

My DW has a soft-sided roller bag with pop-up handle that weighs 3 lbs. She got it online from Chadwick's. I believe it was free if she spent $30.

Woody

wow 3 lbs. is amazingly light for anything with wheels

Another person seeking carry on, and more specifically, a light weight piece of luggage; ideally, would like wheels as I don't think I'm able to schlep the weight on my back.

I'm considering the "Mother Lode Mini" that I've found on www.ebags.com >>> http://www.ebags.com/ebags/mother_lo...?modelid=68256

Anyone here with a this bag or have something comprable?

Tess - the only concern I'd have with that bag is that there really isn't a convenient pocket for your tickets, etc. The small top pocket apparently opens the wrong way so items fall out if you open it while it's standing on end.

P.S. After reading several reviews, I think there are a few people out there who could stand to read the "packing light" threads. :)

Tess, I don't care for the backpack-y confirguration (personal opinion). I must more like a nice smooth box shape, of a normal rolling suitcase... with a couple of exterior pockets.

Good points -- thank you both for your comments. I'm also more used to a more boxy shape, the traditional roll-a-board carry-on, however I'm seeking to get a piece that's no more than 8 lbs. From my search, that type of more structured frame adds to the weight.

I've found another candidate -- this is a "Quickload Upright Duffle" from LL Bean -- http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/sto...ch&feat=sr

Again, anyone who has this bag or something similar?

My 22" rolling suitcase weighs 7.5 lbs empty. No special brand. I bought it on sale at JC Pennys years ago.

Tess, Quickload Duffle billed as 40% lighter weighs 7lbs 11 oz, so not that amazing light imo. AGain I don't like the "squishy" configuration of the shape of the bag. My favorite is more like the one at the bottom called Sportsman something.

And some of the new poly-carbonate hard sided luggage is very light. 7 to 7.5 lbs for a 21 inch rollaboard. There are several brands out there . . .

Suze - that's the weight for the 26" bag. The carry on size is about 6lbs 10oz. The one you mention is 10lbs.

If you're looking for a more softsided, maleable bag than Suze's suggestion, how about the Sportsman's Rolling Gear Bag. It's 7lbs for the 22" and has some outside compartments for easy access (basically a duffle bag on wheels).

The backpack I intend to use as a carry-on is 3 1/2 lbs empty. Still too much to waste with an Alitalia limit of 11 lbs for carry on. I intend to use my extremely light Nike gyn duffel.

I have a question about the Alitalia 11 lbs limit. We are arriving in Rome on a Delta international flight from Atlanta and connecting to an Alitalia flight to Palermo.

Will I have to make sure my carry on meets the 11 lbs limit or do they give connecting passengers a break on this (I know, don't laugh I am just trying to be really hopeful). I cannot find any information on the Delta or Alitalia site about this.

I checked with a Delta representative just yesterday. I believe the over water carrier's rules govern checked luggage only but not carry on. The good news is you are most likely allowed 2 checked bags vs. Alitalia's one checked bag (for domestic flights). That said, call Delta with your specific circumstances. They were extremely helpful to me yesterday.

This weekend I was in a Bag N Baggage store and looked at the new Polycarbonate luggage. It looks great and is wonderfully light & manueverable. However, when I checked the ebags.com website for comments, several people mentioned the lack of durability for this material. They said that luggage was fine as a carry-on piece, but that it easily dented and got scratched when checked.

toedtoes --
Thanks for pointing out that other LL Bean luggage. I hadn't noticed the Sportsman's Rolling Gear Bag. I'll have to get off the fence and make a decision soon on which of these to buy. My trip to Peru is next month and we'll be traveling by plane & train within the country.

I never (or essentially never) check bags so that wouldn't be an issue. I have lots of bags/suitcases (mostly given to me by different vendors/retailers to test since I give packing classes) but not yet one of the polycarbonate ones. Maybe I should angle for one to try out . . . . .

Tess, since your time is pretty limited and you're unlikely to be able to return and get another bag in time for the trip, you might want to look at some local stores where you can try out the piece first.

Target has some Eddie Bauer pieces that are nice. The Silverton Vertical Travel Pack fits in with what you're looking at. The shipping weight is 7.7lbs, so the actual bag is closer to 7lbs.

Just a brief word of advice here, after doing much traveling in the past 6 months. Even if the only thing you intend to carry onto the plane is a purse--make sure it is on wheels!! If you have a heavy purse on your shoulder, it can really weigh you down and slow you down on the long walks between gates--especially at some of the larger international airports. If you must have a purse, get a small light one and put it inside of the small carry-on with wheels. As you trudge those miles between gates, you will be very happy to have a bag on wheels instead of on your shoulder or back. Believe me.

If carry-on limit is important: Use allowed dimensions and have a rip-stop nylon bag made. Buy a wheeled cart at destination. How about bright yellow?

I am considering using my small wheeled carry-on more often, after a few particularly LONG walks thru airport connections recently where my tote bag was too heavy, as mentioned above.

Tote bags can be very attractive and appealing, but believe me--they lose their appeal very quickly during long walks in huge terminals. Do buy some sort of tote bag on wheels, and then put your shoulder purse inside of it. You will be very happy that you made this choice. From one who found out the hard way. jg

we have just arrived back from Europe, We flew on ANZ (who allow 2 bags pp wght70lbtotal & one carry on) to LHR . but EUC allows you to check in one bag & one carry on, after checking in when I arrived at security they said my carry on was to big!!and I had to go back & check it in! it seems their measurements are different to the Airlines !! plus it is one item no purses etc, people were knelt on the floor trying to re pack & unload. one lady had a small plastic bag with a sandwich & she had to push her purse in with her sandwiches.