<So what size bags do you all check>
I check one rolling bag, either a 24" suitcase or 24" duffle bag. I use the duffle shape for beachy vacation where I'm staying put the entire time (it's a big roomier and floppier), or the suitcase shape one if I'm in Europe moving around on the train.

Along with one carry-on which might be an oversized pocket book or a beach bag, again depending on destination.

I didn't mean to ask what size you all checked.

I meant: What size bags do you all take as carry on??

I am getting anxious just thinking of this!

oops, I thought maybe you'd changed your mind ;-)
I don't carry-on only. It's too stressful for me to manage. I have done it in the past (for one 3 week europe trip I used only a smallish Andiamo duffle bag w/a shoulder strap, no wheels) but I didn't like it. I've been traveling w/ wheels and a slightly larger bag ever since that trip.

I did it! I ordered Eagle Creek 20" Tarmac bag. It seemed to get very good reviews. I have to take a break now!

But for certain, I will be back once I start to pack in the middle of next month!

Congrats on the decision & purchase. It's a very nice looking bag (kinda tiny though -haha). Good luck!

Remember that bag weighs a bit over 7 pounds so that leaves you 10 pounds worth of "stuff" to put in it. You might not want to wait until the last minute to start packing in case you decide to add some lighter weight clothes to your wardrobe that you might have to order.

In adddition to the 21" Rick Steves with wheels ,I take another piece of his luggage, Avanti bag, that sits on top of luggagewhen moving about.It fits nicely under the seat in front of me. I use the zipper compartments as my "purse" since my real purse is packed in the larger bag.

eks, I lent my mother my Eagle Creek rolling bag, for her to use as carry on, which she never does, and she called me to tell me how wonderful it was. You will like it; I'm a big fan.

I never go bigger than 20" and often use a 19".

Are those Alitalia restrictions for all flights, or perhaps just in Europe?

Thanks again, everyone.

Suze: Very funny!

I will start the test run soon. The last time I flew home from Europe, my bag got lost for almost two days. I had quite a bit of mozzarella inside so I was quite annoyed. (I had flown home from Naples). I was reminded by my travel partner that, there and then, I made a vow to take only carry on on the next European trip. In fact, I was reminded several times of this vow. Well, now I am halfway there! I just have to figure out how to get the food home--I might have to check a bag on the return but that is not so important..

I am getting anxious just thinking of this!


All this time and effort and stress alr, and you could have just pack a bag and check it!

We just bought an eBags Mother Lode TLS Weekender Convertible-actually 2 of them. We will be on safari for 16 days and tried many, many bags before choosing this one. We have used them once already and love them. Extremely well-made, top choice of SF Chronicle travel writer and I can get tons of stuff in it. You can use it as a back-pack (it is very light) or with the handles (there are three). I would have liked it in Europe to carry up lots of flights of stairs and on trains. We travel a lot, and this will be our bag. Of course, we travel light.
good luck on your pledge, and have lots of fun.

Whoops,
i forgot to mention that the bag is now on sale at eBags for $40. No, i don't know them or work for them. i just like this bag.

Eks, good for you -- I like Eagle Creek and that will be my next bag. I do carry on only, at least on the trip over.

For now I use either the Rick Steves wheeled carry-on or the without-wheels-with-backpack-straps. I am so glad you went with the wheels. I did the without wheels bag last trip to Italy and boy did I REGRET it! Awful lugging that thing around. I bought it because it was about 3-4 pounds empty but I will not go without a wheeled bag again.

The bag I brought over last time (for purchases) was a bagallini, but I think this time I will bring a very light weight sportsac that I bring over in the carry on.

I also like the Eagle Creek packing envelope for packing internally, and the Rick Steves packing cubes. I had avoided them previously because I really do pare things down to every ounce, but they have well repaid the weight they take up. Also I do include some of the vacuum bags, but watch out for weight adding up.

I like onebag.com as well and recommend it.

Eks, There is no hard and fast rule for the second carryon except that it can be stuffed under the seat in front of you until after take-off. (the 21" of course goes overhead). A cloth grocery bag will fit under even with 4 books and a large purse tucked into it.

My wife and I just did 2 weeks in Nice, 2 weeks in Paris and on week in Amsterdam. We took one backpack each, weighing less than 25 pounds, one large purse (maps, guide books, snacks) 1 computer case with computer and various plug adapters, extension cords, etc. We washed clothes about every 4th or 5th day. While there, wife did some shopping for clothes. We bought wheeled luggage at a second hand store for 8 Euro to bring stuff back in. We had found new wheeled luggage for 20 Euro, but waited and found secondhand before we had to buy something. So, we came back with 2 backpacks, purse, computer case and 2 -wheeled luggage. Only had to carry them once - to the airport, then home on Amtrak. We did not have to lug them all over Europe. We always try to end up in Paris, as our last stop. That is where wife does her shopping for the fall and winter.

The last time I flew home from Europe, my bag got lost for almost two days. I had quite a bit of mozzarella inside so I was quite annoyed.>>

LOL, ek - what was the mozzarella like when you got it home?

The mozzarella was actually fine! It was smoked so perhaps it withstood the trip better than regular.

Meanwhile, ten minutes ago I opened the box with the new suitcase. It is 20" and it is really good looking, but it is also TINY!!


I am tempted to exchange it for the 22" one, but if I do that, I guess there is a chance that I will not be allowed to carry on, right?

You're right; it depends on the airline (and ultimately the person that checks you in) so read the size allowed for carryon carefully if you want a guarantee.

Mine is 21" and I've been lucky so far but I've even seen a first class passenger told that they HAVE to check their 22".

I've also seen plenty of 22" cases taken on board without a problem.

Hi ekscrunchy,

Could you post a link to the exact bag? Also, have you measured it all the way around? What are it's l, w, h?

Thanks!

This is the bag--this link has the measurements--20" x 14" x 9.5"

What do you think?

http://www.ebags.com/product/eagle-c...upright/108076