Carry on bags -- Hive recommendations, please

[Alessandra]

Ds will be traveling by air next week, and I totally forget that he needs a carry on bag. He will be with a group -- no one is doing checked luggage. I don't want to use our super cheap, fragile duffel bags.

 

So, if you have recommendations (or bags you hated, lol), I would to gather up some Hive knowledge before ordering. Amazon has so many bags. I saw this, but I am confused.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Flight-Approved-Carry-Backpack-Grey/dp/B016NRYE0A?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_3&smid=A3GJFAV425412N

 

Ds's airline allows 45" total (l + w + h).

[prairiewindmomma]

My favorite carryon is a hard sided case from Costco with 360 wheels and a telescoping handle.  We travel frequently with it, and never check luggage.

[Alessandra]

My favorite carryon is a hard sided case from Costco with 360 wheels and a telescoping handle.  We travel frequently with it, and never check luggage.

 

 

Was it by any chance this one, or similar?

 

Upright:

http://www.costco.com/Kirkland-Signatureâ„¢-Upright-21.5%22-Black-Carry-on-.product.11760915.html

 

It looks good. They also have something called a spinner but the wheels stick out. The airline specifically said that the wheels count as part of measurement.

 

Spinner:

http://www.costco.com/.product.100080005.html?cm_sp=RichRelevance-_-itempageVerticalRight-_-CategorySiloedViewCP&cm_vc=itempageVerticalRight%7CCategorySiloedViewCP

 

Thanks!!

[MEmama]

We like LL Bean bags.

[prairiewindmomma]

It was not either of those bags. I did not see them on the Costco website, but they are in our local warehouses.  It's a black Ricardo. Dh flies all airlines, regularly, and has never had a problem with his carryon in terms of size. FWIW, I've had some flat out run mad dashes between terminals, and good wheels are key. We liked the bag enough that I bought another of them for myself.  We can each fit a week's worth of clothes easily, or we can share the case for a long weekend. 

[Laura Corin]

Is that the only airline he is travelling on?  No connections to other airlines?  Just checking....

[Swtonscrappn]

We use carryon often with our kids. We just use a basic $20 duffle bag.

 

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[hellen]

REI Vagabond Tour 40 pack. I like it better than wheeled bags because it is easier to lug around and there is greater maneuverability. It also keeps both hands free.

[MercyA]

We like this Samsonite Ziplite carry-on so well we just bought a second one. If you buy it at Kohl's, make sure you use a coupon! 

[gardenmom5]

My favorite carryon is a hard sided case from Costco with 360 wheels and a telescoping handle.  We travel frequently with it, and never check luggage.

 

I know that one.  I bought it for dh for  father's day last year so he'd leave 2ds's carry-on alone . . . .

 

it's wonderful.  it is not carried in the warehouse - but must be ordered online.  (I've seen absolutely raving reviews from frequent flyers).   I've seen it on amazon (for more money.) it's currently on ebay new, for $150.

 it's $99 plus $10 shipping.   3 - 5 business days. â€‹

Edited March 26, 2016 by gardenmom5

[gardenmom5]

Was it by any chance this one, or similar?

 

 

It looks good. They also have something called a spinner but the wheels stick out. The airline specifically said that the wheels count as part of measurement.

 

Spinner:

http://www.costco.com/.product.100080005.html?cm_sp=RichRelevance-_-itempageVerticalRight-_-CategorySiloedViewCP&cm_vc=itempageVerticalRight%7CCategorySiloedViewCP

 

Thanks!!

 

this one has had horrid reviews. I was able to take a good look at it in the warehouse for awhile - and I didn't like it at all.

 

the other one is what I bought dh- and it's very nice. to compare - I also have high-end atlantic (now out of business), travel-pro, and briggs and riley.  (they warranty against *airline* damage!)

Edited March 26, 2016 by gardenmom5

[gingersmom]

LL Bean

If you have AAA they sell luggage. Ours has been on dozens of flights and is going strong.

 

Airlines have become super strict about carry on luggage. They have made me put mine in their thingy to make sure it is correct size. It is :)

[elegantlion]

Ds just bought the Osprey Porter 30. It's a duffle/backpack. They make a larger 46L size, but ds didn't need one that big. I read a huge number of reviews as I've been looking for something for myself. The zippers are great, it has padding on the sides and compression straps to tighten down the load. It also has a hip belt with the backpack straps. There are a fair number of review videos online to get a better idea of the bag. 

[Lanny]

This thread is of interest to me, because my wife is planning/thinking that we will only have Carry Ons when we go to the USA next month.  I plan to take my older laptop. That's 2 carry on bags for me.  The airline permits 2 checked bags, up to 50 pounds each, but in our class of service, and with our Frequent Flyer status with them, only one carry on.  There was a thread here on WTM, a few months ago, about a Carry On bag that can hold a laptop in  one half and the other stuff in the other half.  2 or 3 people in that thread had that bag.   I wish I had one of those.  Women  carry a Purse, but Men don't do that, so we are at a disadvantage with regard to Carry Ons.   We will need to check in for 4 different flights, so that's 4 times I might have a problem, with 2 Carry Ons.   I think if I get stopped at the gate, I will keep the Laptop with me and let them check the other bag...

[KatieJ]

This thread is of interest to me, because my wife is planning/thinking that we will only have Carry Ons when we go to the USA next month. I plan to take my older laptop. That's 2 carry on bags for me. The airline permits 2 checked bags, up to 50 pounds each, but in our class of service, and with our Frequent Flyer status with them, only one carry on. There was a thread here on WTM, a few months ago, about a Carry On bag that can hold a laptop in one half and the other stuff in the other half. 2 or 3 people in that thread had that bag. I wish I had one of those. Women carry a Purse, but Men don't do that, so we are at a disadvantage with regard to Carry Ons. We will need to check in for 4 different flights, so that's 4 times I might have a problem, with 2 Carry Ons. I think if I get stopped at the gate, I will keep the Laptop with me and let them check the other bag...

Lanny. In my experience, which admittedly is not vast, everyone is allowed a purse or laptop bag plus a carry on. My DH traveled overseas last fall. He carried his IPad along with passport and all that stuff in a leather shoulder bag along with a small carry on. He did check a bag as he was traveling almost 2 weeks. He had no problems anywhere with the two bags he carried on.

[Guest]

How long will he be gone? My ds goes a week in one backpack. I go three weeks in a small rollie and s hsndbsg. But we're not formal people and I know how to hand wash me dainties.

[Pippen]

It was not either of those bags. I did not see them on the Costco website, but they are in our local warehouses.  It's a black Ricardo. Dh flies all airlines, regularly, and has never had a problem with his carryon in terms of size. FWIW, I've had some flat out run mad dashes between terminals, and good wheels are key. We liked the bag enough that I bought another of them for myself.  We can each fit a week's worth of clothes easily, or we can share the case for a long weekend. 

 

We've used a Ricardo that I picked up half price at Kohl's and we really like it also.  We've used it for a number of trips and hospital stays where the parking deck was a far walk from the rooms. It's roomy for it's size and the zippers have lasted. There certainly are bags with smoother wheels on the market, but these have been durable. 

 

TJ Maxx is a great place to pick up reasonably priced luggage if you have one nearby.

Edited March 26, 2016 by Pippen

[Lanny]

Lanny. In my experience, which admittedly is not vast, everyone is allowed a purse or laptop bag plus a carry on. My DH traveled overseas last fall. He carried his IPad along with passport and all that stuff in a leather shoulder bag along with a small carry on. He did check a bag as he was traveling almost 2 weeks. He had no problems anywhere with the two bags he carried on.

 

 

That has been my experience, flying on Domestic trips here in Colombia, when the aircraft are full,  but those trips were on another airline. Two days ago, the flight we will be taking to the USA left 44 minutes early. Probably they only had a few passengers, because this is "Semana Santa" (Holy Week).  That's another reason we would like to only have Carry On bags.  It is very common for them to leave early, but usually it is only 5 to 15 minutes before the scheduled "Push Back" time of the aircraft from the gate. .  

[FriedClams]

I haven't read all the replies, but we travel a lot. I'd just be really, really, really sure that the bag, when fully stuffed packed, meets the airline's size limitations. Otherwise, you may (likely) be paying for it to be checked.

[Tree Frog]

Ds just bought the Osprey Porter 30. It's a duffle/backpack. They make a larger 46L size, but ds didn't need one that big. I read a huge number of reviews as I've been looking for something for myself. The zippers are great, it has padding on the sides and compression straps to tighten down the load. It also has a hip belt with the backpack straps. There are a fair number of review videos online to get a better idea of the bag. 

 

My daughter has something similar to this, but hers is from eBags. High quality and expandable. Fit as carry on on an international trip. Be aware if you purchase from eBags, you will forever receive their emails, even if you unsubscribe. :/

[Alessandra]

REI Vagabond Tour 40 pack. I like it better than wheeled bags because it is easier to lug around and there is greater maneuverability. It also keeps both hands free.

 

That actually looks excellent. REI was another place I had not thought of looking. It's in a store relatively close to me (and where I want to go to look at tents anyway). More expensive than I had planned, but getting the right item is more important than cost, as I anticipate more travel for ds.

 

Good point about hands free. Ds usually has an iPhone in one hands and a Starbucks cup in the other hand.

[Alessandra]

Is that the only airline he is travelling on?  No connections to other airlines?  Just checking....

 

No, just the one airline this trip. But I don't know about future trips. What do you know that I don't ?

[Alessandra]

I know that one.  I bought it for dh for  father's day last year so he'd leave 2ds's carry-on alone . . . .

 

it's wonderful.  it is not carried in the warehouse - but must be ordered online.  (I've seen absolutely raving reviews from frequent flyers).   I've seen it on amazon (for more money.) it's currently on ebay new, for $150.

 it's $99 plus $10 shipping.   3 - 5 business days. â€‹

 

I see that, online only. The trip seemed so far away. Now it close, ds leaving Thursday. At least I have a few days…

[Alessandra]

this one has had horrid reviews. I was able to take a good look at it in the warehouse for awhile - and I didn't like it at all.

 

the other one is what I bought dh- and it's very nice. to compare - I also have high-end atlantic (now out of business), travel-pro, and briggs and riley.  (they warranty against *airline* damage!)

 

The wheels looked weird to me too.

 

THX!

[Alessandra]

Ds just bought the Osprey Porter 30. It's a duffle/backpack. They make a larger 46L size, but ds didn't need one that big. I read a huge number of reviews as I've been looking for something for myself. The zippers are great, it has padding on the sides and compression straps to tighten down the load. It also has a hip belt with the backpack straps. There are a fair number of review videos online to get a better idea of the bag. 

 

Thanks! I will check that out. Both dd and I have Osprey daypacks and backpacks. Top notch.

[wendy not in HI]

Lanny. In my experience, which admittedly is not vast, everyone is allowed a purse or laptop bag plus a carry on. My DH traveled overseas last fall. He carried his IPad along with passport and all that stuff in a leather shoulder bag along with a small carry on. He did check a bag as he was traveling almost 2 weeks. He had no problems anywhere with the two bags he carried on.

 

That has been my experience, too, until last year.  Last year at about this time, my daughter and I flew on Wow airlines from Baltimore to Denmark.  We paid for one bag checked and we read that each passenger was allowed a carry on.  I had a small tote bag as my carry on, and my daughter had a normal size backpack.  We each also had a normal sized purse - big enough to hold an ipad, but not a laptop.  

 

When we checked in, we were told we were allowed just ONE bag as a carry on, NOT a carry on and purse.  I had to shove my purse into my carry on, and it was weighed.  With both bags, it exceeded the weight allowance for the carry on.  It was so frustrating!  My daughter and I had to juggle our carry ons and put a couple things into our checked bag to make it work.  They were not willing to be flexible at all, though they did offer to let us pay $40 to carry on more weight...

 

I had never experienced that.  I thought a carry-on was a carry on, and a purse was also allowed.  If I had read the information more clearly, I would have packed differently.

 

My advice is to read the carry on rules carefully!!!

[Alessandra]

How long will he be gone? My ds goes a week in one backpack. I go three weeks in a small rollie and s hsndbsg. But we're not formal people and I know how to hand wash me dainties.

 

Just a few nights. But he is hoping to take a suit, which means dress shoes. 

 

I haven't read all the replies, but we travel a lot. I'd just be really, really, really sure that the bag, when fully stuffed packed, meets the airline's size limitations. Otherwise, you may (likely) be paying for it to be checked.

 

Excellent point! The airline says heels count, but it is hard to tell if luggage manufacturers include wheels. But if piece is soft sided, I imagine that it can be squashed into whatever they use to measure bags?? Nevertheless, I will take along a cloth tape measure when I shop.

[Laura Corin]

No, just the one airline this trip. But I don't know about future trips. What do you know that I don't ?

 

Each airline may have different restrictions.  European airlines in particular tend to require smaller bags or bags that fit in a very specific 'box' at check in.  This is for a budget airline (Easyjet):

 

56 x 45 x 25cm, 22" x 17" x 9",

 

so that makes 46" but in a very specific configuration.  I wouldn't buy a very expensive bag, because you might need to buy again in the future.

Edited March 26, 2016 by Laura Corin

[gardenmom5]

I have never had an airline put a bag in the metal thing.  I have carried onboard.  when they get really loaded - they will ask people who are carrying aboard if they will gate check their bag, then they can pick  it up as they disembark the plane before even heading up the jetway. (just like they will do with strollers)  usually they'll offer a perk of boarding early or some such.  Unless I have something I need during  the flight (or it's a theft risk), I'll take them up on the offer so I don't have to deal with the hassle -without having the hassle of going to baggage claim.

 

if you're doing flight/plane transfers (regardless of whether it is another airline or not) - you want to be sure whatever you have is sturdy.  and tsa locks. on  one trip, when dd came back from Italy -  it was obvious *someone* had tried to open it with bolt cutters. (they failed.)

dd has gone through several suitcases.  I bought her a little international size (17") carry-on as she wasn't happy with any of the previous ones she used. (dudeling now uses it) . . . she didn't like it.  she bought something like a heys xcase while she was in rome.  she loves it.

[Jan in SC]

Do you have a TJ Maxx? I purchased all of our carry-on bags from there. All of them were great, and they are clearly labeled in the store. A couple of them are Swiss brand- I think. (Something like that.)

[gardenmom5]

I've also found/seen some good  carry-on bags at ross/marshall's/tjmaxx. it does take wadding through the frogs to find a gem (whcih aren't always in stock.)

 

I think the carry-on I got for ds was a nicer ricardo, and pretty sure I bought it at tjmaxx.  I get tired of wading.

[Alessandra]

Each airline may have different restrictions. European airlines in particular tend to require smaller bags or bags that fit in a very specific 'box' at check in. This is for a budget airline (Easyjet):

 

56 x 45 x 25cm, 22" x 17" x 9",

 

so that makes 46" but in a very specific configuration. I wouldn't buy a very expensive bag, because you might need to buy again in the future.

Oh, that is interesting. I did not know about the specific configuration. I will not buy a $$$ bag in any case.

[goldberry]

When I've flown recently, American and Frontier, they've said one carry-on and one personal item (purse or laptop).  And the last two times they have had me put my carry-on in the tester thing, and I saw them test many others as well.

[Laura Corin]

When I've flown recently, American and Frontier, they've said one carry-on and one personal item (purse or laptop).  And the last two times they have had me put my carry-on in the tester thing, and I saw them test many others as well.

 

Easyjet doesn't allow a personal item in addition to a carry on.  Last time, when I was travelling for a long weekend with hand luggage only, I bought something in duty free and put my handbag into the plastic carrier.  That seemed okay.

[The Governess]

I have a Tom Bihn carry on that converts to a backpack. It's pricey, but it really is an amazing piece of luggage. I have taken three-week trips with this bag as my sole piece of luggage. It fits under the airplane seat if needed. I have been on a full flight where they were not allowing any more carryons on board, and was still allowed to bring this bag with me.

 

https://www.tombihn.com/collections/travel-bags/products/tri-star?variant=16396837383

[Deb in NZ]

If he's traveling internationally, weight may be an issues as well as size for carry-ons.  Most airlines, except the really budget ones, allow one carry-on + one personal item for each passenger.  

 

As to what bags work best, I like the spinner style carry-on bags best as I don't have to lug them through long transfers.  I bought a Ricardo spinner at Costco when I was home in May 2014.  Dd & ds#1 have convertible backpack style carry-ons that they like best.  Dd took hers on a 3 week trip to Europe last year & loved it.  She said that she got lots of complements on her bag.  It is a Jeep brand bag  http://www.briscoes.co.nz/bags-and-luggage/backpacks/1054222/Jeep-Trailhawk-Utility-Bag-Red.htmlIfound at Briscos here in NZ.

[Guest]

Just an FYI. A steward/ess told me years ago to buy the cheapest bag that meets your reqs. That the odds of your bag being stolen are much higher if it is a $$$$$ bag. That they alllll break/fail at about the same rate.

[DawnM]

Has anyone used the ebags Motherlode?

 

Last year my son took a backpacking pack (weekender size) on his trip to Mexico.  This year he really wants something different that he can unzip all the way and not have to dig through.

 

I can often find them on sale for $80, which is better than the $120 of the REI bag, although if the REI is that much better, I may be convinced.

 

He has to have a backpack.  They take two large suitcases full of donations each to check, so they have to haul two suitcases and their own pack, so it needs to be a backpack to hold all of their stuff for an entire week.

 

THANKS.

 

Dawn