OT: Suggestions for carryon luggage?

[fastlax16]

If I was going on a weekend getaway, sure. But I almost never have to wait a significant amount of time for luggage, and it's usually there when I arrive... because of all the people who think they are saving time by not checking their bags, there are fewer bags to take to baggage claim. Plus I have to wait for everyone to free their oversized carryon from the overhead, that they don't even attempt to dislodge before the aisle in front of them is completely clear. Not waiting for bags is especially true if you have airline status, which should be true for someone who travels multiple times per month, because you get a priority tag.
​

I did the same when I was young and dumb, going on a work trip to Europe for two weeks out of a carryon, going without some things to save space, doing laundry on the road, hauling my luggage through security, then around the airport, then stuffing it into the overheard, then losing legroom by cramming my laptop bag under the seat, then doing it all in reverse. Hopefully you don't have connections or you have to do it all again. Now I take all the comforts of home, and drop my luggage at the counter, breeze through security, then laugh at everyone who didn't. I particularly love watching people running for tight connections with their luggage in tow, or stressing about finding overhead space to only have it checked to their final destination anyway.

I can't remember the last time I had lost luggage that wasn't an international trip. If an airline does temporarily lose your luggage, they bring it directly to you within ~24 hours. It doesn't matter how far you've ventured from the airport, your luggage appears. Assuming you packed your essentials in your small carryon, this is no inconvinenece what so ever. I just don't see any reason to not check a bag.

Priority tags aren’t a thing w southwest which is a company travel requirement. The companion pass for my wife makes up for it. I’ve checked twice this year and waited at the claim over a half hour twice. Unless it’s a full week trip I use a duffle and can throw my laptop bag inside so I’m carrying one bag. Cant think of a situation where checking it would have done anything but forced me to get to the airport earlier.

 

[pandaczar12]

Priority tags aren’t a thing w southwest which is a company travel requirement. The companion pass for my wife makes up for it. I’ve checked twice this year and waited at the claim over a half hour twice. Unless it’s a full week trip I use a duffle and can throw my laptop bag inside so I’m carrying one bag. Cant think of a situation where checking it would have done anything but forced me to get to the airport earlier.

#1 rule of business travel, don't fly southwest.

 

[PSUSignore]

If I was going on a weekend getaway, sure. But I almost never have to wait a significant amount of time for luggage, and it's usually there when I arrive... because of all the people who think they are saving time by not checking their bags, there are fewer bags to take to baggage claim. Plus I have to wait for everyone to free their oversized carryon from the overhead, that they don't even attempt to dislodge before the aisle in front of them is completely clear. Not waiting for bags is especially true if you have airline status, which should be true for someone who travels multiple times per month, because you get a priority tag.​

I did the same when I was young and dumb, going on a work trip to Europe for two weeks out of a carryon, going without some things to save space, doing laundry on the road, hauling my luggage through security, then around the airport, then stuffing it into the overheard, then losing legroom by cramming my laptop bag under the seat, then doing it all in reverse. Hopefully you don't have connections or you have to do it all again. Now I take all the comforts of home, and drop my luggage at the counter, breeze through security, then laugh at everyone who didn't. I particularly love watching people running for tight connections with their luggage in tow, or stressing about finding overhead space to only have it checked to their final destination anyway.

I can't remember the last time I had lost luggage that wasn't an international trip. If an airline does temporarily lose your luggage, they bring it directly to you within ~24 hours. It doesn't matter how far you've ventured from the airport, your luggage appears. Assuming you packed your essentials in your small carryon, this is no inconvinenece what so ever. I just don't see any reason to not check a bag.

You are the opposite of every frequent traveler I've ever known. The wait at the baggage claim isn't negligible, unless you have status and get priority tags. Even then there is generally a wait, but it varies greatly by airport. The likelihood of damage to your luggage or packed items increases with checked luggage. I've had baggage lost for a week before on an international trip, it was a major inconvenience. Even a shorter term delay in your bags can cost you time and money in terms of making arrangements to get the bag back, and buying things you need in the short term while you wait for the bag. I've been able to catch flights on standby or deal with re-routed flights with ease because I had all luggage with me at all times, it makes things much more flexible.

Europe in particular makes sense for carry on only because typically carry on only means you can carry it more easily, without relying on large, heavy roller bags. Many international streets and public transit simply don't have the space for the large rolling bags that many do check, and many pack so much they can't carry the bag and run into issues in places with cobblestone streets, no escalators, small elevators, etc. Less is more. I have a 40L backpack that works beautifully for such places. My general rule of thumb, even with checked luggage, is if it's too big and heavy for me to carry up a few flights of stairs then I need to pack less.

For an extended trip a checked bag is fine, I'm not one of those people that will never check a bag out of principle. I agree that doing laundry on a trip can be a pain unless you're at a home rental with a washer/dryer or you are willing to shell out the money for hotel laundry. But for shorter trips, or trips with lots of hopping around (multiple countries in 1-2 weeks) or where heavy public transit usage at the destination that will require constant moving of your luggage, carrying on is by far the way to go since it's smaller, lighter and easier to carry.

 

[MtNittany]

After milking all of the life out of my current American Tourister soft sided carry on bad, it’s time to put it out to pasture. for those that have bought one recently, what do you recommend? I’m open to any brand, hard or soft. It just has to be sized to fit in all overhead compartments.

You're a bot, right?

 

[Ranger Dan]

You're a bot, right?

????

 

[pandaczar12]

You are the opposite of every frequent traveler I've ever known. The wait at the baggage claim isn't negligible, unless you have status and get priority tags. Even then there is generally a wait, but it varies greatly by airport. The likelihood of damage to your luggage or packed items increases with checked luggage. I've had baggage lost for a week before on an international trip, it was a major inconvenience. Even a shorter term delay in your bags can cost you time and money in terms of making arrangements to get the bag back, and buying things you need in the short term while you wait for the bag. I've been able to catch flights on standby or deal with re-routed flights with ease because I had all luggage with me at all times, it makes things much more flexible.

First off, I always question when people talk in absolutes... EVERY frequent traveler you've EVER known? Regardless, have you ever stopped to consider that maybe my way works so well because I don't follow the flock?

Secondly, what frequent traveler doesn't have status? Thirdly, you worry about damage to packed items, yet you can't bring some things on a plane unless you check it (e.g. alcohol). That amazing bottle of wine your wife would absolutely love... never gonna happen. Lastly, why would you spend your own money getting your bag back? Every (3-4 lifetime) lost bag I have ever had... the airline bent over backwards to make it right.

Europe in particular makes sense for carry on only because typically carry on only means you can carry it more easily, without relying on large, heavy roller bags. Many international streets and public transit simply don't have the space for the large rolling bags that many do check, and many pack so much they can't carry the bag and run into issues in places with cobblestone streets, no escalators, small elevators, etc. Less is more. I have a 40L backpack that works beautifully for such places. My general rule of thumb, even with checked luggage, is if it's too big and heavy for me to carry up a few flights of stairs then I need to pack less.

I'm not talking about checking something I couldn't lift up a few flights of steps, just something definitely too big to fit in the overhead. Something big enough to bring enough clothes that I never have to do laundry, or have to go to a store to buy something I couldn't fit in a small bag.

For an extended trip a checked bag is fine, I'm not one of those people that will never check a bag out of principle. I agree that doing laundry on a trip can be a pain unless you're at a home rental with a washer/dryer or you are willing to shell out the money for hotel laundry. But for shorter trips, or trips with lots of hopping around (multiple countries in 1-2 weeks) or where heavy public transit usage at the destination that will require constant moving of your luggage, carrying on is by far the way to go since it's smaller, lighter and easier to carry.

I agree that for a very short solo personal trip, not checking is fine. But if you are traveling with more than 1 person, you can divide and conquer... one waits for the bag if necessary, the other gets the car.

While I almost never have to do laundry on the road, I have the supplies I need to do it if I have to. That's the beauty of checking a bag. I've been in places in this world where it's not even an option to pay someone to do your laundry, and you have to spend a significant amount of time finding change, detergent, etc. I'd rather spend zero to insignificant time waiting for a checked bag to appear on every trip, than spend a significant amount of time obtaining something I might need and could have brought with me... and it will only happen at the worst possible time. Add in that navigating the travel process... security, moving walkways, trams/buses, restaurants, boarding an aircraft, making a tight connection, etc... is all significantly easier without a carry on bag. I think it's a no-brainer. We'll have to agree to disagree.

 

[aferrelli]

What? I travel multiple times per month and you couldn't pay me to check a bag. Waiting for bags is a time suck. #1 rule of business travel. Don't check bags

I agree 100% with these statements. Why? Because I had a few bags misplaced for about 3 days while traveling to Europe with my family. We had to buy clothes, and sit in the Alitalia office to get some $ for the inconvenience. It was a total nightmare.

Buy the largest spinner (don’t know the exact dimensions) that will fit overhead on the larger planes. You can get this information online. If you fly domestically, with a smaller plane that wouldn't accommodate your bag; then they’ll place the bag on the underside of the plane during boarding. My spinner fits all of the Southwest plane's overhead bins and fits in every transatlantic plane’s overhead bins. My wife and I both have the same bag, and we always can fit our clothes for a 7-8 day trip with no problems. Remember, every airline allows you two carryons. I use my spinner bag and a knapsack when I board. This is plenty big enough for my travel needs. My wife uses her spinner and a large carry on handled bag as her 2 items.

 

[lionville]

https://www.travelandleisure.com/slideshows/best-carry-on-luggage

 

[ClarkstonMark]

I agree 100% with these statements. Why? Because I had a few bags misplaced for about 3 days while traveling to Europe with my family. We had to buy clothes, and sit in the Alitalia office to get some $ for the inconvenience. It was a total nightmare.

Buy the largest spinner (don’t know the exact dimensions) that will fit overhead on the larger planes. You can get this information online. If you fly domestically, with a smaller plane that wouldn't accommodate your bag; then they’ll place the bag on the underside of the plane during boarding. My spinner fits all of the Southwest plane's overhead bins and fits in every transatlantic plane’s overhead bins. My wife and I both have the same bag, and we always can fit our clothes for a 7-8 day trip with no problems. Remember, every airline allows you two carryons. I use my spinner bag and a knapsack when I board. This is plenty big enough for my travel needs. My wife uses her spinner and a large carry on handled bag as her 2 items.

The problem here is Alitalia - shit airline
They are a Delta partner and I won't fly on them unless absolutely necessary (but I would still check a bag if I did)

 

[PSUSignore]

Back to the OP's questions... FYI, maximum carry on baggage size in the US is slightly larger than many international airlines. If you plan to travel internationally I'd look up the maximum size for some of those airlines and buy something that meets the tighter requirements. Personally I use 2 wheeled rollers instead of spinners for the reason someone mentioned above, spinners usually have less interior space. The decision for hard or soft luggage is personal preference. Soft bags have 2 advantages though, you can cram them into more places if it's a tight fit and you generally can pack more in them in a hard wheeled bag with the same exterior dimensions. The obvious downside is you have to carry it everywhere, it won't have wheels. Sometimes carrying it can be an advantage, depending on where you are travelling.

 

[Ranger Dan]

Back to the OP's questions... FYI, maximum carry on baggage size in the US is slightly larger than many international airlines. If you plan to travel internationally I'd look up the maximum size for some of those airlines and buy something that meets the tighter requirements. Personally I use 2 wheeled rollers instead of spinners for the reason someone mentioned above, spinners usually have less interior space. The decision for hard or soft luggage is personal preference. Soft bags have 2 advantages though, you can cram them into more places if it's a tight fit and you generally can pack more in them in a hard wheeled bag with the same exterior dimensions. The obvious downside is you have to carry it everywhere, it won't have wheels. Sometimes carrying it can be an advantage, depending on where you are travelling.

By hard, I meant plastic or aluminum, soft is still rolling, but fabric over frame.

 

[LionDeNittany]

You're a bot, right?

Im thinking more an alter handle of a mod to get hits.

LdN

 

[PSUSignore]

By hard, I meant plastic or aluminum, soft is still rolling, but fabric over frame.

I think that's personal preference but I guess there are 3 categories. Hard sided, soft sided over metal frame and completely soft sided without a frame. A lot of people like the completely soft bags because they can be cinched down and made more compact when not completely full, can be overstuffed, etc. And cramming them under a seat or into an overhead is usually easier because there's no frame. I like wheeled bags for anything more than a weekend trip, and prefer the soft sided ones because they usually have zippered expansion option in case I run out of room from buying souvenirs or something like that. I've never used truly hard sided bags, I suppose the advantages are extra protection for your contents and durability. I've never really had much of an issue with items in my bag being damaged because I pack fragile items very carefully and for durability my good quality fabric bags have held up just fine. The damage is usually to the handles, wheels and straps and all of those components are equally exposed on a hard sided bag too.

My main criteria when I buy are features (wheels, spinner, etc.), durability (reputable brand name with good review from frequent traveler community), warranty, size (I buy to international standards so I can use same bags everywhere), empty bag weight (an often overlooked criteria by causal travelers) , replaceable parts (helps with durability) and price. It's been a while since I purchased anything but I think Briggs & Riley is my #1 bag but like I said before, I went down in price to TravelPro because of budget and I've been very happy with it, the only issue is I've had to replace a broken handle due to airline damage one, which cost me less than $20 in parts.

 

[LafayetteBear]

Louis Vuitton. Nothing else.

Here is coach's chauffer carrying Franklin's bag

LdN

Nice, if you have an extra $3,200 to buy one.

 

[Nittany Ziggy]

I do take a backpack on board for all essential work/travel related items. I always carry a spare shirt in the backpack in case of a food or beverage spill...this shirt also serves as protection against lost luggage if needed.

Smart man! I also throw in an extra pair of boxer-briefs in case I get so hammered that I shit myself! You can also use them to cover the head of an unattractive woman if such an any port in a storm situation arises! This almost always happened to me when my bags were lost!

 

[Nittany Ziggy]

The problem here is Alitalia - shit airline
They are a Delta partner and I won't fly on them unless absolutely necessary (but I would still check a bag if I did)

LOL! That reminds me of the old riddle...
Q: How can you easily identify a flying Alitalia jet airliner from the ground?
A: It is the one with hair under its’ wings!

 

[cment]

Have Tumi lungage from 2000 (Edit: 1997) that has been bullet proof. Have some Tumi stuff I bought my wife from KOP Mall store in the last 4 years that is crap and falling apart.

Stopped using my Tumi carryon several years back and bought a backpack with laptop pocket and been using that ever since for trips under 3 nights.

 

[PineIslandLion]

After milking all of the life out of my current American Tourister soft sided carry on bad, it’s time to put it out to pasture.

for those that have bought one recently, what do you recommend? I’m open to any brand, hard or soft. It just has to be sized to fit in all overhead compartments.

I travel extensively, so very sensitive to buying durable & high quality luggage. For years, Tumi was my brand of choice, but a few years ago, purchased a Briggs & Riley carry on bag. I can’t say enough positive things about it. You won’t find a bag with higher quality, backed by a lifetime warranty. You owe it to yourself to check this brand out.