Anyone who's traveled recently knows there's a lot of carry on luggage being brought onto airplanes. Travelers are "hedging their bet", and often trying to get away with carry on luggage only. Unfortunately, there really isn't enough room overhead for all of the luggage being brought onto the plane. Often the overhead sections are completely filled by the time you are able to board.
What's the best way to deal with this? I find that my carry on luggage size of 21" better fits some of the newer planes or smaller planes. It is slim, and it is not expandable. While most of the carry on luggage guidelines say 45" linear inches of height, width and length, this does not always work on every plane. It especially does not work on overbooked, filled to the very last space, planes. Also, some of the newer planes have smaller overhead compartments. My slim 21" carry on luggage will even fit under the seat in front of me on some planes. Because it is not one of those "jumbo" expandable pieces, it has a better chance of finding a home in the overhead compartment.
I use the attachable tote on top to make up for the room I'm missing from the 22" size carry on luggage. This is the personal bag that the airlines do allow. It does fit easily under the seat in front of me. Since the airlines restrict you to two pieces only, I do not carry a purse, briefcase, or even a paper bag on in addition to these two pieces. You may sometimes run into airline personnel who will enforce the "only one carry on luggage, one personal bag" rule, so I try to comply. There are some great luggage brands that make this smaller sized carry on luggage. It will sometimes be called an "international carry on" since many European flights specify this smaller size as carry on luggage.
There not usually on a flight from the U.S. to Europe, but those flights within Europe themselves. These 20" or 21" wheeled cases also are available in expandable models. This may be handy when a flight is not completely sold out. It will also help if you usually come back home with more than you left with. Those attending trade shows often have this problem because of all of the samples and give-aways. Of course, shoppers also have this need for more space on the way home!
Pro-lite luggage, Tumi luggage, Skyway luggage, Briggs & Riley luggage and Hartmann luggage are some of the brands making this smaller carry on luggage. All of these brands also make the attachable tote. These totes have a sleeve, which slides over the telescoping handle of the carry on luggage. In this way, you can wheel both pieces with one hand. The bag doesn't fall off on escalators, or shift around if you're running to your gate. It also won't mysteriously disappear after wheeling for a distance and then turning around to check your bag! Carrying the two bags also means both should be lighter in weight than your one larger carry on luggage. Saves yours arms and back when trying to lift overhead!
Remember that you can no longer carry large amounts of liquids or gels onto the airplane. You are restricted to carrying no more than a one-quart sized clear plastic bag. Additionally, the bag can contain jars or bottles of no more than three ounces. You also may carry only one of these bags, called the three-one-one bag. That means you must buy your bottled water after clearing security. You cannot go through security with any bottled water, sealed or not. Also, remember to leave your pocketknife at home! Keep your boarding pass, photo I.D. and passport if needed, close at hand in the outside pocket of your tote. Now, you're ready to carry on your luggage easily!
