Hi all, can anyone recommend a specific brand / model of rolling carryon suitcase that will fit Air France's definition of carryon size? Their requirement is 55x35x25 cm or 21.6x13.7x9.8 inches, including wheels. Please don't suggest a backpack, I have an old shoulder injury that makes that impossible. I've noticed that there are many suitcases advertised as "20 inch size" or "international size" and when I look at the actual dimensions, they are too big. I'm determined not to check a bag during my upcoming trip to France. Thanks for any help.
Posted by
91 posts
Check out the Shop Online link here at Rick Steves-
Also you can have a personal bag, such as a laptop bag.
You can also try the "hack" of filling a pillow case, zipper, with some clothing to keep your bag within size. This should be Ok to bring on..
Another item is a neck pillow that you fill with some clothing to reduce your carryon size...https://tubulartravel.com/
Posted by
33 posts
Hi Adaire - Rick actually has the Rolling Carry On version of his wheeled luggage - 21" x 14" x 9" (including wheels). But you also need to watch the weight. The Euro carriers often check for weight AND size (unlike the US domestic usually).
I like the small guide bag or flight bag as a second personal item if you cant use a backpack... or also may want to try a Scott-E-Vest and wear your heavier items (and guidebook/ipad etc) so it one add past the 8-12kg (check your airline).
Posted by
OP
Texas, USA
3 posts
For those who have suggested the RS online store, 14 inches is larger than 13.7 inches. Has anyone successfully used this specific bag as a carryon on Air France? I note that it is a soft sided bag so if it's not packed too full, it will probably "scrunch" to fit the sizer, but I hate to take the chance. Real life experiences please?
Posted by
Freedonia
14976 posts
I use this bag and have been for a couple of years.
The bag is not available in the US, but Selfridges will ship it to you in about 4-5 days for $30. That's how I got mine. It is the exact measurement you're looking for and it only weighs 4 lbs.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
13931 posts
The RS Roller bag has a hard shell on the back so while you can scrunch the depth a little you can't really scrunch the width.
I'm on a hunt as well as I have one segment of an upcoming trip on Air France and want to make sure I meet the weight and size parameters.
I've got a spreadsheet set up and have looked at dozens of bags, some of them dozens of times, lol. I have had a hard look at the Osprey Ozone 42L/21.5" wheeled bag at 4.5# and $230 as well as the TravelPro Maxlite 5 series...have looked at the underseat and the International rollaboard which is advertised as 20" but is 21.75" in length/5.4#. I think this is the 55c measurement but am not 100% sure. I found it somewhere over the last week but can't quite come up with a link.
The Osprey is out of stock and the TravelPro is available on Amazon but sold out in the TP website.
I have the RS roller bag but it is 6#.
Posted by
Carmel, CA
47 posts
We used the RS Rolling Caryon on Air France flight late April from SFO/CDG/connect to FCO and then return CDG to SFO. No one looked at or weighed the luggage. Happy travels.
Posted by
Paris
6887 posts
0.3 inches is less than a centimeter. The airline sizers aren't that precise (especially in the width direction): I would not worry about that. My carry-on is about 37 cm wide and that has never been an issue.
Weight is a bigger worry, as cabin luggage does occasionally get weighed.
Posted by
Charleston & Birmingham
4313 posts
Max-lite International-I used it on Air France in 2019 without a problem.
Posted by
33 posts
Hi - so now I have the search bug and got on the hunt for lightest weight carry on (Global) - and just found this one... its pretty tight and for the super light packers (32L) but its under 4 Lbs - so some sort of light bag or satchel may be needed as a personal flight/guide bag, I have used the RS guide bag for years and its perfect for extra room!
The other one listed above is out of sale or larger are heavier (and not global size)
Posted by
Berkeley, California, US
612 posts
I had the same problem trying to find an inexpensive carry-on/roll board for travel with Swiss air. I believe their requirements are the same as air France. I finally found a bag with the correct dimensions made my guess. I shopped in person and took a measuring tape with me to verify for myself the exact dimensions As I have learned not to trust the measurements posted for online purchases. I’m pretty sure this is not a very high-end bag but the weight and size worked for my purposes. I found it at Ross in Emeryville, California. One caveat: the dimension should include not only the wheels but any part of the handle that might stick up above the bag itself. Good luck to you!