Laptop in carry-on, can't find answer to my question online!

Just to clarify; You will need to pull the laptop out and put it in a separate tray to pass through security. "Concealed" laptops (or netbooks) are not allowed through security (they look too much like bombs in x-ray, I assume). Simply put it in your main bag (if it doesn't fit into your purse) later to qualify for 1 Bag + 1 personal item.

Thanks everybody! You know your trip departure is coming SOON when you start stressing over the little details. LOVE IT!!!

I have put my fanny pack (purse), laptop, neck pillow and various other stuff in my day backpack. I make sure I bring it up to the weight limit but not over. A couple of times on KLM and Lufthansa I even brought the Rick Steves' 22" Roll Aboard as carry on in addition to my day backpack. Once I get on the plane....out comes my (PacSafe) fanny pack. Just don't go over the carry on weight limit. And watch the weight on the liquids, gels and creams you are carrying on.

is that three items? Or can I put my netbook in either the carry on bag or purse, and now it counts as two items? yes, yes

Holly, For flights originating here, the "usual" rule is "one carry-on bag plus a personal item", but in my experience the enforcement seems to vary between airports. If travelling on budget airlines in Europe, they're usually very strict on the ONE carry-on bag rule. I'd suggest placing the Netbook inside your Daypack when going through security or boarding the flight, as that will provide some protection from "bumps & scrapes" and more importantly will keep you within the limit. You will of course have to remove the Netbook and place it separately in the bin when going through security. I also travel with a Netbook these days which is stored inside my Daypack inside a small computer case (which also holds the Charger). I prefer to have it inside another case because: > That provides another level of protection from damage > That allows me to remove the Netbook case and carry it separately via the shoulder strap if desired. Happy travels!

As others have posted just place your netbook in your backpack so you are only carrying on two items. That said I've never had a flight attendant stop me for also carrying on my neck pillow or my water bottle. What the airlines are trying to minimize is those individuals who try to get more into an overhead bin than is reasonable and who are thereby depriving another passenger of any overhead space.