Looking for a bag for plane

When I fly overseas, I carry a jumbo purse that doubles as my everything bag but still fits under the seat in front of me. It's an LL Bean tote which is not longer made, but I'm sure they still sell something similar. My travel purse (for after I arrive) slips into this bag. It carries my passport. My phone and charging cord. The book I take with me. My laptop if necessary. And a bottle of water.

Since it goes over my shoulder, I have a little more control than over a backpack.

I go with a larger cross body that is more purse like. Had the messenger size and didn't really like it. Used this one last time in London/Paris and it is a great price today. https://www.ebags.com/product/travelon/ant-theft-classic-cross-body-bucket-bag/261878?productid=10659128

I never carry a purse for international travel, as I've stated here often. I use Exofficio or Scottevest jackets and/or vests, which include multiple pockets, many with INSIDE zippers, [for security.] One of the pockets will fit an iPad . Check out their websites; the items are expensive, but there are frequent sales. My favorite is the light-weight vests, as I can use them for any weather, and layer over them. Perhaps a local travel store would carry these products.
My passport, however, will always be against my body in a neck pouch.
I then carry a small packable backpack for snacks, drinks, guidebooks, and the clothing layers I'm not currently wearing.

My only luggage is an 18 lb carry-on bag. I've done this for several trips and am committed to this mode of travel.
Safe Travels!

I'm one of the Tom Bihn pushers on the board. Not cheap, even before you start talking express shipping, but they're very well made and if you decide you hate it, the company has enough of a cult following you can put a piece on eBay and get a lot of your money back, particularly if it's a color or style not currently in production.

Daylight Briefcase

https://www.tombihn.com/collections/briefcases-and-messenger-bags/products/daylight-briefcase?variant=2048086835207

The Copilot seems well-organized

https://www.tombihn.com/collections/briefcases-and-messenger-bags/products/co-pilot?variant=19899296903

The Stowaway has some quirky design elements

https://www.tombihn.com/collections/briefcases-and-messenger-bags/products/the-stowaway?variant=45623159367

What I’m about to say may be heretical but if you really just want something to hold the items you want close at hand during the flight only and you don’t need it during the rest of your trip, why not just use a nylon fold-up tote bag? It is inexpensive, lightweight, will fit under your seat for the flight, then over your shoulder for the trip to the hotel, and it will take up no space in your luggage until you need it for the flight home.

Not stylish, and if it doesn’t have a zipper you’ll have to be careful that things don’t fall out of the bag when you lay it down on the x-ray belt, but you could just temporarily tie the handles together when it goes through the scanner.

Here’s a nylon one with zipper but maybe you can find something locally
https://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Grocery-Closure-Foldable-Zippered/dp/B071YN85SZ

Have a good trip

Edit: I just reread your post… You want something secure for a public transport from the airport to the hotel. Could you transfer your tablet and any other valuable items into your (locked) luggage before leaving the airport and getting on transit? Or use the zippered tote but safety-pin the zipper or secure it in some similar way. (I assume you’ll be wearing your money belt when you leave the airport)

I am also a Tom Bihn fan. The organization works for me. I use their keystraps to tether everything important to my bag so that I don't leave stuff behind or have it disappear. You didn't say why your previous choices didn't work, so I don't know if my suggestions will be helpful, but here's what I might try:

TB Maker's Bag -- my personal bag on the plane. Swallows everything, but might be too big for you.
TB Packing Cube Shoulder Bag -- Just a simple hold-all. I use it as my day bag around town when traveling.
TB Small Cafe Bag -- small, vertically-organized bag; you could also try a medium cafe bag depending on your tablet size.
TB Pop Tote -- zip-top tote, if you wanted to try a tote option. The handles on TB totes are padded and super comfortable. I don't have this particular one; I love my small zip-top shop bag, but they're not available again until late October.

TB standard shipping through UPS takes 5 business days to arrive in Vermont if you order before 3 p.m. Seattle time. Smaller orders (under $50) ship USPS and take 3-4 days to arrive.

Perhaps the shoulder strap on your previous messenger bags was uncomfortable? I've used the OP Tech mini strap on my smaller messenger bags, and it really helps make the cross-body carry more comfortable.

If you're thinking of trying a Scottevest per Pat's suggestion, they are available on Amazon with Prime shipping (since I bet your "local travel store" is in Boston, LOL). I'm considering one of these as a backup option to meet my 8 kg carryon weight limit on Swiss for my trip next summer :-)

Have a great trip!

-- Deb

How about something like this sports bag:
https://www.amazon.com/HOLYLUCK-Women-Outdoor-Drawstring-Backpack/dp/B06WRQWHWC/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1536414358&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=zippered+backpack+sack&dpPl=1&dpID=41RPspshLGL&ref=plSrch
Lightweight and takes up no room when not in use. I have a similar one that was a promotion ( I don’t care that it says Prescend) and throw it in my suitcase if I need an extra bag. The draw string and zipper will keep things together.

I use a small cross body purse, a Pacsafe tote on the plane/bus and a packable backpack if I need to carry more during the day.

As hideous as I think they are from a fashion standpoint, for practicality reasons it really does sound like you need to get one of those travel vests if you want to lug around that much stuff but remain fully "hands free" to deal with just your suitcase when on public transit.

Other possible options: depending on how big your wallet is and how many Rx bottles you are bringing, something like a Shold-It scarf (sold online at Sholdit.com or you can find them on Amazon for very quick shipping) has a decent sized hidden pocket sewn in it that can fit a slim wallet, passport, iPhone and a bottle of pills. You can get a carabiner clip for a water bottle and hook it to your carry-on or belt loop on your pants. I'd think aside from your physical passport, most travel documents can be stored electronically now if you need to reference hotel addresses, confirmation numbers, train tickets, etc. Does your carry-on not have an exterior zippered pocket where you can store your tablet and paperback temporarily then quickly remove them once you board the plane? ChicoBag.com sells a lot of collapsible travel tote bags, backpacks, shopping bags and water bottle slings that all fold down to next to nothing. A Kavu Rope Sling (sold online at Kavu.com, Amazon, REI and Zappos) will just hold everything you described above in one convenient place and leave you hands free. I find them more comfortable than a cross body or messenger bag and they are much easier than a backpack to re-position when on public transit so you can have the main body of the bag directly in front of you. Note the Kavu Rope Sling is water resistant while the Kavu Rope Bag is canvas. The Paxton from Kavu is also another option with an exterior water bottle holder, but is made from canvas.

I really like the TB Small Cafe Bag as an everyday carry when I'm at home. But it's a snap closure rather than a zipper closure, and I tend to want zippers while on the road. It's too bad there isn't something in between size-wise between the Side Kick and some of the 'briefcase' options.

I have done on several occasions what Accident Southerner suggests. I had/have a very small cross body purse that held my PP, financials, meds, phone/ipod, pen. In my wheelie I had a fold up shopping bag holding everything I wanted while I was at my seat on the plane. I'd pack it at the top of my bag so I could quick zip the bag open and grab it just before getting on the plane. After the flight, I would put the bag back in my wheelie. As it is open, I would double check to make sure nothing had fallen out under the seat, but I didn't keep any small items lose in the bag as baggies or packing cubes work great at organization. This system worked well because I essentially had one bag to deal with on public transportation. There are so many ways you can address this issue that it just boggles the mind... :-)

PS, when I had to check the bag, I just carried the shopping tote onto the plane. When I reconnected with my bag, it went back in. I think this scenario was on SAS.

Wray, looks like practical/frugal Yankee* minds think alike!
(*that's why I'm "Accidental").

I was the one with the free, NPR recycled-plastic tote bag as my personal item in the departures lounge

I've used several different things for my under-seat bag.

LeSportsac Medium Tote: The drop on the handles is not long enough for it to be cross body. It does have a zipper across the top and is lightweight fabric. I've put it in my suitcase when I did not need it for travel. It does not have a padded compartment for a tablet (which you didn't mention but thought I'd add that for the lurkers)

LeSportsac Everyday bag: I use this for my day purse in cities but have also used it on the plane as my personal item. All the compartments zip. I have added rings and carabiners to the bag to secure it after I got picked in Paris in 2017. (Just got my toiletries kit but wow did it make me aware!).

Rick's Veloce bag: I used this for several years as my personal item and my bus bag when I am on a tour. I decided it is too wide and doesn't allow enough room for my feet on the airplane. It also has the ability to carry it with a strap Cross body as well as a backpack.

LiteGear Mobile Pro: I like this better than the Veloce as it is narrower and a bit taller. It is a backpack but can also be carried as a crossbody. For me carrying it cross body feels awkward.

On the plane I also wear a very small crossbody wallet so I can have my passport,money, CC/DC on me at all times. I travel solo.

Good luck on your search!

Pam

I do carry-on only. My fave tote has a sleeve that can go over the U-shaped handle of my bag while rolling it around the airport. There's plenty of room for my meds, phone, mini-tablet, little cross-body purse, etc. My moneybelt with my passport, important cards and documents also fit.

I got all these things through Amazon. Your time is very short, but if you have Prime, you could probably get them or any other suggestions people give you before you leave.

Baggallini Hobo Tote. I don't use this cross-body tote except in transit. I count cross-body as hands-free. Note how light it is. It could be used as a shopping bag, but I prefer getting one of those when I'm at a grocery store in Europe.

Baggallini Pocket Medium Crossbody Bag. This is the cross-body bag I use on trips. It's small and soft and the design works so well for the small amount I carry, that I use it at home, too. I fold it over to put it in the tote. The little purse you already have would probably easily go in the tote, too.

EAZYMATE. After trying just about every kind of moneybelt out there, I settled on this style. You step into it. It is soft, stretchy, comfortable, very secure and it holds everything I'm concerned about. Of course, I wear it under my clothes, not like the picture. There are many other brands with the same or similar design.

I like Rick Steves' Euro Flight bag for the stuff I need on the plane. It's a good size, you can wear it with the carry strap, it fits well underneath the seat, and it's made to fit over the handle on the Rick Steves rolling carry on. I like the room it allows, because I want to carry my iPad and a small travel pillow, along with the usual stuff needed on the plane. It opens wide, making it much easier to find stuff. Before I used a zippered tote bag and was always having to dig through it. The Euro bag is too big for a day bag/purse, in my opinion. I use Rick's Civita bag for that. Yes, I'm a RS fan when it comes to the luggage/bags!

cb,

Another Tom Bihn fan here! Have a look at the website and see if anything appeals to you. I'm also a fan of Red Oxx gear so have a look at their website.

Although time is short, if you phone the order in and ask for shipping by Fedex or UPS, it should reach you in time.

Good luck!

Thanks to all. The vest is not something I am looking for. I'll check out the TB stuff. The Baggalini (sp) have way too many zippers etc. Wasn't thrilled with the RS bags either. When I checked LLBean store there was nothing there for me either but I will check the website. Benefit for me of LLBean is there is a store about 10 miles away.
I use a cloth carry-all in Europe as my day bag but would not be comfortable with that while in transit. The messenger bags were OK with no trouble with straps but the small one is too small this time around. The big one will do if I can't find an alternative.
You have all given me options to explore. Thanks again.

Do you have a TJ Maxx near you? I'd head there and see if they've got anything that is interesting. I have gotten LeSportsac stuff there but I haven't seen it in mine in several years. Mine often has Baggalinis but YMMV, of course.

I do have a TJ Maxx nearby. I'll check it out but honestly, I have never found anything there or at thrift stores :(.

I have a LLBean cross body that can really be organized and has a protective sleeve for a reader/ipad. I like it when I'm "in transit", but I've found that even without the ipad (which I don't carry for sight seeing) and some of the other things, it is too heavy to carry on a daily basis. I've now been using a cross body Vera Bradley. Mine is a smaller version that can still hold a smallish water bottle. They are super light and washable. The trick for me is finding a more sedate and versatile print. I wouldn't ever pay full price for Vera Bradely, I have an outlet mall close. They also can be purchased on sale, online.

Hmmm? I'm not sure which Baggallini you're talking about. Some styles do have lots of zippers. I don't like lots of zippers either.

But the Hobo Tote I linked at Amazon is just like mine. There are 2 zippers. One opens up the side pocket to create a sleeve to slip the bag over a roller bag handle. One zips the top closed. You might see one of these at a TJ Maxx. Or you might want to take a 2nd look at the Amazon listing here. Click on the image that shows 4 basic pictures of the bag. Or scroll down the page and click on the images labeled Organized and Durable to see the design better.

By the way, the Amazon listing has a typo. Some vendors say that the bag weighs 14 oz, not 4. My scale says it weighs 10 oz.

After going to LLBean and finding nothing I liked I stopped in a TJ Max and found a Baggallini bag I like and for $24.99. Big enough to hold the tablet with protective sleeve and everything else I will (I think). I'll play around with it to make sure everything will fit comfortably.

Hi cb,

If the Baggallini does not work for you, check out Kipling bags. You don't have much time to order from their website, but take a peek at the styles of cross body and travel bags for ideas. https://www.kipling.com/uk-en/ They have a few styles in most TJMaxx stores. Sometimes I see them in Marshall's, but TJM has the most and best selection. To get a good idea about the Kipling bags, many women post YT vids about their likes and dislikes of the bags. For ex: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Kipling+tote

The brand "Travelon" is sold at TJMaxx too. Some are really attractive bags as well as very functional. Most of the Kipling and Travelon bags have these features in common: many pockets, zippered compartments, lightweight material, and adjustable straps. Some of the Travelon bags have the "slash proof" straps and centers. Still, you must be aware of your bag at all times; especially on a bus or train or in crowds. If a traveler seems very distracted or not aware, that is just candy to a perp.

The nice thing about a cross body bag (if they are about purse size), is that you can keep it on all day, sit at restaurants with it on your lap, and not worry about your leaving it anywhere or having it taken off the floor or back of chair < which is a big no no.

I realized my suggestion about looking into a Macy's for Kipling was out of your reach after I re-read your original post.

Great! I'm glad TJMaxx worked for you (maybe, hahaha!). I have one 40 miles away and I routinely stop in there just to look every time I am in that town. I haven't succumbed to anything lately but I always look!

Also, it's much better to do your trial pack now to see if things will work rather then when you are doing your final pack!

My travel companion has used the Rick Steves Veloche Shoulder bag for over a year and likes it a lot for travel especially in a plane. It securely holds a little or a lot including her purse. She is very organized, and this bag facilitates her travel needs. Mostly it is worn over the shoulder, but if a lot is needed to be carried, it can function as a backpack. It also easily slips over the handle of her rolling suitcase to make it easy to transport with the luggage. She doesn't usually use it as a day pack as she does not carry much each day, but it works great for the days she needs to carry extra items.

In addition to the other suggestions already made, safety pins are a good way to make any bag, phone case, etc. that isn't already secure less of a target on public transportation. I sew a ring near one end of the zipper and pin the zipper to the ring with a diaper pin, which is harder to open than a regular safety pin. If the item doesn't have a zipper, I sew two rings to each side of the item's closure and pin the closure shut when I'm in a high-risk situation. In high-risk situations that can't be avoided, bags and such go under my traveler's vest or jacket - or at the very least, I'll put my hand over the pinned zipper end. Even better is to avoid high-risk situations altogether - just because the first subway train is packed doesn't mean that the one a few minutes behind will be equally packed.
C of David & C