I’m am trying to buy a roller bag that will be the right size for a carry on and will not get rejected for being too big. I look up the dimensions the airlines require and then when I shop for the bags they all seem slightly too big in some dimension. Any advice?
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8707 posts
No real advice, but keep in mind, the advertised size of the bag is not what they check, but the packed bag, bulging with all the stuff you have crammed in, and the weight, which for most budget carriers is something less than 22 pounds (10 kilo).
For the major US airlines, as long as you are close, you are fine. The main European National airlines are a bit more strict, if you are changing carriers on one ticket, say Delta to KLM, then you likely are fine, but take more care if checking into a European carrier.
The really strict airlines are the budget carriers (Easyjet, Ryanair, etc) for those, my advice is to always pay for a checked bag, and eliminate any worry. The total cost of the flight is still a bargain.
Posted by
Indianapolis, IN
390 posts
Yes! I had exactly the same problem 2 years ago. So frustrating! I finally happened on the Verage brand. They have quite a few options that actually meet the requirements.
I opted for one of their "underseat" bags. I've traveled with it and am very pleased with the features, light weight, and overall quality. I will say, though that I never count on the bag actually fitting under the seat due to different plane configurations, equipment boxes, etc. I put it in the overhead bin and keep my personal item under the seat.
Good luck on your search!
Posted by
San Franciso Bay Area, USA
1089 posts
I try to carry on my luggage for all international travel. In purchasing a bag, I look at the dimensions that are most common to international carriers (except the budget carriers as I know I will always check) and the weight limits. In fact the weight limits are most critical. Even if you purchase one that has the right dimensions (when you measure, include the wheels), if the bag is heavy, it will be almost impossible to meet the weight limits.
TravelPro Maxlite has lightweight and reliable luggage. My husband has this international carryon which I really like, but it is a 20 inch expandable carry one and the capacity is a bit small for me. It is 5.4 pounds which give my husband more capacity to handle higher weight items.
Rick Steves also has 21 inch expandable carry on that I use. It is a bit heavier than the Maxlite at 6.5 pounds, but has two wheel which is what I want and has slightly more capacity than the Maxlite.
Note that when it is expandable, it may not fit into the size dimensions.
Posted by
Rockville, MD, USA
673 posts
Another vote for the Rick Steves rolling bag. I sometimes expand it for the trip home because I have bought some souvenirs, but then I check it.
Posted by
Ottawa, Ontario
92 posts
We have hit on the 21" roller (Heys Luxe is my fave; pretty light, strong) and a smaller, under-seat roller bag that will ride on top of the 21" bag. I have a Krozer under-seat bag but that Verage bag looks excellent, too. We do weeks and weeks of travel with this combo. The very rare time we have to check the 21" but usually no.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
15749 posts
I have the Osprey Ozone 2-wheeler 21" which is the exact measurements they state on the website. Be sure to look at the metric measurements. The Inch measurements are usually rounded - either up or down so it's hard to tell the exact size.
Also look at the weight of the bag. Some international carriers weigh your carry on - both suitcase and personal item so for myself it pays to have the lightest ones. Some bags that are listed as carry on weigh 8 or 9 pounds empty and that is way too much to start with!. The Osprey is 4.5# and yes, it weighs exactly that!