55 x 40 x 20 cm or 21.5 x 15.7 x 7.8 inches is among the most restrictive carry on bag size limits for major airlines I have encountered. It's almost impossible to buy a bag in the US that conforms to this size. Does anyone have any suggestions for where I can get an reasonably inexpensive 4-wheel spinner (hard or soft) which meets their requirements? Amazon's search function is hopeless. All the bags that come close seem to be coming from European web sites. I am not interested in how vigilant Icelandair representatives are at the gate - their forbearance seems likely to be capricious. I aim to avoid the problem altogether by getting a bag that fits their definition. Thanks so much for your help.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1321 posts
The Travelpro Maxlite under seat roller (2 wheels) was what I used in September flying IcelandAir. The agent didn’t bat an eye and waved me on. They were sizing almost all bags. I won’t lie, it was a challenge but I also had a very good personal bag that I placed under the seat. This Travelpro Maxlite went in the overhead space. I know you asked about 4 wheels but it will be nearly impossible to find a piece with the restrictive dimensions AND 4 wheels.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23267 posts
Consider a two wheel bag and not a spinner. IMO spinner can be a problems and the wheels add a critical inch or so. The Rick Steves two wheel carry on is the correct size but to be sure I will go and measure mine.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23267 posts
Agree with Linda. We were posting at the same time and she gave a better explanation.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8374 posts
This bag works well. I have used it on several trips with Iceland air. You control width by how full you stuff it.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1321 posts
Carol, this is a nice looking bag too. I shopped around a lot before purchasing the mini TravelPro. I chose the bag because of my history with TravelPro carryons. They have always pleased me. EBags is a good brand - I have some of their ultralight packing cubes.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thanks for taking the time to reply! I appreciate your advice. I am considering that model. The two wheel cases are a possibility. We're going to be in Europe for a couple months this spring, including Paris, Barcelona, places in Portugal, with mostly train travel on the continent, and a few days in late May in Reykjavik. We're taking a couple of medium 8-wheel spinners as checked bags. I am thinking about a backpack as a carryon so I can keep my hands free for dragging the two checked bags around airports and train stations. My wife is less physically able and needs a carryon with wheels. We found this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009SIVCNO/ref=ox_sc_act_image_2?smid=AP3VA1GJZM3EQ&psc=1 Others are available for European travelers who regularly have to cope with restrictive carryon size limits of discount airlines like Ryan Air and Icelandair, but these seem to be sold mostly in Europe. I just have no experience with this. My previous trips to Europe were short, business class flights on British Air or Lufthansa, so this never was an issue before.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8374 posts
I worry that your wife will not be able to manage two wheeled suitcases on and off trains. That would be quite awkward. Is there any way to pack with your two checked bags, one carryon backpack for you and one small day pack for her? Could you pare down a little?
Posted by
OP
4 posts
We talked it over, and she changed her mind about the backpack. We have ordered two Samsonite Silhouette 17 backpacks, which are specified to be smaller than the carryon size limits.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thanks for the help!