carry on back pack and tote bag

No. One is one. You can wear the sweater, put the grub in you pocket (if you have to eat and fly), and carry the book. The tote back makes two. One is one.

I'm curious about something, as I've never taken a flight that didn't also allow a personal item. If you put things like food in your your bag, after boarding can you then take them out and put them in a smaller bag to keep at your seat with you?

Been on several one bag flights, once inside the plane it doesn't make any difference. Part of the difference between European math and American math. In the US one means three and sometimes four. In Europe one is one. I can remember a period at HRow security when it was one bag carryon for everything.

I thought you could bring a carry on bag-the regulation size Rick Steves sells and then also bring a pocketbook or a backpack. I am leaving for Italy in three weeks and that was my plan.
Chris

Just check the aer ligus website for the LIMITED personal item size and description, then measure your proposed tote bag.

Christine, if you're flying on a US airline you probably can take a personal item in addition to a carryon. Check the website for your airline to s see what the carry-on regulations are.

Have you visited Aer Lingus' baggage page? http://www.aerlingus.com/travelinformation/knowbeforeyoufly/baggageinformation/ You can take one carry-on bag no larger than 21.5" x 15.5" x 9.5" and weighing no more than 22 lbs. You can also take a personal item measuring no more than 13" x 10" x 8" and must be put under the seat in front of you.

"I thought you could bring a carry on bag-the regulation size Rick Steves sells and then also bring a pocketbook or a backpack." That depends on your airline. The rules are changing all the time these days, and each airline has different policies. Check the website for your airline and you particular flight - carefully.

I flew Ryan Air many times between Sicily and Bologna. I watched at the gate as the RA people made passengers that had 2 or more carry on items stuff everything into one. Purses, camera bags, shopping bags....whatever. Which I always thought was stupid as it's all the same whether in one or 3. Also watched as people had to stuff it into the baggage sizer at the gate. The RA people didn't care how you got it in there as long as it would go.Just a hair off and it would have to be checked. The one exception RA has/had was conoli. You could have a tray of those and a carry on item.

So, inquiring minds want to know - did the cannoli go in the overhead bins, or on the lap, or under the seat - - or did it have to be shared around the aircraft, crew first? I take it that this was on the northbound flights? So on the southbound you could bring a mortadella?

Ha, not sure on the southbound flights Nigel. Never wanted to take anything in that direction except my smiling face. That precious tray stayed om my lap the whole time and since I had to share with the guys I worked with they stayed covered. But the temptation was there the whole time.