Luggage size and brand

I have the wheeled RS bag, bought it online, it will make its fourth trip to Europe in May (that's about 13 months' use). It does well on cobblestones, which is a big plus. It can expand but would have to be checked baggage if I use that feature on the flight back.

Hi Theresa, I have been going through the same exact thing. I have been using a terrific Samsonite soft side spinner (I really like the four small wheels, easier to walk with) but it is a full 22" before the handle, which adds almost another inch. Guidelines are now either 22, 21 or 20 inches, and the airlines are evidently getting strict. The body is about the right depth, but the outside pockets add more even before putting anything into them. And the bag weighs more than 9 pounds empty. I will soon be traveling from home to Palermo via four connecting flights, the final of which is on Air Dolomiti, an affiliate of Lufthansa. Then I will also have a Volotea flight within Italy which has a very low and strict baggage allowance, so I know I will need to check my carry-on for that one, no connections though so hopefully it will travel and arrive with me. So, like you I have been looking for a different carry-on, without wanting to spend a lot or buy without actually handling (and measuring myself) the bag.
Eureka! Just this week I found and bought at Target an American Tourister 20 inch bag, also a spinner with four small wheels, 8 to 9 inches deep but expandable by a couple extra inches. It weighs only just over 5 pounds empty. What is amazing to me, and I certainly was not searching for this, it is a hard-sided bag. It is only slightly smaller than my prior bag, and I cannot overload it and make it bigger unless I decide to expand those couple inches when checking it. It should also be stronger and safer when I do check it on Volotea, and perhaps on my return trip to the US. And, the regular price was $99.99, it is right now on sale for $89.99, and the only one they had in my local Target store had the slightest smudge on it, but they gave me another 10 percent off for that. The only scary thing is that I will be traveling with it for 30 days, and the marketing information on it said it was designed for 1 to 3 day trips! Of course that's the nature of "just a carry-on plus a tote" travel, not the fault of the bag. You might rush on down to your local Target and take a look! Good luck!

I've been very happy with my Travelpro Maxlite 22" Expandable rollaboard bag which I've had for about 3 years. However, while I've carried on domestically dozens of times, I don't think this would pass some of the stricter European airlines. When I measured it, it was closer to 22.5 inches tall. However, they do offer a 20 inch bag; I see one on ebags on closeout sale for under $86.99 which I think is an excellent price.

http://www.ebags.com/product/travelpro/maxlite-2-20-exp-rollaboard/226794?productid=10167817

I've been married to a commercial airline pilot for a long time, and have always used a Travelpro. HOWEVER, I have developed a very bad back the last few years, and when I travel alone, I simply cannot lift the bag over my head into the overhead compartment, and the flight attendants should not be expected to do this either.

I recently bought a wheeled duffelbag with an expanding handle, with the same measurements as above. It is MUCH lighter empty than the Travelpro that the airline employees use! It is a fabric one, kind of like a thinsulate fabric. It has some side/end pockets perfect for shoes. I bought it at a discount retailer (Tuesday Morning) and it's made by Tommy Hilfiger. Who woulda thought!? I carried it on to Europe and checked it on the return to the U.S. I would imagine this type of bag would be available manufactured by any number of companies, but the fabric duffelbag with wheels is so much lighter empty that I couldn't believe it.

Donna has a very good point. Regardless of what bag and brand you buy, check the weight. Even within the same brand, the weights can vary drastically for the same size bag. For example, the travelpro maxlite bag is just over 6lbs ... some of their other model bags are 9 lbs +.

I was in T.J. Maxx the other day, and they had really nice carry on bags in every size. And premium brands for great prices. You can see them to see if they do the job for you.
I think you'd also be satisfied with Rick's carry on's.
Purchase a good bag and it will last you for many, many years.

I use ricks carry on backpack and love it. Makes you pack light using as backpack. I'm still young so I opted for that over wheels. I like having both hands free walking around the station and to/from hotel

I have Rick's carryon and love it.

I actually weighed mine in the store. They sell scales there, so I used one. Mine weighs 5 lbs empty!! I like the TJ Maxx option, as there are more of them. Tuesday Morning is not available everywhere.

I'll third the TJ Maxx suggestion and also throw in that if you have an AAA near you to check there. Before they closed my local AAA they carried RS bags so yours might have something for you to look at. By the time you get to all the stores we are suggesting it may add up to the same amount of time it would take to buzz up to Edmonds, lol.

Hi Theresa, We presently have the RS Convertible bags and they've been great. We are now experiencing knee problems and find the weight on our backs isn't a good thing anymore and will probably buy the RS 20" wheeled bag. We like the quality, the compartments and the weight of these bags. FYI, during Rick's Travel Seminars next weekend there will probably be a weekend only sale if you sign in to the seminars on line. A discount would probably more than cover shipping costs. Good luck in your choice. Sherry

Go to Eagle Creek.com. Check out the new load warrior. (20"x14"x8") May be for you. One of the lightest rolling pieces of luggage I have seen for international travel. Just wish it came in more colors.

Just purchased RS 20 inch roller carryon to replace his 22 inch bag which we have been using for 7 years....decided we could go lighter and since airlines are getting stricter with carryon dimensions we bit the bullet.....we haven't traveled yet but I did a trial pack with this new bag and I am very excited to have made this decision. I researched many different brands but I find RS bags more efficient in their construction and use of materials to allow for maximum packing space in a smaller bag. The bag weighs approx. 6.5 # empty and measures 21 inches in height all in whereas my other RS bag although marketed as a 22 inch came to 23-24 inches in height all in which technically put it out of compliance should the airlines exercise re-enforcement of their carryon rules.

Ebags.com is having a sale on 20" travelpro and victorinox mobilizer bags today. Victorinox looks good, except it weighs 9 lb.s. It could be a good value. Plus, free shipping. (I do not work for ebags.com. I am simply a customer of ebags.)

NO way would I buy a bag that weighs 9 lbs empty. You're starting with 4 extra lbs to lift on and off airplanes, trains, etc.

You guys are great. Donna opened my eyes to the possibility of a rolling duffel, which seems ok if it meets my other requirement (size, lightweight, expandable for the trip home, only 2 wheels) and the top opens wide and completely like a regular suitcase. Imagine, I went off to my local REI and found the eagle Creek Load Warrior (came home and saw Barb suggested it!) which meets all the requirements and weighs less than 6 lb. Only problem is has no outside pockets to hold papers, jacket, etc. (We all have to compromise I guess). I might have bought it but didn't stock the 20" and can't order it. So I may go to Eagle Creek online. (Amazing how many stores including Amazon don't carry 20" models of their products). But after all the praise for the RS rolling carryon I may go ahead that way sight unseen instead and take the chance. Decisions! Decisions! Sherry, I looked all over this website for RS seminars to see if there is a sale. How do you find the seminars? And sign into them. Anyway also of you have given me lots to think about-- thank you so much!!

To sign up for the travel festival, go to the home page of this website, scroll down to the bottom and look at the right side box labeled "Travel Festival and Webcast March 22". The physical store always offers discounts on this day (I think 20%). Not sure about the web store. I have used the Rick Steves convertible carry on bag for 4 trips since 2006. I am more than happy with it. However, age is slowly creeping up with me and I may go to a wheeled bag in the future. I have heard some comments about the quality of Ricks bags declining in the past few years. I hope this is not true.

I've got a Calvin Klein hard carryon and it is incredibly light. Try Hautelook.com for flash sales. It's free, but you need to register. Select updates on luggage and you will get an email when Calvin Klein goes on sale. Allow up to 3 weeks for delivery plus shipping. Watch for non-returnable items. If you check out the luggage at stores like Macy's or Dillard's, you will know what you are getting first. I got mine for $79 and I think it retails for over $150. Just an idea.

If you have a Facebook account, you can "Like" Rick Steves and watch the all day RS special on there.

Check out the IT bags... super lightweight, many well under $100. I just bought a 4 wheel carry on at TJMaxx and it weighs 3.4 pounds. There was a bigger one that still might work as a carry on and it was only around 4 lbs. or so. Saw some on Amazon, but much cheaper at TJ... they don't seem to be in every store, but well worth a look. The handle is also more comfortable to pull. I liked my RS bag for a number of years, but it was much heavier and finally all the zippers were shot. I have had every imaginable suitcase, so will see how long I am happy with this one. Rolling duffles are nice as well, but my stuff is not as organized as in a regular suitcase.

They have a lot of good options at REI. Their return policy is wonderful.
I got the 22 inch Osprey shuttle-two larger wheels. It is pricy, but weighs 4 1/2 # empty which is really important to me. If not overstuffed it is a carry on. Several pockets and handles to grab it if you don't want to wheel it.

They also had a Sherpani wheeled 20 or 22 inch that was 3 1/2# but, stated it was only for carry on- not to be checked. I liked it a lot also. but, thought that I wanted the option to stuff the pockets of my bag and check it if needed.
Every pound counts when going on and off trains etc. I am too old to carry it on my back and the convertible (wheels and a backpack option) seemed to be 2# more on most of them.
You can try most of these at REI and if they don't have them can usually order the size on their website and return to the store if not happy.

I bought the RS wheeled bag for my most recent trip. It's the expandable one. It far surpassed my expectations, did brilliantly over cobbled streets, curbs, and broken sidewalk, and held a crazy amount of stuff - I didn't have to expand it, but was glad to have the choice if it came to that. I had no problems with it falling over, even fully loaded. I check my bag, but it could easily meet carryon specifications. I could not have been happier.

Since you said you want to travel lighter, this is not a wheeled piece of luggage, but it's my recent purchase, and I'm happy with it. The L.L.Bean Day Trekker 25. It's a lightweight backpack, which I prefer. I don't like the added weight of the wheels plus the framework that goes with a wheeled piece of luggage. My backpack is 9"X18"X6 1/2", which holds all my stuff, saves my back from lugging around a heavy suitcase, and leaves my hands free for grabbing a handrail getting onto a bus or train. I highly recommend this pack. Price: $99. Mine is a size small, but they make a med/large that is 10"X20"X6 1/2, so there's your 20" if you're looking for that extra space. Quality construction, tough as nails, good quality zippers.

I need to make a confession to those of you following this thread. Early on, a couple weeks ago, I was enthusiastic about the new 20-inch hard-sided but very light weight American Tourister carry-on I had just bought at Target at a great price. And I was really enthusiastic about it. Then various of you chimed in with such positive comments about the RS expandable 20-inch carry-on, and Jeanine even mentioned the possibility of a 1-day sale during the RS seminar day this past Saturday. The tipping point came as I studied my hard case and noticed that it only had one grab handle, on the short end right by the extendable handle for wheeling it, with no other way to lift or carry it. I tried to envision myself carrying this bag in its vertical position up a couple flights of stairs, along a lengthy cobblestone walkway, or up a couple steep train steps, and lifting it up into a carry-on bin on a plane, and the vision was not a positive one. This single grab handle was made of a strong plastic, but i realized if it came loose, i would have no other way to lift or carry the bag. The RS bag is of similar size and weight, with more pockets and flexibility, and importantly seems to have strong grab handles in three different locations. It was about twice the price, but on Saturday it was 20 percent off. There was shipping, but no sales tax given interstate purchase, about balancing out. So, at 10 minutes before midnight on Saturday, I clicked on purchase. It just now arrived by UPS and I am very happy with my new purchase for my upcoming trip to La Bella Italia. Tomorrow off to Target for the return of the other. Just so many carry-ons a guy needs, no? Thanks for all your input into this momentous decision.

You're right, Larry! Need to think of all the different ways you're going to be lifting, etc., and to me with a bad back, weight is of the utmost importance! Also, had a handle break while dragging one through Rome, and it was the only one on the bag, so options are essential!

Rick's roller bag is on sale, 20% off. It has been reduced in size to 20" to comply with European airline standards. It weighs less than 6#, has two wheels and outside pockets. I have taken mine to Europe three times now. Mine is expandable and I assume the current one is but check.

Frankly I enjoy the trip to Edmonds and I have to go by ferry. I don't think it is an hour each way from Seattle unless you go at rush hour. Saturdays are good. You will find lots more to see and learn there so it is worth the time to visit. Just do it.

"Rick's roller bag is on sale, 20% off. It has been reduced in size to 20" to comply with European airline standards."

Hmmm. I have a previous version of this bag that I believe is advertised as 21". I was planning to use it as a carry-on in a couple of months, flying a British Airways Airbus A320 from Heathrow to FCO and back. Should I be concerned about my 21" bag passing the carry-on test?

Has anyone used the older 21" RS bag as a carry-on on a BA A320?

The BA site says a carry-on bag can be up to 22" on the long side. Does anyone know off hand if the advertised 21" for the RS bag is within that 22" with wheels and handles?

Thanks!

The Rick Steves Travel Bag sale also includes the Appenzell Day Pack. I have one of these, and highly recommend it. I have made two trips to England using it as my only bag, and I was fine with that. On many previous trips to England, I have used everything from backpacks to rolling bags, and I much prefer the backpacks. Someone who likes to take more stuff than I do could take the Appenzell Day Pack plus a tote (or briefcase for laptop/netbook) and be just fine.

@myself :)

We decided to try the no checked bags approach on our just completed 20 day trip to Italy. It was a bit of a challenge for us this first time but we loved the mobility and now we know better how to pack next time. The nasty surprise I got was that my 6 year old RS 21" roller does not easily fit in and come out of the British Airways carry on bag checker. It took a considerable amount of pushing and pulling to get it in there and take it out. I was lucky to get lenient BA staff who let me carry it on but they could easily have made me check it in. Others weren't so lucky. I had the same issue with the overhead bins on the 767s we flew, although the bins on the smaller Airbus 320 swallowed the bag with no problems. The Frecciargento train we took also could not accommodate the 21" roller in the overhead shelf. The Frecciarossa and Italo trains we took were able to do so.

The roller was not even close to bulging. It was full but looked empty when closed. The problem seemed to be a combination of the way the wheels stick out the bottom and back and the handle at the top.