1st trip to UK (2 wk RS tour/Oct) - backpack packing question

I fly American almost exclusively. I think your backpack will be just fine to bring on to the plane. I've never seen the gate agents question the size of a backpack except for one of the huge hiking backpacks.

I would bring a personal item bag as well for the plane. Since you already will have a backpack, you might consider a tote bag. In the personal item or "plane bag", I put a couple snacks (you will be fed on the plane, but it is nice to have a snack if you get hungry or bored at other times), a water bottle, my Kindle, some over the counter meds such as Gas X, Tylenol or Advil, chapstick, kleenex, antibacterial gel, my wallet and phone, eyemask, a light jacket for the plane, etc. Basically it is for stuff you want easily available while on the long flight.

Yes, plan to do laundry after a week. Will you have two hotel rooms? If not, then doing sink laundry isn't practical. I've never been on one of the Rick Steves Tours but I imagine there will be free time to go to a laundromat. You could bring the detergent sheets with you or just by detergent at the laundromat.

I would strongly suggest signing everyone going on this trip up for an Advantage membership through AA.com. Even if you never fly with American again, having an Advantage membership gets you a better boarding group number, which makes it easier to find overhead bin space to put the backpacks. It is free to sign up for a membership. If you have already made your reservations, you should be able to add the Advantage numbers to the reservation. If not, call their reservations line to have them add it.

There are several good YouTube channels which explain how to "survive a long haul flight" and packing light. Examples of some are: Travel Tips by Laurie, Theory of Simple, Perrie's Passport, Its The Kellys, and Travel Coaches.

Arriving at Heathrow, I'd allow 45 minutes to get off the plane walk from your gate, go through passport control (egates) collect your luggage and walk through customs (they won't check your bags unless you have something to declare) and walk to the tube station. Could be a bit longer if you're at a gate far away, or there's a delay in offloading bags.

Heading back to the US, just security, no passport control exiting the UK.

On luggage, I'm an outlier. If I'm away for three weeks, I pack for three weeks. If I run out, I buy new clothes :). London is a big shopping stop for me anyway.

Take a deep breath......everything will be fine.

American will not lose it if your backpack is half an inch too tall. US carriers are much more lenient than European carriers.

At Chicago, you will go through TSA security. If you are not a "flying family" go to either the TSA or possibly the Ohare website and one of the other will explain what the procedure will be. It will also tell you what you can and can't take on the plane.

Once through TSA security you can go directly to your gate. Nothing else to do for departure.

Upon arrival at Heathrow, you will have to go through immigration and customs. Just follow the crowd to immigration. Or follow the signs. You can't get lost as you are "herded" directly to immigration. (In the UK it's called Border Force.) If you have US passports, you can use the egates and there are instructions on what to do when you get there. However, if anyone in your party is under 10, you will have to see an immigration officer.

After immigration you will go through customs. It is usually just a walk through. (Look for the green nothing to declare area.) If they want to talk to you, they will. But it's rare. I've entered Heathrow dozens of times during the years and have never been stopped. In fact I can't remember seeing anyone stopped.

Once through customs it's time to leave the airport and head to your accomodations.

Upon returning to the US, you will have to go through immigration and customs. To save time, download and get familiar with Mobile Passport Control. This will save you a great deal of time.

Have a bag with what you will need for the plane either separate or ready to grab once you get to your seat.

1) Personal preference - I hate backpacks (except a day pack for hiking). Haven't used one since circa 1978 - post-college backpack trip thru Europe for 3 months. I don't like to use them to pack as I find a roller carry-on keeps things better organized. I am absolutely sick and tired of being whacked in the face by clueless travelers who whip around without regard to where their back packs are and who they are hitting. If you go the backpack route, please be mindful. I do know some are mindful, but I encounter more who are not. (Rant over - thanks for indulging me.)

If you are used to using a roller suitcase, don't feel you need to switch to a backpack. The ones you've purchased do strike me as large, but as noted, I don't use them.

2) personal bag - usually for me my purse or a tote with purse inside when on longer trips. this is where I keep electronics, eyeshade, ear plugs, meds and anything I may need when in flight. Kept under seat. It can be awkward to pull things out of a suitcase/backpack in the bin - and the "seat belt" sign may prevent access when you want.

3) I fly out of ORD. Last month into LHR, next month also. Quick rundown - don't worry!
ORD departure - standard TSA check, probably domestic terminal 3. They don't know or care if you are going domestic or international. I usually fly United, not American, and I don't quite remember how AA operates, but American may want to see your passport before you board the plane. This would be at gate - it will be made obvious. Input all your passport info on your AA account (if you have one). You need this for online check-in.

Arrival at LHR - lots of walking, but obvious where to go, lots of signs. Electronic gate most likely, quick and officials to help if you feed your passport the "wrong" way (lots of folks have need of some help) Very clear what to do, where to stand, and polite help is right there. Sometimes a gate doesn't work, so even if you've done things correctly, you are ushered to another. No need to feel intimidated.

If you have nothing to declare, you simply walk through the "Nothing to Declare" Customs door after finishing at Immigration (electric gate).

Return fro LHR - again, no need to feel intimidated. The bag check at LHR is similar to our TSA. LHR has gone to machines in several terminals that scan liquids while still in your backpack or suitcase. There may be signs "Do not remove liquids" - Hooray, life made easier. No shoe removal at LHR. Like TSA, sometimes an individual is taken aside for a quick pat-down. Nothing to worry about.

Arrival home at ORD - This could be awful depending on how many other planes land at the same time. I have Global Entry - hopefully your family does also. If not, lines for Immigration can been horrifically long - or quite reasonable. Clear what to do, follow signs and there are live officials directing people into the proper channels for Immigration. Customs follows bag pick-up which is after Immigration. I sometimes see lines there, but not long. Nothing to worry about - I don't know if they "interview" returnees these days - they don't when I use GE. If they do, nothing to worry about.

Relax - truly nothing to worry about. It can be intimidating with so many people who seemingly know where to go, what to do. Just follow signs, watch others at electronic gates, etc. Employees are truly there to help - I've only witnessed polite interactions at LHR. AA gate agents will also be polite if you are confused.

Immigration gates are next, follow signs and instructions. Help is available. Nothing difficult. There's most likely a line - you can watch those in front!

As for laundry, well, I travel in three month increments. I take five days worth of clothes. And yes, I just wash along the way. Sometimes in the sink, sometimes my hotel has a laundry room, sometimes I go to a laundry, and occassionally, I let the hotel do it.

Your RS guide will be able to tell you where there will be laundry opportunities.

You have time....you could all apply for TSA Pre-check which makes airport security in the US a lot easier. Nothing comes out of your bag, shoes stay on, belt stays on.

I also fly American. When you arrive at LHR, and once past the egates, you will take an escalator down to baggage claim. You have to walk through baggage claim to get to the Customs exit.

Apologies - There is an errant final paragraph in my post above. I can't delete it for some reason. Just ignore.

The tour guides usually give you recommendations on the best place to do laundry about halfway thru the tour. They will go over everything at your group meeting. Otherwise it’s helpful to have the type of clothing that can be rinsed out in sink or tub and will dry overnight. We use easy to pack laundry sheets and a plastic travel clothesline.

I hate to add to your nervousness, but if you are connecting to your overseas flight, your tote must contain all your essentials, including a change of clothes. On smaller planes, they may make you check your backpacks, which mean they could potentially(but not likely) not make it to your final destination at the same time as you. But the most essential things, with which you can survive losing anything else, are your passports, credit cards and phones.

I do suggest you practice walking around with your backpack. We've done 3 RS tours, and my husband wanted to try a backpack for one for one of our trips. Never again. It didn't hold it's shape and wasn't really great for his back. I take a suitcase and not always carry on size. Take what's best for you. You can definitely take a personal item on the plane, but these days you can't always expect there to be much room under the seat in front of you, so less is more.

I think the biggest thing to remember is you aren't being dropped off in the wilderness. If you find you need something once you arrive, you can buy it! Enjoy your trip! Hopefully it's just the first of many in your future!

Re what to pack - less is better.

I will be back in the UK in June - three weeks. I will be packing (subject to up to the minute weather forecasts):
1 pair lightweight black jeans (also traveling in a pair of black or gray light weight pants)
1 pair lightweight hiking pants
4 - 5 tops, mixture of short sleeve, long sleeve light weight tee, and Eddie Bauer moisture wicking long sleeve shirt.
All interchangeable with pants and can be layered.
Lightweight cardigan - gray, goes with all tops and pants. I generally wear onto plane as I find the overseas flights cold despite the provided blanket.
Merrell Hiking shoes for planned itinerary and sneaker-type comfy shoe for city wear - black
I wash out underwear and socks when at a place for more than 1 night. Sometimes they don't dry overnight despite advertising claims....
Nightgown, ballet style slippers - I don't like to walk on hotel floors barefoot.
Depending on forecasts - perhaps a pair of hiking shorts - or I will bring the zip off hiking pants. Lightweight waterproof jacket with hood. I bring a very lightweight umbrella - many don't.
Maybe (but probably not) a skirt that works with the tops and city wear sneakers if London is forecast to be hot. (I have had this happen, but also encountered cold in June)

Generally, some variation of the above works well for me for a 2 - 3 week trip. Last month, I brought waterproof hiking pants and hiking shoes that I never ended up using. Can't always get it right!

Pamzam, you’re doing great! Don’t worry! Preparing ahead and learning about things through this forum and other sources will help alleviate your anxiety. And once you’ve gone and experienced this trip, you’ll know so much more and be more confident and comfortable next time! I read your post and thought, “that’s me!” from a couple of years ago. :)

The backpack and personal item dilemma is a real one. The solution could be to get a smaller pack that can have backpack straps and “do the turtle” which means you wear the little one in the front over your chest and your 40l on your back. A lot of young travelers recommend this. Then there is a Fanny pack type of personal bag that you can wear in the front, same idea. Cotopaxi makes several sizes of the Fanny pack style. If you have a REI store nearby, pack up your Topos backpack with what you think you’re taking and go over and try out a few different types of personal item options. They are very accommodating there and you can see what your preference is. Also,, since your hands are free, you could go with just a tote.

The newest Cotopaxi Allpa 50L actually has a small day pack that is attached at the top and zippers off, so you can see these companies have had a lot of customer feedback telling them exactly about what you are interested in. I personally just used a Longchamp Le Pliage tote handbag when I used my backpack. I then had it for daily use when we were out and about.

I’m hoping you will continue to ask questions about anything and everything related to your trip! So many wonderful people on here to help, and patient, too!

Edit: here’s one of the Cotopaxi hip/ crossbody packs I was referring to

https://www.rei.com/product/231844/cotopaxi-allpa-x-3l-hip-pack?sku=2318440001&store=127&CAWELAID=120217890017916317&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=112508505082&CATCI=pla-2112500273661&cm_mmc=PLA_Google%7C21700000001700551_2318440001%7C2112500273661%7CNB%7C71700000074092866&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=11304410784&gbraid=0AAAAAD_DTlxpYl2nyh7xlLmJKkgWjSugA&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlYHBBhD9ARIsALRu09q_YwQEXlh9DMCEgbgNp0p_ya7VYHjhK-EAC5nf3c_w00TVpmu1JzIaAkZoEALw_wcB

I've been reading RS and other blogs about how light packing in a backpack is key.

Rick's been spouting this philosophy for years. But times have changed. The majority of people here, and Rick will admit the majority of people on his tours, have wheeled luggage.

There's nothing wrong with either. It's what you prefer. If you haven't done this already, pack up your backpacks with the approximate weight you'll be carrying and go for a walk. All of you. Not just around the house but around the block up and down some hills and steps. That's what it will be like toting the bags during the tour. Do this for a half hour. Then see how you feel. Ask yourself the same question the next day. If everyone is fine, go with the backpack. But if you can't see yourself traveling this way, the backpacks go back and find your self some good wheeled bags.

I started traveling the RS way with the first version of his backpack over 30 years ago. But over time I switched to wheels. My personal item has a luggage pass through and attaches to the telescoping handles of my wheeled bag. It's a holdall type bag as my back has asked me to retire all backpacks--even the ones that are personal item size.

Another thought on "personal item" - my Hubby and adult sons all use small back-packs that fit under the seat as a personal item. Pack things that you want on the flight like electronics. Hubby keeps his meds there. I think the "guys" in my family keep wallets and probably phone on "their person" once past security (TSA).

I am assuming from your post that you plan on not checking bags. In several domestic and international trips this year out of and into ORD, I have noted that both United and American have become strict about 2 articles carried on - 1 overhead compliant and 1 under seat. I've seen people with a duty-free bag in addition to their roll-aboard and tote bag/purse told they can only bring on two items. A change from past years when I've seen some arrive with bulging carry-on, oversized tote and a full shopping bag. I don't know if my observations were random, but I've seen it consistently enough this year to think that it is a new enforcement policy - additional announcements at boarding time, people with extra bags stopped at boarding, etc. Just mentioning this.... Shouldn't be a problem.

If you don't check bags, you should be able to use online check-in both ways and keep your bags with you for the duration. You can also stop at an airport kiosk and print a boarding pass if you prefer paper to phone boarding pass. If you are checking a bag or bags, there is still a way to check-in online and drop bags without going to a ticket agent where lines can be long. Instructions are provided by the airline.

Online check-in is where your passport info will be needed to receive boarding pass - if on your AA frequent flyer accounts, they should have info, there is probably also a way to input the info to you ticket reservations if you don't have an account. And, if somehow you get to the gate and American doesn't have your info, you will undoubtedly be paged to step up to the gate agent and show your passport. Nothing to worry about. Kind of exciting to hear your name in a busy airport!

I fly out of Chicago O'Hare, usually on American Airlines. You will have no problem with your backpack size.

When trialing your packed backpack, be sure to wear whatever outerwear you're planning to bring. That will affect the fit and comfort of your packs.

I’m not a backpacker. Your backpack is only about a pound lighter than my spinner carry-on. I have a small tote with a luggage sleeve. The tote holds a sweater or pashmina, a paperback book and my “inflight essentials pouch”. The pouch, a Travelon Seat Pack Organizer, holds my iPad mini, Bose case with earbuds, a charging cable, an eye mask, a N95 mask, pen, a few blank index cards, a small pack of nuts, some tissues and a small zippered pouch with lip balm, eye drops, emery board, aspirin, a bandaid, a few cough drops and some mints. If something is taken out of the pouch, unless it's consumed, it gets returned as soon as it's no longer being used.

However you decide to “package” your inflight stuff, have a system. Do not put anything randomly in a seat back pocket. You don't want to be the traveler who left their passport, phone, favorite knickknack on the plane. You will be sleep deprived when landing and it is too easy to forget something.

Don't bring too much for on board entertainment. American Airlines has seat back monitors with movies, tv and music. In the rear of the economy cabin, a basket is usually set up later in the flight, with snacks like chips and chocolate bars, maybe water or juice. You can always ask the flight attendant for a drink.

A few ifs:

If you do apply and get approved for TSA Pre check or Global Entry, add your “Trusted Traveler Number” to your reservation to use the benefits.

If you do not apply for Global Entry, you can probably utilize Mobile Passport Control upon return to Chicago O'Hare. I say probably, because you're not traveling until October and this seems to be constantly changing.

Another thought, is everyone bringing a “bus bag” for your BOE tour? You could use the same bag for inflight and on the bus.

Good advice so far. Since this is your first trip, it's easy to worry about a lot of things. But know that for some things, you won't know what works for you and your family until you're actually on the trip, learning what works for you. I've been traveling for awhile and I learn something new every trip. You can go pretty far with money, a valid passport, and a phone.

Also make sure you have applied for the ETA for every member of your family, required to enter the UK. There are quite a few forum posts on this topic if you run into issues.

I like to use a backpack instead of a roller suitcase. But I find packing cubes are a must or else everything collapses and is a giant mess. Definitely be mindful of the large pack on your pack, like someone else said. 40L sounds about right to me. I’ve used a RS Convertible carryon but have recently upgraded to an Osprey.
I put any essentials (toiletries, medications, a pair of clean undies and maybe a clean top) into my personal item bag, as well as anything you need on the flight. That way, if you’re forced to gate check your larger bag for some reason you won’t be out of luck until you reach your destination. Or worse, if your luggage is delayed after being gate checked (unlikely), at least you’ll have some essentials.
With a family on tour, a laundromat might be a good bet, with a bit of sink washing as needed in between. We have a Rick Steves zippered packable tote that is a nice laundry bag. On the tours I’ve done there has been a laundry suggestion halfway through. Or you can google laundromats near your hotels (once you get the full list).
Also, keep in mind that although RS Tours suggest carryon, it’s not a hard and fast rule. But everyone needs to be able to handle their own luggage.

I was on this tour in 2023. The tour guide (Jamie Gould) took us to a laundry to drop off our laundry prior to our day’s tour which was not too far from our hotel. Picked up laundry in the afternoon. Very reasonable price. Check with the guide and see if this is still available. Can’t remember the day or the city we were in.

Hi Pamzam101. I understand your nervousness--I felt the same way in 2004 when our family took our first international trip. It's gotten easier over time [and the kids have moved out and are on their own :-)], but I'm still one to arrive at the airport extra early just in case.

That said, you've received a lot of good advice on airports and passports, so I'll give you my experience with bags. On our Rick Steves Best of Italy tour we packed in backpacks, and I used a medium-sized Lands End tote as an under seat bag. That tote had my purse, medications/toiletries, snacks, entertainment (I read rather than watch movies), and electronics. It became my "under the bus" bag on the tour where I put my purchases. So at each stop I was carrying only my backpack to the hotel. On the tour this worked just fine, but I hate slogging through the airport with that combo.

BTW, that tour had two opportunities to do laundry (it's a 17 day tour), and I'd be surprised if there isn't at least one laundry opportunity on your tour.

We did an independent trip to England in 2023 where the centerpiece of the trip was a 10 day hike in the Cotswolds. Our luggage was transported by van between accommodations, but we needed a day pack to stash rain gear, water and snacks. So that trip it was a 2-wheeled roller bag as our main bag, and the day packs for under the seat. This combo was much easier to use in the airport, and on our walks to and from accommodations in London. This is the combo I'll be using this year on our My Way Alpine tour.

Haven't flown American internationally, but we do 6 cross-country flights with them every year. Never even had them glance twice at our backpacks as far as size, and we've been allowed to carry them on when overhead bin space was getting tight while roller bags were being gate checked. Never had a problem getting my tote under the seat, but do pay attention to what ORDtraveler said about having just 2 pieces at the gate. I would also suggest that every person in your party be responsible for their own under seat bag. That will help make your bag a more manageable weight.

Do walk around with the combination of two bags and see what you think. Does the tote slip off your shoulder? Do the backpack straps dig in? Is there a way to fasten them in the front to keep the straps from slipping? A hip belt to carry some of the weight? If you decide to go for roller bags rather than backpacks, make sure there are handles on top and sides so you can quickly lift them for stairs and such because at some point you will need to do that. If the bag is a spinner make sure it doesn't roll away on its own, or come to an abrupt stop at rubber strips. Use whatever combo is most comfortable for you. Have a great trip!

I remembered a thread about the backpack/ personal item question from awhile back. Here it is in case you want even more information and thoughts on that part of your post:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing/how-to-carry-soft-backpack-and-daypack

Think about what bag each of you will carry around as a day bag. I highly recommend each person have their own bag. Whether it’s a small backpack, crossbody bag, fanny pack, whatever. That bag will be each person’s personal item. It has everything critical, just in case the airline forces you to check your backpack (it happens). Critical items: passport, wallet, medications, any valuables (jewelry, etc.). A refillable water bottle (fill after security). Plus: your airplane survival items. Things to help make the flight easier. For me, I pack: phone (with lots of downloaded movies, books and music), AirPods and tether (don’t ask how many people drop AirPods on a plane!) a charging cable, a battery pack, hard candies, gum, chocolate, snacks, Tylenol, Dramamine, hand wipes, chapstick, a pen. After going through security, add these from your liquids bag: eye drops, lotion, hand sanitizer.

Laundromats are a quick & easy way to get all your clothes clean at once. Usually it takes less than 1.5 hours. And there’s usually a cafe nearby to have breakfast or dessert while you wait. Bring laundry detergent sheets. So easy. There may also be laundry drop off services. Well worth it. We’ve done sink washing, and it’s easy when the towel heaters are on. Clothes dry overnight easily. I would recommend trying to handwashing your items at home. You’ll quickly learn what works & what takes forever to dry.

You’ve gotten a lot of good advice. At the risk of being redundant: those backpacks will probably become an issue that won’t be easily solved. If you are all not experienced backpackers hauling a pack day after day will become an issue with at least one of you. The suggestion to pack them full, get out and hike up and down hills for a few hours over several days will give you an idea of how this may feel. Then every few days completely unpack and repack it, because that is what you’ll be doing. In a dozen RS tours, several with other companies I’ve seen just a handful of folks with backpacks as their main luggage and those numbers are diminishing the more we travel. Wheeled luggage is the way to go and I’m a fan of the four wheeled variety (spinners). For my personal item I carry a small backpack which I can rest on the top of my spinner when getting around airports and the like. I pack a small empty RS Civita bag which I carry while touring and it holds my guidebooks, water, sunscreen, etc. Have a great trip!

Hey Pam, you've come to the right place for great advice about how to pack & most importantly, realize you're not alone, we get it! I'm wondering about the packing, how old are your kids? I'm pretty strict about laying everything out on a table, and gradually cutting BACK, not adding to it over a week or so. NO 'what ifs', loved that comment about you not going into the wilderness! It can be fun to buy something on your trip, so you might want to figure out what you will do with souvenirs, how you will get them home?

Here's another thread about packing light you might like to check out, advice for the first time traveler - https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing/first-time-traveling-to-europe-packing-light-tips-needed. Personally, I too haven't taken a back pack to Europe for decades, I prefer a 2-wheeler as it's lighter than a spinner. I like packing cubes for keeping items separate while traveling, and a compression bag for the return journey when a jumble of dirty clothes takes up more space! Here's how I packed recently, but there are as many ways to pack as Forum members, just see what works for you and your family, good luck! https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing/packing-report-for-sunny-skies-6-nights-in-germany.