RS Euro flight bag- test packing & eval

If you have a link to this bag, then we will know what it is…I can’t tell from your post.

I agree that the design of this bag is not for cross body wear. It would not have occurred to me to even try! When it is not riding on my roller bag, I either carry it by the handle or use it as a shoulder bag. I use the long thin packing cubes for structure and that seems to work pretty well.

This bag would not be comfortable to carry long distances, so I understand the OP's reluctance to use it for her trip.

Thank you for taking the time to post this.

Others have talked about items falling out. Because the last thing I pack in my Euro bag is my travel pillow it keeps everything 'tucked in.' I use it as my under seat bag and carry it on top of my rollaboard so I never have a problem carrying. I was in France for 4 weeks in Sept/Oct and the combination worked well for me. Domestically I use the Euro bag for short week-end trips plus a large tote instead of my purse. That combo also works for me.

Edit:
I will add that I must use a walking stick. One arm is engaged with that, the other arm has the roll aboard bag. Over the shoulder bags do not work for me as they don't stay on my shoulder and I don't have another arm to carry a bag as a satchel.

For my purpose, as an under seat bag, I need a cross body bag for short distances, one that has a trolley sleeve for hauls through the airport.

The RS Euro flight bag does have a very nice padded handle to carry it as Carol has mentioned. For those who are interested the Rick Steves logo is printed on the top of that handle.

I have this bag and I agree, the flap opens too low, but one of the things I pack in there is a 9" x 11" semi-rigid zip top clear plastic folder/pouch that I put my paper copies of tickets, laminated folding maps, etc in and then receipts or any other paper tidbits get added as I travel. I place that at the front of the bag and it's the perfect barrier that doesn't really take up any space--everything stays put, and coming home that bag is packed to the gills--especially if I have been to the flea market in Budapest, last trip it had a good 25 lbs of vintage pottery in it! I have only ever carried over my shoulder and supported by clutching the top handle or on top of a rolling suitcase, never tried crossbody as it would be far too heavy and cumbersome.

I have one of these bags. I love the way it packs, but agree with OP and others that the flap opening is too low. Too easy for things to fall out, no matter how you pack it. I just don't think it's a great air travel bag - hard to unpack and repack, as you tend to do during air travel. And honestly, I shouldn't have to overthink how to pack the thing so items are secure. I do use it for a weekend/overnight pack for driving trips, when I can have a second small bag (cross body, etc) for wallet, phone, chargers, etc.

I've taken it on a few trips and with regards to packing, I've never had a problem but that's because I fill it with packing cubes and my laptop tucked in back ,along with a few other things I need on the plane.

The biggest problem for me, though, is carrying it. LIke Carol NR, I don't use it as a crossbody bag as I don't think it's suited for it, but I do put it over my shoulder. However, because it protrudes so much, it sticks out and I feel like I'm always bumping it against people or seats on the plane. It's just an oddly shaped bag. But it holds so much stuff!

So I limit it now to road trips and it works very well for that.

I've taken mine on several overseas trips. I agree about the flap opening being too low, and I don't like the way it flops around on the handle above my rolling bag when it's not completely full. I like all the pockets it has, inside and out, though I don't get much use out of the little detachable pouch velcroed to the inside. I hadn't thought about using it as an overnight bag on road trips, but it might work well for that.

Overall, I'm glad I bought this bag. It holds a lot and is easy to carry both ways. (But not if I needed a hand for a cane or stick.) It fits well under the seat if necessary.

I bought this bag a few years ago for its boxy style. If you put it down it does not fall over. It sits well on top of the handle of my rolling case. But I agree with all the negatives, it’s not well suited for my needs with air travel. I think it would be great for a car trip, especially if you can leave it somewhere and not have to carry it around. It ends up collecting dust. Maybe I should donate it. Marie Kondo would probably advise that. It does not spark joy.

I remember years ago a man who was spending the winter in an rv park but using the central shower house declaring it was perfect for his toiletries and the days clean clothes. Just another perspective. But yes, diane, if you are needing a bag you can wear cross body. This is not it, and the curve in the top of the strap is a weird feature IMO

I have this bag and have traveled with it twice to Europe the past year. I have mixed feelings about the bag. I will use it until I find another better option.

Pros: plenty of space, sturdy construction, and can easily attach to my wheeled suitcase.
Cons: the flap opening is too low (agree with you Diane on this one).
Mixed: Because of its size, and the fact that airlines don't weigh this bag, I can put heavy items in this bag and my carry-on meets the weight limit. The issue becomes when you have to go up and down stairs as now I am carrying more weight than if I just had a backpack.