At the risk of sounding like Ikea Hacks, I'm interested in how you might have modified the RS Euro Flight Bag!
For example, has anyone added a neat phone charging feature?
What strategies have you used to keep things from falling out of the center compartment when the top is open?
What's the best way to store an ipad or similar device in this bag so it's easy to remove for TSA without disrupting the variety of other items in the bag?
Posted by
Sapulpa, OK, USA
6552 posts
The only time I used this bag for anything other than just a grab bag, I used packing cubes. That helped.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8913 posts
Packing cubes are what makes this bag work.
Posted by
85 posts
This bag works very well with long slender packing cubes and or ziplocks to contain the paraphernalia . Not so well without them.
Posted by
Twin Cities, Minnesota
2013 posts
Love my Euro bag. It is my carryon choice. I've never had a problem, but when going over the pond it usually has my travel pillow on top which prevents anything falling out when I open. I also use a small packing cube for my clothing and a couple small cosmetic bags for electronics and pills. I don't travel with an ipad, but when I had a tablet I just slid it in at the back side and never had a problem retrieving.
Posted by
OP
London, UK
35 posts
Thank you for all the comments. I'm contemplating this purchase, so it's helpful to hear from others. I would like to somehow be able to include my laptop in this bag, for some tho not all trips. For others, I would only pack an ipad.
Trouble is, the laptop itself measures is 9.5x14.2x.75 inches, so I don't think it will fit inside a bag whose dimensions are listed as 14" x 12" x 7". I have a call in to the Rick Steves store just to see what they might say, but I'm thinking maybe I need to modify the bag to do this. I've done alot of sewing over the years, so I could potentially add a sleeve to the underside of the bag, depending on how the bottom is constructed, but that's not the ideal solution for many reasons! Of course some might say just buy a bigger bag but I'm usually flying United and their limits are 9x10x17, not much more than Rick's bag. I haven't found much on the market that compares to his in terms of functionality and value.
Posted by
Boise, Idaho
1258 posts
Trouble is, the laptop itself measures is 9.5x14.2x.75 inches
Get a smaller rig? MacBook Air is 9x12, iPad Pro is 8x11.
Posted by
Sapulpa, OK, USA
6552 posts
The Euro bag is soft-sided; it's possible your laptop will fit just fine. Do you know anyone who has one that you can try? Or since you sew, baste together a fabric bag the same dimensions as the Euro, and see if the laptop fits.
Posted by
St. Louis, Missouri
45 posts
I just tried my (admittedly slightly smaller) MacBook Pro in the bag and there was several inches of space due to the soft sides. I slide it in against the back side of the bag.
Posted by
OP
London, UK
35 posts
Someone from RS called me today -- she said the laptop would fit, but cautioned that the bag doesn't include padding to protect it like the typical laptop bags. I told her I have a neoprene sleeve for it. So it all sounds good and I'm going to order it.
But I'm still wondering how people have rigged it for phone charging!