I have read so many threads on suitcases and airline restrictions that my head is spinning like a spinner suitcase now. I would love to get some opinions on what may be the better option for our multi-faceted trip.
We are doing a 6 week trip using points for hotels through the UK, France and Italy this September and half of October. I am hoping to do it all carry-on for the first time (and convince the hubby that he can do that too!). We will be in a wide variety of weather I am sure, so will definitely be packing a sweater, rain jacket, umbrella and potentially rain covers for pants and shoes (still exploring that option.)
PLUS, we will be going to the Opera, Monte Carlo, some very nice dinners, etc in France and Italy, so may actually take a nice pair of shoes and a suit or nice dinner jacket for him. I am hoping that packing cubes and a good compression (maybe with expansion for souvenirs) and a "big as you can fit under the seat" security backpack will work. We both enjoy dressing up and going out on the town.
We are splurging on United Business class to Europe and back, so I'm really only concerned about the shorter flights and how strict they may be with size and weight....and how likely they are to charge you at the gate versus just saying "oh that will just need to go in the hold"
We are flying:
Easyjet from Belfast to Glasgow - bought the 2 cabin bag option for a carryon and a person item
British Airways from Inverness to London - Economy ticket with 1 carryon and a personal item
Air France from London Heathrow to Paris - Economy ticket with 1 carryon and 1 personal item
I have read that Air France is extremely strict when leaving from CDG, and that Easy jet tries to squeeze you for every penny by getting baggage fees, but what has been your experience within Europe in flights from these airports? I am looking at an expandable carryon bag from Quince that is a bit roomier at 22.8" H x 15.6" W x 10.5" D before expansion. It gets good reviews and seems to be a dupe for the Away bag.
I am wondering if it is worth it to take the chance and see if it gets by for the carryon .....and then just have to pay a gate check fee if needed. If it's only Easyjet that might be a problem, would it be better simply to change my baggage selection and check it? Or is it likely to be a problem on British Air and Air France from those two airports?
(Side note: I have not yet decided on a personal item security backpack that fits under the seat, but definitely want something with locking zippers, slash proof fabric, and lots of room for fitting all the vital things plus overflow items. I'm thinking something from Pacsafe or a similar company. Any suggestions welcomed! I'm 5'4" so something that would fit comfortably on a female frame that size is ideal. I probably won't be using it as a daypack since I plan to take something else for that).
Oh and we are also taking trains through some of France and Italy, so if you see a potential problem with size for that, please let me know.
Thanks!