The Rick Steves backpack is 21 x 14 x 9. This works for a carry on for our main flight on Delta.
We have connecting flights on the way to our destination with KLM one way and Air France on the other. Those requirements are:
KLM 21.6 x 13.7 x 9.8
Air France 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.9
*I'm not even addressing the weight limits.
We really want to use carry on bags (like Rick Steves) but we hear airlines are cracking down. Can anyone report on using the carry on for airlines other than Delta etc.
They don't usually use a measuring tape. Instead, they might ask you to put your bag into a sizer. As long as it's not packed full, it should squish into the sizer. Since you can also take a personal item, a possible strategy is to use a packable tote for your "in flight" items to ensure the backpack isn't over full. I use this one:
https://www.rei.com/product/241404/peak-design-packable-tote
This is a useful bag to have along on the trip. It has a zipper and is very durable and comfortable to carry.
Nano bags are also great and are smaller/lighter. They also have a packable backpack with a zipper:
https://nanobag.com/products/reusable-shopping-bags?variant=43799021224072
Do you know what "size" airplane will be used for your connection in Europe? And your boarding group? One time (SEA to AMS) with KLM it was then a regional small jet onward and the agents insisted everyone gate check their carryons to expedite boarding. ? I was glad I took a photo of mine in the pile, because as it turned out that flight had mechanical issues and when they offloaded us we weren't allowed to reclaim our bags- ugh.
This is an atypical tale but I now pay more attention to the connection plane and have started taking a packing cube w overnight things in my personal item. On the plus side, I used KLMs app and their communication was really good, throughout. Ditto for Air France's app.
Long ago and far away when I was new to carrying on, I used the Convertible back pack and was made to check it on an Air Italia flight from Florence to Amsterdam with an onward Delta flight. I had no idea there was a weight limit so that sucker was stuffed to the gills - did not fit in the sizer and weighed 30#. I was scrabbling around on the floor in front of the desk agent pulling out my Kindle, chargers, etc. That's when I learned to pack as if it will be checked. I know you specifically said you were not addressing weight limits but that is when I also learned to weigh before I leave home and not buy too much stuff!
IF you bag is not packed full it will squish down to those measurements. You need to be particularly careful about what you put in the front pockets because they can hold a lot and will affect the depth measurement.
KLM flight is usually an Embraer E195or Boeing 737-700. The Air France flight is usually an Airbus A320 or A321 according to the google machine.
KLM 26.5 pounds for both carry on and personal item. Same for Air France. Again, according to the google machine. Not sure how strict they are about the weight of the bags but we will try and leave some wiggle room.
