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Small size carryon/personal item

I just bought a good old LeSportsac bag that will be perfect as a carryon for airlines that have tiny carryon regulations. The Deluxe Medium Weekender is what I got, and best of all the narrow depth is perfect for Iceland Air as it is only 7.5 inches. The depth is what is often the issue with some carriers. The overall dimensions on this are 11.5" x 15.5" x 7.5" . There is also a large bag, which is 13.75" x 19.75" x 9.5". So you could squish that down if it were not stuffed, but I got the medium and it should be perfect. It is only 1 pound, and the interior is sort of a champagne color, which is nice because then I can find things vs a big black hole;) The pricing varies by design, but this particular one is $125, but they have a 20% off Mother's Day deal right now.

This bag will go to Iceland with me this summer and I will throw my empty daypack into it. We will be having a camper van, so I do not want to take a regular suitcase since this will be easier to squish into an area in the camper. I think I will test it out next week on a short trip to my moms, just to get a feel for it.

https://www.lesportsac.com/collections/weekenders/products/4318-e780

Posted by
7253 posts

That’s always been a good dependable brand. I have their 3-zip “Cosmetic bag” that I use to keep my earrings and necklace separated and protected. And I bring what’s probably the smallest 3-zip crossbody that they made. I bring it sometimes to wear inside my coat when I’m sleeping on the plane if traveling solo. I’ve had both of those several years, and they still look new.

Posted by
1 posts

Thank you for that tip. I purchased the Rick Steve Spinner that is supposed to be carry-on size. However, I just called Icelandair and they said the carry-on has to be no more than 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.8. Rick's bag says it's 21.75" x 14" x 10". Do you think this depth will be an issue? Do I have to check this bag in???

Posted by
16190 posts

Thank you so much for posting this! I have been looking for a replacement for my trusty Kipling tote bag that I use as a “personal item” on the plane and then as my day bag for walking around cities in Europe. The zipper broke recently and I have tried replacing it with Kipling and Baggalini bags to not avail. The size I order clearly states 15 x 10 x 4, but the bag that arrived, from both companies, was 19 or 20” wide—way too big.

Then I tried a smaller Kipling Esseni mini tote that was supposed to be 13 X 8 but it was way too small—-the zipper would not open enough to admit my iPad, and the handles were too short to wear it over my shoulder.

So I found on Le SportSac a bag that is “just right”: a 12 x 12 tote in a nice print with correctly-sized handles for shoulder wear. And the sale price—$43— is irresistible.

https://www.lesportsac.com/products/3867-e634

Signed, Goldilocks

Posted by
8345 posts

@beasnod. The size of the RS carryon has not been a problem for me in the past on Icelandair. That said, any airline can choose to enforce their rules at any time. If you got to the gate, and it was rejected for some reason, was is the worst that could happen? You would simply end up checking the bag which is not that big of a deal. Just make sure passport, valuables, medications are in you personal item.

Posted by
592 posts

We are using Icelandair to go to Norway, and I see the width size as only 5.9.

Personal item
You may bring on board 1 small personal item such as a handbag, backpack, or laptop bag that must fit under the seat in front of you.

Maximum dimensions: 15.7x11.8x5.9 inches (40x30x15cm).

Posted by
2005 posts

Beansnod— you will most likely have to check it. We have flown Iceland Air many times out of Seattle and every time they make sure that depth fits. They are sticklers here for that, IME

Yes LeSportsac is a trusty brand. Plus solightweight. I too have the 3 zip cosmetic case. I usually use a Tumi hard shell case for my cosmetics but will try this instead when we head back this summer. Size and weight are always key in Iceland for us.

Posted by
2602 posts

I've been a fan of LeSportsac since their original bags were the thing to have in high school over 40 years ago! My trusty travel purse is their Deluxe Everyday crossbody bag--expands if needed, plenty of zipped pockets, lightweight but sturdy, holds my usual purse things plus travel stuff like an umbrella, book, light sweater, water bottle, etc. I have a larger duffle sized Weekender that is indeed great for car trips, and love their cosmetic bags and zip-top totes. Even better, they can go in the washing machine and hang to dry.

Posted by
2005 posts

nannie--That is the size for the personal item, but the carryon size is a tad bigger at 7.5 inches. So basically that is the size limit for a purse or something similar.

Posted by
592 posts

Thanks for clarifying! I saw "personal" in the title and that is what I was thinking you were using it for. I hate to do it, but I think I will be checking a bag.

Posted by
2005 posts

mnannie--That is an easy one to misinterpret;) We usually have to check a bag when we go to Iceland. I know we will this time since we are camping as we want a few items of our own gear vs what the camper van company will loan you. I have already started a packing list since it is a different sort of trip and I don't want to forget anything.