AA Changing Carry-On Rules

Frank, where did you get this bag? And what was the price and quality? Dan

Tom Bihn Tri-Star

Made in the USA. Unbelievable Quality & Workmanship...$240

Tom Bihn

Frank II - CNN was reporting that in 1st Quater 2009 airlines reported taking in $256,000,000 in baggage fees. I would say yes this is the future of things to come.

We have been traveling with Tom Bihn bags for the past year. They are wonderful! Enjoy your purchase.

The forecast is that the airlines will collect $2B in fees by the end of 2009, doubling what was collected in ’08. I also read recently that there’s a bill working its way through Congress to standardize carry-on size limits…stay tuned.

Frank II,

I've been following some of the discussions on "luggage" here on the HelpLine, and the Tom Bihn vs. Red Oxx debates on other sites. I'd be very interested to hear your impressions of the TriStar after you've had a chance to use it for a while.

I've had a look at the TB website and it looks like an excellent product, something I might want to try in future. However one thing that concerns me is the lack of any means to lock the zippers on the three external compartments on the front (which could contain valuables). Some areas of Europe are "high hazard" for petty theft, so I prefer to use products that are lockable.

I wanted to post this here rather than send a PM, as the information might be of interest to others.

Cheers!

Let me say that I have seen lots and lots of luggage thanks for my former profession. So I've seen the good and the not so good.

when I first got the Tri-Star I was really impressed with the quality, the workmanship, the attention to detail. The bag was well thought out and included input from many customers. This is the type of bag that will last years under heavy use. If not, they'll fix it.

As far as the front pockets are concerned, I had the same thought. Then I got the bag and realized that anything of value didn't need to go in there. (My valuables are in my moneybelt.) I'll put my 3-1-1 bag into one when transiting through an airport...maps, a book, a guidebook,a journal, even a few snack bars. They really aren't that big.

The three main compartments can be locked and there's plenty of room in there to put valuables. My non-document valuables (electronics mostly) are in my daybag locked inside the center section of the Tri-Star.

Tom Bihn loves to put "o" rings all over the insides of his bags. This allows you to "clip" his pouches or packing cubes (or even the ones made by Eagle Creek) to these rings to prevent anyone from grabbing and running. Two of the three front pockets have these rings. All of the inside pockets have a few in each. (RS puts one at the bottom of his daybags.)

So, while the front pockets don't have locks, there are enough alternatives to protect your valuables.

One suggestion...if you do order the bag, spend the extra $5 and get the waist belt. It's worth it.

The other nice thing is that Tom Bihn has a line of laptop sleeves called "Brain Cells." These have buckle clips on them that connect to similar buckle clips sewn into the center section of the Tri-Star.

well the airline I am using in Europe is the same one carry on item, 24 lbs max 19 inches
they charge for checked baggage.
I think there is a good chance they will make carry on limits strict in the future so they can make more money.

I just got my tristar this week and I love it. I think it is the perfect bag. I debated awhile over it and others and I am very happy with this bag. I think it will suit almost all my needs. The attention to detail is outstanding!!!! If you have to check it for some reason you can easily lock the other compartments just not the front three but you would not put anything of value in there anyway if you had to check it.

Frank II,

Thanks for your concise description of the TriStar features. Although I normally prefer Backpacks, the TriStar looks like it would be a good option for shorter domestic trips where using carry-on would be an advantage. I'm not sure I'd be able to use it for overseas travel though, as I tend to pack more kit(including camera gear).

The inability to lock the three zippers on the front is still an issue for me. If for some reason the bag did have to be checked, the contents of those three pockets would be completely accessible.

Will have to give this some further thought.....

Is this a AA rule or the security rule at the departing airport. London's Heathrow used to limit you to one bag going through security but they now allow one carry on and a personal item (purse, laptop etc.)

AA rules.

Frank, have you actually packed the bag yet to see what you can get into it. I will be leaving in early Sept and had planned to use the R/S carry on bag. Will your new bag handle his packing list or at least very close to it? I really like the look of your new bag. I'm flying American both ways and will have the R/S bag and a messenger bag for daily use.

Tony....I believe I can put all of the stuff I need, and my messenger bag, into the Tri-Star. I want to travel "one bag only."

It's a matter of going through your packing list and taking only what you need. I use packing cubes/folders so I'm still working on which ones to take.

I used to use the RS Convertible and had extra room. If you pack both of your current bags to the limit, then your stuff probably won't fit in the Tri-Star.

One warning...because the Tri-Star is a three section bag rather than a one section like the RS bag, anything over say 3 1/2 inches may be difficult to take.

I did a quick mock pack just to see what i coudl get in and I was suprised
1 pair of pumas, 1 dress pair of shoes, 5 pair underwear and socks, macbook pro, small toiletry kit, I got the large packing cube and in it I put 2 dress shirts, 2 long sleeve casual shirts, 4 t shirts, a pair of dress pants and a casual pair of pants.

I did not try putting anything in the front outer pockets but there was room to do so.