Air Canada Personal Item bag recommendation

My husband uses the Rangeland Underseat Backpack. Even though it is 12 x 16 x 7, if not overfilled it can be cinched down to under 6". It has a trolly sleeve and a zippered top pocket that is great for a wallet or phone when going through security.

I've been using the Baggallini Carryall Laptop that I found on sale at Nordstrom. it is 12½ x 19 x 5½. But again, it can be squished down if not overfilled. It has a trolley sleeve and can be carried crossbody or over the shoulder.

Thank you for your suggestions. I appreciate your fast responses to my question!

I've flown Air Canada domestically and overseas more times than I can count. I always take a medium sized cross body purse and a backpack that would probably be described as the size that a teenager would carry to high school as my personal items (although when I go overseas, I usually take a smaller, lighter backpack, but that's just for my own convenience, rather than any concern about the size). As long as both personal items fit under the seat in front of you, you will be fine. I have NEVER, in 50 + years, seen an Air Canada CSA even bat an eye at someone's reasonably sized personal items, much less measure them (I'm sure those size limits are correct but I have never needed to pay any attention to them, and I have flown on AC's smallest, and largest, planes). The only time a passenger's bag is flagged, so to speak, is if they are trying to board with carry-on luggage that looks way outsized for the overhead bins, and even then, I have often been amazed at the bags they let through (and are somehow pushed and shoved into the bins!).

goldylaux22,

You can find these on Amazon:

1) Bellanca Air Canada And WestJet Personal Item Size Backpack Under Seat Carry-on Bag Flair Airlines Hand Luggage (Blue, 16"x12"x6" in)

2) WATERFLY Small Lightweight Packable Backpack: 20l Hiking Daypack Man Woman
20L,Recycled nylon material,Multi-compartment storage,Water-resistant,Everyday carry,Ultra Light Foldable Travel Day Pack (16.9"x11.4"x5.5" in)

When I travel domestically or over the Atlantic, I use my Rick Steves Euro bag. I've had it since they 1st came out and my sister bought one because she admired mine. It fits nicely under the seat ahead and I can carry my meds, travel docs, kindle, travel pillow, etc. plus 1 day extra clothes in case my checked bag (if I check) is delayed. Some people don't like the big opening, but that has never been a problem for me. I just pack my travel pillow last which keeps anything from falling out when I open.

RS Appenzell is 18x13x6.5 so unless stuffed to the gills should easily squash into a sizer set for 17x13x6. I have a couple, used them many times. Currently $75 but should go on sale year end for 20% off. .

Another good one is the Osprey Daylite 26+6. Exactly 17x13x6 but 26L (vs 23 for the Appenzell) and expands to 32L (adds 2" to the depth, but again it squashes). It's a clamshell design, has a sternum strap. These run $110 now unless on sale.

Both these brands have lifetime warranties but Osprey's applies even if you buy it from elswhere than Osprey, or even second-hand.

I have not flown Air Canada but I do use a bag that would fit the dimensions.

I have had a Baggallini Any Day Tote for years. This is no longer on the Baggallini website but is available on US Amazon so I'd guess it's on Canada Amazon. The actual dimensions are 17.5" x 12' x 6" but to me the half inch on the height is just the part above the zippers and can be squished down. You CAN over fill it, particularly if you stuff stuff in the side pockets!

Here's a shortened link for the US Amazon page in case you want to look at it.

https://tinyurl.com/4t5mun3u

I too have never seen a bag being measured or weighed at an AC checkin desk.
If you are leaving on an AC flight, but returning on your ticket with a sister airline from Europe, such as Lufthansa, they are way more strict and will measure and weigh…especially weigh…..carryons and personal items frequently.
Ask me how I know……
Go with the measurements for the airline that has the smallest ones, if you are on more than one airline.

Do not stuff it to max capacity and this is an option

https://www.eddiebauer.com/products/stowaway-packable-20l-daypack-ebb3001?variant=43096044634179

This has been what I have used for years, as my under seat/personal item ( but never on Air Canada)