Red Oxx Air Boss and a Gator--okay for Lufthansa?

I've only been on Lufthansa once in the past two years, so things may have changed, but here was my experience: They were incredibly strict about weight of the "main" carryon--8 kilos I think. Watch out with the Air Boss--it's a fantastic piece of luggage, but you can easily pack it much too heavily to get on board. On the other hand, I didn't see them weigh any of the personal items--so you might try to put your heavy stuff in the personal item--I would think the Gator would be fine.

Also, they also a reasonable amount of reading material, so if you get pressed for weight, take your guidebooks out and carry them on separately.

Thanks, JER. We did a run through last night with the Ebags convertible (same weight but different configuration), and we were only at 14 lbs without shoes and 16 with, so we should be okay there.

I just want to be sure the Gator is not too bulky to be considered a "personal item."

Here is what the Lufthansa website says (always a good idea to look there first for accurate information):
"Each piece of hand baggage may not be larger than 55 x 40 x 20 cm and may not weigh more than 8 kg. An exception are foldable garment bags. They count as hand baggage up to a size of 57 x 54 x 15 cm.

Pieces of baggage exceeding these limits have to be checked in. As the stowage space in the cabin is limited we will transport them in the cargo hold. This is in the interests of your own and other passengers' safety and comfort."

Yes, I'm familiar with Lufthansa's policy, but without measurements, the term "personal item" means a lot to different people. For example, I've seen camera bags and purses that are bigger than my carryon!

Does anyone carry a RS bag for their personal item?

I have the same question and called Lufthansa about it. They told me there is no specific weight or size for your personal item, but it should be small and probably weigh no more than 5 lbs. You can not take a coat and personal item, or book, etc. One item is one item.

I have heavy stuff to bring and am planning to carry a RS civita bag as my personal item. It is fairly small and I won't over pack it. I don't know if it will make any difference, but I was thinking I may carry my "carryon" and not have it on my back, and then put the personal item on my shoulder. That way it will look less like I'm bringing two "back packs", or two "carryon" pieces.

However, I've never flown with Lufthansa, so I don't really know if my civita bag will pass as a personal item, but I think it should, if it isn't over stuffed.

The description of the sizes of cabin baggage apply to the "main piece" not the personal item. (The reason the description says "each piece" is that it immediately follows the rule on first class baggage allowance, which is 2 "main" pieces as carry-on. For the rest of us peons, of course, it's only one.

Here's a snip from the Lufthansa site as to things that don't count and can be taken aboard as extras:

Additional items which are allowed in the cabin: "In addition to your hand baggage and technical appliances you may take the following items into the cabin: A handbag, wrist bag or small bag (or small laptop bag) and their content; a coat,shawl, or blanket; a small camera or pair of binoculars; an appropriate amount of reading material for the journey; an infant carrier and baby food for the flight; crutches or other orthopedic aids you are depending on."

If you intend to bring one of these items (book, coat, crutches, etc.) as well as your personal item, I would print out the Lufthansa policy page just in case you get a counter staff person who is mistaken about the policy. I haven't had to do this, but just in case, having the policy from their webpage should ensure that everything you have packed gets on board with you.

Great idea about printing the policy, JER. I spoke with Lufthansa yesterday, and the gentleman I talked to confirmed that the personal item I was planning to bring (dimensions noted above) should pose no problem at all. General rule of thumb, be sure your personal item will fit under the seat.