For some, the new carry-on luggage sizes are problematic, and the manufacturers aren't really stepping up to let consumers know without a little digging and research. The fact is that the vast majority of airlines have restrictions that only allow pretty small bags. Most of what is sold as "carry-on" doesn't even come close. Too bad the airlines can't come up with a single set of rules. Here's a link to the French Samsonite web site for Air France (and KLM and a bunch of others) acceptable carry-on:

http://www.samsonite.fr/air-france-bagages-cabine/

There aren't that many options. The Spin Trunk 21" Spinner (55cm for Euro measurements) looks to be the best of the Samsonite options.

The Delsey luggage site gives information for a number of airlines and their recommendations for their own luggage.

http://www.delsey.com/default/...nes_regulations.html

It's hard to tell which of the Delsey carry-ons would be the best, but the Chaumont Cabin Trolley looks OK:

http://www.delsey.com/default/...02.html?navid=Search

Or the lighter, security zipper Delsey Helium Cabin Trolley Case:

http://www.delsey.com/default/...01.html?navid=Search


I think I prefer the new plastic carry-ons rather than the fabric options. Anyway, I've noticed that sales people in luggage stores don't seem to know what they're talking about.

Wink there are some great lightweight spinners, however I found that they had much reduced case capacity which didn't suit all the stuff I have to carry on, mostly electronic stuff.

I have not had much problem with carry-on except with varying weight restrictions.

I am constantly amazed how some countries allow large and multiple baga as carry-on, mostly Asian regionals in my experience, which means I try to be early in the queue to board, even if flying business class.

Cheers,

Chris

I have a simple rule for picking a carry on bag.

I like the ones that open the top as you lay it flat.
I like to have as much open space inside as I can get, because I normally carry cameras and such in it.

I like to have one or better still two zippered pockets to put smaller items in.

And most importantly, it has to LIGHT.

I have been using Samsonite for a number of years, and like them a lot.

I like Redoxx bags.
This one should fit your requirements Saeed.

http://www.redoxx.com/Safari-T...R5/91031/110/Product

quote:

Originally posted by tanks:
I like Redoxx bags.

I have the same RedOxx bag, which is my camera bag. But I'm getting to the age where not having to hang a heavy bag on my shoulder all the time (and when you see the cameras and lenses I travel with you'll understand) having a wheeled case starts to look interesting. I fly from Paris to an African capital about 12 times per year, sometimes more (I'm in Calabar today, going to Abuja on Sunday). I'm not really interested in maximizing weight or bulk, but getting through airports seamlessly, minimizing potential hassles. When you travel to Africa as much as I do, the worst possible case scenario isn't just a possibility, it's probable. There is really no reason to take an oversized carry-on. Besides, going minimalist has more advantages than going overstocked, oversized and overweight.

Some people get through check-in with an oversized carry-on, but Air France frequently has agents at the plane door who graciously take it away from you to be checked into the luggage compartment. This is becoming more frequent on flights to Africa. If you were counting on having it with you (valuables or anything really important you want to have with you), then you're in for a real inconvenience. And don't think this is specific to Air France, all of them are doing it now.

I apply the same logic when travelling with firearms. What's the most bonehead stupid requirement they might come up with at check-in? It doesn't matter, I'm ready for it. Ammo in separate locked case, check. Ammo in locked case but in another checked bag, check. Cartridges in original manufacturers boxes, check. Weight of ammo and ammo-case together within max, check.

If you are flying on several different carriers on a trip, adhere to the most restrictive guidelines, or be ready for some nasty surprises. Every time I read a post by an AR member whining about what happened when he changed from LaxityAir to InflexibleAirlines I can only conclude one thing, he didn't do his homework.

quote:

Originally posted by Wink:
...

I have the same RedOxx bag, which is my camera bag. But I'm getting to the age where not having to hang a heavy bag on my shoulder all the time (and when you see the cameras and lenses I travel with you'll understand) having a wheeled case starts to look interesting. ...

Hehe, I understand. I used to travel with two medium format bodies, 220 backs, multitude of lenses, rolls and rolls of film etc., not too long ago. Now a couple of Leica Ms and four lenses hardly weigh anything even if you count a MacBook pro in the mix.

hat Saeed said.

I always use a backpack as my carry on. Last safari it was a Kifaru Xing. It has plenty of room for at least a couple days of clothes and my essentials. It doubles as a day bag while hunting. I make sure that with the exception of my rifle and ammo everything I need to hunt is in it.

quote:

Originally posted by Rob Haught:
I always use a backpack as my carry on. Last safari it was a Kifaru Xing. It has plenty of room for at least a couple days of clothes and my essentials. It doubles as a day bag while hunting. I make sure that with the exception of my rifle and ammo everything I need to hunt is in it.

This exactly. I fly a fair bit (mostly for work rather than hunting, unfortunately) and to me a backpack makes far more sense as a carry-on than any type of duffel. It leaves both hands free when I want it to, and I make sure that it can be carried comfortably at my side or slung like a duffel if I choose. The fact that it retains all of its utility when used as a day bag is wonderful as well.

I don't have the numbers in front of me at the moment, but I believe that Red Oxx bag is by today's "standards" a bit too large for carry-on use on many airlines today. If memory serves, the common dimensions listed as maximum were 24x14x10 inches for several years at least, but the last time I checked (last spring) I was limited to 22x14x9 inches. Another couple of favourite backpacks had to be relegated to non-carry-on duties, and I was forced to hunt down yet another absolute-maximum-legal-size pack for this year's travel.

I too, use a backpack as my carry-on. It is easy to carry and fits in the overhead cargo areas or the seat in front of me. Mine is a security backpack made by PacSafe.

i hope like hell that airlines do start enforcing their carry on size rules. it aggravates the hell out of me when people board a plane and fill the overheads with a large bag and second( usually almost equally) large bag. boarding comes to a halt while they try to shoehorn their bags in an overhead.

Jdollar<

Last May US Airlines at JFK let early boarders stagger on board with not only oversize but TWO carry-ons which went into overhead storage. They paid absolutely NO attention to the rules about size or number. By the time we boarded they said overheads were full and ordered us to check our "legal" carry- ons ! Ours contained cameras and three pair of Swarovski binoculars. We had no locks of any kind so they could not be secured. I was pissed beyond belief ! I should have insisted but was a little "slow" after being without sleep for over 24 hours so I did not think fast enough to challenge their bullshit. I did insist that a US Air agent
observe me open and check contents on arrival in Albuquerque. Fortunately all was well,BUT
I will NEVER set foot on another US Air flight again;same for AA as they are now combined.
HUNTERS BEWARE !! US Air and AA suck and are best avoided. I am advised that they will no longer carry guns which is another good reason to stay away...

quote:

Originally posted by Stopckmaker:
Jdollar<

Last May US Airlines at JFK let early boarders stagger on board with not only oversize but TWO carry-ons which went into overhead storage. They paid absolutely NO attention to the rules about size or number. By the time we boarded they said overheads were full and ordered us to check our "legal" carry- ons ! Ours contained cameras and three pair of Swarovski binoculars. We had no locks of any kind so they could not be secured. I was pissed beyond belief ! I should have insisted but was a little "slow" after being without sleep for over 24 hours so I did not think fast enough to challenge their bullshit. I did insist that a US Air agent
observe me open and check contents on arrival in Albuquerque. Fortunately all was well,BUT
I will NEVER set foot on another US Air flight again;same for AA as they are now combined.
HUNTERS BEWARE !! US Air and AA suck and are best avoided. I am advised that they will no longer carry guns which is another good reason to stay away...

That is why I only fly Delta or United; I am elite on both and board first. You can always pay for the option as well.

In most cases I carry on an Eddie Bauer roller bag, Westley Richards leather knap sack(as my personal item) and get prior authorization to bring my VPAP (medical allotment) as well. So I am one of those folks that looks to be taking advantage of the system while actually not doing so. I use the WR bag as a day pack while hunting and have it filled with the daily necessities on the cruiser.

While I like the back pack thing, and do use one on occasion, the roller bag is nice as it holds the other two and makes for easier trekking in the International airports that usually included quite a long walk. With this setup I can usually get by with only one checked bag, the gun case.

I still take way more "stuff" than J Dollar, the King of going light. He can do a complete 21 day Safari with what's on his back and doesn't take a rifle.

Larry Sellers
SCI(International)Life Member
R8 Blaser

All airlines allow two carry on bags... One piece of luggage and the other a personal item (i.e. brief case, back pack computer bag)

Also, for parents of small children, baby bags do not count against the carry on policy...

Just wanted to add context...

Also, I have traveled with my family of 6 (all with paid tickets) which allowed us 12 carry on bags all within the policy. With my wife and I and family boarding early as I have status, we were the ones putting the larger bags above (with the smaller below the seats in front of us as per the carry on policy) and we may have looked like we had 6 bags going above between just the two of us but in reality it was all within the rules.

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Sellers:
In most cases I carry on an Eddie Bauer roller bag, Westley Richards leather knap sack(as my personal item) and get prior authorization to bring my VPAP (medical allotment) as well. So I am one of those folks that looks to be taking advantage of the system while actually not doing so. I use the WR bag as a day pack while hunting and have it filled with the daily necessities on the cruiser.

While I like the back pack thing, and do use one on occasion, the roller bag is nice as it holds the other two and makes for easier trekking in the International airports that usually included quite a long walk. With this setup I can usually get by with only one checked bag, the gun case.

I still take way more "stuff" than J Dollar, the King of going light. He can do a complete 21 day Safari with what's on his back and doesn't take a rifle.

Larry Sellers
SCI(International)Life Member
R8 Blaser

minor correction. it was only 16 days and i had my camera, binocs,and 1 change of clothes- unfortunately not clothes i could hunt in. i did get 1 lost bag back a month later but never saw the second one again. the 1 personal item in addition to the carryon bag is the 1 that kills me. it is usually as big as the carryon....

The past couple of year i have seen bags being measured and weighed prior to boarding. and many bags were being checked.

With South African Air (SAA) having a 9kg weight limit on carry on, has it made it touchy for some.

I will be on the look out for a very light back pack for my personal item and then my new 20" Samsonite roller bag.

But i do not have anything planned until 2016...

I read on one of the frequent flyer forums that airlines often seem to overlook backpacks completely.

That has been my experience as well.

I take my Rugby Referees Kit Bag "oh a Yank that likes rugby" has helped me a lo in SA as my carry on ( we bought them to meet the airline restrictions and I take a Kifaru Marauder as my personal item. The Marauder is my day bag on the truck and between the two I have everything I need for my safari short if rifles and ammo and my knife. Camera and binds and hunting cloths are with me and only my spare stuff is in my checked Kifaru Duffel.

Last trip I actually left my check bag at home and just took the back pack and the duffel and my rifle case. Worked fine. If it wasn't for ammo I could probably put everything in the pack.

Duckear: Air New Zealand did not overlook my wife's backpack. The two "spotters" pulled her out of the boarding line and weighed her backpack because it "looked heavy". Fortunately it was filled with a lightweight down jacket and was well within the published weight limit. Meanwhile they completely ignored my smaller backpack with spotting scope, binocs, camera, etc; which was well over the weight limit. I would not agree with your frequent flyer's source.

quote:

Originally posted by bobmn:
Duckear: Air New Zealand did not overlook my wife's backpack. The two "spotters" pulled her out of the boarding line and weighed her backpack because it "looked heavy". Fortunately it was filled with a lightweight down jacket and was well within the published weight limit. Meanwhile they completely ignored my smaller backpack with spotting scope, binocs, camera, etc; which was well over the weight limit. I would not agree with your frequent flyer's source.

They overlooked your overweight carry on, did they not?
It seems, based on your experience alone, backpacks are overlooked at least 50% of the time.

I have a backpack with wheels on it.(bought it at a Wild Turkey Federation banquet)
I like it a lot.
My personal item is my CPAP machine & I can cram several small items in it's case as well.

My wife and I went to Namibia in 2012 via Frankfurt. We used backpacks as our carry-ons.
I used my backpack in the field while hunting.
Before leaving, I packed all the hunting gear in my check-in bag and put clothes in the backpack.
On the way home, we arranged to have our layover changed from 13 hours to 7 days,13 hours at no extra charge.
We spent a week in Rome and Munich and lived out of our backpacks. Had our laundry done in Rome and used our hour of free internet access to book hotels and reserve train seats for the next location.