largest pack as carry on?

[baldona523]

I was wondering the maximum liter/cu in. capacity pack i should buy if i plan on carrying it on on the trip over? on the way back doesn't matter. But my goal is to pack very lightly and buy at least one pair of clothes and probably a pair of shoes over there as souvenirs, just because, and in hopes of making a larger pack smaller in order to be able to carry it on. I know i could be asking for trouble but this isn't my first time over and i would like to do this. I'm thinking of a 55-65L pack and only filling it about 40 L full, is that feasible to carry a 2/3 full 60L pack as a carry on? I'm going early summer, time length doesn't matter as i'll wash.

[paint]

Which airline are you flying? I've been flying a lot of cross-country domestic flights lately trying to find a job, and the overhead bins have filled completely with only 2/3 of the passengers on board, leaving everyone with seats at the front of the plane having to involuntarily check their luggage through to their final destination. I've noticed this only as a recent trend, and I guess it is either because airlines have cut flights out of their schedules so the remaining ones are always full, or because passengers have paid attention to recent articles about how much baggage airlines lose each day, or a combination of the two. The last time I was separated from my baggage in that fashion it never made it to where I was going, because the paper tag they put on it when they took it at the jetway came off. It would have been better for me to have checked my pack when I checked in for the flight.

Anyway, I don't know if the same thing is happening on International flights nowadays... and if your flight isn't full or if you have a seat they would board early, you can ignore my post.

[Jules80]

i would be surprised if they'd let you on with a 60L pack. filled to 40 L or not. its still big. they're usually quite strict about these things. just as a point, but if you don't check it are you not bringing cutlery or a swiss army knife or nail clippers with you? there are all must haves for me on a trip.

Jules

[WillTravel]

The restrictions really vary by airline. British Airways allows only a 13-pound carry-on, and Continental allows a 40-pound carry-on. Needless to say, check the airline web sites before believing me. I'd carry on some sort of luggage that has emergency supplies, in case your main pack is lost, and check the main pack (unless you are flying Continental). Also, you'll have to check on the sharp objects thing. I thought I had read nail clippers are okay now, but who knows when you actually arrive at security.

[Eagle]

baldona523, the airlines seem to be tightening the regulations a lot with regards to carry-on luggage. I believe most will allow two pieces of luggage for carry-on, but not only do they have to fit through the metal sizing frame but also have to be within specific weight limits. You might find that you're limited to a 35-40L. Pack.

I use a 2003 vintage Continental Journey Pack, which the manufacturer claims is "carry on size with the Daypack removed". In my experience so far, the airlines won't allow me to take my main pack as carry on either due to size or weight. In hindsight this was probably for the best, as there's no way I could have fit either my Daypack or main Pack under the seat on my last flight back -- there was some type of aircraft equipment mounted there, which made it tough to even find room for my feet. The overhead bin was full also, so it was a tight fit even for my Daypack.

You might be able to get by with a 35L Pack and an expandable Daypack? It's difficult to provide an accurate answer, without knowing your packing style and the amount of kit and clothing you normally take.

Good luck with your decision and happy travels!!!

[kit1049]

can't one just check their pack?

[Eagle]

kit1049, yes, one can most certainly check their Pack! With the new security regulations, that's often the easiest choice, even if the pack is "carry on size". In my experiences recently, it's not usually too much of a wait to get baggage off the carousel. However, with checked luggage the possibility of the airline "misplacing" luggage is more of a problem.

I use a Backpack (Eagle Creek) that has a detachable Daypack, and I find the Daypack is great to use as "carry on luggage". One other point to make, is that the main (larger) Pack should have "stowable straps", so that the harness can be placed in a zippered compartment at the back during air travel. That prevents straps from being torn-off by airport conveyor systems. If a particular Pack doesn't have this feature, often the airlines will "Saran Wrap" the Pack for a small charge.

Cheers!!!