Best way to take DSLR camera and laptop as carry-on.....

[KaitlinsMom]

for the plane. I have the Canon backpack (from Amazon - love it!) it fits my xti/lenses - Video camera - P&S camera. It's great! My brother is getting married so I want to bring them. I would also like to bring my laptop (currently enrolled at an online college). I have a laptop roller carrier, the kind that businessmen use when they travel.

I know you can bring a laptop + purse, but can I bring a lap-top and my camera bag? My DH is catching up with us later in the week, so I can't give it to him. My DD has her own bag of stuff (coloring/DVD/etc)

Or is there a bag out there that will carry both?

It's American Airlines.......

Thanks!

Karen

 

[Furgus]

Any of these will work. Lowepro

I have the CompuDaypack and I love it for traveling.

 

[handicap18]

I have the Tamrac Adventure 9. It holds my Nikon D50 with battery grip and 18-135 lens attached, Gary Fong diffuser, SB-600 flash, 70-300mm VR lens, 50mm lens and 90mm lens. It also fits my extra betteries (2), SD cards (7), 2 filters, gorilla pod and battery charger. There is a comparment that fits the laptop. The top compartment is big enough to hold a small change of clothes (t-shirt, shorts, etc) and I also got my external hard drive and all the cords for the HD and laptop.

Now, with all that, let me say that it was HEAVY. Even for me at 6' 270lbs. But It was all with me and I didn't have to check any of it. That to me is the most important thing.

http://www.tamrac.com/AdventureBacpacks.htm

 

[raidermatt]

I just flew American to/from WDW and I carried on a medium to large size duffel that contained both my SLR (no extra lenses) and a handheld video camera, among other things. I also had an over the shoulder laptop case and a separate briefcase. Nobody questioned it.

I put the duffel overhead and sometimes kept the laptop and briefcase under the seat in front of me, and sometimes had those overhead as well.

I saw other people with multiple carry-ons that were larger, especially on the way back.

It seems that if you can put a single bag overhead, and everything else can fit under the seat in front of you, they don't bother anyone.

I don't think you should have any problem, especially if you can put one of the pieces under the seat in front of you if the overheads do get full.

 

[deletedpenguin]

I too, use a Tamrac Adventure 9. Great bag.

 

[KaitlinsMom]

unfortunately, my flight is tomorrow - but I will probably look into that bag for next time.

raidermatt - After your post, I looked it up on the AA web-site (probably should have done that in the first place) and it does state that I am allowed one carry-on bag + on personal item - Personal item can be a purse, briefcase, laptop, backpack, etc - So it looks like I am in luck - Just put one overhead and one underneath -

Thanks for all your help!

 

[boBQuincy]

One thing to be aware of: if you are one of the last groups to board you will sometimes have to gate-check your bag if the overhead compartments are full and it won't fit under your seat.
I have seen this happen on several occasions so it is good to have a backup plan where you can put all valuable items in the carry on bag that fits under the seat.

 

[jenseib]

I think all airlines allow a carry on and one personal item, per person. i ahve always taken a carry on and a purse. The last time though I took a carry on and then a big tote bag and kept my camera case, my purse and stuff for my two year old all in it. It worked out nice. So basically all you have to do is get a bigger bag and put all the little ones in it.

 

[bostran1]

Most airlines won't care so long as your put one of the carry-ons underneath the seat. I fly pretty often and usually have a carry-on suit case and backpack and never have a problem. I would definately be at the front of your "boarding group" so tht you can take advantage of the overhead space and not have to check it at the gate. Although, some smaller, commuter jets won't fit larger carry-ons so they gate check larger carry-ons and give them to you right when you get off the plane.

 

[Groucho]

Our last few flights, I've always carried a laptop bag (that I put in the overhead) and a camera case (goes under the seat, then comes out after takeoff )... no problem whatsoever.

 

[KaitlinsMom]

Great suggestions! I am boarding group 2, so I have that going for me! Unfortunately, that also means I am in the back of the plane!