Please help with carryons!

[bumbershoot]

The whole laptop issue is confusing - according to the wording on Delta's website, it's either a laptop or purse, and not both. I'm not sure how I'm misinterpreting this any other way? We were looking at a wheeled case so that way it can fit the cameras, laptop, iPod, etc. and keep them protected. We didn't just want to throw these things in a backpack as they might get broken or knocked around.

We are open to any and all suggestions - everyone is being so helpful!

Thanks, Tiger

They just mean if the laptop is in its own bag.

When an airline allows a carryon and a personal item, this is how I look at it. One item is carryon size (dimensions on airline's website) and goes up top. The other item is smaller than carryon size, and needs to fit under the seat in front of you. Period.

DH is a product tester and *has to* carry a whole bunch of electronics on the plane with him (cannot run the risk of things being stolen or lost or even delayed). He bought (er, well, I bought) a Fül brand backpack. It has many many compartments of various sizes...padded laptop slot, and a bunch of places for his other items. It all fits, and it's well under carryon size as long as he doesn't have it expanded like crazy. There is NO throwing things into this backpack; everything has its own spot. I highly recommend checking out their website and finding a place to look at one. His backpack is fairly awesome. Bought at Costco for nearly nothing.

I will generally use a squishy duffel (or my DVC tote) as a proper carryon. It goes up top. Then I use my Rick Steves (the public TV travel guy) Avanti bag to carry the rest...I can carry a ton in that and still fit it under every seat I've dealt with on an airplane... Iv'e even put my laptop in its simple case then put THAT into the Avanti along wiht other things. And it's fit under (of course I have to be *careful* with it, and it helps that I'm short and my feet don't impact the underseat space at all).

I'm not telling you what to do, I'm just explaining what I've done many times...carryon item goes overhead...personal item just has to fit under that seat.

And don't hit anyone with your items, either walking down the aisle, putting them up, or taking them down. How much you struggle with your stuff through the airport is only up to you, doesn't impact others at all, LOL.

 

[kaytieeldr]

The whole laptop issue is confusing - according to the wording on Delta's website, it's either a laptop or purse, and not both

Let's blame Delta - in all seriousness - for its inaccurate or incomplete explanation.

Generally, each passenger is entitled to one carry-on suitcase that must fit within certain measurements (may vary by airline) and which MUST fit in the overhead compartment the 'narrow' way; and one smaller personal item SUCH AS a purse, a laptop computer in an appropriate carrier or not, a camera in an appropriate container or not, etc. - something that will fit completely under the seat in front of the passenger.

I have a sort of wedge-shaped rolling suitcase, and a large, soft-sided canvas tote bag with that zips closed. I will take one or the other when I travel, because either one will fit under the seat. I will also take a cross-body purse (one of those, um, Buxton bags on the commercials). If, for some reason, I need to take both bags, my purse goes in the canvas tote. Voila! Two compliant bags in either case - either fits in the overhead compartment (using much less than 'my' allotted space) and either fits under the seat.

 

[DebbieB]

I flew Delta 2 of the last 3 weeks. I carried on both my laptop bag and my purse. I checked my luggage at the counter. Since the laptop bag was larger, it was considered my carry-on and my purse was my personal item. If I would have carried on my luggage, I would have had to put my purse in my laptop bag, I could not have carried all 3 on separately (although I have seen people get away with it).

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Just be cautious about storing electronics in one of the rolling suitcases, if the overheads are full (or the plane is a RJ or smaller), and you also have a small personal item, they may make you gate check it, meaning your electronics are going under the plane. In some cities, they will be then treated as checked luggage (with no charge) and transferred to your final destination with you (if you have a connection), CLT is a perfect example, which means there is a greater risk of damage.

...If I would have carried on my luggage, I would have had to put my purse in my laptop bag, I could not have carried all 3 on separately (although I have seen people get away with it).

I've also seen people have complete meltdowns when they were denied boarding because they had 3 (or more) items, where they thought the stuffed animal, toy or other random item they bought didn't count (and didn't fit in their carry-on or within their personal item).

 

[Tiger926]

Thanks so very much to everyone - hubby and I will go through your tips carefully, as we are still working out this whole thing.

Much helpful tips and info, so thanks a bunch, Tiger

 

[CrzyforPiglet]

Howdy there from across the river!

It sounds like you've gotten some good ideas but to offer an opinion for your kids if it were me I would definitely either pack a kids backpack for each or a regular size backpack for both. At least when we've flown with our son (and now daughter) it was so much easier to have the backpack at our feet to grab the DVD player, snacks, juice, toys, etc. and all the other kid things needed (yes I am a sherpa ) I just couldn't imagine putting it overhead and then having to get up to get something how many every times asked. Its also easier to just throw the backpack on and have hands free to do other stuff. HTH!