What do you use for a carry on?

[runnermama78]

I’m looking to buy a new carry on bag, but am trying to decide whether to go with a small wheeled suitcase or something more like a Vera Bradley Weekender bag. I think I would prefer to use a bag, but I’m not sure whether it would be too heavy to carry through the airport. What do y’all use?

 

[SteveH]

A simple backpack, my luggage goes underneath as I don't care to haul a lot of bag with me or fight for space.

 

[WDW Traveler]

A simple backpack, my luggage goes underneath as I don't care to haul a lot of bag with me or fight for space.

Yup, that's all I use. One of my DD old school backpacks. I only take paperwork, passport, small purse and some snacks. Fits under the seat, like SteveH said, no fighting for space, quick exit.

 

[runnermama78]

That’s tempting, but I always end up buying way too many souvenirs, including coffee mugs that I don’t like to put in checked bags.

 

[piccolopat]

We bought a new wheeled carryon two years ago because the permitted size has gotten smaller and we'd rather not take a chance. We use it going to carry a change of clothes for a day or two and our electronics chargers in case our checked bags are delayed. On the way home, we use it for whatever we souvenirs that we bought.

 

[KevM]

Generally just a backpack that goes under the seat. If i’m going for just a short trip, I also have a small wheeled suitcase, so I can put it up too instead of having to check it.

 

[DVC-Don]

I use a Swiss Gear ScanSmart TSA laptop backpack.

 

[kristenrice]

I use this... https://www.ebags.com/product/ebags...-convertible-junior/241465?productid=10395044

Each of us have one and it fits under the seat so we can use it as a "personal item" if we also want to bring our rolling carry-on too. It easily fits several days worth of clothing, personal electronics (including a laptop!) and toiletries. It can get a little heavy if you overpack it, but the backpack straps make it easy to carry. My youngest daughter started using hers when she was 10 and hasn't had any difficulties with it.

 

[yankebabie]

My Disney backpack

 

[georgina]

It really depends on where I am going and for how long. I have a small hard side wheeled bag that I have used for short Disney trips. Lately I have been checking a bag though, so I use a backpack that I put in the overhead with laptop, change of clothes, etc, and then I only have a purse under the seat in front of me. When I visited my DD in Boston, I was using bus and T to get around, so preferred a duffle type bag rather than the rolling one. It had a decent shoulder strap and wasn't too heavy.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

Mine changes depending on where I'm going and what I'm doing. Sometimes it's just a backpack. The last time was a small wheeled case - the kind that is supposed to fit under the seat in front of you except mine didn't fit under there. It has a strap that allows it to go on the handle of my bigger suitcase which I love.

One time it was a small duffle bag which was ok except my shoulder bugged me.
I much prefer my carryon to be a wheeled item because it's easier on my back and shoulders. I'll probably use my small wheeled case when I go to Disney again because of the back/shoulder issue. Plus my normal purse.

 

[DVCjj]

I cannot live without this Netpack 23" U-zip lightweight tote and, believe me, I have had many totes. It is so lightweight and can fit an astonishing amount of stuff in it because it is not structured.
The zippers meet in the center and it so convenient to grab something out of it while it's under the seat in front. It 'shmooshes' perfectly even stuffed. It has an outside and inside pocket and the outside pocket has another zippered pocket inside and outside 'that' pocket. Amazing. Has fabric handles plus a shoulder strap. It couldn't be more perfect for me. It came folded small and you open it and say 'great'.

It comes in colors and I bought mine from Ebags.com.

 

[AngiTN]

I have 2
This from eBags, when I just need something to go under the seat
https://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/mother-lode-tls-weekender-convertible/143101?productid=10362789

When I want/need something in the overhead I also have this
https://www.ebags.com/product/travelpro/max-lite-4-21-expandable-spinner/311983?productid=10417667

I use a Swiss Gear ScanSmart TSA laptop backpack.

This is what DH uses, plus he has a TravelPro 21" like I have for times when he needs a bag for the overhead too.

 

[Ralph&Pam]

DW uses an international airlines version of the expandable spinner mentioned by AngiTN: https://www.ebags.com/product/trave...expandable+carry-on+spinner&pl=hdr_srch_as_l1
This meets the carry-on limits of the international carriers we have used.

I use a messenger style camera bag: https://www.amazon.com/Vanguard-Up-Rise-II-28-Messenger/dp/B00EALR73S?th=1
This holds both of our DSLRs along with spare battery, chargers, and accessories, my iPad, my Kindle, my prescription meds, and our travel documents in the back zippered pocket where I can find them if needed. It has webbing on the back that attaches it to the extended handle of the rolling bag very securely.

 

[AngiTN]

Oh, since we are talking Disney, I should share what I just got for DGD. We used it for her birthday trip last month. It holds a whole lot, and fits in the overhead. I was really worried it was too big but it was not (for domestic)
https://www.ebags.com/product/ameri...softside-spinner-21/301823?productid=10384012

 

[runnermama78]

I use this... https://www.ebags.com/product/ebags...-convertible-junior/241465?productid=10395044

Each of us have one and it fits under the seat so we can use it as a "personal item" if we also want to bring our rolling carry-on too. It easily fits several days worth of clothing, personal electronics (including a laptop!) and toiletries. It can get a little heavy if you overpack it, but the backpack straps make it easy to carry. My youngest daughter started using hers when she was 10 and hasn't had any difficulties with it.

I have 2
This from eBags, when I just need something to go under the seat
https://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/mother-lode-tls-weekender-convertible/143101?productid=10362789

When I want/need something in the overhead I also have this
https://www.ebags.com/product/travelpro/max-lite-4-21-expandable-spinner/311983?productid=10417667


This is what DH uses, plus he has a TravelPro 21" like I have for times when he needs a bag for the overhead too.

Those Mother Lode backpacks look nice! Look like they will hold a lot, too. Now to convince hubs to spend that much on a carry on!

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Those Mother Lode backpacks look nice! Look like they will hold a lot, too. Now to convince hubs to spend that much on a carry on!

Remember what holds a lot will also weigh a lot. So factor in lugging it around the airport verses wheeling a bag around.

 

[bumbershoot]

For carryon I use either a rick steves wheeled carryon or a Disney Heys roller bag. For personal item, whatever works for that trip. Sometimes a capezio dance bag, sometimes a backpack, sometimes a baggallini tote... I do like to carry everything on, though I can't always. I've never felt that I was fighting for space. I like my stuff with me.

 

[Shanti]

I’m looking to buy a new carry on bag, but am trying to decide whether to go with a small wheeled suitcase or something more like a Vera Bradley Weekender bag. I think I would prefer to use a bag, but I’m not sure whether it would be too heavy to carry through the airport. What do y’all use?

Small wheeled suitcase.

 

[serenitynow]

Oh, since we are talking Disney, I should share what I just got for DGD. We used it for her birthday trip last month. It holds a whole lot, and fits in the overhead. I was really worried it was too big but it was not (for domestic)
https://www.ebags.com/product/ameri...softside-spinner-21/301823?productid=10384012

I have this bag and love it! I always get lots of comments. I have the larger suitcase in this pattern and it’s so easy to find at baggage claim.