Carry On
 

I’ve always been really annoyed with people who use carry on bags. Mostly those that can’t handle them or a medium to large family that ALL drag a bag behind them. Anyway I’m now in a position where I will likely become one of those I despise. I’ll be traveling by plane several times a year for business but no more than three nights on average and checking my bag has become something I’m wanting to avoid.

This all stated I’m looking for a carry on and am trying to decide on hard or soft and two or four wheel. Seems like the four wheelers are easier to maneuver but might be less durable and have less interior space.

So my fellow Aficionados what do you use?

Be sure to get one that fits overheads in the EU (which have smaller limitations than in the US). Makes it work there just fine and work here quite easily. You can get an expandable one that will let you expand it if you want to check it or have larger overheads.

I like Briggs and Riley - never let me down after more than two million miles (and other brands that will go unnamed, have).

and, I like four wheels for mostly airport and city travel. Outside the city (like fishing, etc.), two wheels seem to do better. Kind of feel like I'm talking about a stereo system here, but for my usage and in my opinion (which is not an absolute by any means), go soft sided - the hard sides look cool, but if you get in a squeeze, they won't squeeze and then you are checking it.

I went full-time carryon after an airline lost my checked bag on a business trip to Mexico 25 years ago. Once was enough and I’ve never looked back. On short trips it’s also very convenient to be able to walk off the plane and out of the airport. With some careful planning I can get through a two week trip.

Soft-sided expandable is the way to go, it will give you more flexibility. A 22” will work domestically and even internationally if you”re flying to and from the US on a major airline. Intra-Europe or Asia are another matter, for that you need a 20” or smaller.

Tumi are expensive but I’ve found them reliable, I have one I used for more than 10 years before I retired, averaging about 100k miles per year.

In the US, I usually went carry on simply because the trips were only a few days. While living in Asia, I always checked my bags and never had a lost or delayed bag for nearly 2MM miles mostly on United, Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines.

Like Tony, I also lost my bags on United on a trip to Mexico City. My distributor brought me his sons clothes. This is the only ‘out’ trip I ever had an issue with. I did have delayed bags on the homeward trip but I didn’t care.

Pretty lucky all in all.

Shockingly, Mont Blanc makes some extremely high quality carry ons.

Here is mine;

https://www.montblanc.com/en-us/coll...hoCNgAQAvD_BwE

Good advice from experienced travelers here. As stated, the size is dictated by the smallest plane you will be on.
I prefer soft sided and two wheeled. Look for slightly larger wheels - big benefit, especially on a city sidewalk. 4 small wheels is nice on smooth tile.
Also, get as few compartments as possible - they take up space and increase stiffness. I have a classic 'satchel' shape, two wheeled, one main compartment and an external side sleeve for documents. Get some nylon bags for dirty clothes and toiletries. Simple is best.

An experienced traveler knows how to move through lines and deal with airport headaches.

Tumi makes some nice travel gear. I have a roll on, a soft bag with hard shell corners that fits sport coats, shoes etc.

If you smartly pack, meaning knowing what to blend and still having fresh underwear, socks and shirts, it can hold 10 days, and fit above your head as a carry on, no matter the globe.

Here is an article that can give you ideas.

https://amp.travelandleisure.com/sli...age?source=dam

From my very own perspective:
- where you travel (domestic/international) is important due to different carry on size requirements.
- Consider the weight. New designs and materials can help you avoid carrying several pounds of dead weight if you choose wisely.