Luggage: Bags for Hand Luggage use

HPKA

Hi everyone

I've got a trip to France coming up and for once I'm not taking anything liquid (previoulsy I've been export bottles or Reggae Reggae sauce, Marmite, Brown Sauce for my expat Mum).

As a result, I'm looking for a new bag for the occasion (since I didnt own one previously, at all!).

Requirements:
1. Light, around 3kg
2. As close to the normal size accepted as hand luggage as possible. This varies quite a bit so use 55x40x20 cm as the max (thats roughly what most carriers will accept, the IATA/CAA/BAA Max is 56x45x25)
3. I'm a bloke, so blokey looking. Strong preference to Black
3.5 Wheels, 2 of them
4. A laptop slot or pocket that could be used for a laptop in a sleeve would be an advantage, but not essential
5. Durable, will not self destruct
6. Not bank breaking. Willing to spend up to £40 if I feel that its worth spending
7. Really big advantage, an expander section, that can expand into those extra 5cm when I have use of it (e.g. when I fly BA)

Current top contender: Tripp Black continental II cabin suitcase - £36 on sale this weekend.
Pros: Expanding between the two depth limits
Cons: Its falling far below the maximum limits above, I would like something as close as possible to the maximum dimensions above (i.e. so I can get the most in it)

Tojo_Ralph

.....
To be honest, bag measurements given on websites etc are notoriously bad for not including handles, wheels etc and a lot of 20" cases sold as being suitable for carrying on, simply won't go into the cages due to the wheels, handles etc sticking out.

If I am not checking in luggage, I use an 18" case similar to the one you link. As for quality, the bag looks identical to many I have seen that I assume are ordered by suppliers and badged with the suppliers name.

richardw

Good price at £36.

ChrisDY10

Have a look at the Samonsite Boarding Bag ref A53-355. £65 from on line retailers - it doesn't have wheels but that means it weighs 2kg less and remember on most airlines you have only got 10kg. It shouldn't be too difficult for most men to carry 10kg and it does convert to a backpack.

alanrowell

My advice, find a cheap duffle bag & use something like this to drag it about - unlikely the combination will weigh more than 2kg

Mrs_Thrify

Ummm I thought carry on bags were 5kg and in the hold a case for 15kg or 20 kg if you want to pay the extra £30 per person for the whole group?

luci

I would check the actual dimensions for the airline you are flying with.

We are flying with FlyBe in 2 weeks and their dimensions are 50 x 35 x 23cm which is a lot less than the BAA allowance, but at least they allow 10kgs cabin baggage.