Cabin Luggage - Duffle Bags

RedBalloon

Having recently travelled, I've noticed a trend for duffle bags being used for cabin luggage. I like the idea of these as they're easy to carry / wear.

However, does anyone know what the limit for size for these would be? I like that they're more squashy / flexible for contents. And most seemed to hold a little more than the teeny suitcases which are not as efficient space-wise. Can anyone recommend a particular bag?

bagand96

If you're intending to buy one to use on some of the stricter low-cost airlines then I would ensure that the bag meets the dimensions in the airline's bag policy.

Even if it can be squashed into the gauge, if the bag is bigger than the dimensions allow they would be within their rights to charge you extra.  You might get away with it 9 times, but on the 10th if you have a strict gate agent....

daveyjp

i use a 25l rucksack.  More than big enough.

tightauldgit

RedBalloon said:

Having recently travelled, I've noticed a trend for duffle bags being used for cabin luggage. I like the idea of these as they're easy to carry / wear.

However, does anyone know what the limit for size for these would be? I like that they're more squashy / flexible for contents. And most seemed to hold a little more than the teeny suitcases which are not as efficient space-wise. Can anyone recommend a particular bag?

If you don't mind the lack of wheels then they probably make sense as you are eliminating a bit of wasted space/weight and also got a more flexible/squashable arrangement but you still need to make sure they comply with the dimensions of your airline. 

I've currently got a check-in trolley bag and a carry on trolley bag for my trip which over the next month or so I need to scale down to a single carry on bag and personal item so I'm certainly on the lookout for something that will maximise my usage. I'll probably pick up something from a market in Thailand maybe a decent sized backpack if not some kind of duffel bag. 

TELLIT01

The potential problem with a duffel bag is stuffing it and one of the dimensions being over the permitted limit.

DullGreyGuy

RedBalloon said:

Having recently travelled, I've noticed a trend for duffle bags being used for cabin luggage. I like the idea of these as they're easy to carry / wear.

However, does anyone know what the limit for size for these would be? I like that they're more squashy / flexible for contents. And most seemed to hold a little more than the teeny suitcases which are not as efficient space-wise. Can anyone recommend a particular bag?

The size limit is identical to a suitcase, it needs to be able to fit in the cage. In theory you can get a bit more in as you aren't having space takenup by wheels or telescopic handles etc but then you also have to carry it rather than being able to wheel it so really a bit of swings & roundabouts. 

The other advantage of cases, especially hard ones, is that its very easy to say if it will or won't fit the cage whereas unstructured bags, duffle or otherwise, often aren't made to the dimensions of the cage and so its a hope of being able to "stuff it in" but could mean having to pay at the gate for it to go into the hold. 

youth_leader

I did some research on this as I cannot manage two suitcases on my own.

I was flying with BA and Singapore Airlines, and eventually decided on a CabinMax30 (30 litre, they do offer a 44L).  45 cm x 36 cm x20 cm, a total of 101 cm.  I got a lot in it.  It didn't fit well on my suitcase handle so I did have to carry it, but the straps are adequate.  I did find the zips opened, I will be using padlocks next time.  

RedBalloon

youth_leader said:

I did some research on this as I cannot manage two suitcases on my own.

I was flying with BA and Singapore Airlines, and eventually decided on a CabinMax30 (30 litre, they do offer a 44L).  45 cm x 36 cm x20 cm, a total of 101 cm.  I got a lot in it.  It didn't fit well on my suitcase handle so I did have to carry it, but the straps are adequate.  I did find the zips opened, I will be using padlocks next time.  

This looks like a great option!