Travel Tuesday: Carry-On Luggage And More

The O.G. travel bag from Lo & Sons. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

The Personal Item

Most airlines allow people to carry on one small suitcase and one smaller bag often referred to as a “personal item.” Depending on the airline and aircraft, that can mean anything from a small purse to a briefcase to a weekend-size duffel, as long as it fits underneath the seat in front of you. You should always check your airline’s luggage requirements and limitations before packing, as they can vary widely.

Most of the time when we travel, the sizing allowed for my personal item is relatively generous, so that’s what I’m covering here. For many years I traveled with this one from Lipault. It held quite a bit, and wasn’t too heavy. But I found it bulky to wear or carry for any distance. And because of the soft construction, I had to pack it very carefully so that it would balance and be stable atop my rolling bag. (There is a flap that slides over the telescoping handle, but it can slide around if unbalanced.)

I kept seeing videos and recommendations for the O.G. bag from Lo and Sons, and purchased one last year. I’ve since taken it on several trips, and highly recommend it.

Pros:

  • It’s surprisingly lightweight.
  • Comfortable to carry, either with the shoulder straps or with the longer cross-body strap.
  • Holds everything I need to keep handy, even for a long flight.
  • The compartments and pockets keep me organized and reduce the need to dig to find small items.
  • Holds my 13″ laptop.
  • It sits securely on top of my rolling bag.
  • Fits easily under the seat with room to spare.
  • It’s a good-looking piece, and the nylon seems to be very durable.

Cons:

  • Slightly smaller capacity than a duffel.
  • It’s not an inexpensive bag, but I haven’t seen anything else (even at a higher price) that I like nearly as much.

Several colors are offered; mine’s the navy.

Packable Raincoats

Packable raincoat in aubergine from Cole Haan. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

I’m still keeping an eye on the weather for my trip to Paris in a couple of weeks. At least some rain is likely, so I’ll probably pack water-resistant outerwear (and a folding umbrella!). Rather than bring a heavy coat, I’ll choose something lightweight and packable, and layer up underneath for warmth if needed. This packable raincoat is stylish, and available in Misses and Petites, in several colors.

Plus size packable raincoat. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

Here’s a nice-looking option in Plus. (Other colors available.)

Packable raincoat in Navy from Ellen Tracy. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

This is a cute one, and under $100.

Packable trench in olive from Michael Kors. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

A classic trench style with a detachable hood.

What do you use as your “personal item?”

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46 Comments

  1. Love the Lo&Sons bag. I use the O.M.G. (which is slightly smaller) as my personal item and carry it on top of my Lipault 20″ two-wheeler. These bags have lasted me for years. I am sometimes tempted to change but they are both in good condition and have served me well. Thanks for the raincoat options. A new packable coat is on this year’s shopping list.

  2. I actually just came back from France. I use my Longchamp bag as a carry on and then bring a small crossbody purse. I was really annoyed because people bring way more than two items. So many people had a jacket, suitcase, backpack, handbag, and then a shopping bag and then crammed it all into one overhead compartment, leaving no room for anyone else. I think it is beyond rude and that airlines need to crack down on this. Frankly, I think all suitcases should be checked. They take up too much room in the overhead compartment and when the plane lands, people rush to pull them out, nearly knocking people on the head and blocking the aisles.

    1. I totally agree. When you land somewhere in the winter, you need a coat! I would like to store in the overhead neatly folded up but often can’t. Yes, all suitcases should be checked – without penalty of $25 or more.

  3. I carry the Louis Vuitton “Neverfull” bag with a small LV bag inside to use at our destination. It easily holds my phone, IPad, book, cosmetics bag, etc. I put my Mycra Pac jacket in its packing envelope in my carry-on. I love that jacket and always get compliments on it. It’s reversible red/black. The styling and ruffled collar seem to be attractive on just about everyone.

  4. Susan — due to a back injury I don’t like to carry ANY weight so the wheeled Baggalini underseat bag is my choice, after trying MANY others, including much more expensive options. It has numerous sections, roomy enough for electronics, comes in fun bright colors or sober black or tan,slips over the handle of my larger bag, and slips under the seat of all but smallest commuter planes. I then carry a SMALL crossbody for flight documents that I can slip into the Baggalini when I want. Mine has held up well through many trips. Bon voyage.

  5. I carry an old tattered, brown Longchamp le pliage tote. That thing (large) carries everything and a bag of chips! During our summer visits to France, i pack a change of clothes, makeup, journals, books and anything I may need during a flight. I use is as a beach bag too. In Paris, I use it as a shopping tote. I’m lazy and can’t be bothered with multiple bags when traveling so I appreciate a multi-tasker!

  6. I found a beautiful woven leather Tumi tote a few years ago which stylishly accommodates my tech, wrap, small crossbody bag, travel papers and sundry items. Once I arrive at my destination, it transitions to a computer/portfolio bag. The hidden, zippered roller-bag sleeve is a lifesaver when hurrying through busy airports and then disappears for on-the-ground use. It was a limited edition bag, and now I wished I’d bought two!

  7. My packable raincoat is from Athleta, and I love it: it is slightly shaped, has a silky feel, and doesn’t make swishing noises like so many nylon jackets do. It can be rolled up into a tight little roll that is not much bigger than a small water bottle, or folded and slid into the front pocket of my carry on sized suitcase, and it has proven to be solidly waterproof. The model which I have is called “Drippity”, and it has been discontinued, but it has been replaced by another similar model for fall. Available at stores and online. Athleta has a forever return policy, and items bought online can be returned at the stores when that is easier.

    My current “personal item” bag is from Kipling, and it’s serviceable. I like to fill such bags only half full so that they can squash into whatever the underseat space is like, so my preference is for a bag without much structure. Since i am not trying to do any work when I travel, I carry only my Kindle Fire which functions as a tablet and takes up much less space.

    Word of warning: I just got home from Provence. We found security at CDG to be significantly more time consuming since the last trip with lots of attention paid to electronics, all of which had to be turned on and run through a scanner. Be sure that your batteries are still charged when you land, and allow extra time!

  8. Susan, I am another fan of the wheeled Baggalini underseat bag. I carry my computer, a day’s change of clothes and an e reader plus some magazines. Keeping it under the seat means not only do I get quick access to all my in flight needs, I also use it as a foot rest to get my knees up above my hips and take strain off my lower back. Inside is a perfectly folded Longchamp tote. For long trips the Baggalini has a nice velcro strap that attaches to the handle of my big checked luggage.
    I like your idea of the rain coat as a layer. I have used this system and it works well. I bought a slightly oversized packable waterproof coat with hood and can layer sweaters or a slim down jacket underneath. I can keep my crossbody under the rain coat and it’s dry and safe from wandering fingers.

  9. I purchased my spinner carry-on sized suitcase after reading about them here a few years ago. I love it, thanks for the suggestion. Then I bought the matching “weekender” which can be used as my personal item if I fly with just carry-on. I pack my purse in the larger bag when I do that. This year, I’ve found that even though the tote is designed to sit on top of the spinner bag, and has a little velcro pocket to fasten it to the handle, it isn’t secure enough to pull for very long. The whole thing becomes top heavy, and only rolls smoothly if I’m in an airport with smooth floors. On the street, up and over curbs or cobblestones, it is a real pain, twists around, falls over…arggg.

    About flying with only carry-on. I’ve done it two or three times. But I prefer to check my larger bag even if it is within the carry-on size. And like Ann Marie above, I’ve seen people crowding into aisles, reaching around other people to retrieve heavy bags from the overhead compartments, and knocking other passengers on the head or shoulders. Lately we’ve seen more and more people being asked to check bags when flights are full. And in South America last winter, some people turned back at the gate to go and check their bag because they had more than two items or one was too large. Everyone talks about flying being so stressful, and of course it can be. But sometimes we make it so ourselves.

  10. Like Catherine, I almost always carry my black Longchamp le pliage tote and I also use it for my beach bag and shopping tote. Which means it always has a few grains of sand in the bottom 🙂 On my last trip I purchased a small Rebecca Minkoff cross body bag and used that for my everyday bag. Just enough for my wallet, sunglasses and phone.

  11. I use a cross body bag in a backpack approach, along with a wheeler. And I need a water bottle holder on the backpack because I am the thirstiest person in the world these days. If you ever feel like amusing yourself looking into other strategies, I would be ALL OVER a post on good-looking (as mom would say) backpacks, large enough for a laptop, water bottle, jewelry holder, outside pocket for phone/passport/ticket, and extra room to fit a cross body bag without scratching its finish;). But I can hardly expect you to do my research for me, so, sigh, must keep trying.

    I used my son’s old school backpack for our trip to Scotland, blue with an icon of someone with hair on fire. Ha!

    1. I got a Samsonite Red backback on thredup: it is very sleek, apparently made for the Asian market, has leather tabs, computer sleeve, can’t recall about water bottle space. It is not very big but I do put my crossbody in it. It has more of an “office” feel than the backpacks I borrow from my kids! My husband uses a Tumi backpack as his briefcase (northern California businessmen….) and it is very sleek, bigger than mine, leather details.

      1. Check out the Lo & Sons Hanover backpack. It only comes in black and navy but it is sleek and holds a 13″ laptop.

        1. Joyce, I’ve been using the Lo & Sons Hanover backpack for about six months now, for both domestic and international travel; I can definitely recommend it! I’ve tried many other backpacks for travel – LeSportSac, Kenneth Cole, eBags, etc – but none have been as versatile and light as this one. My one minor complaint is that it’s so very plain – I have the one which looks a bit like black canvas, not the shiny one – but its very simple lines and streamlined form has actually turned out to be a plus. No protruding outside pockets, or heavy hardware. And not very expensive: I got mine during a sale for just over $100.

    2. I bought a Tumi backpack (not inexpensive), but it has a sleeve that goes over the handle of my roller bag, and has several pockets (one holds my laptop) and I LOVE it! I have a small cross body bag inside with my phone/passport/etc in it (Ili).

  12. For years I used a small wheeled suitcase as my carry on…actually kind of a business portfolio. Perfect except that you do then have two wheeled bags to push/pull through airports and down escalators. Last summer I finally, with MUCH complaining and trepidation, switched to a back pack!! I hate the way they look. However, it was the best thing I could have done! So, so so much easier. And, I have the choice of really wearing it as back pack, or on one shoulder. I am a convert. Just be sure to choose one that isn’t too large and that fits your size well.

  13. I’ll double/triple down here with enthusiasm for a future blog post about backpacks. For decades I was never without one. And now, for decades, I’ve been completely without one. It’s time to consider one again. Why? It’s the “hands thing” — I want my hands back while navigating airports, busy streets, getting in and out of taxis and elevators, up and down stairs, etc.

    Pretty please?

  14. Thank you for the review – I’ve been wanting to buy that exact OG bag and hadn’t seen someone (I trust) review it – it’s a versatile bag – weekender and carry-on!

  15. My personal item is always a very old Hartmann hand held that slips over my roller bag handle. My purse fits inside that which allows easy access while traveling. Love these lightweight coats! They’re a great idea.

  16. Get a fat strip of Velcro with tape/glue on each side. Stick it to the middle of that flap on your little bag. You can open the Velcro to get it over the handle, then attach it again between the two poles of the handle so your bag stays in place.

  17. Thanks for the post. I just love your travel-packing advice.
    Like you, I am on the “shorter side” (5’1″), and wondered if you use anything to lift your feet while seated on the plane. I am lucky enough to be going to Australia (~14h flt) for a 7 week vacation ( yes super lucky) and I was considering purchasing an inflatable foot rest pillow.
    Or maybe I should rethink the way I pack my personal item so it would include more clothing or something so I could pull that out from under the seat and use that to rest my feet, lifting my knees and avoid “dangling”…..maybe cover it with a disposable plastic bag to keep it clean….
    What do you do?
    Merci! Suz from Vancouver

    1. My 4’9″ sister bought a small inflatable beach ball at a dollar store and uses it for her travel footrest. She swears by it.

  18. I just did an extensive search for a personal carry on item and ended up with the Pacsafe Citysafe CS400 Anti-theft Travel tote, available at Zappos. It worked well for me on a recent trip: plenty of pockets, lots of room and a comfortable cross body strap. The only draw back–no slip pocket to go over a suitcase handle. Highly recommended!

  19. I like the OG bag, but I find the opening on top does not open wide enough for my taste. While it looks clean and attractive, I prefer a more open opening, if that makes sense. I swear by my Langchamp pliage, I have several and the one I use the most is a large brown one with the matching shoulder bag. With those two bags I am able to pack for a month of travel. My only complaint is lack of wheels or cross body strap option. They are wearing out (they’ve been everywhere with me….from Japan to France to Italy and back again), so when I finally replace them (waaaaaa….is it wrong to be sentimental about luggage?) I will be looking for some more comfortable options. Thanks for all the travel packing posts….I love packing a bag!

    1. I should clarify that MY Longchamp pliage bag did not come with a cross body strap option at the time (I hate to say how many years ago that was) and I know the new ones do. The expandable one in the link is a real contender!!

    2. Ha, I just posted about my 31 year old bag. I will be truly sad to replace it. I will also sound like my cranky mother-in-law: “They want HOW much for that bag? I bought mine for $21.99!” 🙂

  20. The O.G. bag is very stylish and I like the colour selection. I’m glad you found something that works. It’s the kind of thing where it seems there’s endless selection, but finding that perfect one is always difficult.

  21. I have a carry-on from way back in 1986, when I flew to Los Angeles for a wedding. I met my husband to be there, and proceeded to rack up cross country flights for 2 years before we married. The bag is a green Ricardo of Beverly Hills (oooh la la) and it may look tacky, but it’s traveled 31 years with me and I love it! After all that time, I know exactly where everything will be, even if some of those things didn’t even exist 30 years ago! (I’m looking at you, electronic chargers, phone and iPad!) I can fit a few books, magazines and iPad in one pocket, chargers, tea bags and almonds in another, my toiletries and make-up in the main pocket with my purse, and still have room for an emergency shirt. I will be very sad when it finally gives up the ghost–it’s been to more places with me than my husband or daughter have!

  22. Making a trip to the east coast in November and keeping tabs on the weather, the forecast for which just changed from daytime temps of 50’s to 40’s. I picked up a Ralph Lauren coat with a tad more lining than the average thin, packable ones and wasn’t sure if it would be too much for 50’s-low 60’s (I run hot). Now I think it might be just right. I seem to have a small collection of totes, no doubt gathered over the years as beach bags and even one or two free ones from purchases. I’m going to pick one and try it out, putting my mid-size purse inside to board the plane. I’ve been at check-in where the attendants tell women that the purse, tote and carry-on are three items and recommend they shove their purse in one of the other bags or else they need to check one. I hope that is still the case this trip so there’s room for all.

  23. I mainly travel with 9yo daughter and we have refined the luggage for each trip as she’s grown. Current status is a shared wheeled bag which we check, a small backpack each to carryon, and a handbag (purse?) for me. However for our Europe trip at Christmas we have some short flights on budget airlines and they are now very strict on carryon allowances. One item only, specified dimensions. Some European airlines now don’t allow wheeled bags as carryon at all. After some research, I have bought a new backpack from Lowe Alpine which meets the strictest size requirements, will fit my inflight needs, coat for arrival, my small crossbody bag and has a laptop/tablet sleeve. I won’t be carrying for long stretches other than in transit to and from airports, but it leaves my hands free to deal with the wheeled bag and to keep a firm grip on miss9 in busy areas.

    1. Air France and British Airways both allow wheeled bags as long as they fit their specified dimensions. I’ve stopped taking my laptop in hand luggage as it always has to be taken out and run through x-ray and then repacked. A hassle if the airport is crowded. So now I just pack it in a bag for the hold. So much easier. Of course I now travel for pleasure not work so I don’t need it on the plane. I don’t own a back pack as I can’t lug weights around on my back – and they’re too risky for theft. My DiL had her laptop stolen out of hers when she was wearing it -and didn’t feel anything at the time. They also brand you as a tourist and may make you more of a target for theft. Neverfuls are not practical for airport travel as things can fall out in the x-ray tunnel. Instead I use a zip-up nylon pliage with a coloured patterned ribbon on the handle for ID purposes as so many women use them for travel, and very often either the black or navy, so they can easily mistake your bag for theirs. The nylon pliage is also lighter than my neverfull. Best wishes, Pamela

  24. My daughter and I both have the Lo & Sons OG and LOVE our bags. I’m currently in Spain and it’s so easy to wheel my carryon with this bag on top. While the opening is a bit narrow, I find the superlative organizational features compensate for that.

    Lo & Sons has frequent discounts. I got mine around Thanksgiving at approximately 40% off.

  25. I’ve become, after years of resistance, a backpack fan: hands free, and ballistic nylon lets me kick it under seats without thinking about what’s… under there. Pacsafe’s are terrific because they have locks on the pockets.

    Re raincoats, I want ones that breathe, but find GoreTex too outdoorsy. I just wear a cotton fatigue coat/anorak and spray it with one of those water-repellant fabric sprays. Since I don’t walk for long in a downpour, that works well.

  26. Have you checked out a company called LUG? They are light nylon bags of various sizes, colours designed for female travelers. I have a black tote which I use for work and a larger mulberry one for travel. It has a Velcro strap meant to go over the handle of a wheeled case. That bag is so well organized! Many pockets and a lined pocket for a tablet. One thing I like is that the bottoms of both bags are a heavy plastic that can be wiped off. My larger bag can easily hold everything one needs for a flight and more and act as a shopper at destination. I pretty much travel with that bag and a small wheeled carry on for shorter trips ( I have a small leather cross body that tucks inside.) I have never trusted the security of a sac à dos for travel. The Ameribag while not ‘chic’ is an awesome alternative to a knap sack or cross body. One feels very secure with it…for short trips as well my trusty Longchamp with cross body strap and organizer inside is just perfect. When shopping I don’t like to carry a ‘shopper’ and a separate purse, the Longchamp is fulfils both duties.

  27. Haven’t noticed the term “personal item” used on the airlines I fly (BA, Qantas or Air France) – maybe it’s a US term? I always take my Samsonite hard shell spinner bag in the slimmer size that most airlines seem to accept nowadays, a Longchamps nylon pliage and a roomy cross body bag. But I also check in suitcases as well. As we always fly Business on long haul routes (it takes us around 25 hours + to reach our European destinations) there is loads of room in the huge lockers above the seats. In fact there’s no under seat storage in Business on the BA long haul aircraft. But at some transit airports the ground staff (never the flight staff) can be awkward about having three pieces of hand luggage so I just take out my folded up pliage that is the largest size accepted on board and then just put the cross body bag and the smaller pliage inside and hey presto – two bags! However, I prefer if possible to wear the cross body as it contains all my valuables and essential medication. At my age when travelling for a couple of months, that’s a lot! Best wishes, Pamela

  28. Just returned from a week long business trip to the UK. I use a Tumi backpack for the carryon, fits all my personals plus any electronics. And my favorite travel coat is a black Burberry jacket (with liner) that travels beautifully. No longer in stores but you may be able to get an their outlet.

  29. I own a 20″ and a 17″ wheeled suitcase with a matching tote bag. I only ever board with the tote bag and my small cross body purse. The 20″ is always checked (even though technically it fits some regulations for carry on luggage), tote goes in the overhead and purse goes under my seat. If I was only doing a short trip with just 17″ and purse I might take it onboard. But I am one of those people who STRONGLY objects to the amount of luggage that some seem to think it’s fine to bring onboard as hand luggage. I blame both these selfish individuals and the airlines for not enforcing the rules – it is totally out of hand. For heavens sake, if you are on a large airline and have paid hundreds if not thousands of dollars then use your free checked bag allotment. In the greater scheme of things luggage rarely goes missing and the waiting time for luggage is negligible – be honest! You’re on holiday, take a deep breath and relax for a few minutes – there is no need to hit the ground running!
    I have mobility issues so get priority boarding, pack my tote & coat neatly into my share of the overhead compartment and then watch the fighting commence. Inevitably someone boards with a wheeled case, a tote, a personal item (and often a purse bigger than my tote) and a coat and then tries to stuff it all into their overhead plus the one next to them – it’s ridiculous! The airline needs to stop this right at the check in gate.
    And, while I love a lot of the fashion blogs such as this one (and I’m not picking on you) – I think they do have to take a wee bit of the blame – there seems to be a competition going on as to how well you can pack for carry on only. I saw one blogger’s photo (and she is a lovely person) as she waited to board with her “Carry On” luggage – she had a 20″ case with matching tote, a huge purse and she was wearing a 3/4 coat – this is NOT carry on! I implore some bloggers to start a trend away from this nonsensical practice.

  30. I do agree with you regarding what people are allowed to carry on a plane with no regard for the rules. However, I am a carry-on only traveler who likes the convenience of having all of my belongings with me. I have whittled down my wardrobe and essentials enough to usually fit into a tiny underseat tote (Eagle Creek Expanse Wheeled Tote) and a smallish crossbody bag (Lo & Sons Pearl) if my trip is for a week or less. If more than a week I use my 20″ Lipault carry-on and my crossbody (no underseat tote). Even with the larger bag I don’t pack many more clothes and could fit my jacket and purse into it if necessary. The key to light packing for me has been to really think about my “essentials”. My wardrobe is usually no more than 3 bottoms and 5-8 tops. I wear my comfortable walking shoes on the plane and pack a dressier flat or low wedges and some thin flip flops for slippers. I limit my electronics to my phone and Kindle Fire, both of which fit into my crossbody bag. Toiletries/makeup are absolutely minimal. I pack lightly not only to have my things with me, but also because after years of traveling I have learned that I can do with much less than I thought. I agree with you about some bloggers and youtubers who focus on HOW MUCH you can pack. I don’t need to pack a lot. I need a carefully curated wardrobe that is easy-wear, easy-care and packable in the smallest bag I can manage for my planned activities.

  31. Good morning! Lo & Sons is having a sale of up to 40% off certain items and colors! I just ordered the OMG bag at 30% off and a Pearl purse at 40% off! Can’t wait to try them out! I got the email regarding the sale yesterday and wanted to give you all a heads up! Thanks Susan for all your great advice. I just love your blog!