https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/frequent-flyers-personal-itemadvice Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 01:30:38 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/frequent-flyers-personal-itemadvice/page/2#post-1974880 Fri, 16 Nov 2018 17:35:59 +0000 shiny 1974880@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ABC, my B&amp;R tote kind of looks like this --&nbsp;</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.ebags.com/hproduct/briggs-and-riley/sympatico-shopping-tote/299774?productid=10378160&amp;cat=luggage-totes-&amp;-satchels&amp;country=US&amp;currency=USD&amp;sourceid=ADWPRODUCTH&amp;adtype=pla&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMImd-r_7jZ3gIVWkwNCh020gEEEAQYAyABEgK0qfD_BwE">https://www.ebags.com/hproduct.....60&#038;am</a></p> <p>This must be the updated version, as mine is a bit different, but this is VERY close. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/frequent-flyers-personal-itemadvice/page/2#post-1974739 Fri, 16 Nov 2018 07:04:20 +0000 Gretchen 1974739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another frequent traveler here. My system changes depending on destination and work vs play. </p> <p>Suitcase - always carryon. I have 2 sizes of Briggs and Riley suitcases and they not only last, but customer service is outstanding (a broken zipper on an 8-yo bag resulted in a brand new replacement!)</p> <p>Personal item - if long trip and work - Lo and sons OMG. Looks like a bowling bag, fits anywhere and holds everything. I’ll throw in a wristlet or clutch for dinner or non-work outings,</p> <p>Personal item - if short trip and work - Le Pliage or KS tote. Essentially I skip a separate purse and just use the tote. </p> <p>Personal item - long trip and fun - backpack or Le Pliage tote, with a small crossbody in the carryon to use on sightseeing days</p> <p>Personal item - short trip and fun - tote or smaller purse. Must hold an iPad, but nothing larger. </p> <p>My other important rule - clean out bag before and after the trip. It’s amazing how much stuff gets added in and adds weight! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/frequent-flyers-personal-itemadvice/page/2#post-1974613 Thu, 15 Nov 2018 17:27:17 +0000 Anonymous 1974613@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mr suntiger and i both bring laptops when we travel, since he travels for school and i write, so we use this rolling multi compartment bag (now using it for work). Then just a regular small purse aside from that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/frequent-flyers-personal-itemadvice/page/2#post-1974605 Thu, 15 Nov 2018 16:12:55 +0000 texstyle 1974605@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I also have a small Briggs &amp; Riley to go with the larger wheeled ones, but it's just way too heavy on it's own, esp. without wheels. That led me (along with this discussion to remind me) to try out a new one. I just got it and it looks like a keeper! <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Comes with a large tote bag too. I might be able to travel with just these two items.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CZN4CS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1">https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod.....#038;psc=1</a><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/frequent-flyers-personal-itemadvice/page/2#post-1974596 Thu, 15 Nov 2018 15:16:54 +0000 Helena 1974596@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I use a lePliage and have a tote organizer insert thingy (I think you can get them on Amazon, to organize my wallet, phone, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/frequent-flyers-personal-itemadvice/page/2#post-1974594 Thu, 15 Nov 2018 15:09:37 +0000 abc 1974594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey Janet, can you show me a pic of your B&amp;R tote? I'm looking to change my 2nd carry on and that may work.&nbsp; Also, I am with you on the fact that it MUST zip. It would drive me bonkers to not have a fully closed item on a plane. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/frequent-flyers-personal-itemadvice/page/2#post-1974524 Thu, 15 Nov 2018 07:57:35 +0000 Janet 1974524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A subject near and dear to my heart. </p> <p>If I’m going to be doing any serious photography on a trip, I’m guaranteed to check a bag because my camera bag already comprises one carry-on (I would never check camera gear!).</p> <p>My preferred “personal item” carry-on is a Briggs &amp; Riley tote that sounds just like Shiny’s. It fits my laptop in a neoprene sleeve plus all my other necessities. But it’s not easy on my shoulder when I have to carry it without a rolling bag. </p> <p>On this trip we are currently on, I decided to bring a backpack instead. I don’t bring a laptop, and I thought the backpack would do double duty as a day pack for light hiking and knocking around town. So far it’s worked out well. It held my stuff every day when we went out on safari game drives and did the job beautifully. The floral pattern even does a great job of hiding dust and dirt! </p> <p>So clearly I am a fickle carry-on item fan. I have a big straw bag with a zipper close (zip closures are a MUST) that goes on beach vacations with me. I like having different options for different types of travel since I do such a variety. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/frequent-flyers-personal-itemadvice/page/2#post-1974508 Thu, 15 Nov 2018 05:48:26 +0000 Anonymous 1974508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A backpack that I shove my purse into plus a small carry-on that will fit under the seat in front. I want everything available so do not use overhead bins. ( need meds, protein bars, water bottle, iPad in route. For some reason, the airline personnel do not notice a backpack on your back as much as a tote bag and have never questioned my personal item. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/frequent-flyers-personal-itemadvice/page/2#post-1974255 Wed, 14 Nov 2018 02:06:33 +0000 shiny 1974255@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Didn't read the other responses but I'll repeat my own strategy that works great for me. </p> <p>I have a nearly 5 year old Briggs Reilly tote that has a sleeve that slips over my roller bag. It's nylon and really simple, rectangular shape, with a padded section for laptop (would fit a much bigger bulkier laptop than my 13 in mac), inner compartments for headphones, pens, kleenex, glasses, and other smaller stuff, big center compartment for bulky items like scarf, cardigan, book, even a coat folded up, and a pair of shoes, a water bottle... and yes, a small cross body bag that tucks away for the security line. It all zips closed so nothing falls out as it goes through the scanners. The zipper has never failed, even when I pack it over full.&nbsp; It also has large outer zip pocket which I use to stash receipts and papers and other things.</p> <p>This tote fits a lot and is lightweight. It is not fashionable, but oh so functional!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/frequent-flyers-personal-itemadvice/page/2#post-1974185 Tue, 13 Nov 2018 19:28:33 +0000 Carla 1974185@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FWIW, Longchamps has come out with a cross body version called the Neo. The two handles are shorter, so don't go over the shoulder like the LePliage, however that is what the strap is for. The Neo was my main commuter bag for the last 3 years I worked since I could pack all my junk into it (including packed lunch box), it was light, and it was waterproof. </p> <p>And.....my suitcase is branded by an air carrier and a smaller European size, so rolls down aisles without catching and fits overhead easily. During a crowded flight I once actually got it under the seat in front! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/frequent-flyers-personal-itemadvice/page/2#post-1974177 Tue, 13 Nov 2018 18:53:55 +0000 abc 1974177@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a system. It works for me. As with everything else, YMMV. I have been everything from a road warrior to a 3-4 trip per year person over the last 20 years.</p> <p>My rolling carryon is a 10(?) year old Briggs and Riley. Can't live without it. One big open section, also has a folding garment section on the top of the lid. Best part is there's a zipper between the outside mounted metal handle structure and my havianas flip flops fit perfectly in there. Been doing that for years!&nbsp; It also (key thing to note!) has a system where you can attach other bags to it.<br />My "personal item" is a bit of a game, like you mentioned.&nbsp; For years now I've used a swiss army backpack (from Sam's Club, I think?) which is carefully loaded. It has the TSA approved zipper section for the laptop which I use. Then the big section in the middle carries my makeup and jewelry at the bottom (in cases), leaving just enough room to slip my cross body purse in there for boarding only.<br />The front section of the backpack carries all my cables and cords (techie here!) as well as my TSA liquids bag (for easy access bc here they ask you to take it out in the security screening area).<br />When they start pre-boarding, I stash my purse inside the backpack, attach the backpack to the rolling carry on, and board.&nbsp; In the jetway I pull out the purse and put it back on, leaving the backpack small enough that it will fit under the seat in front of me. To date, no one has ever questioned me about this. The check seems to be at the boarding gate. </p> <p>This would NOT work for weight-based carry ons (I've heard this is common in Europe and outside the USA), bc my system is heavy!!! But I really never carry any of the items on my person (other than the cross body purse).<br />THis B&amp;R rolling carry on even with the backpack attached is so easy to maneuver, I can guide it with one finger.&nbsp; FOR ME, having the wheeled carryon is worth it bc it makes it so much easier to attach everything to it and easily roll through the airport.<br />Good luck! </p> <p></p> <p>ETA: my approach is one to maximize what I carry onto the plane ...</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/frequent-flyers-personal-itemadvice/page/2#post-1974176 Tue, 13 Nov 2018 18:41:36 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1974176@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I almost always check a bag, unless I’m only going for a day or two. I hate worrying about whether I’m going to be able to get space in the overhead and all that maneuvering makes boarding take forever. I usually put a purse or two in my checked bag and put my wallet stuff in a tote for the journey. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/frequent-flyers-personal-itemadvice/page/2#post-1974159 Tue, 13 Nov 2018 16:21:15 +0000 Elizabeth P 1974159@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a recent convert to the layered bag idea for flying as well.&nbsp; I'd also recommend a Longchamps, with a cross body inside.&nbsp; I love that you don't have to worry about them at all, as they can be wiped clean.&nbsp; I have a fake Longchamps that is probably equivalent to an XL, which is great when you have a longer flight, so may need more with you, or want a change of clothes.&nbsp; On shorter flights, a large one is fine. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/frequent-flyers-personal-itemadvice#post-1974158 Tue, 13 Nov 2018 16:19:51 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1974158@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yikes! Not zipping is HUGE trouble. If you zoom in on my picture, you'll see the zipper teeth and pull. There is also a zip pocket on one side, useful for the boarding pass, plus small slip pockets inside on both sides. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/frequent-flyers-personal-itemadvice#post-1974134 Tue, 13 Nov 2018 14:47:18 +0000 Peri 1974134@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fashintern, that's what my recent flight packing was pretty much exactly. Mine didn't zip though, hence the close disaster and wish to have something that closes.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/frequent-flyers-personal-itemadvice#post-1974066 Tue, 13 Nov 2018 08:47:27 +0000 rachylou 1974066@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Back to say all my bags come from Target... ok, well, my uncle took my suitcase when his died, and I bought new luggage online from a store in FL.. ‘IT Luggage - ‘World’s Lightest.’ ‘</p> <p>I like Target because they have fun with fashion and everything is lightweight and cheap. I used to travel HEAVILY. I’m talking my only full day at home was Saturday. I will never buy expensive luggage again nor anything with any weight to it. I go with the expectation that everything will be destroyed or lost in transit or stolen.</p> <p>Lol. I’m not bitter at all about the many suitcase losses or neck pain I’ve experienced... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/frequent-flyers-personal-itemadvice#post-1974062 Tue, 13 Nov 2018 07:31:24 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1974062@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laugh all you like. It fits the bill, for a price I could afford. And if whoever I’m meeting turns their nose up at it, then maybe I learned something useful about them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/frequent-flyers-personal-itemadvice#post-1974017 Tue, 13 Nov 2018 02:21:14 +0000 Diana 1974017@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The straps don’t bother me and I load mine up daily. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/frequent-flyers-personal-itemadvice#post-1974016 Tue, 13 Nov 2018 02:20:25 +0000 Suz 1974016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>They don’t bother my shoulders and I do sometimes load it up n </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/frequent-flyers-personal-itemadvice#post-1974015 Tue, 13 Nov 2018 02:04:54 +0000 Alexandra 1974015@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mine don’t dig in but I also don’t load it particularly full or heavy. Just a change of clothes, toiletries, iPad, charger, and a water bottle. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/frequent-flyers-personal-itemadvice#post-1974012 Tue, 13 Nov 2018 01:47:02 +0000 Peri 1974012@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I knew I was asking the right people! So many good suggestions! The majority seem to go with a tote that a smaller bag can be slipped into so I'm going to start with looking for that combo.&nbsp;</p> <p>So many mentioned Le Pilage. I was looking at those on the Nordstrom site and have one question...do those rounded leather shoulder straps dig in when the bag is loaded? It seems like flat straps would be more comfortable with spreading out the weight, but no one has mentioned that as a problem.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/frequent-flyers-personal-itemadvice#post-1973997 Tue, 13 Nov 2018 00:43:40 +0000 kkards 1973997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Backpack—it’s a game changer. As we get ready to board my handbag slips into the pack. Pack usually has a work laptop (and all the electronical cords &amp; mouse). personal iPad, scarf, waterbootle. I use a lightweight pack from mz Wallace, it expands and zips closed. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/frequent-flyers-personal-itemadvice#post-1973993 Tue, 13 Nov 2018 00:31:57 +0000 Keix 1973993@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I travel a fair amount but I refuse to check a bag when flying domestically. I have a large wardrobe but somehow have no problem pulling out a "uniform" when it comes to travel packing. Luggage-wise, I recently replaced my rolling carry-on with the Away Larger Carry-On and it really does fit more capacity than a standard hard-sided carry-on. I don't do soft-sided rolling luggage any more because it's too easy to overpack and duffel bags don't offer enough protection for my stuff. I also swear by packing cubes and packing shoes in individual shoe bags / plastic bags (then you can puzzle-fit them more easily).</p> <p>But your question was about the "personal item"... I have several bags that I use, depending on the length of my trip and how much stuff I'm carrying.</p> <p>1) Lo &amp; Sons OG bag: I originally got the OMG and returned it for the OG so that I can easily fit a 13" Macbook in lengthwise (the pocket is big enough on the OMG but you have to slide it in diagonally). Anyway, this has turned out to be my biggest-capacity personal item bag. It's too bulky to use day-to-day once I get to my destination so I'll throw in a folded-up Longchamp Le Pliage.</p> <p>2) Tumi Voyageur M Nylon Tote - Got this as my daily work tote and loved it so much that I've started using it as a personal item for travel when I don't need to fit quite as much stuff. It's missing the capacity of the domed top of the OG bag, which can fit a large water bottle or a sweater, but the organizational system is a lot better (e.g. phone-sized slip pocket near the handles). Also has a built-in padded laptop pocket.</p> <p>3) Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote - I use this mostly as a purse and usually take it folded up for travel inside of a larger personal item, but if I'm traveling "light on the plane" (i.e. checking a bag in the hold or piggybacking on my companion's luggage) I will use it as a personal item sometimes. No internal organization so I need a laptop sleeve. Since I got the Tumi bag, which is about the same size and almost the same weight with much better organization, I don't see the need to use my Longchamp as a personal item any more. But it's still a GREAT touristing purse if you want more carrying capacity than a crossbody without the theft danger of a backpack. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/frequent-flyers-personal-itemadvice#post-1973984 Tue, 13 Nov 2018 00:01:02 +0000 Suz 1973984@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I travel a lot, both nationally and internationally. And for me the character of the trip determines what I bring into the cabin. But no matter what, I must bring my laptop. So I need an underseat bag that accommodates it. </p> <p>If I am doing a city trip I usually use my Rebecca Minkoff hobo. Or my Le Pliage tote. Computer, phone, iPad, water bottle, wallet, cosmetics, scarf, keys—. All manner of things will fit in there. I take a smaller bag inside my main suitcase. </p> <p>I usually check a bag if I’m going to be away in a cooler place for more than a week. I need the room for footwear options and sweaters etc. My luggage is Briggs and Riley and I love it. A rolling carry on ( which I sometimes check) and a regular suitcase. </p> <p>For a trip that will involve hiking and outdoor stuff I use a Patagonia knapsack as my carry on and put a purse inside it. </p> <p>I have also travelled with my cat and then do as Angie does. Max is my personal item and my Pliage or RM is my additional in cabin. I often bring a clutch in my luggage too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/frequent-flyers-personal-itemadvice#post-1973982 Mon, 12 Nov 2018 23:41:29 +0000 SW prof 1973982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Be aware that airlines vary greatly as to the size restrictions for a "personal item," and how energetically they enforce them (which varies sometimes depending on how full the flight is, etc.). And once you start talking European budget airlines, or really small planes to remote locations, then things get way more restrictive. If you're just on regular US domestic, you won't have too much problem. When taking carryon only, I use a wheeled case, a very lightweight backpack and the crossbody purse shown here, and throw the purse in just as I board. I like the crossbody for sightseeing, etc., and during the trip often use the backpack for corralling odds and ends, or grocery shopping, not really as a backpack. But the backpack is great for my stuffed animals who travel with me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/frequent-flyers-personal-itemadvice#post-1973975 Mon, 12 Nov 2018 22:45:10 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1973975@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, if we’re talking what we actually do....<br /> I don’t have a bag anywhere near as nifty as those I posted a link to earlier. I got this at Target, I think for around $30. We’ve had it for a few years. As long as it isn’t packed tight, it can fit under the seat &amp; counts as a personal item. Size 11 men’s shoe is for scale. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/frequent-flyers-personal-itemadvice#post-1973972 Mon, 12 Nov 2018 22:17:10 +0000 JAileen 1973972@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I forgot to mention: I put my knapsack under the seat in front for take off and landing, but pull it out for the rest of the flight and tuck it behind my legs. Then I have more leg room, and better access to things I might want during the flight. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/frequent-flyers-personal-itemadvice#post-1973954 Mon, 12 Nov 2018 21:30:03 +0000 nemosmom 1973954@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>When I fly I use a Briggs &amp; Riley shopping tote (fits under the seat in front of me and has generous interior pockets; I like to sort and divide my items: snacks, ipad, wipes, sanitizer, small makeup bag, etc) and I pack an empty small nylon crossbody inside the tote for me to use when I get where I'm going. My wallet is super small and fits in the small nylon bag or in my jacket pocket. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Briggs &amp; Riley has a lifetime product guarantee and their bags are REALLY durable. I use their laptop bag almost daily and it has taken a good beating and still looks brand new. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.briggs-riley.com/shop/function/tote-bags">https://www.briggs-riley.com/s...../tote-bags</a><br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/frequent-flyers-personal-itemadvice#post-1973897 Mon, 12 Nov 2018 17:51:00 +0000 rachylou 1973897@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m a luggage checker and then I have a tiny wheeled backpack. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/frequent-flyers-personal-itemadvice#post-1973893 Mon, 12 Nov 2018 17:37:13 +0000 Alexandra 1973893@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I travel quite a bit and my advice would be to check that wheeled bag, and use a nice lightweight Le Pliage tote for the things you might need in the cabin. </p>