Many frequent flyers’ bags have been dirtied, ruined, or lost because they opted to check them, rather than carry them on to their plane. Putting your luggage into the airlines’ hands is risky.
Using carry on baggage is a far superior, and less dangerous, choice.
Just because your bag is the right size and makes it through security does not guarantee that you’ll be able to carry it on the plane. Sometimes there are too many bags to fit in the overhead bin space. On overbooked flights like these, gate agents will then start forcing passengers to check their bags at the gate, which carries all the same risks as checking it at the ticketing counter. The one exception is non-wheeled luggage. If your bag is off of the ground (e.g. a backpack or duffel bag), you usually won’t have to gate check it. This has happened to me several times, especially around the holidays, and I’ve never had to check a backpack or duffel.
The crucial thing when selecting a carry on backpack is its size. Each airline sets its own guidelines on the largest permissible size for carry on baggage. Most airlines permit backpacks up to 45 total inches (length + width + depth) or 22″ long, 14″ wide, and 9″ deep. To prevent delays at the airport, your bag must be no larger than this size. Before your flight, you should reference your airline’s website for their carry on baggage sizing and weight guidelines.
The permissible weight for carry-on-sized baggage also is different by airline. While packing, weigh your pack with a luggage scale to see to it that you are within the carry on baggage weight restrictions set by your airline.
Backpack carry ons are not as susceptible to harm as checked luggage since they’re in your hands. Checked baggage is oftentimes damaged by luggage handlers or lost by the airlines.
Even if you carry your pack on to the airplane, your pack’s straps could still rip when the bag is being put into or removed from the carry on luggage storage space. The best carry on packs will allow you to hide away or overlay the bag’s straps with another piece of fabric. Choose a bag that permits you to protect its straps. Your rucksack should also feature a handle, like a briefcase, with which to grab the bag when the primary straps are protected.
The biggest potential trouble with carry on travel bags is taking them through airport security lines. You should use a bag designed to aid you go through the security checkpoint as briskly and expeditiously as is possible.
Most travelers pack a one quart, see-through toiletry bag which is required to be taken out of your backpack and put in a separate bin for examination. To simplify this procedure, opt for a backpack with large, exterior compartments, which can hold the standard quart-sized Ziploc bag.
In addition to your toiletry bag, you’ll also need to remove everything from your own pockets while going through security. I find it helpful to use a bag with convenient pockets so that I can move everything from my pants pockets to my bag while keeping it somewhat organized. Otherwise, I’m disorganized and lose time at the end of the security line.
Finally, if you plan to pack your computer, make certain to choose a bag with a dedicated laptop compartment. Laptops must be removed from your carry on baggage and put in a separate plastic bin to go through the security line. Make certain that your laptop can be removed from and replaced into your bag to prevent any problems.
Choose a bag using the tips above. This will ensure that you can carry your bag on without checking it. You’ll also be able to speed through security to prevent missing your flight. Buying the right back can eliminate a lot of worries so that you can focus on enjoying your trip.
Need more convincing to choose a backpack? First, find out why backpacks are better than suitcases for travelers. Then learn how to shop for a carry on backpack.