Travel Products - Underseat Airplane Personal Bag

I found out I am flying to Albuquerque, for my job on Sunday. The last time I flew (last month), I used a backpack under the seat, and my carry on in the overhead compartment. I have now split up the laptoips cause I can't lift the carry on into the compartment. I have a work laptop and scanner. I also have my work carry on that holds my 17 inch personal laptop. It also can accommodate my work laptop, scanner, ICD-9 book, but is incredibly heavy.

I must have my laptops on carry on. I can put my smaller laptop, and my purse, even a change of clothes in my backpack under the airplane seat. Is there a better backpack, or larger option for under the seat? I need to put my smaller laptop into it, and my purse, plus a change of clothes. I'm a little OCD about flights that you have to change planes, so I put what I can in my carry on.

There is a Vera Bradley larger tote. Has anyone tried that for under the seat? (I could get it to match my purse.)

I really like the RedOxx Extra Small Aviator bag. I have long legs and try to never put anything under the seat in front of me if possible, but even a fully loaded one of these doesn't bother me. It's a good shape (more rectangular than typical duffel bags), the zipper design is sturdy and gets you access to everything, and it easily holds 15-17 pounds worth of stuff if you really have to fill it up.

Unfortunately... you won't be able to get this by Sunday because RedOxx only sells by mail. If you need something immediately, I'd check out REI if you have one in your area, as they have a variety of sizes of duffels. I used REI's house brand duffels before I switched to RedOxx.

I found out I am flying to Albuquerque, for my job on Sunday. The last time I flew (last month), I used a backpack under the seat, and my carry on in the overhead compartment. I have now split up the laptoips cause I can't lift the carry on into the compartment. I have a work laptop and scanner. I also have my work carry on that holds my 17 inch personal laptop. It also can accommodate my work laptop, scanner, ICD-9 book, but is incredibly heavy.

I must have my laptops on carry on. I can put my smaller laptop, and my purse, even a change of clothes in my backpack under the airplane seat. Is there a better backpack, or larger option for under the seat? I need to put my smaller laptop into it, and my purse, plus a change of clothes. I'm a little OCD about flights that you have to change planes, so I put what I can in my carry on.

There is a Vera Bradley larger tote. Has anyone tried that for under the seat? (I could get it to match my purse.)

Wait, are you saying that you travel with a checked bag, a carry-on that goes in the bin, a laptop backpack that goes under the seat (and is too small) plus a purse? If so, no wonder you have a hard time. :eek:

Second question, why would anyone need a PERSONAL 17 inch laptop while on a work trip? I have all the compassion in the world for the poor souls who must haul heavy equipment around for professional reasons. But if someone hauls a 17 incher around for fun and then complains of too heavy and not enough room, my sympathy isn't boundless.

Third point. Whether the Vera Bradley larger tote (to which no link is provided) fits under the seat, how are we supposed to tell you, if we don't even know what tote it is exactly? Besides, it is a question of what seat it is on what aircraft and in which class. The best thing is to get the underseat luggage measures for the specific thing you are flying and then check that against any bag you are checking.

But, really, my biggest advice would be to try to travel lighter. Possibly use a rolling briefcase that still fits under the seat and takes heavy and indispensable equipment (on a work trip the personal laptop doesn't fall into that category IMHO). Then use a lightweight bag with NO WHEELS for the rest of the equipment and clothes. This will ride on the wheeled briefcase. Something like a Tom Bihn Tristar or an A. Saks 21" Expandable would be suitable. This will shave valuable pounds of your gross weight and possibly allow you to even lift the carry-on into the overhead.

Till

I use a RedOxx Gator bag for my personal item. It handles Kindle, iPad, iPhone stuff, a camera, some extra clothing and my purse will fit if necessary.

Absolutely cannot beat the quality of RedOxx and the service they provide.

Wait, are you saying that you travel with a checked bag, a carry-on that goes in the bin, a laptop backpack that goes under the seat (and is too small) plus a purse? If so, no wonder you have a hard time. :eek:

Second question, why would anyone need a PERSONAL 17 inch laptop while on a work trip?...

Third point. Whether the Vera Bradley larger tote (to which no link is provided) fits under the seat, how are we supposed to tell you, if we don't even know what tote it is exactly?...

But, really, my biggest advice would be to try to travel lighter. Possibly use a rolling briefcase that still fits under the seat and takes heavy and indispensable equipment (on a work trip the personal laptop doesn't fall into that category IMHO). Then use a lightweight bag with NO WHEELS for the rest of the equipment and clothes. This will ride on the wheeled briefcase. Something like a Tom Bihn Tristar or an A. Saks 21" Expandable would be suitable. This will shave valuable pounds of your gross weight and possibly allow you to even lift the carry-on into the overhead.

Till

Aw, take it easy on her. She has only posted on FT a total of 8 times. It takes a while to get the feel for how things are done on this board.

1. Please provide a link to the Vera Bradley tote, including dimensions. That way we can help you decide if it might reasonably fit under a seat.
2. Carrying a huge personal laptop in addition to your work laptop is a bit much, don't you think? Can you go without your personal laptop for a few days, using your smartphone instead? Or heaven forbid, use your work laptop for some personal stuff? As long as it's not porn you should be OK...
3. Can you go without a separate purse, and use the tote as your purse? That would save you some more weight and trouble.

Pittpanther, you are right. My reply was a bit harsh. Sorry for that. I was just sincerely shocked about the question, the circumstances and the method behind it.

I still maintain that she doesn't need us to determine whether said tote fits under a given seat. So far we know neither the tote nor the seat. The rule of thumb is that something in the order of 36 linear inches should fit under most seats given regular rectangular bag proportions. On seatguru she can check if a particular seat has an entertainment box built under it which reduces the available space.

Maybe some employers are VERY strict about personal use. Possible. But then I cannot see why one would need a 17" machine for normal personal use. Unless one is half blind and wants to watch movies on it. But then they wouldn't be able to work on a smaller machine, either. Besides, when I'm on a work trip I barely have time to check my own email, let alone enjoy long computer sessions. An Ipad might be a really good idea for casual entertainment and personal use.

I do really like your quit the purse idea. Using the tote as a purse definitely cuts down one piece. Smart. Well, these days many women call a purse what before would have been called tote and what before that would have been a wayfarer's entire belongings. ;)

Till

I found out I am flying to Albuquerque, for my job on Sunday. The last time I flew (last month), I used a backpack under the seat, and my carry on in the overhead compartment. I have now split up the laptoips cause I can't lift the carry on into the compartment. I have a work laptop and scanner. I also have my work carry on that holds my 17 inch personal laptop. It also can accommodate my work laptop, scanner, ICD-9 book, but is incredibly heavy.

I must have my laptops on carry on. I can put my smaller laptop, and my purse, even a change of clothes in my backpack under the airplane seat. Is there a better backpack, or larger option for under the seat? I need to put my smaller laptop into it, and my purse, plus a change of clothes. I'm a little OCD about flights that you have to change planes, so I put what I can in my carry on.

There is a Vera Bradley larger tote. Has anyone tried that for under the seat? (I could get it to match my purse.)

Reading between the lines, I'm going to assume that you're more stylish than practical. I agree that we would need more information about the Vera Bradley tote to give you a better idea about whether this will work as a personal item. Airlines have not done a particularly good job of defining the "personal item" category, but I will tell you, many will say you have the choice of a purse or a tote (or briefcase or backpack)--you shouldn't count on getting both by without the danger of at least gate checking your carryon and, at worst, being forced to check it when you arrive at the airport.

AA is one of the few airlines that gives some detail about what a "personal item" is. Here's an exact quote from their website: "Personal item - includes: purse, briefcase, laptop bag OR a similar item such as a tote that does not exceed 36 inches (length+width+height) and must fit under the seat in front of you." Although no other airline ties themselves to that definition, I've successfully used it as a general guideline in trying to meet the "personal item" requirements. Keep in mind that very last phrase, however, "must fit under the seat in front of you." Your bag might be less than 36 linear inches, but if you have a seat in front of you with some sort of electronic equipment that takes up space, your "personal item" or carryon might still be gate checked.

That's why I agree that you should seriously reconsider the need for a personal 17-inch laptop that you won't want checked, in addition to a carryon with sensitive equipment that you also don't want checked.

And that brings us to the lesson of the sermon today: frequent travelers learn to pack lighter. You may think you need it, but really, do you? I understand the need to make a good impression for business; if you're familiar with the people you're going to see for work, I think it's a good idea just to touch base with them and see if you could get by with more casual clothes. Folks understand the hassles of traveling today and will appreciate that you made the effort to clear the idea with them before traveling. Of course, if the feedback is more formal wear is necessary or you're making an initial sales call (or interviewing) or making a presentation to someone with whom you're unfamiliar or if your company insists on more formal clothing, you're stuck, but it's worth evaluating whether you need all the clothing you're taking.

And the 17-inch laptop? I'm assuming you're in coach, and tray tables in coach and 17-inch laptops are not a good fit. Either leave it at home and stay disconnected for a couple of days, use a smartphone, or consider buying a netbook or one of the ultraportables with an 11 or 12-inch screen that has more power than a netbook but still fits comfortably on a tray table.

If I'm wrong about stylish over practical, let me second the vote for the RedOxx Extra Small Aviator bag. I just spent four days in Orlando with all the clothes I needed plus a change of shoes and an extra belt in one of these bags. Simple, straight-forward, extremely practical. 34 linear inches. And not my personal item for that particular trip, which instead was a Case Logic camera bag, measuring 29 linear inches that held my netbook, various power and connection cords, an MP3 player, a Nook Color ereader, my boarding passes and hotel and car reservation information, a cell phone, and snacks for the flight.

You've got more to carry for work here, but you can significantly lighten your load and make your traveling easier when you think about how you can pare down.

My mom is letting me take her 14 inch HP laptop. Yay! my carry on has my work laptop, and my mom's 14 inch lap top. THAT is on my list to get RID of the 17 inch monster when I return next month. My personal item bag stuffs underneath the airplane seat, cause it did the last time. I put my purse in it and a couple of other things, and my nook color.

I leave tomorrow at 3:25.

Reading between the lines, I'm going to assume that you're more stylish than practical. I agree that we would need more information about the Vera Bradley tote to give you a better idea about whether this will work as a personal item. Airlines have not done a particularly good job of defining the "personal item" category, but I will tell you, many will say you have the choice of a purse or a tote (or briefcase or backpack)--you shouldn't count on getting both by without the danger of at least gate checking your carryon and, at worst, being forced to check it when you arrive at the airport.

AA is one of the few airlines that gives some detail about what a "personal item" is. Here's an exact quote from their website: "Personal item - includes: purse, briefcase, laptop bag OR a similar item such as a tote that does not exceed 36 inches (length+width+height) and must fit under the seat in front of you." Although no other airline ties themselves to that definition, I've successfully used it as a general guideline in trying to meet the "personal item" requirements. Keep in mind that very last phrase, however, "must fit under the seat in front of you." Your bag might be less than 36 linear inches, but if you have a seat in front of you with some sort of electronic equipment that takes up space, your "personal item" or carryon might still be gate checked.

That's why I agree that you should seriously reconsider the need for a personal 17-inch laptop that you won't want checked, in addition to a carryon with sensitive equipment that you also don't want checked.

And that brings us to the lesson of the sermon today: frequent travelers learn to pack lighter. You may think you need it, but really, do you? I understand the need to make a good impression for business; if you're familiar with the people you're going to see for work, I think it's a good idea just to touch base with them and see if you could get by with more casual clothes. Folks understand the hassles of traveling today and will appreciate that you made the effort to clear the idea with them before traveling. Of course, if the feedback is more formal wear is necessary or you're making an initial sales call (or interviewing) or making a presentation to someone with whom you're unfamiliar or if your company insists on more formal clothing, you're stuck, but it's worth evaluating whether you need all the clothing you're taking.

And the 17-inch laptop? I'm assuming you're in coach, and tray tables in coach and 17-inch laptops are not a good fit. Either leave it at home and stay disconnected for a couple of days, use a smartphone, or consider buying a netbook or one of the ultraportables with an 11 or 12-inch screen that has more power than a netbook but still fits comfortably on a tray table.

If I'm wrong about stylish over practical, let me second the vote for the RedOxx Extra Small Aviator bag. I just spent four days in Orlando with all the clothes I needed plus a change of shoes and an extra belt in one of these bags. Simple, straight-forward, extremely practical. 34 linear inches. And not my personal item for that particular trip, which instead was a Case Logic camera bag, measuring 29 linear inches that held my netbook, various power and connection cords, an MP3 player, a Nook Color ereader, my boarding passes and hotel and car reservation information, a cell phone, and snacks for the flight.

You've got more to carry for work here, but you can significantly lighten your load and make your traveling easier when you think about how you can pare down.

Great advice.

I don't think you necessarily need to choose between being stylish and being practical. Same with the choice between looking good/dressing appropriately and feeling comfortable. They are not mutually exclusive!:). It's really a question of experience in IMO, as with most things.

My back pack will be fine. It's my son's from highschool, and it works. I actually have a 17 inch personal laptop for World of Warcraft, but I refuse to take it anywhere. I've played WoW for about 8 years. I took it to New York City for 3 weeks, and that was enough!

I used my netbook for my 2 weeks in Little Rock, but not this time. But this is working out. I have a second bag packed as Southwestern Airlines allows for 2 checked bags, and I need the extra clothes for the month I'm staying. I'm going to go to alot of mountains.

There is a Vera Bradley larger tote. Has anyone tried that for under the seat? (I could get it to match my purse.)

If you are talking about the Vera Bradley "Miller Bag," here is a link to some reviews that indicate it does fit under the seat on most flights: http://reviews.verabradley.com/0581/154787/miller-bag-reviews/reviews.htm

I usually take an under-seat laptop backpack, but am traveling tomorrow with my Vera Bradley Miller bag (because it holds much MORE than my laptop backpack) for the first time, and am hoping it will fit under the seat!