Travel Products - Reality check for Air Boss and laptop bag

Hey guys.
First time post. Long time lurker.
I have purchased many a product recently based on the recommendations of this forum and great group of people. So, thanks. Now, be gentle with me as this is my first post/question.

I am frankly in love with the idea of the Air Boss and how much space I can gain in it as well as the associated packing method(s).
Here is my hang-up. I cannot, due to physical limitations (bad neck), carry that bag around. As most of you, I hop from plane to plane. Recently, I am making many more international trips and the though of lugging that bag with the weight in it on my shoulder, AND my two laptops (yes, I have two due to client needs), just makes me woozy thinking about it.

So, all that being said. I am truly looking for something like the Air Boss with it's size and internal cubic inch dimensions, but in a rolling bag.
OR, a rolling laptop bag that I could then piggy-back an Air Boss on or the TLS Weekender. I called Red Oxx today and they said that they have no recommendations on how to trolley or piggyback an Air Boss on a rolling laptop bag. This is why I am reaching out to you guys.

Here is the reality check. How can I have a laptop bag (mine is currently the ebags TLS backpack) and carry an Air Boss-like bag? Either one of those should be a rolling bag that I can then piggy-back or strap to it and roll.

What do you guys think? Any options available or am I stuck with my Travelpro carry-on forever and ever? :)

Thanks!!

Does it have to be an air boss? I dont know if it has the stretch thing in the back place it on top of another rolling bag. If you are open to it you can do this bag on the bottom:
http://www.briggs-riley.com/category/productDetail.aspx?id=Span-Expandable-Rolling-Brief_VBR412X&sec=business
And this one on top:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000ETLB96/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

Good luck

Welcome to FT! :)

Afaik, the Airboss does not have a strap or pocket that would slip over the telescope handles of a rolling briefcase. You may be able though to simply use the handles of the Airboss. You may also be able to have a shoe repair shop sew a sturdy piece of nylon webbing to the back to function as a slip-over strap.

I actually think that would be a fantastic modification for an Airboss. It would then be really smart to make it not a one-piece strap but a two-piece strap and put large Velcro tabs on each side. This way you wouldn't have to slide the entire Airboss over the hole handles and pull it up again but you could simply fasten it with the Velcro strips. This would replicate the arrangement that works very well on the Andiamo Valoroso line.

Price for the mod shouldn't be more than $30, I'd guess.

The important thing would be that the rolling laptop bag has a straight and flat and big enough upper side so that the Airboss can actually sit on it. The more surface to surface you have, the less it will slide.

Also, are you sure you need all the space the Airboss is offering? If not, the TB Western Flyer does have the slipover pocket.

I have also recently discovered the Tumi 22125 Expandable Carry-on. Nice bag with nice features. Looks good, too. It has two main compartments, one of which can be expanded by 2" but both being pretty deep. In addition there is a computer pocket and numerous organization pockets. Really smart layout.

It will be heavier and more expensive than the Airboss but I think it would perform really well and look super swell if combined with an Alpha rolling briefcase. It has the slip pocket and because it is more structured than the Airboss it will sit better on a rolling briefcase.

Also look at their International Wheeled Office 22016. Depending on how well you pack, that might be the only bag you need. Mind you, when you put everything into one bag including two computers and that bag has wheels, it will be VERY heavy for you to put into the overhead bin.

I'd also think about getting a rolling briefcase that is laid out in a vertical format because that means you don't have to bend so far down to grab the clothes bag sitting on top of it. Also the sliding distance down the handles will be less, saving time and hassle. Tumi has the 26126 that looks pretty ideal for two laptops. It's quite a hardcore office brief but could also be used for a load of clothes plus one laptop.

Are you traveling with a suit? Otherwise a duffel on top of a rolling briefcase might work, too.

Finally, for someone with back problems I think a hardside spinner is indeed a really good solution. The best ones I know are the Rimowas and I'd actually pick one with a real frame (not a zip). They are super easy on your shoulders and back because they roll so easily. The Samsonite Cruisair Bold might also be something to look at, though I haven't tried one. Yet in terms of construction it looks good and will be half the price of the Rimowa but the Rimowa will be lighter.

The only problem is that then you would still need to carry that heavy briefcase with two laptops in it when you go to the client. A way, a funky way, to get around that could be to unload the clothes at the hotel and simply put the entire briefcase into the rolling bag. When you arrive at the client's location, you simply take out the briefcase from the rolling bag. This way you don't need to carry it.

There may even be rolling spinner briefcases but I don't know any.

I hope that helps a little to get you thinking in the right direction.

Till

I have much the same problem as you (arthritic back and two laptops). I use a rolling cabin bag or briefcase, depending on the size of the plane, since my rolling briefcase doesn't fit in the small regionals. I use a travelon bag bungee (http://www.google.com/search?q=travelon+bag+bungee&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a#q=travelon+bag+bungee&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=bfq&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=krkXUPz1LoeG8QSj2YDQDA&ved=0CIIBELMY&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=9f188dcc8adb6306&biw=1366&bih=674) to attach my soft bag to my roller. Works great, holds the bag rock solid, and is easy to pull on and off as needed. As an extra bonus, I have the heavier computer and the associated cords etc. in the roller and closer to the ground, so it doesn't require as much effort to move and my large bag is much lighter.

Thanks everyone for your quick help.

I have started to look at 20in carry-ons with wheels. It would be nice if internal dimensions were included! So, I am taking some rough guestimates on what the dimensions are.
This should not be this hard. But, I guess it is when you have very specific requirements.

@tfar That is exactly what I was thinking about the mods for the Air Boss. I just cannot believe they have not though of this yet...I even asked the guy on the phone.

@Megyn Do you think a bag like the Air Boss would be help securely enough by the travelon bungee?

Here are the bags I am currently looking at for carrying the clothes:
Antler (http://www.ebags.com/product/antler/airstream-20-carry-on-2-wheel-duffle/235512?productid=10194578)

B&R (http://www.ebags.com/product/briggs-and-riley/x-collection-20-carry-on-expandable-wide-body/140439?productid=1363160)

I have been doing more international travel and I am wondering if this will meet the Heathrow check?
TLS (http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/mother-lode-tls-mini-21-wheeled-duffel/125538?productid=10150071)

Any thoughts on the sizes and recommendations?

Bottom line is that I need the largest carry-on capacity I can get as long as it can get on wheels somehow. If that is strapping the Air Boss to a laptop wheeled bag or doing one of the above, this what I have to do.

Thanks again for your help!

@Megyn Do you think a bag like the Air Boss would be help securely enough by the travelon bungee?



I don't have an Air Boss, so I can't comment on it, but I travel with a large military-style backpack and it holds very securely. The backpack straps go on either side of the handle, so I have a warmer, fuzzier feeling, but it doesn't shift easily.

http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/dd333/freshface321/CIMG1439.jpg

On the other hand, if you're finished with your Air Boss, I'd promise to give it a good home... ;)

Here is the reality check. How can I have a laptop bag (mine is currently the ebags TLS backpack) and carry an Air Boss-like bag? Either one of those should be a rolling bag that I can then piggy-back or strap to it and roll.

What do you guys think? Any options available or am I stuck with my Travelpro carry-on forever and ever? :)

Thanks!!

Have you considered Red Oxx's Sky Train? I know you mentioned some physical constraints, but it can be used as a backpack. I don't know if this will work for you though. We have both the Sky Train and Air Boss. I prefer the former because of the backpack feature, and my husband prefers the latter because he believes that it is easier to pack, though I really don't agree.

Good luck.

I go back and forth between carrying bags and using a roller. It depends on a lot of things, how much I am carrying, the airports I will be in and how I am feeling primarily.

I don't have an Airboss but have similar bags (Skytrain and Tristar). I usually dont carry a rolling bag and something the size of an Airboss but have occasionally and can see the needs under some conditions. There was a thread a couple of years ago on combining a rolling computer bag with a carry on soft bag that might be relevant.

There are two basic options which are to sit the Airboss on top of the rolling bag or hang it by a strap on the bag. Till's suggestion is a version of of the strap suggestion. I often sit a briefcase or large backpack on top of a Briggs & Riley rolling cabin bag. I dont hook it in any way. As noted above, the flatter the top of the rolling bag (and the more rigid) the better that works. Also, many bags, for instance the 19 inch B&R BRX have an attachable or built in strap to hang another bag on the front of the rolling bag. I find that works quite well also.

You clearly can't rely on a one bag solution because of your 2 laptop dilemma. I don't even do one bag - the lowest I go is an Air Boss/Gator combination that I use for traveling in Europe when LH might be involved. Otherwise, I go Sky Train or Air Boss plus CPA Briefcase.

I do think the idea of having a rolling briefcase with the Air Boss is a nice combo. The Claw strap could be modified quickly to attach to the roller.

You clearly can't rely on a one bag solution because of your 2 laptop dilemma. I don't even do one bag - the lowest I go is an Air Boss/Gator combination that I use for traveling in Europe when LH might be involved. Otherwise, I go Sky Train or Air Boss plus CPA Briefcase.

I do think the idea of having a rolling briefcase with the Air Boss is a nice combo. The Claw strap could be modified quickly to attach to the roller.

Ah! This is a good idea. Put Airboss over telescoping handles of rolling briefcase. Secure the Airboss twice. Once by slipping it's carry handles over the telescoping handles. This will secure the top part. And once by actually using the shoulder strap like a belt around the body of the Airboss and the telescoping handles.

Advantage: This will hold the bag in place quite safely. And you won't need to buy any extra bungee cords or whatever.

Disadvantage: This may possibly take longer do set up and undo. At every security check point you have to separate the contraption.

I again would like to ask why you need an Airboss if you already have a briefcase. OK, I know you carry 2 laptops and probably quite a bit of office stuff. But the Airboss is really one of the bags with the biggest net capacity out there. It is meant and conceived for onebagging. Having this much capacity only for clothes seems like a lot for an ordinary business trip. I could easily pack clothes for more than 14 days in an Airboss.

So chances are that you may actually be able to do with a somewhat smaller bag if you learn how to pack really well. I say this because oftentimes the people who adamantly ask for the biggest carry-on capacity are real space hogs and don't know how and what to pack.

Also keep in mind that an Airboss filled with clothes and shoes to be actually full can already be quite heavy.

Till

Guys. Frankly, y'all are awesome.
Now, you have me thinking and really rephrasing my needs.

Basic need: Roll through airport with laptop bag and luggage.
Whichever one has wheels, is indifferent.

My travels are taking more and more through LHR,
which I have already had to check my
behemoth/monstrous bag (their words, not mine) twice now.

So, what I thought I would do is run down my packing list
for a 10 day trip which usually includes two climates:

1 suit jacket
2 Suit pants
5 dress shirts
7 undershirts (that go under dress shirts and casual shirts)
5 pairs of dress socks
dress belt
7 pairs of underwear (yes i do laundry or sink wash after 7 days)
3 pairs of boxers
1 pair of workout shorts
3 workout shirts
5 pairs of workout socks
1 casual longsleeve shirt
2 casual shortsleeve shirt
3 pairs of casual socks
dress shoes
workout shoes
tri-fold toiletry bag

Business bag:
2 laptops
2 chargers (which i absolutely hate...)
ipad
cellphone charger
notepad
blow-up neck pillow
blow-up lumbar support (which is awesome btw for posture and comfort)
noise canceling headset
totes umbrella
pullover sweater

What I wear on plane:
short-sleeve polo shirt
blue-jeans
casual shoes
glasses
sometimes a jacket if the location is going to be cool or rainy (london)


OK. So, why am I mentioning all of this?
Ideas...I am consumed with this right now
and have two European trips in the next 60 days.
I gotta get this hammered out.

Knowing what I need to pack, can I get away with a
20 rollerboard? If so, which one do you think has the most space
(in the case of knicknacks for the kids to bring home).
Or, do I go with something like the Air Boss or Sky Train
strapped on top of a sturdy wheeled laptop bag like the
ebags TLS or ...

Guys, thanks so much for your help on this.
This has taken over my freetime as I research and research.
But, I think we are honing in on something here.

Thanks!!

Knowing what I need to pack, can I get away with a
20 rollerboard? If so, which one do you think has the most space
(in the case of knicknacks for the kids to bring home).
Or, do I go with something like the Air Boss or Sky Train
strapped on top of a sturdy wheeled laptop bag like the
ebags TLS or ...

Thanks!!

You definitely can't fit all the stuff mentioned into a 20" roll-a-board but you can fit it into an AirBoss, but it will KILL your back to schlep that around. My husband currently has it on a trip and I will ask him to confirm, but I am 99% positive that you can slip it over the handles of a roll-a-board, but I can't imagine LHR allowing you through security with an air boss/sky train plus a rolling briefcase/20". Sure, you may get through some of the time but others you will be forced to check one item in, and I don't know how feasible that is for you.

Are you able to carry a heavy backpack (based on all the stuff you mentioned, I am guessing 30 or so lbs easily)? If yes, I strongly urge you to consider the Sky Train. You can also call the people at Red Oxx as they are extremely helpful

My dear Chips, that's exactly what I thought! :D

First of all, did you read the packing sticky on top of this page? If not, it'll help.

Second, did you every weigh all your items on a postal or kitchen scale and make a list. The best packers do that. That's one of the reasons they are the best.

Now let's look at your items. You do sink wash. That is fabulous! However, why on day 7? Christian? Just kiddin'! :) If this is a 10 day trip, I assume on day 1 you travel there and on day 10 you travel back, right? So instead of taking a charge of seven of each I'd take only 5. Wash at half time and wash less. Moreover, perhaps your employer does pay for laundry. In that case you could take even less and do laundry twice. Laundry is usually paid by piece so it doesn't matter if you do it twice. And they do the ironing for you!

Alright the items. I post your list here and then address each one or by category.

1 suit jacket
If you wear that on the plane you are already better dressed there. Just beware of carrying a bag with shoulder strap on your jacket's shoulder pads. That can quickly kill the suit. Otherwise pack it.

2 Suit pants
That's very good. You want a back-up in case you really have a bad wine mishap or something. And I see you probably also wear those in the evening. So that's great right there, too.

5 dress shirts
Perfect. That's all that's needed. You could take 6 dress shirts and leave all the casual ones at home.

7 undershirts (that go under dress shirts and casual shirts)
You talkin' ole wife beater or t-shirt? If that's t's that's too much volume and weight right there. Given that you only wear a dress shirt once, you don't really need an undershirt unless you are either sweating profusely or are in a very cold climate which I guess is not the case since you didn't necessarily list a jacket. I'd skip those completely. Not necessary!

5 pairs of dress socks
That's good and fits the 5 day washing scheme.

dress belt
Only take a single belt. Make it reversible. One side brown or textile, the other black to wear with your dress shoes. The brown or textile side will go with the jeans. Since you'll be wearing that on the plane, it's another 0.5lb less in your bag.

7 pairs of underwear (yes i do laundry or sink wash after 7 days)
Not necessary to have 7 if you wash on day 5. Take just 6. Or even just 5.

3 pairs of boxers
What for? You have already a pair of underwear for every day. Boxers are heavy and very bulky. Throw them out. Almost a pound less!

1 pair of workout shorts
3 workout shirts
5 pairs of workout socks
workout shoes
Holy!!! That's exactly what I thought. Man, that stuff weighs at least 5lbs in and of itself. Do you work out in the room or in the hotel gym? Even if you use the gym you won't need extra socks and if you use t-shirts as undershirts anyway (although I said not to bother) you can use those. No need for extra shirts.
OK, here's the deal. If you are not a super sports fanatic who cannot live without a gym, try out some isometric exercises. I can tell you from experience that there are bodyweight exercises that do as much for you as anything at the gym will. Especially there are back exercises that you can do for your back and neck in your room. So you can do these in the evening or in the morning in the underwear of the day that just passed. The stuff goes to laundry anyway, might as well sweat it through all the way. Seriously, try it out. You might really enjoy the newfound freedom and I know you will enjoy the lesser load of carrying and washing. If you do it in your hotel room you can even leave the workout shoes at home. Yay! You can easily save yourself 5lbs here.


1 casual longsleeve shirt
2 casual shortsleeve shirt
3 pairs of casual socks
It is my conviction - and any man savvy in things sartorial will agree - that short-sleeve shirts are hardly suitable for a grown-up man. You have dress shirts anyway. Unless they are totally crumpled and dirty/stinky they will do in the evening, too. So maybe take a couple of Polo shirts. Or actually take 7 dress shirts but leave all 3 casuals at home. That will save you about 1.5lbs. Each shirt is around 200g.


dress shoes
OK. Nothing to say here. You need those. But still you may be able to find a pair that is rather light weight. The big fat Alden Cordovan Bluchers are not ideal here. A light single-cut oxford would be much more appropriate. Look around and compare. It's an opportunity to lose another half pound.

tri-fold toiletry bag
The Horrrrrrooooorrr! :D
Terrible beginner's mistake I made, too. Don't do it, Chips. These things are super heavy and bulky. Mine weighs a pound EMPTY! Take two ziplock baggies. One for hardware (razor, brush, etc) and one for liquids. That'll totally do. When they are dirty or torn, just get a new one. 1lb less. Also go through the toiletries and see what you really need and if there are smaller sizes. Hardly a man needs 100ml of anything over ten days (talking cosmetics here, not whisky!).

Let's recap. We save:

1lb on the toiletry bag
0.5lb on lighter shoes (potential savings)
1lb on casual shirts (given that you might still take an extra polo instead)
5lbs on workout stuff
0.5lb on the boxers (perhaps even as much as a full pound)
0.5lb on the belt
1lb on the undershirts (assuming you still take one or two against my advice)

We are talking 9.5lbs here! That, dear friend, is the weight of a typical 22" carry-on roller (the bag itself). In volume it is almost one half of what fits into said roller.

Now, if you follow the advice given here, I swear you can fit the remainder of things into an IATA size hardside spinner that will pass muster even with the finicky gate agents in London and even with the evil folks at Lufthansa, and that means it will pass basically everywhere. I'm even quite confident that the remainder of the items will stay under the 8kg carry-on limit that many airlines in Asia and Europe now have, if that's important for you. IN any case, it's good for you because it means you now have two bags that are around 8kg each. This means that you can probably handle them easily without risk of pain or injury. And it means if you have to run, you can take 8kg in each hand and be balanced. ^

You win! :)

As an ideal bag I'd recommend the Rimowa Limbo Cabin IATA Multiwheel. Yes, I know, that's a mouthful.
http://www.rimowa.de/main#product/880.52.21.4

Fits through any sizer, weighs only 3.8kg (8.4lbs thus less than the stuff you just threw out), looks terrific and it has the fully rigid frame that makes maneuvering these cases soooo easy. It also has a completely flat top thus your briefcase will ride safely on top of it. As a side effect it does look terrific, too. IMHO the seal gray version is super spiffy.

What says ye? Ready for a complete game changer?

Till

Well, Till is a veritable fountain of luggage and packing knowledge, but I would modify his suggestions in a few spots. Take 4-5 of incidentals and wash as needed. That would mean a total of 5 UW, boxers, and athletic shorts. One workout shirt. I agree on ditching the shortsleeved shirts. Take 2 long sleeved quick-dry shirts (very easy to find these days) and roll the sleeves if necessary. Your list includes 13 pairs of socks, I know you can cut way down there.

Till is right that the trifold toiletries bags are bulky, but I draw the line at using ziplocks for toiletries. I recently bought an Eagle Creek "Caddy" and am reasonably happy with it. It's smaller than many toiletries bags, has a hook and two end compartments, and holds a surprising amount of stuff.

I've owned many many brands and types of luggage, as have many of those who frequent this forum. By far the best I've ever found are the ebags TLS line. I have the weekender convertible, the 21-inch and 25-inch wheeled duffels, and both sizes of the lunch box "cooler" bags (perfect for LD train and car travel). From looking at the website it seems the TLS Mobile Office as your wheeled bag plus the Weekender Convertible for clothing might work as your combination. Put the laptops in the MO and the iPad in the laptop compartment of the WC.

I would just use two regular old bungees to secure the WC to the MO, very easy to do/undo and stash them in a front pocket when going through security, getting on a shuttle, etc. When you're at your work destination the MO can be wheeled around anywhere, to save your back.

One other possibility is using a small fold-up luggage "cart," with two non-wheeled bags. Back in the days before wheeled bags (some here can actually remember that long ago :p), that's what I always used but they were bulky and really heavy then. I think I've seen very small carts at the Samsonite outlet stores. You might want to investigate that idea, but keep in mind the cart would have to be inside your bag at times and the wheels would be filthy so need little caps of some kind to cover them. Try travelite or micro mover for search terms.

One last note, I'm always amazed how much the TLS Weekender Convertible can hold, it's a great bag and I really like the way the backpack straps fit into their own compartment. The fabric and build quality are great on the TLS line. I have the "blue yonder" color and the 25-inch bag has been checked many times with no visible wear and tear - pretty amazing.

tfar and Dianne

Whew!! Y'all are blowing me away here.

Dianne, I need the small bag to make sure the gate keepers at Heathrow don't make me check my bag. It has happened twice now with my TravelPro 21inch.

I like the TLS line as well. I am trying out the wheeled laptop bag right now. I like it. I can get an overnight trip with workout shoes in it and two laptops. Now, it does have to in the overhead. :)
Anyways...

So, I talked to a chat rep at ebags and he said that the Mother Lode TLS Mini 21" would pass the international sizing standards. I do not know if it would or not...If it does, that would solve all of my issues. After getting burned twice at Heathrow, I'm a bit gun shy...

I guess I just need to get it ordered and sent to my house and check it out. According to the sizing chart at ba.com, 22" height is their max. But, the sizers in Heathrow are like 5" high (I might be exagerrating a bit).

If that 21" TLS works, I will put my backpack on top of it that is currently holding my two laptops, and not have any issues.

What do y'all think? It certainly is safer to go with a 20". But, what's one more inch? right?

I haven't been through LHR lately, so I'm kind of commenting in the dark. What are the exact dimensions of the sizers at LHR?

I got out my TLS 21-inch wheeled duffel to measure it. It has a rigid bottom and sides, which make it very sturdy but also make it heavy. When I first got it I was disappointed at the empty weight, but it has so many good features that I just put up with it. When standing upright on the floor the height from floor to top is exactly 22 inches width (empty) is about 14.75, depth is very adjustable and if it's not over-stuffed the depth is about 8.75. The bag expands, then it would have to be checked.

To keep weight down I don't use the rods at the sides or the "shelf." You can look at the video about this bag on the ebags product page, it's comprehensive and shows how the bag is constructed. Be sure to secure any main compartment padlock at the side of the bag, if the zippers are at the top it would be more than 22 inches tall.

If the LHR sizers are 20 inches, this bag won't make the cut. It will fit if the sizer is 22 inches. The Weekender Convertible could definitely fit, if not fully packed and squished for the sizer. There's no way to squish the 21-inch wheeled duffel due to the rigid sides all around.

Be sure to look at the TLS product videos for all the features and pockets, the design on the bag is quite brilliant and I don't often use that adjective.

Thanks for the info

OK. So, I have loaded up a cart on ebags and having a bunch of stuff shipped to me. The plan will be to do a photo review of the stuff being packed and each bag. Plus, the feasibility of doing each in those bags.

I just spoke with a colleague of mine who has travelled through LHR more than me. He has never been stopped and we have the same bag. Maybe I just look guilty of having a full bag. :)

Oh. The sizing requirements are here:
http://www.britishairways.com/travel/bagcabin/public/en_gb

But, I will tell you for a fact that the actual sizer is smaller.

Sorry, forgot about something that might be important to the OP. I received a new ebags brochure with my last order, about a week ago. On page 10 of the flyer there are photos of two new TLS bags that are "available September 2012."

They are more squared-off 21.5 and 25 inch wheeled bags. It appears they don't have the forehead pockets that the current TLS MotherLode bags have. I do use the forehead pockets all the time, especially to store padlocks so they don't go astray.

The names of these new bags are TLS Expandable Carry-On (21.5 x 14 x 9) @ list $199.99 and TLS Expandable Upright (25 x 17 x 10.5) @ list $229.99. I would guess that each has slightly more capacity than the current TLS comparable bags, due to being more squared in depth at the top. The MotherLodes are slightly angled at the top, a little narrower at that end.

So - you might want to wait to order if you think the more squared bag that's 1/2 inch shorter would work better for you. The new "Expandables" are not on the ebags.com website yet.

For others reading this thread, the ebags EXO Hardside 24-inch spinner has been out of stock for some time. I want one for a trip this fall (DH likes hardsides) and called the other day to see when it will be available. I was told 4-6 weeks, which would be early to mid-September.

Oh. The sizing requirements are here:
http://www.britishairways.com/travel/bagcabin/public/en_gb

But, I will tell you for a fact that the actual sizer is smaller.

I'd go as far and bring a small tape measure as well as the printouts of the requirements. If I know my bag fits those measures and I can prove that the sizer is smaller, it gets pretty embarrassing for the airline.

Till

I'd go as far and bring a small tape measure as well as the printouts of the requirements. If I know my bag fits those measures and I can prove that the sizer is smaller, it gets pretty embarrassing for the airline.

Till
Agree completely, and carry a copy of the dimensions from the webpage mentioned. If you measure the sizer and it differs from the stated allowable dimensions, you win. Enquiring minds would certainly be very interested if the LHR sizers are actually smaller than the allowed bag dimensions.

A little late to the party....

I have no problem passing through LHR (and AMS, CDG, FRA, VIE, MAN, etc) with my TLS 21" Wheeled Duffel. That's on BD (RIP), BA, LH, KLM/AF, OS and many more.

Also have this as my one and only bag on Easyjet.

Travelling on business will probably see me take the TLS and my Eastpak Reminder Messenger on top - again no issues. Best to check-in online for LH as they like to weigh hand baggage and mine <may> sometimes be a little too over. BA have a 23Kg limit, so no issue there.

When using the TLS as a single bag I quite often stash electronics in the top, clothes in the base and the liquids bag in the head pocket.

If travelling with one bag I have a lightweight, company giveaway, folio case to use a laptop shuttle to the office. this stows flat in the bag.

@MAN Pax-- Thanks for the info. I just measured my TravelPro last night and it is 22.5" overall from the bottom of the wheel to the top of the handle (that sticks up just that .5 inch probably).
This is encouraging.

So, you have had no problems getting through LHR with the TLS Wheeled Duffle? I also have the ebags TLS Workstation backpack which holds the two laptops quite nicely in the back as well as my gear (iPad, cords, notebook, powerblocks, noise canceling headphones, etc.)

You may have just made my day...

To follow up on tfar's excellent packing suggestions, have you considered using "travel underwear" from ex officio (http://www.exofficio.com/products/mens/underwear)? I don't have personal experience, but many members here swear by them. If you have 1 to wear and 1 to wash, you could get by with only 2 pairs of underwear and 2 undershirts.

RxFlyer
That's some next level stuff there...
I guess the short answer is maybe...
I would have to try it on a local trip first (in US)
before taking this as my only option when in Europe.
Interesting thoughts though...
I will have to think about it

@MAN Pax
or anyone really.
...and first off, I am sure this doesn't apply to this thread, so to the moderator, I can move this to a different thread if it doesn't fit here.

But, when traveling on AA ticket stock, I am not able to upgrade either by money or points with BA. How annoying is that? Any tips? I have tried calling BA and they tell me to call AA. I call AA and they tell me that I have to call BA.

Tilltfar, I love your posts :-:

....would pass the international sizing standards. what's one more inch? right?One more inch these days, is the difference between being told to check your bag, and walking on with it.
Stay with 20" not 21" then you are always safe. Bags bulge especially if you have to pack something extra at the last minute. And gatekeepers can just be having a bad day.

tfar, I love your posts :-:

Much obliged. Thank you! :-:

Till

Ah! This is a good idea. Put Airboss over telescoping handles of rolling briefcase. Secure the Airboss twice. Once by slipping it's carry handles over the telescoping handles. This will secure the top part. And once by actually using the shoulder strap like a belt around the body of the Airboss and the telescoping handles.

Advantage: This will hold the bag in place quite safely. And you won't need to buy any extra bungee cords or whatever.

Disadvantage: This may possibly take longer do set up and undo. At every security check point you have to separate the contraption.

I again would like to ask why you need an Airboss if you already have a briefcase. OK, I know you carry 2 laptops and probably quite a bit of office stuff. But the Airboss is really one of the bags with the biggest net capacity out there. It is meant and conceived for onebagging. Having this much capacity only for clothes seems like a lot for an ordinary business trip. I could easily pack clothes for more than 14 days in an Airboss.

So chances are that you may actually be able to do with a somewhat smaller bag if you learn how to pack really well. I say this because oftentimes the people who adamantly ask for the biggest carry-on capacity are real space hogs and don't know how and what to pack.

Also keep in mind that an Airboss filled with clothes and shoes to be actually full can already be quite heavy.

Till

I tend to agree with all of these

I'd go as far and bring a small tape measure as well as the printouts of the requirements. If I know my bag fits those measures and I can prove that the sizer is smaller, it gets pretty embarrassing for the airline.

Till

This is such a fantastic idea.

Agree completely, and carry a copy of the dimensions from the webpage mentioned. If you measure the sizer and it differs from the stated allowable dimensions, you win. Enquiring minds would certainly be very interested if the LHR sizers are actually smaller than the allowed bag dimensions.

^^^^