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.
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.
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.
Last edited by Dianne47; Aug 2, 12 at 4:02 pm..
Reason: correct a dimension number
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.
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.
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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.)
To follow up on tfar's excellent packing suggestions, have you considered using "travel underwear" from ex officio? 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.
....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.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tfar
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
Quote:
Originally Posted by tfar
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.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dianne47
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.
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