Originally Posted by
dko3tgk
I agree with Trooper's advice. Bring a second large flat soft bag in your main large luggage and use it for the return trip. I never travel without a spare bag folded flat in the bottom of my luggage.
While it's going to get a little heavy I'd recommend a carryon size packable as backpacks typically count as personal items then the packable would be your carryon. You'll save on fees plus that can take a bit of the weight. The only problem is lugging it and the backpack around the airport... so maybe a 22 carryon, a backpack personal item, and a 26" checked (maybe a packable/checkable duffel to top it off).