Following on this thread:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...ern-flyer.html
The
Patagonia MLC's dimensions obviously do not qualify for most airlines definition of a personal item:
Patagonia MLC: 45 L (2746 cu in) 20.5" x 13.5" x 7" (52cm x 34.29cm x 17.78cm)
For example Lufthansa has this policy:
One personal piece of hand luggage such as, for example, a woman’s handbag, a laptop case or shoulder bag with a maximum size of 30 cm x 40 cm x 10 cm.
I am wondering if anybody has been successful in taking it in as a personal item (along with a carry-on) if you don't overstuff it, and maybe use it as backpack to keep it out of sight. If a gate agent tries to deny you boarding, could you point out that if you squish the bag just a little bit it fits fine under their regulations?