Originally Posted by Enthilza

Flying with Air France/Alitalia (40+ segments a year, mostly intra-Europe) and in need of replacing my current Delsey carry-on, I also had a look at Tumi and B&R.

For the size reasons you explained, I dismissed Tumi because I don't want to risk my luggage being gate check (especially given the fact that I often fly ERJs). Even not fully packed, I don't think any Alpha 2 would fit into the AF/AZ sizers.

Regarding B&R, as you said, their only model that is close to the AF/AZ limits is the Explore Commuter but it is half a cm too deep. However, after measuring the AF and AZ actual sizers in airports, I can tell you that this 0.5 cms would not be an issue and that the Explore Commuter would fit in (like with many airlines, sizers are over 1cms bigger than the limits). I have not tried it with the luggage yet (I don't own it yet since it's a PITA to buy in continental Europe) so I can't comment on how GA or FA would react but I don't see why you wouldn't be able to board with it.

Volume wise, I think anything at/over 40L would be enough for 5 days, especially with tricks like the ones Skyforce mentioned, but YMMV.