I'll be departing tomorrow with VS from LHR to BOS and am, if not exactly freaking out, somewhat concerned about the vagueness of the language employed about the personal item.
My concern is about what constitutes "small" in the phrase "small backpack/rucksack". I've got what I would call a "normal sized" backpack for my work laptop and accoutrements. Here it is: Fits under the seat in front of me - do it all the time. But still I would be challenged to call it a "small backpack."
Any war stories about travelling with a normal carry on (within size/weight limits) and something like this? Either of the "fine, I do it all the time" or the "yeah I tried that and they made me check the normal carry one" variety ...