Small baggage allowance and a backpack, ok if squishable?
 

Hello

I actually used to have another account but it seems to have been lost so I am back as Klang90 instead of 180, half the number errrr twice the fun?? Oh well moving on.

We're looking to book flights from Bristol to Tenerife and see that there are new(ish) baggage size restrictions. As I am tall we will probably go for the extra legroom seats which mean we get the 45 x 36 x 20 cm AND the 56 x 45 x 25 cm as I am sure you all know. My question is can I use my backpack as my small bag even if it is slightly longer than 45cm but squashable? I wouldn't fill it up but it would technically be too long when fully packed (about 50cm). If I don't fill it and therefore it can be compressed into those dimensions will I get away with it?

One of the reasons I am keen to take the backpack is because it will be useful whilst in Tenerife and I am diabetic and thus need to put a bag of medical supplies in there too (type 1 so includes insulin, pump supplies, BG sensor etc.). I don't suppose the medical equipment could be counted outside of this allowance?

Happy to pay if necessary but would rather use the items I already have than buy a new backpack just to fit those specific dimensions when padded out.

Thanks for your time.

Yes, you'll be fine. I flew Easyjet last week on the el cheapo fare, so was only allowed the small bag. I used a coolbag which measured about 45 x 40 x 20, so would have been too tall if I'd filled it but I didn't so it would have squished down. In practice, no-one checked even though it was a packed flight - so long as it's not very obviously too big, or on wheels, then they don't seem to look too closely..

Thanks Stewie that is really helpful. I will go for that arrangement in that case which is a relief.

I guess the whole putting the bag under the seat in front of you doesn't apply if you are in 29A and there is no seat in front of you? I am guessing it goes in the overhead right?

I put my bag in the overhead both ways, no one bothered that I was putting it in there rather than under the seat...

I would like to ask the same thing. I have a light weight backpack. It is taller than 45cm, but I could remove the frame inside and maybe just put the wire under my jacket if necessary. :D The rucksack is then without stability and easily compressible.
Do they check in Germany ? I don't want to overfill the bag and will put it under the seat. Have not flown with U2 since 2016 and do this only because this is the best option on that day. :/