Hi all
I am starting a new travel heavy job soon so I'm looking for a new carryon bag.
After reading a lot here (thanks for the great info) I think I'll go with either the B&R 20" or 21" baseline models.

I assume the 20" is safer but I could probably use the extra inch on the 21". Question is, ith everyone included, is it still under the 22" limit?

Ive searched the forums but couldn't find a strait forward answer so I would be happy to hear about your experience with it as a carry on
Thanks
O

Greetings! Good question on the B&R, I have read mixed stuff on the posts as well. I have the 21.5" B&R baseline, and it is not 21.5" handle to wheels, but a tad longer. Haven't measured exactly but it's a big shorter than my 22" Travelpro which is 23.5", and I have not had problems with that one, albeit it's always been on 757, 777, 747, but have not taken it on smaller aircraft, 737s, A319s, etc.

If I could do it over again I would get the 20" B&R baseline but the "international" or "lightweight" version. The pluses I see with that one are 1) it is not expandable (at least according to website) so you don't have that flap of extra material inside and 2) it's ~100 bucks less than the expandables. This version still has a suiter compartment as well.

Other folks have posted that the exterior handles on the carryon sized B&R take up valuable packing space for a carryon. However, I prefer the flat packing surface. But that's a matter of personal preference.

Good choice on B&R, quality product and great warranty. I started with Travelpro but migrated to B&R and Red Oxx -- the quality and functionality are well worth the price. Good luck!

We just bought all new B & R Transcend luggage because our 14 year old Andiamo luggage, while still in great shape, is just too heavy. We bought the 27" and 22" expandable. We opted for the Transcend line since it is lighter than the Baseline. Compared to the 21" Baseline the 22" inch Transcend is close to the same size - slightly over 22" at the handle. Since we are traveling to Europe in 2 weeks I wanted to make sure I would not have to check my carry-on (and the associated lost luggage risk) so I also purchased a 20" expandable Baseline (not the International which weighs a fraction more than the expandable). I have already packed the 20" Baseline and was pleased with how much it holds. While it does not hold as much as the 22" Transcend, I got a lot in there (without expanding it). My husband will take a 22" Transcend and we will see how that fares in the overhead bin. I have to say I really like the flat surface of the B & R in contrast to the Andiamo carry-on which has the handle on the inside. I see no loss of space due to the outside handle and in fact I think the 20" holds as much as my 22" Andiamo carry-on.

I just got an email back from B&R (+1 on the quick, honest reply) about this:

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Thank you for contacting Briggs & Riley Travelware. The external measurements for the following bags are:

U420LC 22.25�h x 15�w x 9�d
U420LX 22.25�h x 15�w x 9�d expands to 12�d
U420XW 22.25�h x 17�w x 9�d expands to 12�d
U420ZX 21.25�h x 14�w x 9�d expands to 12�d
U421LX 24.75�h x 15�w x 9.5�d expands to 12�d
U421X 23.5�h x 15.25�w x 9�d expands to 12�d
-----------------------------------------------------------------

So now I'm really confused. It looks like pretty much all of them (including the 20" which people said were safe) are over the 22" limit.
Is it simply because the extra 0.25" is a non issue?
O

I've been traveling with a 21" expandable Baseline (the last generation, obviously) for over five years and have never had a problem domestically. Of course, it doesn't fit on some RJs, but nothing does. Have never had anyone question the size and rarely have to stow it sideways (737s in F are the only exception that comes to mind).

And it's been a fantastic bag.

If flying with US carrier it's generally not an issue getting the item on board. The main issue comes with being able to fit it in wheels or handle first and not sideways. Unless the flight is half full, the overhead space can disappear quickly -- one risks the luggage getting gate checked if too large.

If flying with an international carrier, they are more focused on weight, though any roller around legal limits in measurements draws attention. Since many int'l carriers have low weight limits (8kg for Lufthansa, 5kg for TAM and Sing Air [I think]), B&R is generally not the best choice due to the weight of them. I fly LH a lot and generally use my Air Boss for those trips.

From this isn't the 20ZX under 22 inches? I have what is i think the 18 inch and it has been fine most places. The only problem has been weight on some international carriers. But it looks so small that they don't usually even check.