B & R U116
 

Will the Briggs & Riley U116 rolling cabin tote really fit under the seat ( at least those without the etertainment module)? It just seems to be too big; I've heard testimonials from others stating that they carry the U116 along with a Tri Star or Sky Train. Just can't believe it.

I am wondering the same thing and would love to hear from those who have stowed it under their sea econ, and biz.

I put mine in the overhead. It fits in every overhead I've tried, including regional jets.

My thought was to use the U116 as my "personal item" teaming it with an Air Boss that normally serves as my primary bag. The flat top of the rolling cabin bag would make a great trolley for the Air Boss when situations dictated. I need to find something that will fit under-seat without question.

Recently, I was on an EMB 145 (full passenger payload) that saw EVERY bag with wheels pink tagged for gate check. This included rolling briefs and computer bags. Have the rest of you been frustrated by inconsistent policies by airlines and gate agents?? Upon the return trip on the same carrier, same payload, and same type of aircraft, there was a whole different set of "rules". Pretty much anything 17" or less seemed to be allowed in the cabin.

I'm the guy who keeps touting the U116, and I love the top-loading flat top of the bag. Top loading makes it much easier to get into during travel if necessary, and the flat top makes it an excellent trolley for any other bag to ride on top of it.

I recommend a non-wheeled bag to ride on top, because you can pack more into a non-wheeled bag: that's the essence of the 1-bag travel model. However, my shoulders don't like toting a heavy, non-wheeled single bag for extended periods of time. That's where the U116 is excellent.

If you get stuck flying on one of those flying sewage pipes (CRJ200, ERJ145, etc), you can take both bags on board with you. The key is, at the gate, to put one bag on your back (or over your shoulder), and then retract the telescoping handle of the U116, and PICK IT UP. Carry it by it's soft sided handle grabs. I've never ever had a gate agent make me pink tag my bag when I've carried it in hand, and that's almost always with a Tristar/Skytrain/Aeronaut on my back/shoulder! The U116 fits easily overhead if you put it in wheels facing out. And even the large Tristar/Skytrain/AirBoss/Aeronaut bags fit easily in the overhead as well, unless stuffed to the point of bursting. But stuffing it that much is unnecessary when you also have the U116 with you. Another advantage of the U116 is that it's main compartment is mostly one large open space - which I find makes for more room for packing.

To be honest with you, when it comes to flying on those little CRJs, I've never tried to put the U116 under the seat in front of me. On those little sewage pipe CRJs, so many other passengers have to pink tag check their bag that there is always enough room overhead for both my bags without infringing on others. And on the bigger planes, my two bags still take up less space overhead than the average rolling steamer that the typical other passenger is dragging on board. But if overhead space is at a premium, then the U116 fits easily on the floor in front of me on any plane bigger than a CRJ.

Okay, then, guru. I'll be picking up my black U116 Tuesday a.m. Into the clouds for a four day trip on Thursday. I'll let you know how things work out as the first and last segments of my trip (out of CLE and then back in) will be aboard tube jets.

Is the scheme to shove both bags into the overhead?
 

Please see title?

I could fit one of my bags in front of me on the little regional jet if I had to. It's just that I almost never have to. On any plane bigger than that, it's a moot point.

The point of Flyertalk is to trade ideas and info that will help with travel. Hope this helps.

Just for the record, I was interested only in under-seat capability. I wouldn't ever scarf two spots in the overheads, even if they WERE available.........I was a parochial school kid.

Still looking forward to trying the U116; stay tuned. If it doesn't work, it'll be up for sale pronto.

Looking forward to hearing how things worked out.

Less expensive alternative
 

I looked at a friend's B & R 116, but didn't want to spend that much (currently $339).

Here's a very similar bag, in size, quality & warranty.

The LL Bean Carryall Rolling Underseat Bag is what I've carried for 3+ years. Almost same size, well made, $129.

http://www.llbean.com, search for item no. 259173

Free shipping in US, and just now a 10% off code popped up in my browser, code LABORDAY

Not affiliated, but their luggage holds up well.

That bag is a great value, no doubt. I'm sure you can't go wrong with it.

I prefer the U116 over the LL Bean bag for several reasons:

•U116 is top loading. LL Bean is front loading. I find top loading easier to pack in general, and easier to get into mid-travel if necessary.

•The LL Bean has a carry handle right on the top of the bag, where I would otherwise be trying to balance another bag to ride along. I've had problems in the past with a top-placed carry handle ruining my abilility to balance another bag on top (ie, TravelPro Crew 9 cabin bag).

•The U116 is wider and not as tall. The LL Bean is taller and not as wide. It's personal preference, of course, but I prefer the wider configuration, since I tend to use the rolling bag as a trolley for another bag on top.

•The U116 has the Briggs and Riley lifetime warranty. I've used it on a couple of occasions over the years, and it's outstanding. I take the bag to a local luggage shop which is a certified B&R repair facility, and pick it up a few days later looking nearly like new. I never get a bill, never exchange money, don't have to hassle with shipping. This alone is worth the cost of my B&R bags.

•I'm not 100% certain that LL Bean bag will fit in the overhead of a small CRJ. The U116 fits with zero room to spare, and it's dimensions are 12.5" x 15.5" x 8.3". The LL Bean bag's dimensions are 16"H x 14¼"W x 8¾". Obviously I don't have direct knowledge, but on paper it looks like it's just an inch or two too big to fit.

(Sheesh. I really should be getting commissions from B&R!)

Having said all that, I could easily recommend that LL Bean bag for that price. LL Bean is good quality, and that promotion is a great value.

Disappointment
 

Well, as stated, I purchased the B & R U116 on Tuesday. Had grand plans on using it as an under-seat "personal item" during a four-day biz trip based upon comments/recomendations form other FTers. (The rest of my "stuff" was loaded into my trusty Air Boss). Bottom line.... it would function superbly as a primary bag in the overheads, but if you are looking for a secondary bag, this probably wouldn't be it. If I WAS able to somehow get it under-seat, there would be no room left for my feet and legs. Ended up gate-checking the Red Oxx bag.

I've read comments where others have claimed to be successful at it as well as comments of people claiming to fit fully loaded Air Bosses under-seat as well. You're all better than I am. Going back to the drawing board as soon as I return to CLE on Sunday. The U116 will be gifted to a colleague.

BTW - I really didn't fully expect to be able to carry both bags into the cabins of the regional jets, but I fully expected to have enough room on the bigger boys. Sigh.

Sorry to hear it didn't work for you. Please let us know what your final solution ends up being. Always interested in hearing about a better method...