Collapsible Suitcase to Take in Carry-on for Return Trip
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,746
Collapsible Suitcase to Take in Carry-on for Return Trip
I usually fly only with carry-on luggage. However, on my next trip to Europe there are a bunch of things (mainly food) that I want to bring home (all legal food.)
I was thinking of stuffing a nylon duffel-style bag in my carry-on to then expand and sue for the way back - but I don't think that would be solid enough to be checked luggage on the way back.
Any suggestions as to a collapsible bag that has sufficient structural integrity to be checked?
I was thinking of stuffing a nylon duffel-style bag in my carry-on to then expand and sue for the way back - but I don't think that would be solid enough to be checked luggage on the way back.
Any suggestions as to a collapsible bag that has sufficient structural integrity to be checked?
#2
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Somewhere between N.A. and S.E.A.
Programs: HHonors / UA M+ / TK M&S Elite
Posts: 370
When I read your post, it made me think doing the opposite is better. Is it possible for you to carry on a suitcase you don't mind checking and stick a foldable duffel in it. Then on the way back, you can check the suitcase and carry on the duffel.
#3
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NYC, LON
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#4
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: NYS
Programs: Days of Our Lives, General Hospital
Posts: 1,495
I have sometimes carried an unstructured nylon duffel for this purpose, and checked it on the return, but with only laundry in it.
The Red Oxx Extra Small Aviator Bag folds flat. The manufacturer suggests packing it in your regular carry-on bag and then using it as personal item for the return flight.
The Red Oxx Extra Small Aviator Bag folds flat. The manufacturer suggests packing it in your regular carry-on bag and then using it as personal item for the return flight.
#6
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: New York
Posts: 96
I have sometimes carried an unstructured nylon duffel for this purpose, and checked it on the return, but with only laundry in it.
The Red Oxx Extra Small Aviator Bag folds flat. The manufacturer suggests packing it in your regular carry-on bag and then using it as personal item for the return flight.
The Red Oxx Extra Small Aviator Bag folds flat. The manufacturer suggests packing it in your regular carry-on bag and then using it as personal item for the return flight.
#9
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: San Jose, California, USA
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Posts: 3,146
I don't often bring back more than I leave with, but I often carry gifts from the USA to give to friends in other countries. (BTW, I learned a long time ago to check the bag containing the gifts, not the bag containing my own stuff!) For this purpose, I use the ProSpirit Small 20" Duffel Athletic Gear Bag . It's sturdy enough to check, yet still folds up small enough to fit in my carry-on bag. I've been using it for the better part of a decade, and it continues to hold up very well.
It shows unavailable from Amazon, but I believe that I actually purchased it from Target. The closest match that I see now at Target is the $20 J World Buena Folding Duffel Bag. Similar size, same concept, but I don't know how it would hold up over time.
ETA: When I pack gifts into my duffel, I usually put them in old Amazon shipping boxes and then put these inside the duffel bag. That gives the duffel bag some shape and also protects the items inside. If you're using it to carry items home, you might consider asking retail stores for small, spare cardboard boxes that they are going to recycle.
It shows unavailable from Amazon, but I believe that I actually purchased it from Target. The closest match that I see now at Target is the $20 J World Buena Folding Duffel Bag. Similar size, same concept, but I don't know how it would hold up over time.
ETA: When I pack gifts into my duffel, I usually put them in old Amazon shipping boxes and then put these inside the duffel bag. That gives the duffel bag some shape and also protects the items inside. If you're using it to carry items home, you might consider asking retail stores for small, spare cardboard boxes that they are going to recycle.
Last edited by mikew99; Jul 16, 2017 at 8:53 pm Reason: Add extra tip
#10
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: New York
Programs: BAEC Silver, &c.
Posts: 446
I have sometimes carried an unstructured nylon duffel for this purpose, and checked it on the return, but with only laundry in it.
The Red Oxx Extra Small Aviator Bag folds flat. The manufacturer suggests packing it in your regular carry-on bag and then using it as personal item for the return flight.
The Red Oxx Extra Small Aviator Bag folds flat. The manufacturer suggests packing it in your regular carry-on bag and then using it as personal item for the return flight.
Tom Bihn also has a newish line of duffel bags in various sizes, too, and these apparently pack down well.
#12
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 2
Sweetwater in New England
I travel with a Swiss Gear 24" soft duffel. It probably weighs 6 ounces and goes in my roller.
Then I put my laundry in the tiny duffel at the end of my trip, carry that on, fill my roller with beer I can't get at home, and check that.
Bootlegging on Delta....
Then I put my laundry in the tiny duffel at the end of my trip, carry that on, fill my roller with beer I can't get at home, and check that.
Bootlegging on Delta....
#14
Join Date: May 2006
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Posts: 5,839
+80000000 on the Red Oxx Aviator. Just used one on a trip to Europe. It folds pretty small.
I've done exactly this with a Red Oxx Aviator.
I've done exactly this with a Red Oxx Aviator.
#15
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 409
Used this approach on a recent trip to Paris. Brought the Matador Transit30 collapsible duffle. LOVE this thing. Absolutely tiny when not in use. On the return, the suitcase was filled with champagne bottles and the Matador contained my clothing which I took as carry-on luggage.