Checking a carry-on

The Canadian carry-on ban means a lot of people will be checking bags they never intended to check. Since you never know when this policy will show up in other places or when you’ll be gate-checked, it might be wise to choose the most rugged carry-on possible for 2010. The lighter/cheaper fabrics may be in danger of damage in the checked baggage blender. Unfortunately, more rugged usually means more expensive. Securing zippers and outer compartments is something to think about, too.

Comments

[AndyB]

This is good advice.

I'm into one bag travel, mainly on the European economy airlines (where one bag means one bag, and there are size/weight restrictions). My main bags are the RedOxx AirBoss and C-Ruck.

Luckily my bags are both easily strong enough to take a journey in the hold. I don't usually carry any locks with me - but I do carry enough zip-ties to secure every zip closed - and I think this would give me adequate security when I check in.

My main problem with being forced to check hand luggage is that of damage or theft of expensive gear. I usually travel with a high end DSLR - and I would be worried if this was out of sight.

The main reason for me to travel with hand luggage only isn't about convenience, but about security. The airlines have done nothing to improve the security or insurance cover of checked baggage for the last few decades. I would gladly pay a premium to check my luggage if I actually knew it would get to the destination in one piece with no items stolen.

[Lise]

My bag is a Tom Bihn Aeronaut which has been gate checked from Paris to Alaska just fine. My main concern is my laptop. I don't know what I would do with that.

[stevenshytle]

Realizing you had a need for only a couple of shirts, pants, socks, etc on a trip for one-baggers used to be for lower weight and convenience. Now it seems we might be using this knowledge to minimize what we will need to buy at our destinations and still enjoy a trip. one-stop-n-shop-one-world website coming soon? Debating the merits of Target vs. Walmart. Oh the fun.

[lucy]

Great advice! I got caught by the carry on ban while visiting my family in Vancouver for the holidays. Fortunately, I had enough time to pick up some locks for my bag before returning to LA on 12/30. My black Tom Bihn TriStar held up well to being checked. I used to have a red suitcase that would always end up with black scuff marks if it was checked.

I also bought a purse because I had only brought along a teeny purse (just big enough for a compact camera, a slim wallet and some lipstick). Since they were allowing "small purses", I bought a shoulder bag that could carry a small book, my iPod and the power cord for my laptop.

Laptops were also permitted and I carried mine in this sleeve: http://www.target.com/Built-Dot-Stripe-DVD-Case/dp/B001UO8BQ0 It fits my 11" laptop perfectly! I love the sleeve because it has both a handle and strap. My previous one didn't have either so I always worried about dropping it when I was getting it out for the xray. With this one, I can wear it cross-body until it's time to put it into the bin (the bag is checkpoint friendly).

Cameras were also permitted. I saw one person with a camera bag but most others had their DSLRs "loose", either in their hands or around their necks. I don't know if the people with their cameras out had separate camera bags that had to be checked though. They all looked like they had kit lenses so perhaps they didn't have any other camera gear.

[josephsteig]

Canada to the U.S., can a man carry through a "man-purse" like the Tom Bihn Ristretto with a laptop??

[Brad]

You would certainly hope the man purse is allowed. Otherwise it's a clear case of sexual discrimination. Call the lawyers! Seriously, a recent report said that laptops were being allowed on many flights so surely the bag to carry them would be allowed too.

[Alan Birnbaum]

The isssue of possibly needing to check a carry-on was a prime reason why my last purchase was the Redoxx Air Boss, whose construction at least equals that of those semi-soft Boyt cases that I used several decades ago.