Travel

[Ainhisg]

Good morning.  I just want to thank everyone again for helping me with first time flying advice yesterday!  Which leads to my next question.  I want to purchase a backpack to use as my personal item on the flight to put under the seat.  Do you have any recommendations?  I am open to in store or online but would like to stay around $100 or less.  I have been looking at this Samantha Brown convertible tote and have read the reviews.  

[LindaSal]

Good morning @Ainhisg .  For backpack for travel I always take my LL Bean.  Tried and true, has traveled all over the place and still in great condition!   They have lots of different sizes to choose from.  Always go a bit larger than you think you need as believe me, you will need more room!  

[Meowingkitty]

Agree with LL Bean.

[Goldengate8361]

I just received a new Lug backpack here on QVC. It's the new Lug one and I think it's around $90-95 or so on sale right now. It is fantastic. Lug has some additional features that make it really nice. I already have an older Lug model backpack and I use it for photography outings. If you search Lug backpack on this site, you'll find it.

[YanksFan]

I have this backpack and it is very well made.  It is lightweight but sturdy.  It also looks good.  I haven't traveled with it yet.  I'm going to do a test pack this weekend to see if it holds all of the work electronics I need to take with me on vacation next week.

[haddon9]

I have an older Lug backpack that I use but it can get heavy and for me not quite large enough.  The Samantha Brown bag looks nice. 

I was thinking of getting this for my next trip:

Bagallini A421882 convertible backpack.  I saw a video on it on Youtube and it looked amazing!  It might be cheaper on Amazon and I have seen the price go up & down.

ETA:  It's on Amazon in the midnight blossom color (black & gray) for $99.95....I'm talking myself into getting it now!

[foxywoods]

ok JMHO - It's cute as a crossbady or tote,  however,  if you want the option to wear as a backpack you need to keep a grip the straps in front. If you don't hold the straps the bag weighted with contents will slump down your back and may slide off shoulders.    Look at the quick video - shows the model gripping the straps.  

just my prefernce but the underseat on a plane is so dirty what with mucho pax's grubby shoes and lavatory trekking shmutz.   I always use my travelpro max lite underseater has a tough durable outer fabric and can scrub and disinfect the h#!! out of it.  w tolley sleeve, fits on my rollaboard. If I take a backpack (another tough durable item-not that cute or pretty)   instead of rollaboard, bpack  can go in the overhead. 

[GingerHead]

@Ainhisg I own that exact backpack in that color, black, and I absolutely recommend it!

It is very chic looking and it holds a ton with a lot of pockets but my very favorite thing about it is that you can truly wear it 3 ways and that's a rare find in a backpack of this quality.

Good luck on your first flight and have a great vacay!

[Ainhisg]

@haddon9 Does the Bagallini have padded straps?  I don't think it does.  I need to watch the YouTube video about it.

@foxywoods thank you for seeing that.  I will watch the short video again.  I don't want something horribly ugly but function matters to me over looks.  I liked the hidden pocket in which to put my billfold and travel documents.  I read that when you shop at Hobby Lobby or Kohls or somewhere with large plastic bags, to save it, roll it up tightly, and then put it in the backpack somewhere.  Then put the backpack in that before sliding it under the seat.  Don't know how practical that would be to actually do, since I've not used a backpack nor flown in 18 years.   ETA:  I just watched the short video and see that the backpack straps are adjustable, so I think the model just didn't have it tight enough.

@YanksFan please report back with your trial packing experience!  I'm glad you like the bag.  I read reviews of problems with the zippers and that you can't get in it as much as they claim, so I will be anxious to hear what you think.

@GingerHead I'm glad you like the bag.  Whew!  I wish the price was lower, and the black keeps coming in and out of stock, so...  I know I missed it as the TSV and at other lower prices.  I remember looking at it when it was the TSV.  If I had known I'd actually have a trip coming up within the next year, I likely would have gotten it.

[foxywoods]

@Ainhisg    the disposable bag idea is genius!   thanks!  gonna do that next time!! also adds a layer to kees your belongings secure should the need arise for bio break.

i'm a bit of a germaphobe.   so wear an extra pair of thin, old socks or peds to walk thru the TSA line, then toss them before putting shoes on again.  the stocking feet TSA thing is so skeevy. 

 I wear earplugs to deaden the engine drone (helps a lot on long flight).  have multiple small packs of antibacterial wipes, wipe the seats, armrests, seatbelt buckles, tray table, touch screen, climate control knobs, window shade.  I try to wear a hoodle and flip up on headrest so I can keep my hair from touching the seatback

just anote paid extra on Delta for Comfort Plus and Premium Economy on Alaska. Only because flights are  6+ hours, the extra legroom is worth it. most of those flights had either no seatmates or an empty middle seat. Remember one rule :  the middle seat occupant is entitled to use both armrests.