amandasgramma

For those of you who have flown in the last whenever, I have a question. What size tote bag (purse) do you carry. Which pattern would you recommend? I'm going to take my small suitcase for clothes, etc, and store in the overhead. But I want a bag that will carry one change of underwear, my meds and some food. I'll be leaving at 6:30 in the morning and arriving at 4:30 in the afternoon.

UglyCook

Take whatever size you can manage for the long walks through the terminals! I either have to take a light bag or one that sits on top of my rolling carry-on suitcase or I throw my neck out.

donnajean

I have a bag with a shoulder strap that I take in addition to the small (pull along type) bag that I put overhead. The bag with shoulder strap is kind of what you might see guys taking to gym. It is small enough to go on the floor under set in front of me. I shove my small purse in this bag to consolidate bags when going through security. With taking your shoes off, etc., it's a pain keeping track of everything.

I learned a long time ago when my luggage did not make it to my destination, to carry toiletries, meds, & clean underwear in a bag that does not leave my hands.

wolfkitty

I have a back pack that is very shoulder-friendly that I plan to use. It's been several years since I have flown, so all this new security will be different for me to deal with. but I will definitely keep all the essentials with me, having lost luggage in the past.

C.Cal Quilt Girl

Almost back pack size so can get to easily from under the seat in front of you, I carry is as a purse or put mine in it so I only have 2 total to keep up with, get liquids to drink after in the gate area, any liquids get checked shampoo etc. anything else in the separate small zippie.
Have seen a person try to sneak a small dog on in carry on, YEP she got to go to the double check side, and had some looks from security, told to get puppy checked by a vet asap. one of those WOW moments !!

amma

Even though most airlines say that you can have 2 carry ons, I have been on a number of flights that make you check one at the gate... UNLESS you are flying first class. So, be prepared to have one of them checked :wink: These you pick up on the tarmac or in the unloading area immediately following disembarking.

I have a small suitcase on wheels that fits in the overhead, and I carry a second one for my purse, book, sweater/jacket, and travel pillow.
I advise a zipper on your bag that will go under the seat in front of you... I had one that didn't, and had things falling out of it and that really irritates the flight attendants.

Maybe put out all of the items you are going to want to carry in it, and see what size YOU will need it to be :D:D:D

Jan in VA

I usually take a zip-topped Lands End canvas carry on bag with my "necessaries", including my small purse, book, pillow (have to pay for one on board these days!), meds, sweater, etc. and a bottle of water purchased on the other side of security.

I am short from knee to ankle and find the seat heights often begin to cut into the backs of my legs in a short while. Therefore I PLAN for my carry on bag to be a foot rest, and pack it "properly" to provide that service.

Jan in VA

Chasing Hawk

They now want you to place your cosmetics, and hygiene products in a ziploc bag. See the airlines website about that. The bottles of shampoo and conditioner and such has to be travel size. And when going through security, have it out in the open so they can see it.

Make sure you keep your meds in their original bottles, no sense having the airport Narc tackling you on the tarmac over a pill at the bottom of your purse.

My Mom puts her "unmentionables in ziploc bags too, she says she doesn't want some stranger fondling her undies and getting them full of germs......LOL

sjscribe

I fly every week and would strongly recommend you consider a back pack: it will fit under the seat in front of you, easier to carry from end of an airport to another, pockets etc will provide for easy access to items such as food, magazines, meds etc while flying.

May in Jersey

Newest regs are one carry one suitcase that can be put under your seat or in overhang and a tote bag. I take the biggest tote I can find for change of undies, pj's and deordorant, make up, meds, book to read, etc.. and put my purse in there too. Used to be a woman could carry her purse besides the tote but not any more. Make sure you take only small shampoos, etc., think only up to 2 oz. each and they have to be in zip lock plastic baggies. Do you still have to take off your shoes at the baggage scan? May in Jersey