A couple of years ago, I went to Spain via British Airways, carrying on board, a small, everyday Rucksack and a Cabin Suitcase, on wheels which I bought a few years back, which was advertised as being suitable, size wise, for an overhead locker. No issues whatsoever.
However, on the return flight, I chose, due to the price, to fly with Easyjet, foolishly unaware that things would be any different, until I was challenged, as I was about to board the plane and told to "test" the suitability of the Cabin Bag in a metal gauge contraption.
It didn't fit and I was "stung," a substantial amount and told to give the case to a member of Cabin Crew, who would put it in the hold.
As it turned out, the flight was fairly empty, and the Cabin Crew member told me that it would be fine to put it in the overhead locker anyway!
So, what I was able to get for free from B.A. cost me over £50 extra, for the "privilege" of flying with Easyjet! 😤
I therefore "vowed," never to use them again, and the last time I flew, I stuck with B.A.
However, having planned a 3 day/night getaway for May for this year, I did look at the Easyjet option, which was over £100 cheaper than British Airways.
A seasoned traveler friend of mine, suggested going for one of these "carry-on" rucksacks, which were designed to fit under the chair, on the plane and are advertised as being "Easyjet Compliant!"
So, I did a serious amount of research and settled on the VANKEV Expandable 45x36x20 model.
I have to admit to being skeptical, as I like to take several changes of clothing with me, as to whether it would have the storage capacity for my needs.
I am very impressed by the sturdiness of the case, the buckles and zips (and there are many of the latter) all seem to be very solid and well made. Time will tell.
There are a number of different, zipped compartments including a handy "hidden" compartment, at the bottom of the back of the case, which I'll use to keep my Passport secure.
I've seen several cases with large laptop/tablet compartments, which take up much of the case, which doesn't suit my needs as I only take a Basic Kindle with me, which fits neatly into one of the front zipped compartments.
As I had planned to go away, in the UK, this coming weekend, I thought that would be the ideal time to give it a trial run.
So, I packed it up with the following items, using some Compression Packing Cubes, which contained the following items:
4 Tops/T-shirts
1 Pair of Jeans
1 Pair of Jogging Bottoms
4 items of underwear
4 Pairs of Socks.
All of that, plus a see through soap bag (for any airports who still insist on liquids being visible) and a "collapsible" Ruck Sack (which I've yet to test out)
There's a "silver" zip compartment, inside the main lid, which I assume might be for anything "wet," or for soiled clothing? However, I used it for a pair of flip-flops.
I can't see that I'd be in a position to pack a spare pair of shoes/trainers, or anything more than a very lightweight coat.
All that, and it fitted perfectly. I didn't have to "force close," the lid.
Obviously, there are other "bits and pieces," that have to be packed, leads, chargers, travel adapters etc.
But, they won't make an appreciable difference.
I was a little concerned when I first opened it and measured it, after delivery, as it appeared to be 46 cm in height.
But that is solved, once it's
packed and I can verify that the dimensions (with the case un-extended) are indeed:
45cm x36cm x20cm
As it was, I didn't end up going away on my getaway, but it did give me the opportunity to try out the packing process and I have tried carrying the bag around my home and it's perfectly manageable and the straps, easy to adjust.
It wasn't heavy at all and there are 2 additional, padded handles for "normal" carrying, as and when neede.
For me, so far as I can tell, this is going to turn out to be a very worthwhile investment and I may switch to using it for short getaways and 3-4 day holidays abroad. To be honest, I don't think it would have enough capacity for a 7 day/night getaway, although I do have a friend, who goes away for 10+ days with something even smaller! 😉
So, in conclusion, I'd say that I'm pretty chuffed with my purchase, so far.
It only remains to be seen that, once I get to the Airport that it is indeed "compliant," with Easyjet's requirements.
That's not until May, so I plan to give it several "outings" before then, but will revisit and confirm, whether or not it fits that Easyjet contraption!
😉😉