Airline carry-on onebag rant
I think I’m finally giving up on onebagging with the Osprey Farpoint 40. Not because it’s a bad bag. It’s actually a great bag. That’s part of what took me so long to admit it. It carries well, it holds a ton, and it's taken me to a lot of great places. It will be an emotional parting.
But I’ve been required to gate-check it multiple times on regional jets even though it was within the airline’s carry-on size limits. American has been particularly bad about this including on my recent trip to Amsterdam from Milwaukee. I understand the bins are smaller. But from a passenger standpoint, it’s very aggravating. I bought the right size bag, followed the rules, packed carry-on only, and then still had to hand it over at the jet bridge. Then there’s the whole overhead bin lottery. You pay extra for the carry-on, then they want you to pay even more for priority boarding because apparently paying for the carry-on doesn’t actually mean you’ll have a place to put it. You’re just paying for a better shot at bin space. Maybe. It feels like a racket.
The regional jet situation is what really pushed me over the edge. I just had tight connection at PHL where I couldn’t just get off the plane and go. I had to stand there on the jet bridge waiting for my gate-checked bag to come back while watching other people, often with roller carry-ons, push past us toward the terminal, because their bags seem to be given priority.
And honestly, even after the airport, the carry-on still feels like luggage. Backpack luggage, but luggage. Getting on a city bus with is annoying. A crowded metro is annoying. Turning around without hitting someone is annoying. It’s not a roller bag, but it’s still a big heavy thing on your back. So I think I’m done with the carry-on. I'm downsizing. While doing laundry while traveling doesn't sound appealing, it would definitely be less stressful and less expensive than flying with a carry-on. Am I making a mistake buying a Daylite 26+6 after using the Farpoint 40 for years? Can you bring both an underseat bag and also wear a sling bag for extra space or does that count as two personal items?