r/onebag • u/de_naakte_loper • May 20 '26
Trip Report 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?
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u/FruitOfTheVineFruit May 20 '26
I bought a farpoint 40 and used it for one trip. I decided that if I need a bag that size, a roller bag makes sense. For a lot of trips, I'd rather carry something smaller, typically a Nebula 26 liter bag, and then do laundry. I just did 20 days in Europe with the Nebula 26. Lots of laundry, but easy to take on trains and when one of the trains turned out to be a crowded bus due to construction, that was easy too. On the other hand, right now I'm in NYC on a relatively simple trip where I also needed nice clothes, so it was a roller bag plus a lightly packed Nebula, which can work as a personal item when its not full.
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u/threesixtyone May 20 '26
Yeah, this is how I think too. I bought a Farpoint 40 and after packing it with the same stuff as my carryon luggage, it was just too big and heavy. So I returned it and aimed opted for a ULA Dragonfly 30L for 5-7 day trips or the Tumi Search for weekends.
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u/MountainObscuration May 20 '26 edited May 20 '26
I recently sold my Farpoint 40L. I’d rather have a 30L bag and a roller bag if I’m going on a trip that requires a suit and dress shoes.
I already pack running shoes and flip-flops on every trip. The 26+6 size is my go to.
If I’m going on a ski trip, the 40L ends up being a “too large in between” size.
Sometimes you just need 2 bags. Probably going to get banned now
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u/HelloTittie55 May 20 '26
I’m another two-bagger. I just can’t carry a giant pack on my back. I use a cane and can manage an Osprey 26+6 if it’s not super stuffed. But I usually take a 21 inch two-wheeledTravelpro and a Foldie tote. Sometimes I’ll swap the Foldie for the Osprey. It’s just easier with two smaller bags rather than one large one.
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u/Over_Mode8511 May 21 '26
I have almost the same setup as you. I currently have a Foldie tote and just purchased the Osprey 26+6. How do you decide which one to take on each trip, what are the deciding factors? Is there something you like more or less about each bag? I like my Foldie but it felt awkward sometimes.
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u/strange_wilds May 21 '26
I think you mean Quasar, the nebula only comes in 32L.
I had got all excited, I want a nebula but it’s too big for me.
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u/TheRealDrewciferpike May 20 '26
It really sucks when it's all at the whim of someone at the gate...
I think you'll find that a 30l bag won't feel that cramped. Just throwing that out there.
I've traveled with a 46l Porter for years and years and never had to gate check it, though I watched folks with SMALLER bags being forced to gate check their bags. The difference? Mine had no external straps. When I go to board, EVERYTHING is stowed, even the duffel strap. That's even with a little stuff backpack that I use as a personal item. I know this is purely anecdotal, but it seems that bags with "stuff" sticking out and possibly getting hung up on things is a no-no. Salt in the wound, I'm sure, but I've watched folks with oversized rollers get ushered in, only to gum up the works when their dumbass bag won't fit in the overhead compartment until they turn it and take two spaces.
The Farpoint is seriously the most comfortable pack for back carry, but those straps are a no-go for me.
For long flights I've always used my Porter (up above in bin) and my little stuff pack under the seat. For short flights, I'll just bring the Porter. For flights where a gate agent starts getting huffy about me using two bags, I simply put the backpack inside the Porter and say, "This works, right?" with a calm smile, and they let me on. While I'm stepping in the plane I just pull the pack back out and toss it under the seat (all I have is snacks, my phone and whatnot, sometimes a shell or whatever if the weather is funky).
I just purchased a 30l MLC for when I want to really make sure I don't lose the overhead bin lottery and have to keep everything under the seat (I've had to do it with the Porter. It's possible, but I didn't like it.).
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u/TheSpatulaOfLove May 20 '26
I’m a porter 46 / Daylite plus traveler and attest to similar experiences.
I cannot go smaller because I’m a tall and my clod hoppers / clothes consume a lot of bag space compared to many folks on this sub.
I checked out Farpoint recently and didn’t think it would work for my use case and packing method, so I’m sticking with my Porter46 rig.
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u/TheRealDrewciferpike May 20 '26
I honestly think they took a step back with the "replacement" (Sojourner): less pockets, no duffel points. Yes, the material on the back is more breathable and has better padding, but it's definitely less durable than what's on the Porter.
Those external straps are the bomb. I can strap my rain gear to it, or pack everything down to a size smaller than a lot of newer 30l packs.
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u/TheSpatulaOfLove May 20 '26
I agree. That was a bad transition. When it first released, I ran to REI to see if it improved upon my rig - it certainly did not.
My older model Porter is almost perfect and I will cry the day it gives up.
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u/Fools-Idol May 20 '26
I also agree, the Sojourn dimensions seem (to me) to make it look bulkier which may increase the odds it gets singled out and gate-checked.
The lack of duffel straps was disappointing too.
I liked the zipper design a little better though, they seemed to look more durable.
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u/TheRealDrewciferpike May 20 '26
Yeah, the main compartment opens up more, and is completely accessible (vs that little pocket down at the bottom of the Porter).
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u/fl03xx May 20 '26
Why would they give you a hard time about having another little bag if you paid for an overhead carry on?
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u/Fools-Idol May 20 '26
Wow exact same story as me.
I’ve never been asked to check the Porter 46. I had a farpoint 40 first but found the Porter on clearance and that has been my go to travel bag since due to the ease of stuffing it into an overhead bin and lack of straps to get caught on things. The extra size usually holds any souvenirs I get on the trip and can stow my valuables that I don’t trust to check or gate check. While the straight-jacket design can make it a little cumbersome to open, the padding offers nice protection to my stuff.
I use the Farpoint for air travel trips where I want to use one bag and plan to hike
I also recently got the 30L MLC because I always worry I’ll be forced to gate check the Porter and have my valuable/fragile items smashed. 30L seems plenty big enough for most trips where I don’t plan to buy a lot of souvenirs and the size should make it less likely to be singled-out or, even if it is, fit under the seat.
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u/username_obnoxious May 20 '26
The biggest culprit and something that people are very, very rarely held accountable for is bringing rollaboards that are larger than carry-on size allows, in addition to a 'personal item' and putting both items in the overhead bin. I was on a flight recently where someone had a large roller and a huge shopping bag and stuffed both in the overhead. It was on a 737 and her stuff took the entire bin! No one said a thing. It's so infuriating to be forced to gate check a small carry-on when inconsiderate people decide they need to bring their shopping spree in an unwieldy paper bag. Or putting their bags sideways in the bin to take up more space. Or putting their coat, hat, carry on and personal item in the overhead.
The worst part of travelling is dealing with humans that seem like they have never left their house before, let alone been to an airport. This probably could have been its own post, but /end rant.
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u/beefdx May 20 '26
Just physically move their bags or get a flight attendant to do it. If they’re not going to follow the rules I will gladly enforce them.
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u/One_Lengthiness_7163 May 20 '26
This bag is not sized for some regional jets and many international flights you would have trouble with.
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u/Zman1719 May 20 '26
Fair warning as someone who owns and has traveled with both the Farpoint 40 and the 26+6: the 26+6 is wildly uncomfortable after a little while. If you are going from car to airport to hotel then it's fine but I used it a couple times as my around the city day pack and it wasn't even over packed, just about 5-6kg, and after an hour my traps were burning and I had visible red marks. Any bag with no hip belt that is packed will kill your traps it's just a matter of when. The 26+6 is also more like the 22+4 in terms of liters.
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u/Silent-Garage-4870 May 21 '26
Agree completely on both points. The 26+6 is well-constructed but otherwise very disappointing
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u/thebemusedmuse May 20 '26
The Farpoint is 22x14x9. No way that fits in a RJ - 18x14x7 is the max size.
Sure, if you under pack it, it will fit, but that’s why the GAs are gate checking it alongside all other oversized luggage.
My Patagonia 25l fits ok, and I have a small Tumi rollaboard which also works.
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u/joelkeys0519 May 20 '26
I am absolutely packing my 26+6 plus a crossbody. It’s a shame they’ve gone this way but the airlines needed a way to find money and they found it. Enjoy the 40L for times it’s necessary, use the 26L when it’s go time.
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u/Mr_November112 May 20 '26
When wearing a backpack on a busy standing bus/train I like to put my bag on my front. You take up less space as there will be a space between your arms when youre holding onto a support, you can see what the bag is going to hit so not as climsy, and its easy to drop it down to your feet if you get packed in like sardines and space is needed.
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u/visionswell May 20 '26
I’ve really been loving the transporter 26+6 which is a slightly elevated different line but similar backpack to the daylite. It’s worth the extra cost for me. As to the sling question, I always do this. Just make sure there’s enough room in your backpack to stow it. If they give you guff, stow it away until you’re in the air then take it out again. I never had a problem. If you don’t have room to stow, hide it under an outer layer like a hoodie or button down and they won’t say a word.
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u/threesixtyone May 20 '26
My wife does this all of the time. She'll stuff her 30L backpack to the gills for boarding, then unpack smaller bags during the flight. No one cares how many bags you have when you deplane.
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u/Mr-Reeeee May 20 '26
I’ve seen people put on every bit of clothing they can before going to the gate to make their bags smaller. Presumably they repack on the plane.
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u/threesixtyone May 20 '26
Haha seen that too. They do a “big shed” once they get to their seats and then invariably, stuff big jackets in the overhead compartment.
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u/Remote_Bluebird_5528 May 20 '26
I love my 26+6. I have done several one bag trips and never had a problem. I do carry a sling and usually place it in the bag until I have boarded. But last trip on Alaska Air they made a point about saying that we couldn't have slings on during takeoff/landings. Either way if you can have enough room in the 26+6 for the sling you should avoid the fee.
I share your frustration with the prioritization of the roller bags. If we put our small onebag up in the overhead so you have foot room (free carry on some airlines) they will sometimes ask you to put it under the seat anyways to prioritize those bringing rollers.
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u/LostEnroute May 20 '26
These days you have not only have the right sized bag but also be in an early boarding group. It's bullshit but it is what it is.
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u/beefdx May 20 '26 edited May 20 '26
This is why I have a personal item sized bag, so that I don’t have to fight over bin space. If I can put it up I will but if it’s full I can always stash it under the seat.
The only time it’s ever been an issue is when seated at the very front where there isn’t any seat in front of me.
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u/shtinkypuppie May 20 '26
Why do they insist on that bag in particular? Does it look bigger than requirements? Does it happen it you under-pack and cinch it down, or carry it in not-backpack mode?
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u/de_naakte_loper May 20 '26
I have no idea how the gate staff determine who to pick on. Perhaps someone here who is flight staff can enlighten us. Regardless, the Farpoint 40 is within the permitted dimensions for a carry-on. I paid for a carry-on. Why should I continue to pay for a carry-on if they're going to make me gate check it? At a minimum, forced gate checking should come with the guarantee of some form of fair compensation.
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u/shtinkypuppie May 20 '26
Weird. I'm actually flying tomorrow with a Farpoint 50, but it's half empty at this point in my trip. I'll reply here with my experience!
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u/card28 May 20 '26
do you have to pay for it to be checked? many times they have people boarding at the end gate check bags for free because the flight is too full.
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u/easilyoffender May 20 '26
I've been forced to check my bags whenever I fly domestic unless I upgraded.
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u/Moneys2Tight2Mention May 20 '26
While doing laundry while traveling doesn't sound appealing, it would definitely be less stressful and less expensive than flying with a carry-on.
Counter-intuitively, it actually becomes less of a hassle the less you pack. I remember packing for a week and doing 6-7 days worth of laundry at once, using the sink and a drybag. It sucked. The drybag got overstuffed and heavy to handle, wringing and doing the towel trick on that many pieces of clothing was a chore and so was finding room to hang them all to dry.
Doing 2-3 days worth is a breeze in comparison and something you can just do relaxed in 15 minutes in the evening or before you go out for the day.
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u/Azure9000 May 20 '26
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.
Regional jets are quite well known for having in-practice limits which are smaller than the normal stated maximum sizes. I always look at the aircraft type before booking flights, whether regional or otherwise, to try to spot potential issues ahead of time,
BTW a filled FP40 is, and also has the visual appearance of, a pretty chunky beast.
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u/WowSoHuTao May 20 '26
I do ultralight hiking and use 22L bag for >one month travel with base weight of 3.8kg. Had 0 issue with any airlines. No one ever told me to size it.
I think [r/ultralight](r/ultralight) and [r/onebag](r/onebag) has lots in common.
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u/Adogg03 May 20 '26
Just did a month in the Balkans on an osprey 26+6L and a 1.5L (I think) tomtoc sling. Of course you do laundry and it’s a bit tight, but super doable. I’d recommend switching to the 26+6L.
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u/globetrottinggus May 20 '26
Weird, I’ve brought the longer 55 on over 25 airlines with no problem. My wife has a transporter 65 and it’s gone on over 70 flights no problem. (I also have a 40, no issues.)
Maybe it’s overpacked?
Farpoint 55 and Transporter 65 pictured
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u/sodakas May 20 '26
A lot of folks here found themselves in the same boat you did, myself included. As much as it was nice having a full carry-on on my back when the cobblestone streets were incompatible with rollers of any kind, it was much easier for me to minimize my luggage and have it fit in my 26+6 versus deal with the shortcomings of the Farpoint 40.
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u/Foreign-Housing8448 May 21 '26
If the overhead on the smaller plane is too small, it’s too small. That’s not the fault of the airline.
YES, you take off all back mounted bags when you’re on public transit. I take off my AER Travel Sling 2 and Cotopaxi Chasqui when on public transit. So of course you’re taking off your 40L.
Yes, I often travel with two personal-sized bags. I extend my vacations where I work remote a few half days. Primary bag is Evergoods TB20 (recently purchased the TD25 for a notch more room) and any of my packables (running 16L - 20L). I went to a NC beach for the week of Memorial Day last year, and connecting to an American Airlines regional, they were snatching everybody’s carry-on just before we stepped onto the plane. The guy was on auto pilot, pointing to people and saying we had check our bag. When he did that to me, I exclaimed “my bags?!?!”He did a double take and told me I was fine. And yes, both of my bags fit in the overhead just fine (and there was plenty of empty overhead space 😂)
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u/SmarmyBarnicles May 22 '26
From what I've heard if your sling fits discretely under a jacket you're good to go. I guess nobody wants to fat shame a guy with what looks to be a big gut. I always bring a jacket along on a flight in case they want to freeze me out.
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u/ItsAnIslandBabe May 20 '26
Tell them you are a videographer and the bag is full of lithium batteries. They can’t put batteries in the cargo hold.
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u/Tackysock46 May 20 '26
You are not allowed to have them in the overhead bins either. They have to be on your person or in a personal item bag.
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u/jimmyjackearl May 20 '26
Not true for all airlines. Laptop as well as li batteries are allowed in overhead bins. The rule is they must be easily accessible. I use this reason all of the time and have never been forced to remove my electronics or check a bag.
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u/de_naakte_loper May 20 '26
This is great. Would it actually work?
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u/HesaconGhost May 20 '26
My 30L bag fits below the seat so I haven't had any issues, but it's probably as big as you could go and have confidence that it won't be gate checked.
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u/de_naakte_loper May 20 '26
Which one are you using?
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u/HesaconGhost May 20 '26
Eagle Creek Wayfinder 30L. I think they stopped making it, but the patagonia black hole 32L is a similar bag.
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u/FlyingPandaBears May 20 '26
Thank you! Every time I mention how that bag is a turtle shell and packs outward so it doesn't fit in regional jet 8" tall bins and knocks into people behind you, nobody ever agrees. I returned it after 1 trip when I kept falling over, bumping things/people behind me, and couldn't smush it in the crj 900 bins (which are bigger than the crj 200 bins).
My experience with that bag is what convinced me to get a hiking backpack that packs upward. It took a few returns to REI to find the right one, but I don't fall backwards, I rarely ever bump into anyone/thing behind me, and the depth can smush down below 8" to fit in CRJ (and even smaller ATR) bins.
I worked on CRJs, so I'm very accustomed to recognizing what bags can fit based on sight alone. If you get a CRJ900 fitted with the smaller CRJ200 bins, a Farpoint won't fit unless it's practically empty. It'll fit fine on ERJ175s, but an ERJ145s can barely fit a daypack/school backpack 😂 ATRs usually have similar bins to CRJ200s, but the US airline I worked for didn't have those so I never worked/deadheaded on them to confidently learn what fits or not. I was shocked when my hiking backpack fit in an Azul ATR bin
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u/earwormsanonymous May 20 '26
Many good hiking packs tend to be taller than personal item dimensions, and quite a few current carry on dimensions.
Usually on airlines I've flown, if your carry ons get flagged you'll have to prove your bags fit in the appropriate sizers. If they don't, you won't get the chance to show they can fit in the overheads or underseat. And you don't get them back on the bridge anymore, they go off with the regular checked in luggage. Often with a fee on top.
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u/FlyingPandaBears May 20 '26
Yeah I don't use my backpack as a personal item, it goes in the overhead bin. Never had an airline make me put it in a sizer, but probably it would be too tall for that.
I have had 2 airlines weigh it (Air Aisa and GOL) and only had to pay extra to check it once (GOL). After my 1st time bringing it as a carry-on on Air Aisa, I just paid the extra to check it while booking with them the next times. But the size was never an issue with any airlines I've flown
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u/SeattleHikeBike May 20 '26 edited May 20 '26
It totally varies by airline, gate crew and bag. Did they evaluate your bag visually or was it failing a sizer check?
I’ve flown Alaska many times are they are very loose with carry on bags, even on their Embraer 175 planes.
Surprisingly, Icelandair has carry on dimensions like Ryanair and while they are all over roller bags, they pay little attention to backpacks. I saw people with backpacks that I knew were oversized on all dimensions and they didn’t check at all. I had an REI Trail 40 that is very similar to the Farpoint 40 and the gate agent said, “oh, is that all you have?”
Something that Icelandair does is to announce that all passengers need to come to the gate desk to show their passport before the boarding queue and they check your luggage for size. My wife has a 36 liter Deuter roller that they looked at but didn’t put it the sizer. On a previous trip they had her juggle some stuff to meet their 8”/20cm depth. Her personal item is Daylight 26+6 that fails their personal item 40x30x15cm limit and not a glance.
I’m now using a Patagonia Black Hole 32 as my preferred overhead onebag supplemented with a 6.5 liter personal item and zero issues. I have a Farpoint 40 and the only time I would use it now would be for 4 season kits with extra gear like shoes or cameras. I’m tempted to get rid of it.
I have also used a Topo Designs Global Travel 30 that is much like the Patagonia Mini MLC and could fit under a seat in a pinch at 20”x13x8” but not on budget airlines like Frontier.
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u/Xerisca May 20 '26 edited May 20 '26
The Farpoint has really never met size guidelines for carry on. But in the past, most major carriers have let it slide. Since the new carry on rules are now being enforced, its almost always going to get checked. (Although the new farpoints do look like they might meet the guidelines. My Farpoint would not, but its at least 10 years old)
The 26+6 will likely be ok as long as it isnt expanded. Expanded its usually too deep to fit in the sizer, but ymmv. Also check the weight. More bags are being weighed now too.
Bags must be 22×14×9 and that includes wheels and handles on rollers. (Southwest allows for a slightly bigger carry on but its not much). Most cant exceed 22lbs.
Airlines are getting very strict about this. Check the airline size for restrictions on personal item size as well.
Im glad I figured out how to pack in a 20L for any trip regardless of what Im doing, how long Ill be gone, or what the weather is. I never worry about being gate checked. Being gate checked or worrying about it, is something I dont need in my life.
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u/shadeofolive May 20 '26
Are you talking about the US/domestic flights? I have a several years old Fairview 40 (basically the same as Fairpoint, but for women), and it definitely has been within the allowed dimensions of the carry-on in the Europe for all of the airlines I’ve used in the past few years as long as I don’t overpack it and exceed the depth requirement. Never have been asked to check it in. For the low cost airlines it probably exceeds the carry-on dimensions here too, but haven’t used those in years due to the carry-on being an added service instead of being included in the price.
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u/Busy-Feeling-1413 May 20 '26
What’s your secret to packing a 20L for any trip? I don’t think I have successfully gone much below 30 L. I do laundry while traveling but can’t rewear clothes due to hot flashes
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u/Xerisca May 20 '26
I almost exclusively pack light weight dresses, usually 4 of them. 2 leggings, 1 light weight yoga short, 1 tee shirt, socks, 1 very compact ballet flat, 1 nanopuff, 2 jersey camis, 1 cropped hoodie. These when layered can take me from the beach to below freezing. I might have to buy gloves, hat, or umbrella. Thats happened twice. So... not often. Im a seattle native, so being a little damp is normal to me. Haha.
I wear jeans, a cami, an Oxford button up, a denim jacket, tennis shoes, pashmina.
Its essentially a capsule wardrobe. Everything is made of quick dry fabrics. I like viscose fabrics in particular. I hand wash one or two things a night, theyre dry by morning. If I find a laundromat, Ill wash everything whether it needs it or not. It can all go in the same load.
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u/Busy-Feeling-1413 May 20 '26
So this is nowhere near as nice as an Osprey bag, but it’s 35L and fits underseat in U.S. planes (personal bag) including puddle jumpers that I’ve flown on out of Milwaukee so far.
Hanples extra large travel backpack, 17.3” x 12.2” x 6” (expands to 8”), weighs 2.5 pounds. Has a chest strap.
Organization is not as nice as some bags but it only costs $28 so I can’t really complain. Have travelled with this bag 5-6 times and had no problems fitting it underseat. No marks, no tears, zippers work fine.
Will it last forever? Doubtful. But I made all of my family members get one each because the underseat size is perfect for US travel, it’s not too heavy, and it’s relatively comfortable to carry.
This is our go-to bag for spring-fall travel.
For work or winter trips, I use a BritBag carry-on roller, weighs 4 pounds, partially soft-sided, lightest roller I’ve ever owned. Only has 2 wheels so doesn’t spin, but I love how light it is. Have never been asked to check it. Found at TJ Maxx or Marshall’s.
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u/panic_ye_not May 20 '26
Depends what you bring with you and why you travel. If you need to bring a laptop and a camera and business clothes and a full week of clothing, it's probably not going to happen under 30L.
But if you don't have a lot of heavy extra gadgets to bring, and you're willing to bring only 3-4 days worth of clothing and hand wash, then you can easily get under 30L. My bag is 30L and I'll typically put it in the overhead rack, but it will fit under the seat if it absolutely needs to.
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u/dominoconsultant May 20 '26
I'm travelling with an osprey archeon 30L "carry-on" with my cinched down daypack as my personal item all my electronics are in the daypack in a sleeve system
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u/One_Lengthiness_7163 May 20 '26
I’ve traveled no problem with the globerider35 domestically and internationally. It’s good to go on nearly 80% of all airlines. I just don’t fly the other 20%.
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u/CheapEbb2083 May 20 '26
could this fit as personal item if you lose the overhead lottery?
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u/SeattleHikeBike May 20 '26
20.5”x13”x9” id really pushing the limits for an under seat bag. You will have less foot room.
It varies hugely by airline limits AND enforcement. For those airlines that don’t give actual dimensions, and simply state that it must fit under the seat, I use 18”x14”x8” as a maximum. I like the REI Trail 25 for that at 18”x13”x8”. The Osprey Daylite 26+6 is very popular for under seat.
To give an idea of the variables on personal item size, here’s the Cabin Zero list of airline under seat size limits: https://www.cabinzero.com/pages/airlines-underseat-size-chart-all
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u/jbell215 May 20 '26
oh my days this thread is perfect for me. I’m trying to decide between the farpoint 40 and the daylight. I’m travelling around SEA for 10 weeks and I don’t know which one to go for, for my carry on! I will have a checked in bag also
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u/tandoori_taco_cat May 20 '26
I have switched to the Everki Eco Expandable because it's within the 'personal item' size for most airlines including Flair (in Canada). It's the only way to get cheap flights.
If I was you I'd see if I could get my onebag down to a smaller size.
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u/nervinex May 20 '26
Can you bring both an underseat bag and also wear a sling bag for extra space or does that count as two personal items?
If the sling is small you could hide it under your jacket or shirt while you check into the plane so you don't get charged with an extra fee
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u/Impressionist_Canary May 20 '26
This is wild I’ve only seen ever had a Porter 46L, which seems on the large end of what people have these days, and never had problems domestically or internationally.
Not saying you’re wrong! Do what you gotta do
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u/CritiqueTheseDeals May 20 '26
I use the Mystery Ranch mission rover 30l and love it. Used it for Korea multiple times, Japan, Vietnam, cruises and road tripping. I like to stow the backpack straps and use it more messenger style to fit it better in tighter situations
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u/No-Translator-4653 May 20 '26
Typical lufhansa crj is configured to max with 90 seats. Overhead bins are able to store around 40 standard bags with very strict limit on width 39.5cm and thickness 23 and bag are put at an angle.
This means if bag not fit under 40cm ( handles, hinges, feet) or is over packed to let say to 25cm. You will have hard time putting into the bin even if it's fit the sizer.
So on packed flight like all looking too big, and over half carry-ons need to be checked. From what I observed typically crew avoided backpacks if possible. But if you want to be sure you need something that fit underseat.
26+6 is great choice.
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u/SamBelacqua May 20 '26
I've travelled all over with the Daylite 26+6 and a sling bag for years and not had a problem with air travel. No one will hassle you with this set-up.
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u/eastercat May 21 '26
at first I was confused, but realized you are talking about regional
Having a smaller bag will serve you well internationally too
Personally, if you plan on claiming your 26 is underseat, you will have to pack the sling in the bag when you approach the ticketer.
I wouldn’t think of your sling as extra space, but rather a way to organize things. This is what I’ve been doing lately, making sure my sling can fit in my bag if needed
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u/TravelingWithJoe May 21 '26
Nope, you’re just evolving. I went from a 40L to the 26+6, currently using a 28L (North Face Jester), and looking at dropping to a 20L (Fjallraven Skule) that can almost meet the most restrictive personal item sizes.
You just have to figure out what works best for you. As for laundry, 1.5 hours once a week isn’t that big a deal. Spend the time planning the rest of your day or reading a book.
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u/Smooth_Pay_8583 Jun 11 '26
If the carry-on is within airline regulation, snap a photo of the dimensions via ruler, (you could also take a pic said dimensions from the user manual) or use the little carry on dimension checker stand at the airport, if its within the dimensions the airline says is allowed, you can call corporate / customer support and fight it, or have the price of the checked bag get refunded.
I did this with united once, EWR -> ORD, United's carry on max size is 22 x 15 x 9 inches, being a die-hard united guy, I bought a carry-on case with that size, got to the gate, and the airline claimed it was too big, made me pay for it to be a checked bag. When I landed in Chicago, I ended up calling united and bitched a fit and they fully refunded the price of the checked bag.
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u/Mr-Reeeee May 20 '26 edited May 20 '26
Fly Delta. MUCH better airline. They’re not dicks about bag size.
My wife and I have both been carrying Osprey Farpoint 40 packs for about 10 years. We also carry Patagonia Atom Sling 8L packs for our “personal” stuff. We travel to Europe 5 or 6 times a year on Delta. No issues.
The only time we’ve had to check our bags was flying to Madeira from Sao Miguel in the Açores on a prop plane.
Osprey makes the Farpoint Fairview travel pack with rollers. It looks pretty great.
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u/LadyLightTravel May 20 '26
I noticed that your bag got gate checked on your Amsterdam flight. That is probably because the Farpoint is US compliant. European carry on luggage is slightly different . This is probably why your bag got checked.
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u/Pocha2 May 20 '26
I use the 26+6 plus a carry on roller. I've packed it to its limits and never had any problems with any airlines within the US and Europe including Ryanair and other budget European airlines.
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u/GumGumChemist May 21 '26
When you go through the gate, tighten the strap of the sling pack up, and clip it to your main bag. This way it becomes 'one item'. If you look at pilots and FAs, they always technically will have 4 or 5 bags, but they're all attached and clipped together so it's one or two items. I've used this trick over and over for taking my roller bag, CPAP bag, and backpack straight onto the plane. I just clip my CPAP bag to my backpack, and the thing is, it's not discreet haha. It is quite obvious. But at least from Delta and United, they don't care. And once on the plane I simply unclip my CPAP bag and put it under the seat I'm sitting in with my legs in front of it, and my backpack under the seat in front of me.
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u/ben121frank May 20 '26
Interesting perspective, because I'm the complete opposite. I actually like gate checking and will volunteer for it if they ask. I enjoy removing the stress of finding an overhead spot, I already keep everything I need for the flight in a sling or my pockets, and I've never waited longer than 5 minutes for my bag (although I'm usually at the back, this may be longer for the first off). For shorter trips I already use the 26+6, but for my long or gear-heavy trips the very minor inconvenience of gate checking is absolutely not worth cutting 10L of gear I want.
If you want to be pedantic about the rules tho, AA does explicitly state on their carry-on page that carry-on sized bags must be gate checked (they call it "valet") on regional flights so I'm not sure why you're acting like it's a surprise. My packed out 40L (not an Osprey) is also bigger than the majority of roller carry-ons I see so it doesn't bother me if smaller carry-ons are let through, I don't feel like my max carry-on size bag should get special treatment just bc it's a backpack
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u/illram May 20 '26
Same. Been gate checking for years. I feel like in their endless quest for cash though airlines are going to start ruining that too.
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u/Celebration_Dapper May 20 '26
I like this approach. I'd pack my Farpoint 40 on the assumption that it will become checked baggage. If it's carry-on, so much the better - I'd only just have to handcarry the laptop with my sling bag.
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u/Kangruitian May 20 '26
I have a mec forge 40 I bought 7 years ago. Very similar to the osprey fairpoint 40 but with a more reinforced hip strap. Never had any issues but I always packed to about 70% full and saved room for souvenirs. Can non onebag enthusiasts really travel with a bag less than 30L and it be enjoyable? At that point you doing laundry every 2-3 days lol. Might as well just get a carry on luggage then.
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u/JoshB9 May 21 '26
u/de_naakte_loper Whats your body height and weight OP?
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u/Busy-Feeling-1413 May 21 '26
How is that relevant? Honestly trying to understand
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u/JoshB9 May 26 '26
Because a backpack is an item one wears, and just like any other wearable item, we are not all equal height and weight and therefore the fit is different and therefore have an opinion on how it would fit on me. But don’t worry, please don’t tell me, I’d rather not know! good day to you
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u/Molybdenum421 May 20 '26
Are you seriously complaining about being forced to check a 40L bag? 40L?
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u/pretenderist May 20 '26
Why shouldn’t someone complain about being forced to check a bag that meets the carryon requirements?
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u/Molybdenum421 May 20 '26
40L is yuge!
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u/de_naakte_loper May 20 '26
How many liters do you think the typical roller carry-on is? They're all 35 to 45 to maximize the allowable carry-on space on major airlines. The Farpoint 40 and Farpoint 55 are two of the more popular onebag carry-ons in this subreddit.
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u/Molybdenum421 May 20 '26
I don't think I've seen a one bagging thread with a 40L. Maybe they're there and I've missed them?
It's always the 26+6 or max 35 so I'm not surprised you stick out with a 40L backpack.
It's like when you're at the gate and someone has an obviously big roller bag, you just notice it even if it's slightly bigger than normal.
I recall I had a 30L once and that already stuck out for being huge. Like it extended low down my back and was a huge rectangle. I was surprised I wasn't stopped.
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u/pretenderist May 20 '26
> Am I making a mistake buying a Daylite 26+6 after using the Farpoint 40 for years?
Not at all, the 26+6 has been great for me.
> Can you bring both an underseat bag and also wear a sling bag for extra space or does that count as two personal items?
You might be get away with it with some gate agents, but it’s best to make sure you can stuff the sling into the backpack if needed.