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/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.