Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a Tumi rolling bag that exactly fits the European requirements. However I am a pretty light packer and don't think I could pack for a week of vacation in it. I have used it to pack for a week of business travel where I was able to repeat outfits and only had one pair of shoes in addition to those on my feet.

why couldn’t you repeat outfits on vacation?

Because we are usually much more active and get hot and sweaty. Plus I need more options - casual clothes, city clothes, dressy clothes for dinner, etc. And we are often on the move so it isn't practical to do laundry. For work I wear the same suit or versions of it (1 skirt, 1 pants, 2 jackets can be 4 outfits), can swap the top/accessories, don't need a separate outfit for dinner, etc. Obviously your approach may vary, we don't all have to do things the same way.

Anonymous wrote:I have a Tumi rolling bag that exactly fits the European requirements. However I am a pretty light packer and don't think I could pack for a week of vacation in it. I have used it to pack for a week of business travel where I was able to repeat outfits and only had one pair of shoes in addition to those on my feet.

why couldn’t you repeat outfits on vacation?

OP here. These are great! Thanks so much for all of your posts. Any other recommendations would be much appreciated!

I used this duffle bag on a trip we took last month:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KZN2IKG

It wasn't stuffed entirely full or it might not have passed muster, but they didn't look twice at it when I boarded. And being a duffle it was nice and squashy to fit under the seat or in the overhead bin, which I liked. It's very sturdy as well.

This is the type of carry-on backpack purposely sized to meet these requirements.

https://www.amazon.com/Hynes-Eagle-Approved-Weekender-Backpack/dp/B01KFGU7EW/ref=sr_1_4_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1537808607&sr=8-4-spons&keywords=carry-on+backpack&psc=1

Backpacks can hold a lot more than similarly size roller bags because they don't have a frame or wheels or long handle taking up space. Normally about 25% more interior space than a similarly size roller bag.

Second the backpack options- Amazon has a basic one that is around $50.

If you want rollers, you will want to look for ones labeled for "International Carry-on", as those tend to be the smaller models.

https://www.ebags.com/category/luggage/z/international-carry-on/f/carry-on

The Travelpro at the top is very close to meeting the dimensions you listed, although not quite. That 7.8 inches in depth is very very small.

I have a Tumi rolling bag that exactly fits the European requirements. However I am a pretty light packer and don't think I could pack for a week of vacation in it. I have used it to pack for a week of business travel where I was able to repeat outfits and only had one pair of shoes in addition to those on my feet.

We used the TRAIL 40 hiking backpacks bought at REI:
https://www.rei.com/product/880840/rei-co-op-trail-40-pack-womens
When you pack it right, the dimensions fulfill Icelandair carry-on max requirements.

I live in Europe and travel on the budget airlines frequently using only hand luggage (carry on). The requirements are a bit smaller as you are seeing. The best thing I did was buy a backpack style luggage. (It opens up like luggage. Is soft sided. Can be used as a backpack. Or you can tuck those straps away.) it’s 40L I believe. It always fits. Its great for travel. The brand I have is Hynes Eagle I believe.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g189970-i594-k7804309-o40-Icelandair_allowance_for_carry_on_and_personal_item-Reykjavik_Capital_Region.html

Can anyone recommend a bag (brand and model) that you have used as a carryon on Icelandair? I would like to avoid checking a bag if I can. We're going for a week in summer. Thanks!

The website lists these size limits: 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.8 inches (55 x 40 x 20cm), including handles and wheels.