The Carry-on

I've already been having anxiety about international travel, checking a bag, waiting at the luggage carousel, going through security and customs on either end. So, to expedite the process I thought I'd only bring a carry-on and a smaller second bag. Sounds easy enough, right? Wrong.

An afternoon scrounging through the luggage departments of three local 'discount' stores yielded about six different sized rolling bags tagged 'carry-on'...now obviously they can't all be acceptable, so after comparing, measuring, cursing, I returned home empty handed. When I searched online I discovered that there are different regulations for domestic and international flights and even differences among carriers! And guidelines have been changed just this year to boot. How can you possibly choose? It seems a crap-shoot and that even if you buy what you think is within the guidelines, you may be pulled from the line and subjected to the dreaded baggage sizer; if the bag won't fit, you must check it.

Last year I spent an obscene amount of money on a feather-light Lipault bag to replace my 20 year old, heavy tapestry suitcase, but at 25", it must be checked. Hence my quest for a carry-on. When I was in England last fall I bought a sweet Cath Kidston bag and am hoping between that and a roller I won't need to check a bag this time around. Looking online I also ascertained that there are different 'generations' of bags that, for all intents and purposes, look identical. One must carefully scrutinize all options for the latest generation that will adhere to the latest, more rigid guidelines.

I had resigned myself to limiting my clothing to what would fit in a 24" bag and had nearly convinced myself it was feasible. Now I'm faced with the prospect of stuffing three pairs of shoes, five pairs of pants, five shirts, undies, pjs, socks, a hoodie, sundries and toiletries in a bag that measures 20"x9"x14". In the end I did order a bag online, but only because there was no tax, no shipping and no return shipping. I suspect upon its arrival I'll take one look at the meager interior and promptly stuff it back in its returnable box. At least I'll know it will fit in that.