Is LeSportSac the lightest weight line of carry-ons?

I have just come back from Denmark, and at CPH, BA gave me a very hard time, wanting to take wheel-a-board away and check it through to ORD. I was in coach but am an AA Platinum which got me into the Club but no privileges about the suitcase. And they weren't at all interested in my believing that reading material didn't count, ...

I have two more international trips this year, with a BA leg from LHR to CPH and a LH leg from FRA to FLR. If this happens on the way over, at LHR or FRA, it's not a big problem. I can reorganize and cope 'til I get to final baggage claim. But on the way home I tend to carry quite a bit, lots to read, fressh fruit and vegetables, ... It's a lot of hours in the air back to California.

In the US, I carry on an 18" roll-a-board and an 18" tote bag. The empty tote weighs 3.75 pounds and I'm thinking to replace it for these two trips with a lighter weight tote, pack my laptop and accessories in my checked bag, and essentially have an empty roll-a-board in case it's taken away, and try to keep the tote under the 5 or 8 kg limit, carry reading in my hands when I check in, .... I am already getting anxious and dislike the feeling of being hassled. It really shouldn't make any difference if what I take is neatly organized in my carry-ons or cumbersomely dangling from my person <sigh>.

Anyhow, ...

Suggestions for the lightest hand baggage?

Sylvia

whatever you do, I would not check the lap top. It will likely be damaged. Are you trying to carry on a tote and a rollerboard? That may not work overseas. I have a Briggs and Riley "at work for her" case that slides over the handle of my rollerboard. I keep my laptop in it and have had no troubles in Europe.
I have had trouble with fruit before. It is supposed to be a big no, no bringing it in to the states. I saw some one get busted by the USDA dog once over a banana!
I recommend Briggs and Riley but it still needs to be 1 carry on and 1 personal item.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by njvj:
[B]whatever you do, I would not check the lap top. It will likely be damaged.

I thought if I wrapped it in bubble wrap and put it inside my hanging clothes, in the middle of the fold, that it would be adequately protected. You don't think so?

> Are you trying to carry on a tote and a rollerboard?

Yes. I too have a Briggs & Riley pair, but my personal item piece is a "tote" not a laptop bag, wider. And the combination didn't work for British Air. This is the first time I've had trouble.

When I carry fressh fruit and vegetables with me, if the country I'm entering has rules, I throw the produce away at baggage claim, before customs. I carry produce almost always, a couple of apples, cooked string beans, cucumbers, peppers, celery, ... and some nuts and protein bars, enough to supplement the airline food so I won't eat all the salt, fat, empty carbos, ...

Sylvia

Sylvia, run-ins with BA have put me off of carry on bags. I carry a very small and very light weight bag, often La Sports Sac, in addition to a very small purse. But I make sure that the purse will fit into the carry on. If you can stay under 12.5 pounds, you should be OK, but your bag also has to look light in weight and small in mass. To avoid problems, leave your fruit and extra food on the airplane. I am always looking for a better bag. Always. Perfection is out there somewhere. Yes, BA does include reading material in your weight limit. They can be vicious. I think they enjoy embarrassing people!
edited to add: an 18" Rolling bag is really pushing your luck with BA. They really don't want any rolling bags, but will let you get by with it if you tell them you have a medical reason for not being able to carry. I have a serious scar on my wrist that always settles that argument when I want to use something with wheels.

[This message has been edited by oldpenny16 (edited Feb 27, 2004).]

[This message has been edited by oldpenny16 (edited Feb 27, 2004).]

on the laptop issue, I just wouldn't do it. I can't imagine explaining that I checked it and now it doesn't work or worse yet, that it was stolen. The TSA screens checked bags now and 2 people I know have had things stolen.My laptop is very light,. I check all the cords, extra batteries and accessories but the actual machine comes with me.
It sounds like BA is non negotiable. You might want to buy the laptop case and check the rest.
Good luck!

Agreed on the laptop. Don't check it. Most airlines warn not to check anything valuable. There's the risk of it getting stolen, screeners taking it apart or something, damage, etc. If you don't want to carry it on, I would suggest shipping it back home before checking it.

Why not put all your reading material on the laptop? This way you can trade the bulk/weight of the reading material with the laptop and not have to check it, killing two birds with one stone.

Had a laptop stolen from checked luggage a few months ago. When I filed a claim with the airline I was informed that they have a policy that did not cover loss on electronic items. Bummers.

I ordered some bags from http://www.lesportsac.com and am very happy with the results. I picked the style and then the color/pattern I wanted. I'm most fond of the messenger bag. It can manage all of my carry on needs and can function as a large purse.

BA is still fierce on carry-ons!

Have to agree with everyone on the laptop issue. Check the cords & other accessories if you like, but definitely do NOT check the laptop itself. Too much of a risk of it being stolen or damaged (lesser of the two evils) and neither the TSA or airlines will take responsibility for it....the "you should have known better" attitude is what I've heard from others.

RE fruits & stuff....a few years ago I was in Europe for 2 weeks and had a couple of oranges and a kiwi in my briefcase early in the trip, long gone before I got back to the US. No matter....the beagle (cute little bugger he was) totally picked up the scent and they searched my bag. So even if it's gone before you get to the US, don't be surprised if the brigade is present if they have a "hit" and want to take a look.

The beagle found my granola bars in Sydney!

Le Sport Sac is great for carry on. I also throw an extra Le SPort Sac bag in my suitcase to check if I fill up on purchases. I've had one bag for years - its been checked numerous times and always comes through great. (Right now it is being used for a diaper bag, and it is great for that, too.) Ditto on the advice about not checking the laptop.

Salty: Had a laptop stolen from checked luggage a few months ago.

My renter's policy once covered a laptop damaged when the bag it was in was removed from my sight, security, and returned. The liquid display was broken. I think the tote was thrown. This was in the Middle East.

Sylvia

ok first advice - don't fly ba - pricks.

2nd - don't check your laptop.

rest - you'll be ok (other than food).

don't check

I use the longchamp bags -- les pliages de longchamp. I'm really happy with them. Note to anyone considering buying them. Don't get them in beige/light brown. The stains don't come out. Trust me.

I now check my laptop cords/mice and extra gack. My laptop is pretty darn light -- I bought it for that reason, but its still heavy. I wouldn't trust the airlines with my laptop for any reason.

As for BA -- even my Taller Half has resigned herself that intra-europe flights on BA mean checking luggage. We just cross our fingers that it will show up at the luggage carousel. She'll fly them over any other european airline for the hopes that we have a chance at a better seat...

I did look at the briggs and reilly at work collection bags for a new computer tote, but they were just soo big on my frame. I went with a smaller leather bag and it works great for my laptop (in padded case), a book and a few odds and bobs.

lala

I just discovered them. They can even be chosen to order from the web. They are very good looking and functional. It's between Longchamps, I think the smallest, and LeSportSac, I think the weekender.

It's coming home that's the issue for me. I like to have lots of things with me for the long trip from Europe, often via LHR and ORD to SJC - food, reading, neck cushion, ... and then laptop, ...

Sylvia