Chances of using my backpack as carry-on?

Hi all,

So I am planning to move to Europe from Canada this fall. I really want to take my traveling backpack with me but am hoping I can use it as carry-on instead of having to check it or put it in a suitcase.

My bag is 55l +10l, I don't plan to put very much in it aside from my laptop and maybe something fragile like my makeup.

According to a website, it measures 9.5 x 12 x 30in. I have searched a couple airlines and the measurements they give are roughly 9 x 16 x 20 in for baggage allowance. What are the chances I can put my bag through and they won't measure it? I usually only have a small bag and a purse as carry-on and have never been questioned before.

Thanks in advance!

While you're not guaranteed to get it past security, it should be fine. Gate agents usually don't pay much attention to backpacks and duffel bags. If overhead bin space gets tight, they'll target rolling suitcases. Good luck!

Sorry, but I think you'll be in trouble. It's simply too long. Even if you have almost nothing in it and the cinch straps are yanked down tight it's still way too long.

Air Canada is fairly easy going on carry-on weight but they're getting stricter about carry-on dimensions. Wesjet is almost as bad and the charters are worse.

Good luck, but be prepared to check it.

Cheers,
Terry

Thanks for all the input! I think I will take my chances but maybe see if I can leave space in my suitcase to cram it in if I can't carry it on haha. I will be flying with Condor airlines and have never used them before, so I will just hope for the best.

Just a heads-up... I had friends fly Condor a few weeks ago and their carry-on was weighed and they had to adhere very strictly to a 6 kg weight limit.

Lots of last minute panic throwing stuff into their checked luggage...

Be prepared!

Cheers,
Terry

I'm a vote for too big. Some more laidback staff and airlines may let you slide, but my bag is only 37L and I push the boundaries of "carry-on". My pack is definitely too big for those demonstration cages they use, but because it just looks like a large backpack most airlines let me slide, even when it comes to weight restrictions.

The maximum carry-on dimensions that bags like the Mei Voyageur and Tom Bihn Aeronaut embody are already what I'd consider pretty damn big (44-45 liters). So that extra 10 inches of length and 4 inches of width are going to be very noticeable.

I'd say by all means risk it, but make arrangements for checking it just in case.