Well, after I posted about our carryon dilemma yesterday, I went down a little rabbit hole online researching more about it and thinking about it. I know this is a VERY EXCITING blog post topic 🤣.
Basically, I see a few possible outcomes:
#1: We take our 22″ Samsonite carry-ons + no one questions the size and everything is groovy.
#2: We take our current carry-ons and they measure them and/or make us put them in the luggage size checker. Based on reports, in this case, we’re done for, because our wheels won’t fit….
- #2a. If this happens, they may offer to check them for free.
- #2b. Or, they may make us pay to check them.
#3: If we do have to check them…
- #3a: They may be waiting for us in Copenhagen, all good.
- #3b: OR, due to the shorter layover, they could potentially not make the next plane…. always my biggest fear… and now we don’t have all our belongings.
Hmmmm!! What I really want is to just get on the plane with my carry-on, put it in the overhead bin and stick my little backpack under the seat. You know, as we had planned all along.
After reading several Reddit and Trip Advisor threads, including one titled something like, “ANYONE actually own a bag that fits Icelandair’s carryon size?!”, someone linked to this 2 piece set which is only $35 for the set!
(The IcelandAir size requirement is: 21.6 in. x 15.7 in. x 7.8 in. Most of the “smaller” carry-ons sold that are <22 inches are still 9 or 9.5 inches deep! That 7.8 inch size is extra tricky. OR, they are “advertised” as “20 inch” suitcases, but when you really look, they are actually referring to the inside space- and the outside + wheels is still actually 22 inches…).
Now, we do not really need that little extra “personal item” bag- I think everyone prefers to just take our planned backpacks as a personal item. BUT, a little bag like that might be nice to own? Could be good for road trips or a weekend trip, etc.
Do I love that orange/ grey combo? Eh, not really…. But it’s fine.
The reviews are actually pretty solid, and considering that I do not think we would even USE these suitcases very often (I suppose maybe future Europe trips with inter-Europe flights? Or, when we go to Iceland!) and would probably never be checking them, maybe they’re fine!
I may or may not have spent like 15 minutes watching review videos of people packing stuff into them…. haha. I am not convinced I will quite fit everything I already have packed in my current carry-on, but I might be able to roll things up and/ or shift things around and get most in? Let’s hope, because I will be annoyed if I have to start cutting things out! I was feeling really satisfied and happy with what I have packed.
Anyway! I placed an order for 4, set to arrive by tomorrow. $140 (for all 4) would certainly beat potentially paying $800 to check bags- or having our checked bags not make our Copenhagen flight…
We did also realize, after placing the order, that our Osprey backpacks (we own 2) could potentially work, too, especially if the boys used them and didn’t overpack them. Sounds like “squishable” bags have a much higher likelihood of not having an issue in the sizer.
But, I don’t know, just taking the 4 little carry-on suitcases would probably be the most fool proof, cut and dry and comfortable option- and then no one has to wear a big backpack all over the airport…
I will report back on what we end up deciding, and if we use them, how these $35 suitcases turn out! lol!
Oh, and the algorithm must have known I was in “packing” mode…it fed me up these funny packing related memes. hahaha.
Daily Gratitude:
I am grateful for 2 day shipping! I mean, I know, there are issues, but sometimes… it’s a lifesaver. 😬
GRATEFUL KAE 
OMG Kae you’ll never believe this but I have that suitcase! I have a packing post coming out soon so you’ll get to see mine, which is red. The only issue I have is that if the handle is extended, the suitcase is prone to tipping over. I’ve never used the bag that comes with it, but I’m sure it will come in handy some day. I used it on my CA trip, which was carry on only.
I know it’s a cheap bag b/c I got it through my former employer’s gift giving service and the maximum price for the gifts was $50.
$140 is a small price to pay for peace of mind.
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I saw that about it tipping over with the handle out… I feel like for this trip, we could live with that! They arrive today, so, we’ll see how it works out!
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I would take the Osprey backpacks! But once you see the suitcases, you’ll know what decision to make. I just think the limited depth of the newly ordered suitcase is going to make packing REALLY challenging for you – but maybe/probably not Ivan and the boys?
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Agree, I feel like I need to wait until they arrive and play around with them before making a final decision. I know I can fit a TON in my Osprey backpack… I was just hoping to not lug a backpack around this time, since a roller carryon is nicer to pull around the airport! They should arrive today, so I will see!
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I spent a few months carryon only in Europe with a clamshell (suitcase style) backpack which was great for carryon as it was lighter than a suitcase (airlines also weigh bags) but flexible to fit in the sizers with compression straps. I think I’d go for the backpacks you have and 2 smaller suitcases if they look ok – could then balance backpacks on the suitcases through the airport if needed. Also can bring a shopping bag for spillover of stuff that doesn’t fit in cases or backpacks as a personal item if you don’t have anything else suitable. I wouldn’t run the risk of oversized bags that can’t be squeezed smaller, especially with the tight connection. Copenhagen is a great city, hope you have a fantastic trip!
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Our Osprey backpacks are that clamshell style and they really are amazing! I can fit SO much in them… Since we just have one destination this time and aren’t moving around through train stations, etc., I was hoping to just take a roller carryon, since sometimes the backpack can be a little annoying to put on and off in the airport. The littler suitcases arrive today, so we’ll see how they look! Thanks for the insights! 🙂
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EXCELLENT problem solving! $140 is cheap for peace of mind.
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Right, much better to not be stressing!!
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Well of course I just commented on your previous post, saying there’s not much you can do so you should just “go with the flow” and not stress about it. Instead, you fixed the issue! I agree I don’t love the orange and gray (who picks these colors anyway???) but it’s worth it. I man- the worst case scenario of paying to check the bags and then have them not arrive is REALLY BAD, bad enough to spend the money on these. I’ll be interested to her if you can get all your stuff in! The difference in space can’t be that much.
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So, I may do a THIRD post about my luggage (🤣🤣 I can just see my follower count dropping now…), but to update you: We decided to go with 2 of the new little suitcases + our 2 Osprey backpacks. That way, we should be all in the clear, and we can send 2 of the suitcases back- so will only be $70 total. (I was a little unsure if I wanted to have to STORE 4 more suitcases that we may rarely use, also!)
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Hahahaha – the meme about the shower curtain is totally me. I try to cram in as much as possible into my suitcase. I hope these bags work great for you!
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I know… I always get everything packed and am so proud of myself, and then, inevitably, I end up with coming up with at least a handful of other things that I “forgot”… and then my bag ends up just a LITTLE too full again…. argh.
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