I haven't flown on KLM in years, so I don't know specifically what they'd say, but based on experience with other carriers, I can't see them having a problem with this. (DH carries a duffle bag on for the travel odds and ends, which is much larger than this, though it's never stuffed full.)

Are you planning on carrying this bag around during travel in Europe? If so, leather can be heavy, and the bag doesn't look very secure. (But it is cute.)

Will it fit under the seat in front of you? If so, you should be fine. I have taken a small carry-on that I use as a camera bags on many flights overseas and within Europe and have almost always been able to bring it on the plane, as it does fit under the seat (barely).

You should be fine, as generally there is no size requirement for the personal item, and that just looks like a large purse. I typically carry a tote bag that fits the items you listed. However, you could get some askance looks if you bring that as well as an overstuffed carry-on, so make sure your carry-on is well within the limit once you pack it. Also note the personal item will have to fit under the seat, so make sure it is not overstuffed.

briefcases and laptop bags are considered "personal items" as far as carryon is concerned, so I think you can probably get away with this. It seems a little bigger than the camera bag I carry, but not by much. I think Andrew is right...the key is it has to fit under the seat in front of you.

Lexma90 makes a good point about weight on your shoulder.

Actually the last time I flew KLM, to Norway, they were very strict on hand baggage and several people had to gate check bags.

They do state on the website that the personal item should be 1 of the following: handbag, briefcase, camera, small laptop, or 1 other item of similar or smaller size, so one of those, not a bag containing all of those, plus a carry on containing your clothes. There is also a maximum weight to consider, and yes I have seen them weigh hand baggage too.

Thank you for the replies.

>>Are you planning on carrying this bag around during travel in Europe? If so, leather can be heavy, and the bag doesn't look very secure. (But it is cute.)

Nah, just for the plane/train. It actually has a cross body strap which may make it a *bit* more comfortable. Probably not much though. If I do carry it, I certainly won't be carting around all the items I plan on having in it while I'm on the plane. (iPad, flats, scarves, etc)

>>so one of those, not a bag containing all of those

The bag will act as my purse, so are they going to consider it a purse *and* a laptop bag if I carry my laptop or iPad in there? Or a purse *and* a camera bag if I carry my camera in it? Then what?

I don't want to end up having to check my carry on, that's the whole point of doing carry on only travel. I just want to maximize what I can carry on

I have no problem staying within the weight limits for the carry on, I guess now I have to make sure this bag in particular fits under the seat.

PS:I was also told that sometimes the carry on and weight requirements flying *back* to the US are different. Can anyone confirm?

I don't think anyone can give you any guarantees--though I am certain it will be considered one bag, you just don't want to call attention to your other carry on if space is tight. A lot depends on the flight crew. You might be better off with a tote bag or some kind of "squishable" bag (lesportsac bags are good). Your personal item will be fine no matter what, but there are definitely no guarantees with a carryon like a rollaboard. I have had them gate checked when the flight is full.

I carry something very similar and use it as my purse. I put anything I want to access during the flight. Tablet, shawel etc. It counts as my personal item. I see women carrying purses that are much bigger.

I also bring a 1/2 size roller bag that I put a change of clothing and necessities for the 1st day.

Thanks! My carry on is only a 21", gosh I hope I don't have to check it. I don't mind checking it on the trip home, i just don't want to have to deal with it on the way there..

I have done this very thing on AA and Aer Lingus without any issues. What I use is squishable like a diaper bag. I usually also have a small carry-on. Good luck!

Depends on your flights, planes and gate agents. The standard for carry-ons for many european airlines is 19" - including handle and wheels - and I have seen many US-standard size wheelies have to be gate checked on flights within or returning from europe.

When I started doing Switz a lot I got a 19" wheelie - good for 2/3 day trips - just to avoid the gate checking.

Sorry - my "personal item" is always either a computer bag or a mid size Sportsac - very squishable.

>>>>many european airlines is 19"
MANY? Really? Oh dear

KLM site says "Maximum Dimensions of Carry-on Luggage: 21.5in x 10in x 13.5in"

*crosses fingers*

You should be okay for the flight TO Europe. I can't see KLM worrying about the size at the gate, unless the bins are overloaded.

For the return, you may have more problems. KLM agents do often eyeball luggage. For the most part, they will weigh most roll-aboards, since virtually every single one will fail the weight limit test. At that point they may make you check.

The easiest way around this, though, is to simply never let the agent see your luggage. Check-in online or at a kiosk and avoid the agents altogether. Once you are at the gate, they are simply not going to fuss with it, unless they need the space.

This strategy has never failed me, and I fly KLM and their partner-in-crime Air France a fair bit. My roll-aboard is alwyas overweight and I always have a second, disallowed, personal item and nobody has every questioned it at the gate.

In my EXP{ERIENCE here is what matters more than the airline website, what anybody thinks, says, does, etc>:

whether or not that person scanning the boarding passes at the end of the jetway CARES and makes an issue of it. It can be as big as a house and if they don't say anything you're probably home free. Whether it actually fits into an overhead bin (you've undoubtedly witnessed those struggles and wondered what were they thinking?) much less under a seat seems irrelevant.

I've also found it useful to have a light coat or some such item draped over the carry-on heading for the plane - it can somewhat disguise the dimensions, and remember to hold it high and confidently so that it doesn't look as heavy as it really is.

Mind you - THE MOST Uncomfortable flight I have ever been n was domestic from San Fran to DC - it was packed with passengers, all of who seemed to be carrying more than the allowable carry-on.
Overhead lockers filled quickly - all my carry-on finished up under the seat if front of me, as did that of a large number of other passengers. It was hard to get out of seats when necessary, and passengers were carrying jackets, etc in their laps for most of the flight - which obstructed the aisle.

I am actually a fan of checking baggage, and carrying on only what it is necessary to carry - have only ever had one problem when we travelled on separate domestic flights, and my bag was delivered to my hotel first thing the next morning after travelling from Melbourne to Perth then back to Sydney while I slept.

>>>>many european airlines is 19"
I have not found this to be the case, not even with Ryanair who must be the least generous in hand luggage, their max is 21.5". If the flight is full they may ask you to check in the hand luggage at the gate, but this is not because your luggage is an inch over the specified dimensions.


>>>>>KLM site says "Maximum Dimensions of Carry-on Luggage: 21.5in x 10in x 13.5in"

Exactly, go by the website info. It also says that the max dimensions should be 45" inc wheels/handles, in case your luggage isn't the exact width/depth specified.

Yes, have brought such on.

I have seen carry -ons bigger than mine (21-10-13) on KLM and Air France....no one payed any attention.