Carry-On Bags: What works and what doesn't?

In the TOM BIHN Forums thread "Western Flyer as personal item"....

ledrock asked: "I'm planning on taking my Aeronaut as my carry on bag, and I'm thinking of getting a Western Flyer to use as my personal bag/briefcase, but was wondering if anyone had encountered any problems with airlines claiming the W.F. is too large to be considered a personal bag."

travls replied: "I've used a Western Flyer on United once a month domestically since it came out. It's pretty loaded, including with a MacBook in a Brain Cell. I've been pleased that it always fits under the seat, even when there's one of those metal boxes for video on the aisle seats. It's a great choice for that application in my opinion, because everything zips up so there's no chance of having things fall out when repetitively stowing it and taking it out."

aiethabell offered a ton of great advice: "So, my suggestions: GET THERE EARLY. If you're boarding at the tail end of the call, the bins will already be full, and that's when the attendants onboard look for involuntary gate-checks."

BJ Nemeth added: "I always put my Aeronaut in the overhead bin, and my "personal item" has been (at different times) a Super Ego, a Brain Bag, and a Smart Alec -- all fully packed with a laptop, camera gear, and more. While I have seriously cut into my own foot room, I have never had a problem with flight attendants or other passengers."

And lpotr4, rabergnc, peregrina added their experiences. Read the full thread in the TOM BIHN Forums and consider adding your own experiences and advice.