Carry-On Luggage with FlightWise by Lands’ End plus giveaway

Airlines sure knew how to increase their revenue when they added those horrid checked luggage fees. What they didn’t count on was how frugal we really are in the United States. I personally downsized my own packing procedures by choosing shoes and clothes to coordinate a bit better with other items of clothing being packed.

Lands’ End saw a need to help consumers with their compact packing needs and developed an entire line of luggage that is not only sturdy, but will fit in the overhead compartments of an airplane. I recently tested out each piece of luggage on various types of travel and I was impressed by just how much I could fit into the new FlightWise Carry-On Luggage by Lands’ End.

These items make great gifts for yourself or that special someone who travels. Plus, with Lands’ End, you can even get these items monogrammed and gift wrapped. Also, each bag comes with a TSA approved travel kit. I did take one of these through security and it passed the test. Here’s a break down of each item so that you can find the best piece of luggage to add to your own travel collection.

FlightWise Carry-on Duffel Bag: I brought this carry-on bag with me to BlogWorld and New Media Expo in Las Vegas. This was actually used as my backup bag that I folded and packed inside one of my other bags. I used it to bring back all the un-needed items I purchased for the family. This item comes in five colors and weighs 1lb 11oz. The outer pockets aren’t very deep, but the interior holds more than you would think.

FlightWise 22″ Carry-on Upright: This wheeled carry-on bag went with me on a number of trips, from a road trip to a flight to St. Louis. There is a padded outer pocket to place your laptop, making the trip through security a breeze. Be careful when packing because if you overstuff the bag, as I did on one trip, it is harder to place the telescoping handle back in its place. The bag itself is much lighter than I expected when first picking it up. There are two interior pockets and I was even able to place a few of those bulky press kits inside one of the outer pockets. It is available in five colors. I have the Chile Pepper to match my car, RedBugg. The size is just right for a 3-5 day trip.

FlightWise Carry-on Wheeled Duffel: This wheeled carry-on bag rivals the 22″ upright for space, but is still a duffel bag and not as fashionable for this mama. My husband really liked it, as did my son, making this a great choice for the man traveler. This bag comes in four colors and has a velcro closure on the handles. Once packed the ends snap down to secure and there is a telescoping handle for rolling. I wouldn’t advise carrying as a normal duffel, but to take advantage of the rollers.

FlightWise Carry-on Trip Tote: This carry-on luggage tote is the perfect size to fit under the seat or in the overhead of a smaller, regional jet. It has two outer pockets and offers space for a small purse, laptop, reading materials, and a change of clothing. It comes with a shoulder strap and is offered in four colors. It is lightweight at 1lb 11oz.

FlightWise Carry-on Softsided Bag: Call me a gear geek, but I think the softsided bag is my favorite carry-on luggage of the entire line. I took this bag on an overnight flight to a media event near New York. I was able to pack a cocktail dress, heels, pjs, toiletries, and return outfit. Plus, this bag can be carried one of three ways, with hand strap, shoulder strap, or as a backpack. There is a padded compartment for a laptop and I even had space in the corners for my charging plugs and small electronics. The only downside is that it comes in just three manly colors – no red. No problem though, as I can have it monogrammed in a variety of bold colors.

FlightWise Carry-on Backpack: This bag has been added to my personal list of no-head bopping backpacks. The width isn’t so wide that you would hit other passengers in the head as you walk down the aisle of the aircraft. It offers a padded interior pocket for a laptop and has other space to fit a few changes of clothing. The backpack has two outer pockets and has padded straps for comfort. It fits nicely in either the overhead bin or under your seat. It is available in three colors.

Lands’ End sent me the entire line of luggage for review purposes and I’m giving you a chance to win a Lands’ End FlightWise BackPack in Canyon Orange. Just leave a comment on this post stating where you’d take this backpack. One reader will be randomly chosen. Entries are limited to US residents, ages 18 or older. Contest closes at 11:59 pm CST on December 3, 2010. Former and current contributors of TravelingMamas.com not eligible to enter.

Shannon Hurst Lane lives in south Louisiana and loves spontaneous road trips with her family or a solo mama getaway. She's the creator of TravelingMamas.com with a mission to inspire moms to get out there and explore our world. Google+

CajunMama

View all posts by CajunMama
Shannons website

Related posts: