Hes taking a 45l hiking bag for hand luggage

[FriedBrainFood]

Were a family of 4, me, OH, DS 6, and LO baby.
Flying out tommrow I will have LOs changing bag with all his bits and bobs. DS will have his little backpack with spare change of clothes, teddy and colouring. OH usually takes a grey normal sized backpack where we put doucments, snacks and other bits as hand luggage. We've used the bag on other flights it's also wearable for both of us (even though he has this obsession of hanging everything off it.) We are also taking 2 hold luggage and stroller.

Earlier I told OH that we need to put something in the grey bag he said I'm taking my new bag, I asked which one he said it's in the other room, I went and had a look and it's a FUCKING 45L hiking bag with waist straps and just a monstrosity. I said we dont need such a big bag there barley enough seating room. Plus I will have baby in the baby carrier, so will struggle to carry other things. Especially If ASD DS6 has a meltdown and I have to carry him.

From the past few holidays Ive realised for us it's best not to have lots of hand luggage as we never get space in the overhead compartments despite how early we get to our seats, so we've had to put stuff under the seats. OH is also overweight and takes up a bit of extra room, he ends up squashing me most of the time, he always leaves his puffa coat on for the whole flight and just looks uncomfortable. He eventually takes it off but there never any space so he tries to shove it behind my seat for me to use as a cushion, which I dont want, as I'll be holding baby so less room anyway. I've tried to explain myself and the reasons but hes adamant hes going to take it.

I had sorted the bags on friday so everything was manageable but now last minute hes decided take that hideous hiking bag. Hes not packed a single thing, I've done everything, even packed his crap. I'm just fucking pissed off with this type of shit that he does. He always does random shit like this last minute. He doesnt even hike, he hates walking. He won't ever use that bag again. I'm just festering because i know exactly what will happen tomorrow because hes so predictable but as always it will end up being my fault.

This is the bag.

The bag won't be full to the brim. However it's still large and bulky

What are the actual dimensions.

Yep - and he needs to measure it filled with all the stuff he intends to take, not half empty. My 30L walking rucksack is OK as cabin baggage, just about, but I don’t stuff it to bursting point. A 45L is much bigger and it sounds as though your dh doesn’t pack light (why on earth does he hang things off his rucksack?!)

The tresspass site has that backpack measuring as 60cm x 36cm x 26cm. Check that against jet2 allowance

Sound ms like you are bringing 3 children on holidays. Good luck!

My DP has a similar bag which he takes on holiday instead of a suitcase. We’ve flown with numerous airlines, including Jet2 and it always has to be checked in at the oversized baggage desk

@FictionalCharacter I have no idea but I swear he looks like those one man band people that play instruments. Literally jangling as he walks

Sounds to me that the real excess baggage is your OH.

I've flown with my hiking rucksack as a cabin bag. It's by far easier than having a handbag and cabin bag.

As long as it fits what's needed and is within the weight and height requirements then there's no issue. Obviously it is an issue if it's too big or heavy.

They sometimes say that cabin bags end up being put in the hold on busier flights, but in my experience they usually pick the people who have a handbag and a cabin sized suitcase, not the people with one backpack.

Jet 2 are getting tighter.due to too much abuse. I know.one.ofnthe ground crew in Leeds. They are now using those easyjet baggage measures things and will refuse to allow it on if to big and charge this year. He only mentioned it in terms.of DH medical bag which they do allow as extra hand luggage and to make sure I had the permission letter. I'd measure.it too big and it's in the hold for a.fee

''he always leaves his puffa coat on for the whole flight and just looks uncomfortable. He eventually takes it off but there never any space so he tries to shove it behind my seat for me to use as a cushion, which I dont want, as I'll be holding baby so less room anyway. ''

Tell him leave the jacket behind too or put it under his arse!!

And yes it sounds like the bag is way too big

Sniggers 🫢

Jet 2 were OK with my 25litre Berghaus but it was too big to go under the seat in front and was tagged as having to go into the locker.

It doesn't matter just say 'yes dear' and then he has to check it in later - not your circus. Don't let him stuff his coat behind you either.

I can't contribute anything helpful but just wanted to say op, I was tearing up with laughter at your description of your OH particularly the puffer jacket and the items dangling from the bag. (Shoes? Camping frying pan?) I love it. saves thread

Hope it goes OK, in any case the flight is just a short proportion of the holiday! It'll be fab when you get there hopefully!

Your husband sounds to me like one of those dickheads on flights that everyone rolls their eyes at.

I recently flew with Jet2. Despite heated protest from one passenger, he had to relinquish his bag and it went into the hold. Jet2 will deal with the problem. Refuse to have his coat as a cushion, stand up to him. He can't make you have it.

I don't necessarily agree with your DHs approach to this if you've had a reasonable conversation about it. But how about you go the other way and fully embrace it? Put everything in the hiking bag and make your DH responsible for it all.

I would also suggest putting a lightweight fold-down type bag inside the hiking carrier to in case it gets rejected at check-in. Then you can pull out the changing bits you'll need for the flight. Or is it possible to pack the changing bag in the hiking bag? Just be clear with your DH that the bag is now his responsibility. Same as with the puffa coat. Make him the one who has to deal with the discomfort and he'll think twice next time.

Could I ask why you are packing for him? Just don't.

Stop packing for him. This isn't 1950 🙄

All I know is that I wouldn't put anything I might need in that bag. I'd be sure I had everything for me and DC in bags that I KNOW are going to work as carryons. If he has to check it because it's oversize at least it'd only be his shit in the hold.

NRTWT but just pay the extra to bring it as it sounds from the OP you’re struggling with hand luggage for a holiday with two children and two adults. I can understand him thinking you need more u less I’ve missed something, our family would also need more.

I hope you have a safe and lovely trip.

@Earlystartsmakemegrumpy did you realise you replied to the op by firstly copying in the whole entire op?

Not saying it’s ideal for your scenario with the kids etc but me and my other half always take 40L backpacks on as cabin bags. We don’t take suitcases and all of our luggage fits in for a 5 days winter break for about 8kg but can do around 10 days worth of stuff for a summer holiday for around 8kg too. The straps pull in from all angles and it compresses the bag and it does fit into the required sizing. Might not suit everyone but the bag capacity (45L) sounds more dramatic than it actually is.

Depends if it's full. Mine has straps so it becomes quite small. I have taken it on many trips as hand luggage and fit all my clothing in it.