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Airline personal item recommendations

41 replies

FriendlyNeighbourhoodAccountant · 09/07/2024 19:24

Looking for a bag, as a gift for my mum. She's mid 50s and went without a lot when we were growing up so I'd love to find a nice birthday present. She recently went on holiday with a friend and I know she was a bit gutted about not having a nice "airline personal item" sized bag compared to the friend with whom she went away and having to use a rucksack instead. I just want to treat her.

I'm not a bag person but something Radley esque, that kind of style. Big enough for phone, purse, the clear liquids bag, a book maybe. Not huge but not tiny. Budget up to £100 or so.

Thanks in advance.

OP posts:
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PostPopper · 09/07/2024 19:40

Longchamp Le Pilage is very popular

FriendlyNeighbourhoodAccountant · 09/07/2024 19:46

PostPopper · 09/07/2024 19:40

Longchamp Le Pilage is very popular

Thanks, I saw that one but it didn't feel "special enough" I think.

OP posts:
TheBizzies · 09/07/2024 20:33

Ah how lovely of you your mum will be so pleased she will have to book a holiday just to wear it 😉 😂

toenails · 09/07/2024 20:36

Product page (radley.co.uk)

Ever so slightly over your budget. Whatever you get, I agree with TheBizzies that this is such a kind idea. I'm slightly (ahem) older than your mum and I'd be so touched by this.

Product page

https://www.radley.co.uk/derby-street-small-ziptop-grab-h9130653-ic-ss24#H9130653

MissBridgetJones · 09/07/2024 20:42

Firstly, what a lovely gesture

I'm mid-40's and would be more into a leather tote.

This is a bargain:

I found this at John Lewis & Partners. What do you think?  https://www.johnlewis.com/ted-baker-jorjina-leather-tote-bag/black/p5934350?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&sshare=jlappioss_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5LkNvcHlUb1Bhc3RlYm9hcmQ=

CharlotteStreetW1 · 09/07/2024 20:49

FriendlyNeighbourhoodAccountant · 09/07/2024 19:46

Thanks, I saw that one but it didn't feel "special enough" I think.

I have one (I think they look good) and it's the most practical carry-on I've ever used and I fly a lot. I have a similar one from Brics which has the sleeve to go over a suitcase handle and also comes with a small crossbody bag.

www.wardow.com/uk/brics-x-collection-tote-bag-bxg45071-322-uk.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=surfaces&utm_campaign=shopping_free_UK&utm_content=free%20google%20shopping%20clicks&srsltid=AfmBOop__kxiweBmOtuTgyMbawj4m2yIt0NPUnVK0M5g1u6vwAueUCGoxUo

MissBridgetJones · 09/07/2024 20:49

Or this?

I found this at John Lewis & Partners. What do you think?  https://www.johnlewis.com/white-stuff-hannah-leather-tote-bag-mid-tan/p111471315?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&sshare=jlappioss_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5LkNvcHlUb1Bhc3RlYm9hcmQ=

pambeesleyhalpert · 09/07/2024 20:50

I love the katie loxton bags, her weekend bags are gorgeous and fit a lot in and you can personalise

FriendlyNeighbourhoodAccountant · 09/07/2024 21:38

Thank you everyone! Going to look through the links now.

OP posts:
BotterMon · 09/07/2024 21:42

Michael Kors has a really good sale on with some lovely bigger bags that would still stash under an airplane seat.

Patagonia21 · 09/07/2024 21:53

https://www.antler.co.uk/products/chelsea-overnight-bag-sage

I have this one and love it. It has a pocket which slides through a suitcase handle so can be wheeled around without it falling off. Slightly over budget.

Your mum will be thrilled with whatever you choose. There are some great suggestions here

Chelsea Overnight Bag Sage (Green) | Lifestyle Bags | Antler UK

A smart and premium overnight bag for travel. Perfect for hand luggage, with a shoulder strap, laptop pocket and back sleeve to slot over a suitcase handle.

https://www.antler.co.uk/products/chelsea-overnight-bag-sage

wibdib · 10/07/2024 03:06

Have a look at miatui.com - a wide variety of different bags, well designed with a bright blue inside to make it easier to find things and lots of pockets and sections to make it easy to keep yourself really organised.

they also do packing cubes and good sponge bags and bag inserts to make it even easier to keep organised and sorted with all her luggage!

Emma8888 · 10/07/2024 03:44

I'm a big fan of zip up tote bags for travel - I have some Kate Spade ones in various colours like this: https://www.katespadeoutlet.com/products/kitt-nylon-large-tote/KC455-001.html?KSNY=true&src=extra20&ogmap=PLA%7CACQ%7CGOOG%7CSTND%7Cm%7CSITEWIDE%7CSurprise%7CKSOTLLGooglePLAASignalNAACAPMaxxNABAU%7CSitewideeRegularCoreeNA%7C%7C20582472937%7C%7CCA&utmsource=google&utmmmedium=cpc&utmcampaign=KSSOTLGoogleePLASignallNACAAPMAXNAABAU&gadsource=1&gbraid=0AAAAADJUeEWOIzYBGC3vnbmUuMwN3WcHY&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjZPNybmbhwMVEVjjAR0hOQhBEAQYAiABEgIWHDDBwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

They are nylon so wipe clean, and zip completely so you don't need to worry about someone dipping their hand in to grab items while on trains / buses, etc. They fit the personal item sizing on all the planes I have been on recently.

BigMandyHarris · 10/07/2024 04:06

PostPopper · 09/07/2024 19:40

Longchamp Le Pilage is very popular

I find mine invaluable and always use it for flying/days out etc. it’s my go to bag and has been for years. A timeless classic

holyguacamolebatman · 10/07/2024 06:34

how about a pompom bag? lots of different colours & sizes......with lots of pockets 😀

Notquitethere60 · 10/07/2024 06:38

I personally don’t like the radley bags at all. Very thoughtful of you to buy a bag for her. I have a leather Longchamp bag but would tend to use an Amazon back bag for travel on a plane. I think miatui is a good idea. No one is really looking at what bag you use at the airport.

Pinkstanley · 10/07/2024 06:48

Mia Tui would be worth a look. I have one as my flight bag. I prefer it to the big hole that is a longchamp.

Rina66 · 10/07/2024 06:49

I think Katie Loxton are great, especially if you get her initials on it. I'd go for a matching set, tote (which can also double up as a pool bag), cross body (she'll use everyday at home) and a little pouch (doubles up as an evening clutch) - all three bags can be monogrammed and you get 10% off your first order.

katieloxton.com/travel-tote-bag-in-mink

Isabelle70 · 10/07/2024 07:35

I am a similar age and would be happy to travel with a Longchamp or a MaiTui.
I would also get a bag that she can use at home as well rather than saving just for holidays.

Mongrelsrbeautiful · 10/07/2024 08:07

MissBridgetJones · 09/07/2024 20:49

Lovely

Tanaqui · 10/07/2024 08:13

Definitely recommend getting ine with a suitcase sleeve, they are insanely handy at the airport for walking around and in the loo as it means you can easily put them down. (Am your mums age)

Starlight1979 · 10/07/2024 08:59

I have a couple of bags (clutch and saddle) from Will Bees and I've also bought them as gifts for MIL, aunties and friends. You can personalise them with their name / initials.

I've been to the actual shop in Salcombe and it's absolutely beautiful - everything is leather or suede and handmade in the store and it smells AMAZING!

They are a bit pricier than what you've said your budget is but maybe as a combined Birthday / Christmas present???

Will Bees Bespoke

Personalised luxury bags, accessories & gifts | Will Bees Bespoke UK

Womens & mens personalised accessories & gifts, handmade in our Salcombe workshop in Devon, England.

https://willbeesbespoke.com/

RivkaTheBold · 10/07/2024 09:11

TKMaxx have Radley and Kate Spade bags in and are usually pretty cheap

You can go in and have a good look at sizes too.

TheNinjaWife · 10/07/2024 09:26

If you are anywhere near a Samsonite retail store it may be worth a look. I’m your mum’s age, travel often and purchased a stone coloured, zip up, leather tote from a store about 18m ago. RRP around £190 and I paid £60.
it is very smart looking, no big labels, multiple pockets and fits to the handle of a wheeled suitcase.