For the last 15 years or more, if at all possible DH and I use carryon luggage only. Both of us have backpacks (Jansport, dating from a 40 year ago summer in Australia, and Osprey) that fit under the seat in front of us in case greedy bastids use up all the overhead bins. We also take along clothing that is, while nice enough to be worn, on its last legs. We wear it where we don’t have to impress anyone, like if we are spending all day driving or hiking, and abandon it at the end with impunity.
We had a couple of episodes where this proved very beneficial. On one flight, the overhead bin above us was too small for even a rolling suitcase, but perfectly fit DH’s backpack, giving extra leg room. We also ditched 2/3 of the clothes we brought with us on a 3 week trip to Britain, and filled up the one checked bag with souvenirs. This made the customs agent very nonplussed, as most of it was tabletop minis we couldn’t get in the US.
