So far this year, Ive traveled to six countriesand each time Ive checked a bag. Why? Because I knew my carry-on luggage, including my beloved Bis Carry-On, was designed for domestic flights and too big for international flights. Thankfully, with my frequent flier status, I can check my bags for free, so I wasnt stuck spending a fortune. But sometimes I want the flexibility and security of having my bag onboard with meespecially after nonstop headlines last year about a record number of lost or delayed bags (ones that never made their connection). Plus, who wants to waste time waiting at baggage claim? Imagine my delight when I learned about the Bis Front Pocket Carry-On Roller international-sized bag, part of its Commuter Collection.
What is the Bis Front Pocket Carry-On?
Designed for early-career professionals and seasoned business travelers alike, the Bis Commuter Collection includes the brands first official international luggage: the Front Pocket Carry-On. Not only does it meet (most of) the international sizing restrictions, but it doubles as a briefcase, thanks to the handy front pocket with a laptop pocket.
This bag is smaller than a domestic carry-on, so smart packing is more important than ever. But knowing that space is at a premium, Bis recommends pairing it with the other items in the collectionincluding The Commuter Tote (which Reader’s Digest also loves), The Commuter Backpack, The ID Crossbody, The Belt Bagand The Duffleto ensure you have all the space you need for an overseas trip.
VIA MERCHANTI Tried It
Bis Front Pocket Carry-On
Bis has released its first official international luggage for the ultimate overseas travel companion.
Bis Front Pocket Carry-On features
There are many features on the Bis Front Pocket Carry-On to get excited about, most notably the front pocket. Its a first for Bis and well organized, which makes for super-convenient access to your laptop as theres a dedicated sleeve. Two pen sleeves and two other open pouches are also helpful for your chargers, phone or snacks. Theres even space for a book.
I appreciate all the interior organizational toolssomething I found lacking in my Away Bigger Carry-On suitcase. This Bis bag offers two larger pouches and two other zippered areas for separating items and staying organized. And the two drawstring pouches are ideal for dirty clothes, shoes or undergarments.
Finally, the compression strap system really allows you to make the most of your space, especially when paired with packing cubes. I try not to stuff them to the gills on my outbound flight so that I have room for souvenirs on the way home.
How I tested it
My first trip with the Bis Front Pocket Carry-On was a weekend staycation in the next town over. I was able to fit five shirts, one skirt, two dresses, one pair of pajamas, one bathing suit, one cover-up, one jumper, two pairs of jeans, one jean jacket, two pairs of shoes, one clutch and one tripod inside. Not bad at all, but there was no room for my toiletries bag or any hair tools. My 13-inch laptop fit nicely in the front pocket (I checked and my fiancs 16-inch laptop just barely fit), alongside some chargers and other odds and ends. Keep in mind that the front pocket isn’t part of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) locks, though.
Next, my fianc and I took a road trip to northern Arizona from our home in Phoenix. We were going glamping at Under Canvas Grand Canyon, and I knew the bags chic design and neutral tones would pair well with our natural tent aesthetic. I was able to fit several pairs of leggings and hiking pants, two sweatshirts, a few T-shirts and long-sleeve shirts, undergarments and a small toiletries bag inside. However, I needed to stuff my hiking boots, coat and other glamping necessities into a separate bag (we didnt bring electronics or hair tools, as there was no electricity at this property).
For my third outing with the bag, I took a Cathay Pacific flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Hong Kong to Bangkok. Much to my delight, I was upgraded to a lie-flat seat in business class on the way there, so my Bis bag got to enjoy its own first-class accommodations in its own private overhead bin. On the way back home, however, I was stuck in coach and my bag still fit nicely in that shared overhead bin. I was incredibly impressed with the thick padding under the handle, which helped keep my hand comfortable while gliding it around multiple countries and airports.
And finally, I just returned from a Viking River Cruise along the Seine in France, and my Bis bag came along for the journey once againI purposely kept it half empty on the way there so I could fill it up with souvenirs on the way home. It fit nicely in a shared bin in economy on American Airlines in both directions and held more souvenirs than I had even imagined (there was still room for more!).
Pros
- Front zippered compartment has a laptop pocket, pen pockets, and pockets
- Weight limit indicator
- 360-degree wheels
- TSA locks
- Durable, hard-sided polycarbonate
- Retractable bag with attached strap holds up to 15 pounds
- Separate pouch for dirty clothes
- Four-point compression straps and detachable compression flap
- U-zip pocket with mesh packet
- One-zip pocket, one frosted polyvinyl chloride (PVC) zip pocket and one smaller zip pouch
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- A bit heavier and more expensive than the regular Bis Carry-On Roller
- Only comes in two colors
FAQ
What size is an international carry-on?
As a general rule of thumb, the standard size requirements for most domestic airlines for your larger carry-on is around 22 by 14 by 9 inches. This is true for Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Jet Blue and United Airlines. Southwest and Frontier Airlines allow for 24 x 16 x 10 inches, giving you a little more room.
By comparison, the following international carriers allow:
Aer Lingus: 21.5 by 15.5 by 9.5 inches
Aeromexico: 21.5 by 15.7 by 10 inches
Air Canada: 21.5 by 15.5 by 9 inches
Air France: 21.6 by 13.7 by 9.8 inches
British Airways: 22 by 18 by 10 inches
Emirates: 22 by 15 by 8 inches (the Bis Front Pocket Carry-On may not fit)
Lufthansa: 21.5 by 15.5 by 9 inches
Qantas: 22 by 14 by 9 inches
Qatar: 20 by 15 by 10 inches (the Bis Front Pocket Carry-On will not fit)
Ryanair: 21.5 x 15.5 x 7.5 inches (the Bis Front Pocket Carry-On may not fit)
Virgin Atlantic: 22 x 14 x 9 inches
Do international airlines allow the Bis carry-on?
Many do, but it may be a bit too large for others, including Emirates, Qatar and Ryanair. Before you travel, its a wise idea to double-check with your airline to ensure youre in compliance, not only with luggage size but the weight limit, too (and that you understand carry-on allowances and any fees).
What other reviewers had to say
From over 160 ratings on Bis’ website alone, the Front Pocket Carry-On has an average of 4.9 out of five stars. Here’s what real-life shoppers have to say:
One Nordstrom buyer says, My goodness, I should have purchased this sooner. This carry-on roller is 100 times better than the one I used to have. It packs so efficiently that I had room to spare. I got a Bis backpack to go with it. Both make travel so easy.
Leslie, a verified buyer on the Bis’ website, says its perfect for hot girl European summer since she was used to having to gate-check her Bis Carry-On Roller for previous trips with European airlines. The front pocket was a great lifesaver for last-minute things I had to slip in while packing between hotels and Airbnb. I had no issues with RyanAir or Iberia airlines, she says.
And Kristin, another Bis verified buyer, writes, This bag is perfection! It is the correct size for international and domestic travel and I was able to bring it onto several different airlines with zero issues (Lufthansa, Swiss Air, United, American Airlines) and it fits in the overhead compartment. The inside is incredibly well organized and the compression straps are such a game changer! Get it you wont regret it!
Product comparison
By and large, this bag is nearly identical to the Bis Carry-On. The only differences are the brilliant addition of the front pocket and the scaled-down size. The Bis Carry-On has a capacity of 49 to 61 liters and the dimensions are 15.7 by 22.8 by 9.8 inches.
The Bis Front Pocket Carry-On measures 13.5 by 21.5 by 9 inches (so its a few inches smaller) and has a capacity of just 47 liters. You need to be a strategic packer and committed to living the carry-on lifestyle in order to get away with using this bag as your sole piece of luggage on an overseas trip. It holds several fewer outfits (its a great time to lean into a capsule wardrobe), so you may find that youll need to do a load of laundry to get through a full week.
Final verdict
Ive now taken the Bis Front Pocket Carry-On on trips to Asia and Europe and foresee it coming back to Europe with me again next month. But because Ive never mastered light packing for multi-week international trips, Ive been using this bag in conjunction with a larger checked bag. I bring it onboard to hold a couple of extra outfits in case I get delayed while in transit, gear I dont want to check (like my tripod and binoculars) and a handful of items to make my long-haul flights more comfortableand I leave extra room for purchases made during my travels.
In my ongoing internal debate about Away vs. Bis luggage, Bis still comes out ahead because of the internal pockets, padded handle and weight limit indicatorthough Away does claim that its smallest bag, The Carry On, meets almost any major airlines size requirements, including some international carriers Bis may not.
Where to buy the Bis Front Pocket Carry-On
Once youve got your flight booked and your passport ready, all youll need to do is grab the Bis Front Pocket Carry-On on the brands website, Revolve or Nordstrom for $248.
VIA MERCHANTI Tried It
Bis Front Pocket Carry-On
This Bis luggage meets (most of) the international sizing restrictions you'll find on popular airlines.
The post I Took the Béis Front Pocket Carry-On on Multiple International Trips, and It’s a Winner appeared first on Reader's Digest.
