The reason you can pack a 26" in the overhead is you don't need to overstuff it like the 22". I've had the 26" 5 years now, no problem with gate agents out of uniform nor putting in the overhead of a crj. Only problem is that damn foam handle grip, I've gone through two so far.

 

I use the 26 to pack for 14 to 18 day trips and i love it. It is the same width and depth as the 22 so unless it is looked at carefully, one would think it is a 22 and you won't have a problem with it as a carry-on unless you're traveling on a foreign carrier. Even then, you still have a good chance to use it as a carry-on. I also have a 22 and it is adequate for 7 to 10 days.

 

22" ABS here, mostly CAL, SWA, and NWA. While it will fit in the RJ and CRJ overhead bins, gate agents won't let it as it might set a bad example for the other pax. Whatever.

I find if you use the 3 oz bottle of hair gel, the ipod NANO, and put the raybans in the kit bag, your 22" is just fine for a week or longer trip.

 

The 22 is the way to go. Holds a weeks worth of stuff and you never have to worry about a gate agent or FA giving you crap! Plus if I ever need more room I just pack some things in the clip on carry bag that they sell, but I hardly ever use it unless I'm going on vacation for over a week. You will learn when you start to pack a lot that you never use half the stuff you bring anyways. My suitcase for a 4 day consists of uniforms, tshirts and board shorts. Never have time to wear anything else.

 

I have the 737 Stealth and I can pack all I need for a 4 day trip. The regular 22 is one inch wider and gives a little more room. It also gives you the option of a Laptop pocket and "stability strap" those are nice at times. I've flown with pilots that have the 26" and they told me that they have not encountered any problems.

 

Not sure what you mean by overstuffing unless one packs like the a girl. But the fact is the 26" won't go in to an overhead wheels in or wheels out, it has to go sideways and take up the space of two bags. If you are JS'ing and getting on last, it can be a PITA when the overheads are filling up.

I could see it for long haul/ACMI/two week (or longer) type stuff. But for the typical 3, 4 or 5 day trips, I can get all my clothes and my laptop in the 22" no problem. And thats not exploiting every external pocket on the bag.

 

That's a very good point, many airlines want the jumpseater to be one of the last ones to board and unfortunately it means the overhead bins will be very stuffed already. Now, if you know for sure that you'll be riding mainly on RJs where most carry-ons are side checked and loaded in the belly of the aircraft, I'd say go for the 26, it's always nice to have extra space.

A couple of times I saw jumpseaters leave their bags on the floor in the cockpit even though they had a seat in the back. I remember one time where I had a ticket and was already seated there was a jumper who simply could not find any space for his regular sized 22 inch bag, imagine if it was an oversized 26 inch bag?

A flight attendant and myself were trying to help him rearrange a few overhead bins to find some space for his bag but we just couldn't find any space (it was the Superduper 80). Finally the captain said to leave his bag in the cockpit which he did.

I look at jumpseating as a great privilege to all of us and try to stay out of the crew's way as much as I can, therefore in my opinion bringing a regular sized bag might help the boarding process some. However, if the 26 inch bag works for you - more power to you...

 

I might be willing to take that 26 off your hands for a fair price. I've had the 22 for 2 years and I am ready to dump it for a 26. I've flown with several guys who use the 26 and have no problem at all. To most people all pilot rollers look the same. Send me a PM if you're interested.

 

I see alot of 22" bags about to burst open I guess those guys are bunch of girls. I've never owned a 22" so I really don't want to get into "my bag is better" gripe. You are right about the bag going in sidways, but I commute on crj's so I just take up 4" more in the bin. In some cases I just gate check it also, no big deal for me. I'm just happy to get a ride.

 

Anyone else notice Luggage Works/Purdy Neat Luggage is going down hill. They are using cheaper material, and their warranty has gone from LIFETIME to almost nonexistent. Prices however are steady as a rock... This market needs competition bad. Don't know.. Just an opinion!