What luggage to carry on Lion Air?

[Tim Clark Diving]

My wife and I are diving Raja, Komodo, and Bali in April/May. One leg has us on Lion Air from Bali to Maumere. Maximum carry on size is 40 cm x 30 cm x 20 cm. I can’t find a suitcase that small and would like to know what others are using? I want to carry my camera kit plus housing and two strobes. Is this even possible given their restrictions? We purchased extra checked baggage but I would prefer to not check my camera system. Thanks for any advice.

 

[boqurant]

40x30x20cm is an unusably small bag, I assume the weight limit is also something stupid like 7kg?

I tend to use a North Face Base Camp (Small, 50L) for carryon: the dimensions are larger, but assuming I dont fill it (and with only 7kg to play with, I simply can't) then it cinches down pretty well to get close enough to the dimension requirements. There's an XS (31L) version too even smaller.

TBH though these luggage restrictions are getting pretty ridiculous - might have to invest in a hollow beer belly

https://www.thenorthface.com/en-us/p/bags-and-gear/luggage-and-duffels/duffel-bags-224547/base-camp-duffels-50l-NF0A52ST

 

[VsubT]

We use the older version of this bag:

EC International

Light and tough, maximizes cube and gross available for carriers with these tight restrictions.

Lance

 

[Centrals]

(40x30x20)cm = 24L, so a 30L rucksack will do.
I have been travelling with a 30L pack for many many yrs as hand carry and it always fit under the seat in front.
However, photographic equipment is different story. But is it really necessary to pack the housing in hand carry?

 

[Tim Clark Diving]

40x30x20cm is an unusably small bag, I assume the weight limit is also something stupid like 7kg?

I tend to use a North Face Base Camp (Small, 50L) for carryon: the dimensions are larger, but assuming I dont fill it (and with only 7kg to play with, I simply can't) then it cinches down pretty well to get close enough to the dimension requirements. There's an XS (31L) version too even smaller.

TBH though these luggage restrictions are getting pretty ridiculous - might have to invest in a hollow beer belly

https://www.thenorthface.com/en-us/p/bags-and-gear/luggage-and-duffels/duffel-bags-224547/base-camp-duffels-50l-NF0A52ST

Duffle would be great except I want something with more protection for photo gear. I have a North Face rolling duffle for my checked bag and love it.

 

[Tim Clark Diving]

We use the older version of this bag:

EC International

Light and tough, maximizes cube and gross available for carriers with these tight restrictions.

Lance

Great bag but unfortunately even at the smallest size it is too large for Lion Air!

 

[Tim Clark Diving]

(40x30x20)cm = 24L, so a 30L rucksack will do.
I have been travelling with a 30L pack for many many yrs as hand carry and it always fit under the seat in front.
However, photographic equipment is different story. But is it really necessary to pack the housing in hand carry?

I have thought about getting a hard sided suitcase for my checked bag in which case I could check the housing and strobes. However, a friend also had her Nauticam housing stolen from her checked bag. I would rather not check my most expensive gear if I can find a way around it. Hoping others have flown Lion Air and can share how they got all their gear through.

 

[matts1w]

Rest assured boxes of Krispy Cream donuts will be allowed in the overheads....

I think you are talking a WIngs Air flight to Maumere? Why there? Wings Air are the small little prop planes. For sure there is not much space inside those guys.

 

[boqurant]

Duffle would be great except I want something with more protection for photo gear. I have a North Face rolling duffle for my checked bag and love it.

Those duffels are great eh. I cant think of other luggage options, but would it be so bad to have the camera / housing / strobes etc wrapped up in bubble wrap inside a small duffel? If it's on your back or a cubbyhole most of the time, I can't see it being that easy to damage...

 

[VsubT]

Great bag but unfortunately even at the smallest size it is too large for Lion Air!

Gotcha - saw Lion Air and didn't match up the dimensions you sent. We flew with these on Lion Air recently with no troubles at all, but we were on a jet route.

Lance