EVER since the roller bag was patented in 1970, one truism seemed to apply to air travel: Why carry when you can pull? But I rethought this notion on a recent trip in which my discount fare excluded overhead bin privileges. Now I know: A small backpack is the way to go.

Light packing. Knowing I would carry this stuff, I brought essentials only.

No double-bagging. My backpack has a space for my laptop, so my messenger bag stayed at home. Security was a breeze.

No fumbling. Roller bags can be awkward on escalators, sidewalks and buses.

No gate check. No airline agent will slap a tag on your backpack and make you wait for it on the jet bridge. —Jim Lenahan