What It’s Like Traveling with a Longchamp Le Pliage Tote

Traveling can be exciting, but let’s face it—it’s also full of little challenges. Between packing the right things, getting through airport security, and keeping your essentials close, a good travel bag can make or break your trip. That’s where the Longchamp Le Pliage tote comes in.

I’ve been using my Le Pliage tote for years. It’s been my go-to carry-on, road trip companion, and even my weekend escape buddy. In this article, I’ll share what it’s really like traveling with a Longchamp Le Pliage, including tips, personal experiences, and answers to common questions like whether it can fit your laptop or qualify as a carry-on.

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Why I Bought My First Le Pliage Tote

I didn’t plan to buy a Longchamp bag. I was in the airport one day, frustrated that my shoulder bag kept sliding off, and my backpack was too bulky. A woman sitting near me looked calm and collected. She had a navy Le Pliage tote that sat perfectly under her seat.

We started chatting, and she told me she had owned hers for almost four years. It still looked nearly new.

When I landed, I ordered mine online.

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First Impressions: Lightweight but Strong

One of the best things about the Le Pliage tote is how light it feels—even when it’s full. The nylon material is sturdy but soft. The leather handles feel luxurious, yet simple. When I first got it, I wasn’t sure if it would hold up on longer trips, but it totally did.

My first real test? A five-day trip to Goa with only one personal item. I folded a change of clothes, makeup pouch, snacks, a water bottle, my phone charger, a book, and a shawl—all in this one tote.

It didn’t feel bulky or uncomfortable. It slid neatly under the airline seat, and I still had legroom.

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How Much Can It Really Carry?

Let me break it down. The standard Longchamp Le Pliage large tote can carry quite a bit. Here’s what I’ve packed before on various trips:

• 13” MacBook Air

• Portable charger and phone

• Wallet

• Water bottle

• Makeup bag

• Travel-size toiletries

• A scarf

• Sunglasses case

• Paperback book

• Snacks (because I’m always hungry)

And yes, it all fit—without bursting the zipper.

“It’s like Mary Poppins’ bag—stuff just keeps fitting,” my friend once joked after borrowing mine for a road trip.

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Can a Longchamp Bag Be a Carry-On?

Yes! Absolutely. In fact, many airlines allow it as a personal item. I’ve used my Le Pliage as a carry-on on flights with IndiGo, AirAsia, Emirates, and even a few budget airlines that are strict about bag sizes.

Because the bag is soft and flexible, it easily molds to the space under the seat in front of you. That means fewer dirty looks from flight attendants.

Just don’t overstuff it. A good rule is to keep the top zipper closed easily—if it’s bulging, you’ve packed too much.

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The Fold-and-Go Secret

One of the smartest design choices? It folds flat.

I sometimes pack my Longchamp tote inside my suitcase as a backup bag. So if I shop a little too much (which I usually do), I pull it out for the return trip and use it as my second bag.

Folding takes just a few seconds. Snap, tuck, and it’s the size of a small notebook.

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Rain? No Problem.

Another thing I love? The nylon fabric is water-resistant.

I’ve been caught in sudden rain more than once—especially during monsoon season in Mumbai. Everything inside stayed dry. I’ve even used it on beach days and wiped it clean afterward with a wet cloth.

You can’t do that with suede or canvas bags.

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Is It Comfortable for Long Hours?

Yes—and this surprised me. The leather straps are strong, but they don’t dig into your shoulder. Even after walking through airports, train stations, and cobbled streets in Europe, my shoulders were fine.

But here’s a quick tip: If your bag gets heavy, switch sides regularly. Or use a rolling suitcase for heavier stuff and let the tote carry just your essentials.

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Unique Travel Hacks Using the Le Pliage

Over time, I’ve learned a few tricks that make traveling with this bag even easier:

1. Use pouches to organize: The bag itself has only one small pocket. I use small zip pouches to organize toiletries, tech, and documents. This saves time at security checkpoints.\n\n2. Clip a luggage tag inside: In case you ever misplace it or need ID quickly.\n\n3. Attach a hand sanitizer keychain: Super useful and doesn’t ruin the leather.\n\n4. Add a base shaper: This keeps the bottom flat and helps the bag stand up when you set it down.

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Can a Laptop Fit in a Longchamp Bag?

Yes, most 13-inch and even some 15-inch laptops can fit in the standard large size. I carry my MacBook Air in a padded sleeve and it slips in perfectly.

But keep in mind: the bag isn’t padded. If you’re carrying a laptop, use a sleeve to protect it.

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How Does It Hold Up Over Time?

You’d think a lightweight nylon bag would fall apart after a year—but mine still looks amazing. A few signs of wear, but no broken zippers, no holes, and no tears.

The leather handles soften with time, which actually makes them feel nicer.

I’ve had mine for four years. It’s been to beaches, cities, weddings, and muddy road trips. It’s held up better than some of my leather bags.

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What Size Is the Longchamp Le Pliage Travel Bag?

There are multiple sizes, but for travel, the Large tote (Long Handle) is best. It measures about 12 x 12 x 7 inches (unfolded). It’s big enough for daily travel or a weekend getaway.

If you need something larger, Longchamp also makes expandable travel bags—but the classic tote remains the favorite for light travel.

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What About Style?

Let’s be honest—style matters when you travel. The Le Pliage comes in dozens of colors and seasonal prints. I have the classic navy (which goes with everything), but I’ve also seen people with bright red or pastel pink totes that look just as chic.

It’s one of those bags that’s elegant and practical. You can wear it with jeans or a dress, and it never looks out of place.

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Which Longchamp Bag Does Kate Middleton Use?

Yes, even Kate Middleton is a fan! She’s been spotted carrying the Longchamp Le Pliage Neo tote. It’s slightly more structured than the classic one and has a modern look with matte finishes.

So if it’s good enough for royalty, you know it’s a classy choice.

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Can a Longchamp Bag Be a Carry-On?

Yes, absolutely. The Longchamp Le Pliage tote is widely accepted as a personal item or carry-on by most airlines. It’s soft-sided and flexible, which makes it easy to fit under the seat in front of you.

I’ve used it as my personal item on both domestic and international flights—never had an issue, even with stricter budget airlines. Just be careful not to overfill it so the zipper can close easily.

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What Size Is the Longchamp Le Pliage Travel Bag?

The Large Le Pliage tote, which is the most popular size for travel, typically measures about 12 x 12 x 7 inches. It’s roomy enough for essentials like a laptop, makeup bag, charger, water bottle, and even a lightweight sweater or scarf.

There are also XL and expandable travel bags in the Le Pliage line if you need something bigger, but for most short trips or daily travel, the large tote works perfectly.

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Can a Laptop Fit in a Longchamp Bag?

Yes, most laptops up to 15 inches fit comfortably in the large Le Pliage tote. I personally use a 13-inch MacBook Air in a padded sleeve, and it slides in with plenty of room to spare for other items.

Just remember: the bag doesn’t come with built-in padding, so using a protective sleeve is important to keep your device safe.

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Which Longchamp Bag Does Kate Middleton Use?

Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has been spotted carrying the Longchamp Le Pliage Neo tote. This version of the classic tote has a slightly more structured look with a matte finish and thicker handles, giving it a more modern and polished feel.

It’s a stylish upgrade if you want something similar to the original but with a touch more elegance—clearly fit for royalty.

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Final Thoughts: Worth Every Penny

If you’re looking for a lightweight, durable, stylish, and practical travel bag, the Longchamp Le Pliage tote is an excellent choice. It fits more than it looks, keeps its shape, and works for just about any kind of travel.

From international flights to road trips and day tours, it’s become my must-have. I’ve recommended it to friends, family, and even random travelers who’ve asked about it in airport lounges.

Whether you’re traveling light or need a stylish extra bag on the go, this tote proves its worth again and again.

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