I just wanted to add, whether you decide yes or no is your call. If you do it, I strongly recommend city precautions (my usual): I almost always wear crossbody or somewhat closed, on the crook of the arm in FRONT of my body. (A 30B is not latched shut, but my items are secured on the bottom; topped with a scarf; and, turned logo towards my body. The bag does not leave my person nor dangle behind me. I don’t leave it on a tabletop; hanging onto the back of my chair; on top of my wheeled luggage; or (as my MIL, who is from Maine, does, on the FLOOR). In a restaurant, my FIL will sometimes place his bag on a sideboard or hook more than a few feet from our table. He says it’s still in his line of sight. That makes me crazy, but I cannot police other people Lol.
In a restaurant, it’s closed and placed either directly against my side in a chair with closed sides or (as per style, still crossbody) on my lap (napkin over). Occasionally, it will be between my back and the chair back, but only if no one can walk behind me. In posh restaurants where a bag chair is provided, i move the bag chair against my seat and a wall, or otherwise out of the way. I still have a mental debate as to whether an unobtrusive bag hook is a good idea or not. I haven’t succumbed, but if I did. The hook would be between me and DH assuming we are seated facing outwards so the body of the bag is concealed by a tablecloth And inaccessible to walkers by.
I should note that bc of these practices, and bc DH and I only travel with carry on luggage (even in a month long european trip), I prefer bags that are small and don’t take up much room (The
Loewe mini puzzle or the men’s dior saddle — the latter zipped and snapped — are adjustable crossbody and can be smooshed flat or worn close to the body) have lived in NYC, or another urban center, for almost five decades, and I am 54, with no incidents, including pickpockets, knock wood. I take the same precautions wherever I am. Of course, everyone is different and YMMV
