What do you pack in your carry-on?

[Planning fanatic mom]

I'm not sure if this is the right place for this thread.

We haven't flown since 2006. That's when our flight out of Atlanta was canceled. I didn't pack clothes, so we had no change of clothes until we met up with out luggage in Baltimore the next day.

So, what do you put in your carry-on?? I will have to check 2 bags and am using ME.

I have pencil and paper ready. Please help.

 

[beccasmom]

- Prescription medications
- Change of clothes, including maybe a bathing suit and a tshirt or similar to sleep in
- Electronic devices such as iPod, netbook, etc.
- A paperback or magazine
- Snacks - packs of crackers, fruit, etc. something "easy"
- Pack of mints


My BlackBerry stays in my handbag. I try not to put a lot in my carry on, always keeping in mind that I may actually end up carrying it! I usually carry a light sweater or jacket, but often end up stashing it in the carry on upon arrival.

 

[J Le]

In addition to above I keep:
Hard copy of all my reservations
I use frozen grapes as 'ice'
An empty water bottle (fill at a water fountain after going through security)
Sunglasses (no matter the weather prediction)
Camera and extra charged battery

 

[metsno1]

I know this probably isn't what you're looking for, but.....we're engaging in our own silent protest against all of the airlines charging separately for checked bags!

We've decided to just forget about checking ANY luggage and using the largest acceptable carry-ons we can find. When we really sat down to think about it, we realized each of us could easily carry everything we need for a full two weeks in the World in the confines of a single carry-on. Believe it or not, we really didn't feel like we had to skimp all that much either. Depending on your airline, some of the carry-ons that are allowed are quite large. We're flying Airtran and were really surprised to learn that their max size was 55"! That's really pretty generous.

Of course, we'll be setting aside two late evenings at the quiet pools to do laundry during the middle of the trip!!

 

[wolf29]

We don't bother with any clothing in our carry-ons. We always buy some clothing while in WDW, so if we need anything I'll just make a quick Target stop & get some stuff. We do carry on any RX we might need, electronics, etc. Any favorite stuffed animals or such that the kids might be taking also come onboard with us. For the most part, we only bother with stuff that can't easily be replaced.

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

I know this probably isn't what you're looking for, but.....we're engaging in our own silent protest against all of the airlines charging separately for checked bags!

We've decided to just forget about checking ANY luggage and using the largest acceptable carry-ons we can find. When we really sat down to think about it, we realized each of us could easily carry everything we need for a full two weeks in the World in the confines of a single carry-on. Believe it or not, we really didn't feel like we had to skimp all that much either. Depending on your airline, some of the carry-ons that are allowed are quite large. We're flying Airtran and were really surprised to learn that their max size was 55"! That's really pretty generous.

Of course, we'll be setting aside two late evenings at the quiet pools to do laundry during the middle of the trip!!

I don't think I understand this. To me a carry on is like the size of a backpack or bookbag. How do you get all your clothes in something like that? If it is a suitcase, where do you put it once you are on the plane??

Can you tell that I haven't flown very often??

 

[Mousemom]

We always take one change of clothes, snacks for the room, and meds.

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

We don't bother with any clothing in our carry-ons. We always buy some clothing while in WDW, so if we need anything I'll just make a quick Target stop & get some stuff. We do carry on any RX we might need, electronics, etc. Any favorite stuffed animals or such that the kids might be taking also come onboard with us. For the most part, we only bother with stuff that can't easily be replaced.

Thanks for your help.

We aren't renting a car, so we would have to buy things at WDW. I would be afraid that our entire spending budget would go to buying clothes because of lost luggage. We all do get one T-shirt each trip, but that is about it.

Electronics will be big with us considering that my DDs can't leave home without their phones and IPods. They are responsible for those.

 

[DaniB]

We will be carrying on:

- complete change of clothing, and rain jacket
- swimsuit, goggles, waterproof shoes (wearing sneakers), hat, sunglasses
- toiletry items (hairbrush, comb, deodrant, toothbrush, glass cloth
- lifesavers and gum
- medications incl. advil, tylenol, tums, decongestants, kids tylenol, thermometer
- all electronics (DS, recharg. batteries, chargers, cameras, cellphones, headphones)
- tubes filled with money for laundry and pressed penny machines
- all paperwork (disney planner, prescriptions, and more)
- and of course I'll always have a book or two on hand

 

[bearlyanne]

Since I am pooh sized, the hardest item for me to replace would my bathing suit-so it goes in the carry-on.

I also dress dd in lots of handmade disney-centric outfits. They travel with me too

 

[metsno1]

I don't think I understand this. To me a carry on is like the size of a backpack or bookbag. How do you get all your clothes in something like that? If it is a suitcase, where do you put it once you are on the plane??

Can you tell that I haven't flown very often??

Great question! Depending on the airline you're flying, you can bring pretty significant pieces of luggage right on board with you. For us, flying Airtran, we each have a rolling case that measures 24 x 14 x 13, which is actually 4" UNDER the maximum size allowed (55" for length + width + height). This size case will fit nicely in the overhead compartment on the plane, isn't too bulky, rolls easily down the aisle of the airplane, and is overall very manageable.

In addition to a carry-on bag like the one I mentioned above, you are ALSO allowed to bring a "personal item," such as a handbag, briefcase, or smaller backpack. We will each be bringing a small backpack in addition to the rolling case. In our backpacks, we'll put things like our OTC medications, camera equipment, snacks for the plane, a computer and accessories, maybe an extra pair of shoes or two that don't fit nicely into the rolling bags, and probably our toiletries. When we're not on the plane, the backpacks fit nicely right on top of the rolling bags with the handles extended, so there really isn't anything to carry. Just be sure to keep your bags with you at all times in the airport, especially if you have a layover!

One potential problem with the "nothing but carry-ons" method is the toiletries. I believe you're only allowed to bring liquids in 4 oz. containers or smaller, and that includes things like shampoo and other personal care products. Might have the same issue with OTC cough syrups, etc, so just be aware. We're packing travel sizes for all of those items, and we just use the toiletries provided by the resort.

As always, remember to check with your individual airline for their policies and size limitations on what you can bring onto the plane with you. You don't want to get to the airport and discover that you've got to come up with an unexpected $100 or so just so your luggage can fly with you!

 

[FamilyShortyAJP]

We were flying in early afternoon and were going to head pretty much straight to a park after checking in so I had everything in my carry on backpack that I would want to have to take to the park. You are able to take snacks with you on the plane, including fruit. I avoided all liquids but discovered you could bring a small ziploc with liquids or lotions in 3 oz or smaller containers that you take out and put in a bin to have scanned seperately at security. I also brought some activities to do on the plane and a sippy cup with a straw for my DD to have her beverage poured into on the plane to avoid spills. We took our stroller through security and gate checked it.

I packed a lot in my suitcases and didn't mind paying $15 each for our two bags on Airtrane because we got such a good deal on our flights. I stuffed those suitcases and just made sure they didn't go over 50lbs. It was so nice to not have to deal with them once they were checked because the Magical Express service dealt with retreiving them from the airline once in Orlando and bringing them to our room for us.

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

Thank you very much for all of your help. I need to decide if I want to carry a small suitcase onto the plane with clothes. (I need to check the airline's policies)

DH doesn't want to do it. It will ultimately be up to me. He'll do whatever I want.

Thanks again!!

 

[englishteacha]

I always bring at least one full change of clothes, a swimsuit, a toothbrush, deodorant, all my medicines, and all my reservation information, as well as a ziploc bag with some shampoo, a mini sunblock, etc. This year I hope to only check one suitcase for us both, so I'll pack the little rolling suitcase (pilot case size) with some of each of our clothes, and check the rest as well as check our toiletries.

I have a friend who had never traveled before and didn't pack any clothes in her carryon. Sure enough, luggage was lost and they had to buy new stuff. I always pack at least a set of clothes in my carryon.

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

I always bring at least one full change of clothes, a swimsuit, a toothbrush, deodorant, all my medicines, and all my reservation information, as well as a ziploc bag with some shampoo, a mini sunblock, etc. This year I hope to only check one suitcase for us both, so I'll pack the little rolling suitcase (pilot case size) with some of each of our clothes, and check the rest as well as check our toiletries.

I have a friend who had never traveled before and didn't pack any clothes in her carryon. Sure enough, luggage was lost and they had to buy new stuff. I always pack at least a set of clothes in my carryon.

Thank you for your advice. Now I have to convince my husband that we need to carry one set of clothes.

 

[biotechie]

First aid kit
gadgets
keys
mints
things that would be handy along the travel