1st Time Flyer-- Purse? & other Q's

[CdnMom2]

I actually have flown before decades ago & I don't even remember it even though I was an adult. Will be flying with first-time flying kids & 1 Mom who hasn't flown in many decades.

I do the fanny-pack thing when at WDW -- no purse.

So can my "personal item" be some larger (not huge) beach tote-type "purse" with a fanny pack & some snacks, camera, etc. IN it?

We were lucky enough to get those Chadwick free luggage deals earlier this year. Thank you to the posters on Dis Boards. I have measured the wheelie "carry-on" & I just can't get my ahead around that that is OK as a luggage carry-on. But, from what I am reading it is. Hard to believe this fits under a seat though it is within measurements given on the airline's website. So figure on each person's essential 24-hour 1 outfit, swimsuit, toiletries, meds, some food in 2 of those.

Then we get a "personal" item each, right? So I would want to put a fanny-pack of their usual Park/personal travel info (kleenex, ID, antibacterial gel, lip balm, camera, small snack, emergency sugars...) for each of the kids INSIDE a backpack (not a large camping one) with activities for them. Is this OK? There will be meds & diabetes supplies also so those in the carry-on, but some will have to be in the waist pouch my DD needs with immediate access (i.e. the one IN her backpack with her activities, game boy, etc.)

Really need to have all clarified also as my DM is likely to go over ANY limits.

So is this a reasonable amount allowed on?

Another Q? We have water bottles that we take everywhere that have zip-up coolers with shoulder straps. Can we have these in our "personal item" backpack/tote purse?

Q#3 Do we need to take out our our small stud earrings for security screenings?

Thank you for any advice. Starting to get a bit panicky over everything that has to get done & that I'm responsible for everyone. Missing that my DH won't be along.

 

[DebbieB]

Check your airline's website for the maximum sizes for carryons and personal items. Some airlines allow small backpacks as a personal item. You will probably have to put a wheeled carryon in the overhead (keep in mind you will have to lift it).

Water is OK in your carryon.

You don't have to take out your earrings.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Not sure how much help I can be, but I'll try!

Each airline has different rules, so be sure to check the website for whatever airline you are flying on.

When we went to WDW in January DH and I both had carry-on bags. DS and DH BOTH had backpacks (normal size, like what DS takes to school) and I had a pretty big purse. Not big enough to put a beach towel in or anything, but it is probably leaning more towrds "tote" than "purse". On American each ticketed passenger is allowed 1 carry-on and 1 personal item, so we actually COULD have had one more carry-on since DS had a seat. I think your personal item has to fit under the seat, but your carry-on has to fit in the overhead bin.

You shouldn't have any trouble bringing your water bottles. Security may ask you to take a sip from them. I have gone through with coffee and they made me take the lid off and show them the inside of the cup and take a drink in front of them. Not really a big deal.


Your earrings will be fine. I wear earrings, a small necklace, and a watch and I have never had any problems. Have fun!

 

[dzneelvr]

You should be fine with your plan. I'm a heavy business traveller who doesn't even bother to check a bag when I'm business flying.
As the other posters said--get the measurements of the bags allowed and don't deviate. Even a slight bulge to the bag will be a no-no as it adds inches.
One additional hint I can pass along to you: Make sure you get boarded as soon as you can. If you wait until the end of your section's boarding, there will be very little overhead storage available and that means maybe even your overhead will have to be checked. When the flight runs out of room it runs out of room!!
Once you get on board, put your overhead up as soon as you are in your general seat vicinity and you see clear space. Don't panic if it isn't directly over your seats. Just get the blamed thing up and in the compartment!!! Relax and have a great trip.

 

[safetymom]

No need to take out your earrings.

 

[Pinnie]

Adhere to the size requrirements on your airlines website. For instance, SPIRIT flies some OLD MD-80s and wheeled carryons do NOT fit in the overheads because of the slope. The newer ones in their fleet are ok, but you never know when you will get an older one. If it doesn't fit, you will have to gate check it.

pinnie

 

[CdnMom2]

I am breathing easier now.

Thank your for explaining that the wheeled carry-on goes OVERHEAD not under the seat, assuming one is quick enough to snag a space somewhere. Very good tip as I would have to definitely watch the weight then while packing. Hmmm I guess we won't try to take a case of water then

Just the advice I needed. And about the earrings too. My anxiety level was rising thinking of taking out mine, but especially the DDs.

And thanks for mentioning the water-drinking. That might have intimidated me a bit if I hadn't been forewarned. As we get closer to this flight & I now have all the WDW things handled I'm realizing holy....I'm going through lots of security in a foreign country and then I'm flying in an airplane. And I'll have to keep my wits about me for the sake of the others I'm responsible for.

So the control freak & worrier inside me thanks you for these helpful tidbits of advice on how it all runs.