Airplane carry-ons?

[v.t.]

We are traveling over the Christmas break, flying Continental airlines with 3 kids. I am hoping to only check one bag which would require everyone to take a carry on suitcase. Will we also be able to take another small bag for the boys' toys? I know DH will take the laptop and I will have a "purse" but will the boys be able to each take a backpack or will it need to be a smaller bag? Wasn't sure how Continental handles baggage. Any advice would be appreciated.
TIA!

 

[disneymomofmyca]

Your boys can each take an extra bag as long as it is small enough to fit under the seat ahead of them. My DD took a backpack a few weeks ago and it was stuffed full and it had plenty of room under the seat. ANd it was a big school backpack. We had a terrible time finding room for our other carry ons in the above compartments though. They were all full and we had to really stuff our bags in. Hope this helps!

 

[Mrs D]

I just returned this week from WDW with my family of 4 (DH, me, DS4 and DD2). I checked 2 suitcases (I think they are 25") and brought 3 carry ons (2 with clothes, 1 with DVD and Toys). While you won't be bringing diapers, I would find it difficult to pack for 5 in 1 suitcase. Just wanted to plant the seed...

 

[happymommy]

Since my kids were your kids' ages or younger, we only bring carry-ons. I got them each their own (at TJ Maxx), which holds their clothes for the trip. It's a rolling carry-on size bag. They also bring a backpack for a book or some toys. The hard thing is I also have meds and a nebulizer for my son, but that isn't supposed to count. Each child is responsible for his or her own bag, and it makes packing easier not sharing bags. Try to board the plane as early as possible, and get the overhead bags stowed (we fly southwest a lot, so we try to get on board and go to the back of the plane).

I think all airlines are similar - one carry on allowed plus another small bag. The only time you may have to gate check the carry on is when it's a smaller commuter plane.

 

[snookiedoodles]

I have been able to pack enough clothes for five days in a carry on. Each child carries their own. They are allowed two bags. One overhead and one for under the seat. That is plenty room for all their clothes.

No need to check anything.............and quicker out of the airport and off to the parks!!!

 

[v.t.]

Thanks guys. It looks like we will be able to just do carry-ons!

 

[mjkacmom]

I just returned this week from WDW with my family of 4 (DH, me, DS4 and DD2). I checked 2 suitcases (I think they are 25") and brought 3 carry ons (2 with clothes, 1 with DVD and Toys). While you won't be bringing diapers, I would find it difficult to pack for 5 in 1 suitcase. Just wanted to plant the seed...

I think she's saying that each child will bring his or her own carry-on suitcase, plus a backpack, which is allowed. We don't check luggage anymore - each child is responsible for one piece of rolled luggage.

 

[happymommy]

We also do laundry! So, as long as we have enough for 3 or 4 days, plus a jacket, we're fine.