August 9, 2011 (8/9/2011) Taking the Wonder to see the AMERICAN CHILD

[JoeSchmieg]

OK ... stupid question time ... about checking bags on the airline.

First, what I do know. I do know that the total measurement is 62" as measured by the sum of the height, width and length of the bag. I also know that they measure the total bag, including any protruding feet or handles.

I'm flying Alaska air for this cruise. We are just a little short on luggage and I was planning to use a couple of duffels. I measured them and they are at about 60". That's close and when they are duffels, I am very worried.

The oversize bag fee is $50 PLUS another $50 if they are ALSO over weight. Even then, it is only $100 and new luggage is quite a bit more than that. I'm thinking it might be better to just pack up one of our oversize with all of the jackets, fleece, boots, etc. That stuff takes up space but doesn't weigh much. Then I can pay the one oversize fee instead of purchasing more luggage. Not sure I should risk taking the duffels.

So here is the stupid question ... stupid because I know the answer probably is "it depends".

How strict are they? I mean, if I'm within an inch or two will they get out a tape and measure it?

I've searched DIS and read several of the posts there, including those about "bag lean". But I'm not sure if I should "risk it."

OK my new found friends. Your thoughts?

So what choise do you have? Cab you "stuff" some of the overage in to carry on? I believe each person can have one carry on in addition to a "personal" item such as a back back, purse, laptop bag? Maybe Wear jackets on to the airplane or even just carry them in your arm? Could cut down on the bulk.
Just some thoughts.
Joe

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

Hello Everyone!! The cruise is almost here!!

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

I can't believe this time next week, we'll be in Canada! It's hard to believe that it's almost here!

I have a lot to do this week with getting the FE gifts together, packing and of course working - not full time hours yet though...but my fingers are crossed. My parents and my sister have their FE gifts to give out...they just need to make their FE yet! LOL!

Hope everyone is doing well!

 

[Rat-a-too-ee]

How strict are they? I mean, if I'm within an inch or two will they get out a tape and measure it?


OK my new found friends. Your thoughts?

I've heard it go both ways... some people clearly overweight/oversize got a free pass, and others who were right on the border were charged. It really, truly does depend on who you get and what mood they are in at the time.

Here's my take on it: Less is more. There's a laundry facility onboard, and I figure all the other passengers won't mind if I wear the same thing twice or three times. We are two adults traveling, and each one of us is taking one carry-on and one personal item for our 10-day trip. We will wear our jackets onto the plane, even if it's 100 degrees out and I intend to stuff the pockets with whatever won't fit in the suitcase. We also do the "wear and toss thing"... I'll bring undies, socks, and pajamas with holes. Thanks to the on-board laundry, we get to wash/wear them on the ship, and then toss them on the last night so we free up a little space for souveneirs. We've done it this way a few times for a 7-day trip without problems, so I hope we can do it this time! I guess if we buy too many souveneirs, we can put some of them in a medium or large flat-rate box and ship them to ourselves from one of the post office facilities in Alaska.

Good luck & happy packing!

 

[cyclenut]

Hello Everyone!! The cruise is almost here!!

Yes ... yes it is.

I've got one kid who can't sit still over the excitment and one kid who seems more worried about getting caught up at work than packing. Another kid turns 18 just before we leave and is more focused on that right now than the cruise. As usual, we've just got so many things going on, for most of us at least, it won't really hit us until we're on board the ship.

My youngest is part of a dance studio that goes on a tour each year. It's optional and the last two years she has gone with them. Not happening this year. Guess where they are? Alaska. They get back this Sunday. She keeps getting texts and pictures from her friends and I think that is what has got her so giddy.

 

[rsjj]

Thanks for the replies! Where in SoCal are you? We live in the San Fernando valley. How old are your kids?I have a 6yo boy and 15mo girl.

Thanks for the packing list. I hope I have the right stuff for my son! I bought things for me today, but wasn't able to find water or wind-proof pants for my son. Do you think that regular sweats or pants will be ok if he has a warm jacket and sweatshirt and gloves, etc???

I'm looking forward to meeting people. We are heading to Vancouver on Sat. Any suggestions on what to do there?

Thanks again,

Sloane

we are from the san gabriel valley. our boys are 12 & 9. we are so excited!!

 

[rsjj]

thank you to those who gave me alternative ideas on my packing list!! obviously, i'm not a packing expert. i love the "pack less, more room for souvenirs" idea!! will have to readjust accordingly!!

i worry about "not enough"...always making sure we have more, or "be prepared" mentality here! so excited that i'm going to take things out, leaving more room in our luggage!! but our big jackets have to stay!!

since we're from so cal...not used to the cold weather. and checking the weather, it seems to be in mid 50s, and i think that's cold...at least for me! i'm always cold!!

someone mentioned "why socks when it's only flip flops & dress shoes on the list"...they will be wearing their tennis shoes. i'm w/Caropooh & jilljill (i think it's you guys...i'm sorry if not!) regarding sandals/socks/feet being restricted! i live in flip flops!! i wanted to wear flip flops for my wedding!!

 

[Perdita&Pongo]

For any of you who are planning to visit Stanley Park in Vancouver, there is a Groupon today for the mini-train:

http://www.groupon.com/deals/klahowya-village?c=all&p=1

There are three options available: 2 adults, family of 4, & family of 4 unlimited. We got ours!!

 

[taramoz]

For any of you who are planning to visit Stanley Park in Vancouver, there is a Groupon today for the mini-train:

http://www.groupon.com/deals/klahowya-village?c=all&p=1

There are three options available: 2 adults, family of 4, & family of 4 unlimited. We got ours!!

Thank you, I just bought ours! I am so excited, I will be in Vancouver Saturday, how am I supposd to concentrate at work????

 

[jilljill]

thank you to those who gave me alternative ideas on my packing list!! obviously, i'm not a packing expert. i love the "pack less, more room for souvenirs" idea!! will have to readjust accordingly!!

i worry about "not enough"...always making sure we have more, or "be prepared" mentality here! so excited that i'm going to take things out, leaving more room in our luggage!! but our big jackets have to stay!!

since we're from so cal...not used to the cold weather. and checking the weather, it seems to be in mid 50s, and i think that's cold...at least for me! i'm always cold!!

someone mentioned "why socks when it's only flip flops & dress shoes on the list"...they will be wearing their tennis shoes. i'm w/Caropooh & jilljill (i think it's you guys...i'm sorry if not!) regarding sandals/socks/feet being restricted! i live in flip flops!! i wanted to wear flip flops for my wedding!!

You are welcome. Yes, I am one of the feet restricted club members. DD & I always wear flip flops or similiar on the ship, even on a cold cruise we took one February. We were mostly indoors so it didn't matter what was on our feet and it's so much easier to kick them off and on when coming back to the cabin.

 

[rsjj]

feet restricted club...
leg stretching club...
makes for a very interesting cruise!!

 

[rsjj]

i have following for the various nights...do i have it correct?

day 2 (at sea) formal night
day 5 (juneau) pirate night
day 6 (kitchikan) semi formal night

tia!

 

[jilljill]

feet restricted club...
leg stretching club...
makes for a very interesting cruise!!

On our April cruise we had someone who kept a list of all the 'clubs' - there was the husband who has no clue club, the bar crawl club, the ladies only bar crawl club, the bike riding club, the list making club and so many others.

 

[rsjj]

On our April cruise we had someone who kept a list of all the 'clubs' - there was the husband who has no clue club, the bar crawl club, the ladies only bar crawl club, the bike riding club, the list making club and so many others.

i think i belong secretly to the list making club!! ok...i am a member of that club!!

 

[jilljill]

i think i belong secretly to the list making club!! ok...i am a member of that club!!

Are you the president of that club or just a member?!?

 

[KathyM2]

Are you the president of that club or just a member?!?

Count me in as a member of that one too. Oh and the control freaks club as well

 

[jilljill]

I can honestly say that I hate packing for vacations now. DD and DH have driven me totally crazy today and you would think it's their first vacation they had to pack for. I was going to start to pack for myself today but was totally frustrated with them that I didn't do it for myself.

 

[Perdita&Pongo]

Our flight leaves in 36 hours!!!

Are we the first ones outta here?

 

[taramoz]

Our flight leaves in 36 hours!!!

Are we the first ones outta here?

I am so jealous! We don't leave until Saturday!!! Enjoy

 

[jilljill]

Our flight leaves in 36 hours!!!

Are we the first ones outta here?

I think you are. Doesn't that mean you owe all of us a round of DOTD's once onboard?!?