back pack and rolling suit case for kids?

[Jennygt]

We are flying to wdw in May. I was just going to have the kids 9/5 bring back packs, but now I am thinking that they should also bring a small suitcase as carry on as well? Thoughts?

 

[aaarcher86]

We are flying to wdw in May. I was just going to have the kids 9/5 bring back packs, but now I am thinking that they should also bring a small suitcase as carry on as well? Thoughts?

How long is the flight?

I usually have the kids pack a backpack for the plane since it fits under a seat. I wouldn't want to get up and have to deal with getting something out of the overhead bin. I just check their rolling suitcases, but southwest gives us 2 bags free. I wouldn't if I had to pay.

 

[cruisingtwins]

MAke sure they will actuallly carry it. We ended up carrying out kids and our won and it was a giant pain.

 

[ELSA711]

I have the kids bring both. They each get a backpack for 'plane' or 'car' (as we did last trip) then a small rolling suitcase for their clothes, shoes and toiletries.

 

[Mousemommy1]

We actually always have rolling suitcases for our kids. They can each fit almost ALL of their stuff in them, so hardly any of their stuff gets checked.

For anything that they might want during a flight, we keep that in DH's carry on back pack that is kept under the seat for easier access.

 

[BLAZEY]

DD7 rolled her carryon sized suitcase through 3 of 4 airports on our trip last November when she was six. She has her backpack with stuff for the plane but her 20" suitcase carried all her clothes and toiletries. We checked DH larger suitcase so he took her case when we had the tight connection in SFO. She also did a great job with her bag when we went to the UK in May 2014 when she was 5 and DH wasn't with us. A 5years old should be perfectly able to roll a carry on size suitcase without much issue. Just make sure it has good coaster wheels.

 

[Nancyg56]

WE did both for the girls and I think it worked pretty well. I was worried that we might need some clothing once we arrived. I think I will avoid that if possible next time and maybe just pack a carry on for me with their essentials. It was a lot to keep an eye on, even though they were really good about dragging them on their own.

 

[tink'smom2B]

I would say test them out at home first. Sometimes the "fun" of having your own suitcase doesn't last. When kids are tired they seldom cooperate. Those cute carryon bags become a nuisance quickly. After saying that, I also know some kids are very responsible and really want to take care of their own stuff. It just depends on their personality. Also, if you arrive at night, you'll need to pack things for bedtime and carry it with you. We had a total meltdown to deal with when our luggage didn't arrive until 11 pm.