Carry on bags!

[donna93]

I am leaving for disney in a week and 4 days! I want to start doing a little packing!! I havent been on a plane in like 15 or more years!! How much are the carry ons supposed to weigh and what exactly do you bring on them??

 

[RachelEllen]

I am leaving for disney in a week and 4 days! I want to start doing a little packing!! I havent been on a plane in like 15 or more years!! How much are the carry ons supposed to weigh and what exactly do you bring on them??

A few issues here:

1) Size and weight limits

2) Prohibited Items

3) Valuble/Nonreplaceable Items

What airline are you flying? Each one will have their own limits for size and weight. Normally, however, you can take one larger case and one 'personal item.' The larger item can be fairly bulky. Be sure you can carry/roll it for long distances and manipulate it up into an overhead bin. The key to the personal item is that it should fit under your seat.

The best list for prohibited items is on the TSA website:
http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1012.xml
(Note: Even thought many items are listed as 'allowed' in checked baggage, that doesn't mean the airlines is responsible if they are list. For example, the link lists laptop computers as 'allowed' in checked baggage. I don't think any smart travellor would risk checking a laptop.)

Finally, remember that you are never guarenteed to get your larger item on the plane. Especially on full flights, you may be forced to check it. If you take a larger carry-on, make sure it is labelled and secured to be checked. Keep everything in it that is either valuable (jewelry, cash, electronic equipment) or irreplaceable (passports, mediciations) in a handy spot to remove.

hth,

Rachel

 

[bg4]

I strongly disagree with prev poster ref: ONE LARGER BAG

Carry ons - You are allowed two - one piece of luggage can fit in overhead bin and one personal item that can fit under seat. No where does it talk about any LARGER BAG. There are weight and dimension requirements but if it fits under seat (in which case it would also fit overhead) it is ok.

From southwest.com - note restriction of 10x16x24 and no mention of LARGER BAG.

Carryon Baggage-In keeping with new security directives from the TSA, strict limitations are being imposed on carryon items.

* Airline passengers may now carry only one bag plus one smaller, personal-type item onboard the airplane.
* Personal-type items include purses, briefcases, cameras, food containers, or laptops (case included).
* Southwest Airlines limits carryon bag dimensions to 10x16x24 inches.
* All Customers and Employees and their items are subject to a thorough, physical search.
* The following items are not considered carryon bags or personal-type items and are not counted against the “one-bag plus one personal-type item” limit:
o A child restraint device for a child who has been ticketed, who has a seat reserved, or for which complimentary, available space exists.
o Assistive/mobility devices for individuals with a disability. There is no limit to the number of assistive/mobility devices a Customer can bring onboard the aircraft.
o Outer garments or other wearable articles of clothing.
o Food for consumption during flight contained in disposable packaging.
o Walking canes or umbrellas.

 

[CleveRocks]

In addition to valuable and irreplacable items, in my opinion it's always a smart and self-protective idea to pack all the items you'll need for the first 24 hours of your vacation. Why? Just in case the airline delays your luggage.

Think of it as a free insurance policy. If your luggage is delayed (delays of several hours up to 24 hours are MUCH more common than actual LOSSES of luggage), then this insurance policy will pay off quite nicely. You'll have with you everything you'll need for the first day. This won't stop you from worrying and/or being annoyed at the delay, but it will help you start your vacation without any actual inconveniences, hassles or expenses.

I mean, I've read posts from people complaining that they didn't have formula and diapers for their kids, or didn't have medications, or didn't have the clothes they needed to change into for dinner 30 minutes after arrival, etc. Luggage delays aren't the norm, I've had it happen to me only twice in the 70 or 80 flights I've taken, but it is a possibility. Why not protect yourself in case it happens to you?

Supplies for the first 24 hours might sound like a lot, but it really takes up very little space, especially when traveling to a warm weather climate. Try it now. Put together a complete change of clothes, one bathing suit (and whatever else you'd need at the pool), toiletries, medications, one set of PJs, etc. That makes a very small mass of stuff, espcially for the kids!

Anyway, that's just my advice. It always makes me feel good to know that in case my bags are delayed, I won't really be inconvenienced.

 

[pooch]

want to bring a couple of rolls of quarters for laundry & the arcade. I remember reading something here about taking rolled coin but I don't remember what. Should the coin go into my checked bag? my carryon? should I unroll the quarters and put them in a ziplock bag?

TIA!!

 

[RachelEllen]

I strongly disagree with prev poster ref: ONE LARGER BAG

Carry ons - You are allowed two - one piece of luggage can fit in overhead bin and one personal item that can fit under seat. No where does it talk about any LARGER BAG. There are weight and dimension requirements but if it fits under seat (in which case it would also fit overhead) it is ok.
.

Uh, I just meant larger than the personal item. Not larger than a Suburu

Like I said, each airline sets exact weight and dimension limits.

I assume the above poster is reacting to the trend of people attempting to push the limits in order to avoid checking anything. That annoys me as well, especially when people push the limits of the 'personal item'

 

[english rose 47]

Does S.W. allow gate checking a stroller?

 

[CleveRocks]

All airlines gate check appropriate items, such as strollers.

 

[goofy4tink]

want to bring a couple of rolls of quarters for laundry & the arcade. I remember reading something here about taking rolled coin but I don't remember what. Should the coin go into my checked bag? my carryon? should I unroll the quarters and put them in a ziplock bag?

TIA!!

Take them in your carry-on. Just don't forget about them!! I was all prepared for the many pressed penny machines. I had my pennie in an old film cannister, and a roll of quarters in the bottom of my tote bag. Well, by the time I got to the security area, I had completely forgotten about that roll of quarters. The agent was going nuts trying to locate that 'something suspicious' in my totebag. Because it was heavey, it rolled to the bottom and got stuck in the bottom piece of lining!! Had to empty the entire tote bag out, right there on the counter. The people behind me were none too happy. We 'found' the roll of quarters, had a good laugh, apologized to everyone and slinked away.
Keep that roll of coins handy!!!! I would put the coins in a zip-loc bag.

 

[Sandi]

Why bring rolls of coins when there are always bill changers at the laundry, arcade, and customer service desks?

 

[lizardqueen]

Why bring rolls of coins when there are always bill changers at the laundry, arcade, and customer service desks?

Because the bill changers at the laundry and arcade ALWAYS seem to be out of change when you need them!!!

 

[shoes99]

I had a roll of quarters left from a previous casino trip. I mistakenly left them in my carryon bag. I too had to empty the entire bag at security because it came up on the security camera as suspicious. I should have left them at home. In the confusion I misplaced my cellphone. I never found it because it fell out of my carryon into the trunk of my car. All in all we had a great trip, just remember to close all the zipper compartments in your carryon before you drop them in the car and leave the roll of quarters home.

 

[justplaingoofy]

want to bring a couple of rolls of quarters for laundry & the arcade. I remember reading something here about taking rolled coin but I don't remember what. Should the coin go into my checked bag? my carryon? should I unroll the quarters and put them in a ziplock bag?

TIA!!

I would not bring all that change. My father in law works for the TSA as a baggage screener and the xray machines cannot see under the coins as they are dense. Most likely you will get pulled aside for additional screening and they will have to search your bag. Since you will not be doing laundry on your first day there just save your change for the first couple of days..

 

[justplaingoofy]

I am leaving for disney in a week and 4 days! I want to start doing a little packing!! I havent been on a plane in like 15 or more years!! How much are the carry ons supposed to weigh and what exactly do you bring on them??

Each airline has their own regs for sizes, etc. Go to their website and look under baggage.

we usually bring a small (back pack type) thing for the plane with items we will want while inflight. Then, we carry on a small (21") suitcase with our toiletries and an outfit or two for each of us... incase our checked bag is delayed. Then, we check in our other larger suitcase. (gotta keep it under a certain weight or the airline may charge you for the extra)

When packing** I pack a different outfit including socks, etc in a ziplock bag. Makes it easy to unpack, and takes decisions out of the morning.

 

[goofy4tink]

Why bring rolls of coins when there are always bill changers at the laundry, arcade, and customer service desks?

I bring them for the pressed penny machines. Yes, I realize that I can get bills changed everywhere, but I hate having to take the time to do it. I would rather have the quarters/pennies right there, in my pack ready to go. Now, I plan accordingly, and leave the rolled change in a zip-loc baggie!!

 

[yankeepenny]

this may sound dumb.....
but i always carry on 1 day(24 hours) worth of medication,
and in a small ziploc bag a fesh pair of undergarments for each of us, folded up, squeeze air out. I also bring contact contact lens case in a baggie. all our trip info, and a book.
I can buy suppies if the luggage is lost/ delayed for hours-but fresh underwear is just....well, welcoming.

 

[lwilliam]

My kids like to sleep on their own pillows from home.
May they carry that AND a carry-on?

 

[lwilliam]

may we carry our pillows on board, in addition to a carry-on?

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Another rule of thumb that I learned just this weekend by watching other passengers...adults should be able to lift his or her own baggage into the overhead compartment. Oy, some people. I also enjoyed the family that passed around their carry-on items to each other during the flight as they weren't sitting with each other.

 

[Sandi]

lwilliam:

check the rules for your airline. Typically, you're allowed one regular carry on bag and one personal item (smallish backpack, laptop, purse, etc.) I would say that your kids could have a carry on and a pillow (but that would be it).