Carry-on only?

[maxiesmom]

I'm looking to the pros for advice on this one.

Let me first say, I have never ever ever done a flight with only my carry-on. Before limits and cost were a factor I was a 2 full checked bags kind of gal. Hoever, times change. And now I am seriously wondering if I could get by on a 4 night trip to WDW with just a roll-a-board and a tote bag.

Am I crazy for even considering it? Have any of you done it and not had to do wash at some point? If so, any tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated. I still don't have my travel companion convinced we could do it, but I am wondering if it is possible. I could put the $50 I save on baggage to good use.

TIA!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I always do carry on only. Doing so for only 4 nights should be a snap - I have lived out of a carry on suitcase for 2 weeks!

Plan your clothes carefully. Remember, you aren't putting on a fashion show. One pair of jeans/shorts and one pair of nice pants, one extra pair of shoes, pajamas (if you wear them), socks and underwear for 4 days, 3-4 shirts and a sweater/jacket (depending on the weather; wear on the plane) and you're set. No need to wash anything on such a short trip.

 

[LaNina72]

This will be my third trip to WDW with only a carry-on. And I recommend it highly. And I don't plan on doing laundry during the trip.

1) You will need to pack smartly with the liquid toiletries (3-1-1). Stick deodorant doesn't require the 3-1-1 packing, where gel or roll on would. Keep make-up to only powders, no liquid foundation.
2) It helps to wear your bulky stuff on the plane (jeans, sweatshirt(s), jacket, sneakers)
3) Rolling your items seems to take up less space then folded items.
4) And as PP commented, this isn't a fashions show... I promise WDW will take your money no matter how you look. Guaranteed!

As an extra bonus... and not to creep anyone out, ME will put your bags into your room without you being there. And I prefer to do a BB check prior to allowing any of my belongings be brought into a room. Just my silly little quirk.

 

[TaraPA]

I also ONLY travel with carry-on bags. For 4 nts or less I don't do laundry, for more than that, I do. I agree with the OP that the most challenging part is getting all liquids & gels into the quart size 3-1-1 bag. It's a challenge for me anyway! Gel lip gloss, mascara, contact lens solution, hair spray, hair products - it all adds up in that bag very quickly. But somehow I manage. I also wear layers to fly, that's less to pack. 2 pair of capris is all I take, 4-5 shirts, one sweater/jacket & enough socks & underwear for 4 nts, 1 pair of pjs. I can easily fit this in a small rolling bag and a tote.

 

[Desnik]

We always travel with carry ons only! One time having our luggage lost by the airline was enough for me. So, for our family of 4 we each get a carry on, and a tote bag or back pack. We do this for trips of an average of 5 nights. This upcoming trip we will be there for 7 nights and I still plan on carry ons only. I do have to say that in order to make this happen I do ship some items down to our resort. We also have 2 owner's lockers filled with all our toiletries and more. Since we are DVC'ers we have a 1 bedroom with a washer/dryer. So, all that helps, a lot!

I still think for a 4 night trip a carry on only is very doable. Especially if flying Jetblue, their carry on size is huge! You just have to pack an outfit for everyday, roll your clothing, and use all small toiletries. Every resort has a washer/dryer that can be used so I would take advantage of that too.

 

[hollypoast]

When we checked in for our last flight the ticket agent offered to check our carry on sized luggage for free. Might be worth asking....

We flew Frontier.

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

i thought i was going to only carry on for my march trip. i normally go with my fiance, but i'm meeting my mom down there so i only get one 3-1-1 bag. with him, i get the second bag and we're good. since we're staying DVC i need extra shampoo, etc and it doesn't look like i'm going to make it

also, on a normal trip i may not be putting on a fashion show... but this trip is for disney's bridal showcase. it's not exactly an event i'd wear a t-shirt and flops to. we also have 2 nights of signature meals as well. looks like i'm out $50.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

When we checked in for our last flight the ticket agent offered to check our carry on sized luggage for free.

Paying for checking baggage is not the issue for me. I don't have to pay, and I still won't check my luggage.

 

[lawone]

We are a family of 4 and never check any luggage! If you think you will need extra things you could always ship a box to the hotel instead!!

 

[happymommy]

We also never bother to check luggage - even for 2 weeks to Hawaii. I can't believe the amount some folks think they need for a trip.

We do laundry, my kids wear their sneakers and pack one pair of sandals, a couple of outfits, and they're done.

I purchase toiletries at our destination (shampoo, etc...).

It's easier than waiting for your luggage at the carousel. Plus, our luggage doesn't get so dirty (and icky!) from checking it.

When my kids were younger, I bought each of them a rolling bag, so they are responsible for that plus a small backpack.

Just look at what you'll need - it can't be that much especially for a warm climate.

 

[aubriee]

I have an 18" packing folder that I can squeeze a week's worth of clothes into, as long as I pack thin shorts/capris and thin t shirts. It easily fits into one side of my Heys carry on. Then I have the other half of the suitcase for a couple pairs of flip flops, a nice sundress, and a small packing cube of toiletries and odd and ends. I use mineral makeup and put what I need into some very tiny stackable jars that screw together and fit easily into a Vera Bradley makeup bag with whatever makeup brushes I might need (usually a mini buki, finishing brush, blush brush, and one double ended eye shadow brush), as well as a small 2" flat dish for swirling. I carry solid lip balm, so the only makeup that goes in my 3-1-1 bag is a travel size mascara and a couple of tiny sample size lip glosses. I slip some makeup remover wipes into a snack size zip lock and use them for makeup removal down there. Since I like using my own bath products, I use some small travel size bottles for shower gel, lotion, shampoo, and condtioner, that fit into the 3-1-1 bag. My only problem with doing carry on only, is that I like the Neutrogena dry touch spray sunscreen, which of course won't go in a carry on.

 

[Christine9125]

I am thinking about doing the same thing, we will do laundry one day, so I figure we will only need to take 3 outfits. I may ship a box down before we leave

 

[eliza61]

I'm looking to the pros for advice on this one.

Let me first say, I have never ever ever done a flight with only my carry-on. Before limits and cost were a factor I was a 2 full checked bags kind of gal. Hoever, times change. And now I am seriously wondering if I could get by on a 4 night trip to WDW with just a roll-a-board and a tote bag.

Am I crazy for even considering it? Have any of you done it and not had to do wash at some point? If so, any tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated. I still don't have my travel companion convinced we could do it, but I am wondering if it is possible. I could put the $50 I save on baggage to good use.

TIA!

LOL.

Truthfully, I'd rather pony up the 50 bucks. Seriously.
All the things that people suggest to do to travel with a limited suitcase, I tried last year when I went to europe and they were horrible.

1) not washing undies and shirts in hotel rooms. first a lot of European hotels were small, so here I was trying to scrub undies and then find space to hang them so they could dry. ugh!!

2) not wearing the same black or jean pants 7 times in a 7 day trip and the same pair of black shoes every day. I ended up buying shoes. Really, here I was in Italy with one pair of sneakers and one pair of black shoes. maybe because I go out to sit down dinners in Europe and they are a bit more dressier than here in the states, but I kept thinking... I've got really cute sundress and capris at home and here I am in the same pair of black slacks again and plain Mj black pumps.

I just chalk it up to being able to vacation the way I want. I'm heading to Paris in May and sorry, the thought of me wearing the same slacks the entire time is enough to make me stay home. Totally concede that I am vain enough to want to look stylish.

Heck when I'm at home I don't wear the same slacks 4 nights straight, so why would I want to do it when I'm out and about?

I'll keep reading to pick up tips but if it's a choice between coughing up the 50 bucks or traveling with only one pair of servicable black shoes, I'll take door number 1 and budget for the 50 bucks.

 

[happymommy]

LOL.

Truthfully, I'd rather pony up the 50 bucks. Seriously.
All the things that people suggest to do to travel with a limited suitcase, I tried last year when I went to europe and they were horrible.

1) not washing undies and shirts in hotel rooms. first a lot of European hotels were small, so here I was trying to scrub undies and then find space to hang them so they could dry. ugh!!

2) not wearing the same black or jean pants 7 times in a 7 day trip and the same pair of black shoes every day. I ended up buying shoes. Really, here I was in Italy with one pair of sneakers and one pair of black shoes. maybe because I go out to sit down dinners in Europe and they are a bit more dressier than here in the states, but I kept thinking... I've got really cute sundress and capris at home and here I am in the same pair of black slacks again and plain Mj black pumps.

I just chalk it up to being able to vacation the way I want. I'm heading to Paris in May and sorry, the thought of me wearing the same slacks the entire time is enough to make me stay home. Totally concede that I am vain enough to want to look stylish.

Heck when I'm at home I don't wear the same slacks 4 nights straight, so why would I want to do it when I'm out and about?

I'll keep reading to pick up tips but if it's a choice between coughing up the 50 bucks or traveling with only one pair of servicable black shoes, I'll take door number 1 and budget for the 50 bucks.

That makes sense, as we went on a cruise and did bring large luggage (and snorkel gear!). But, for only 4 days and at Disney, you don't need as much.

I agree - I don't wear clothes more than once (or jeans twice) without washing. In many places you can't do laundry. At most resorts in Disney, laundry rooms are easy to find. Usually we'll do laundry while at the pool at Disney (or in our condo). So even for 4 days, I'd do wash at Disney (never gone for such a short trip though!).

 

[ocalla]

OK, can someone help me with what the 3-1-1 bag is???

Last year we flew and checked bags on SWA, this year we are flying Delta and want to do carry on only (Family of 4), and I've been wondeing about the liquids.

Please help me out!!!

 

[maxiesmom]

OK, can someone help me with what the 3-1-1 bag is???

Last year we flew and checked bags on SWA, this year we are flying Delta and want to do carry on only (Family of 4), and I've been wondeing about the liquids.

Please help me out!!!

Each ticketed passanger (even kids) can carry on 1 quart sized baggie which contains their liquid items. Each container you put in the baggie must be 3oz or smaller. And it has to be measured out that way--for example, you can't have a large tube of toothpaste with only a small bit left in it, and put that in your baggie.

Another tip--any item that doesn't hold its shape once it is out of a container is considered liquid by the TSA. Toothpaste, hair gel, anything like that is considered a liquid and must be in the baggie and follow the 3oz or less rule.

 

[lllGurulll]

But what does the 3 the 1 and the 1 mean?

I get the 1quart bag and the 3oz liquid.

 

[maxiesmom]

But what does the 3 the 1 and the 1 mean?

I get the 1quart bag and the 3oz liquid.

You are just missing the 1 bag per person.

3oz or less, in 1 quart size bag, 1 bag per person.

 

[lllGurulll]

You are just missing the 1 bag per person.

3oz or less, in 1 quart size bag, 1 bag per person.

Thanks.

 

[TDC Nala]

I always use a carry-on for trips shorter than a week. I used to use a small rollaboard. Now I use a duffel bag. There is a lot better chance of fitting a duffel bag into an overhead, less chance of being asked to gate check it.

Yes, I will bring only a couple of pairs of pants (in summer, 1 shorts, 1 longer pants) and re-wear them. I make up for that by overpacking tee shirts, including an extra long one for a nightshirt. You are allowed to carry jackets, coats, gloves and hats onto the plane. You may not be able to place them into the overhead though - depends on what kind of room there is. If you're layering, remember you'll have to take all the outer layers off for the TSA. Plus I only pack two pairs of shoes. I do bring underwear for each day and enough socks to last the days I think I will have to wear socks. On short trips I don't need dresses and hosiery or anything like that - if I need to attend an event I can bring a nicer shirt.

I do not pack much. I am using solid shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and soap. I am using sunscreen wipes and insect repellent wipes instead of anything liquid. This leaves room in the security baggie for makeup, moisturizer, toothpaste, hairspray, etc.

If you are just carrying on to avoid having to reclaim the luggage at the end of the flight, it won't matter to you if you have to gate check. But if you want to bypass the luggage claim, increase your chances of getting overhead space .

On some airlines you can pay for a preferred boarding order. This may negate an attempt to bypass checked luggage fees.

Choose a seat in the BACK of the plane for airlines that board by zones. I haven't figured all the zones out but usually the back of the plane boards earlier.

Do what you can to get an early boarding number on Southwest. If you don't want to pay for one, be online at your 24 hour mark to check in.