Carry-ons

[nedac]

OK, I have flown many times, however, this is my first time flying with the kids. Since they are each allowed a carry on, I was going to pack them a backpack (which we will eventually use in the parks) with a change of clothes, a couple books and their Nintendo DS's.

I know this wont be a problem as a carry-on, however, I am concerned about gate check on the smaller planes. Will they have to gate check these? I am thinking they should be able to fit them under their seats, or at worst, hold them in their laps, right?

I realize this is a dumb question... but as it gets closer, I am making sure I have all bases covered.

 

[Ima Disnewby]

i've been wondering this too!

i've checked my airlines website (air tran) and it says that for example i can have my carry on & my purse but i'm wondering if a backpack and carry on for the kids would count as 2 items??

 

[ccgirl]

It is one personal item (that fits under the seat in front of you) and one carry on item that fits within the dimensions (and can be stowed overhead). You will not be allowed to hold a bag on your lap during take off/landing. We only bring backpacks. We take out everything we will need for the flight before take off and put it in the seat backs. We then put the backback under the seat and keep them then until just prior to landing.

Please note that sometimes with AirTran (since they charge to check bags) they sometimes run out of overhead space. If that is the case, you will have to gate check your bag that will not fit under the seat.


Hope that helps.

 

[Ima Disnewby]

It is one personal item (that fits under the seat in front of you) and one carry on item that fits within the dimensions (and can be stowed overhead). You will not be allowed to hold a bag on your lap during take off/landing. We only bring backpacks. We take out everything we will need for the flight before take off and put it in the seat backs. We then put the backback under the seat and keep them then until just prior to landing.

Please not that sometimes with AirTran (since they charge to check bags) they sometimes run out of overhead space. If that is the case, you will have to gate check your bag that will not fit under the seat.


Hope that helps.

thank you so much for this!! even being able to bring 1 backpack between my 2 kids would be so helpful!

 

[Greysword]

Yes, backpack will be alright, as they will fit in the overhead bin if stuffed so full they are bulging. They can also have a personal item, just liek any other passenger.

As for gate checking, only the regional jets (CRJ) have a major issue with gate checking bags, unless the aircraft is full. However even on a CRJ, backpacks are fine and shouldn't draw the attention of the gate agents. Our DD has a small rollerboard suitcase (smaller than a standard one) that holds her bear, a blanket, games, and other things. It usually fits under the seat, but on CRJs it goes in the overhead bin, and hasn't drawn the ire of the gate agents.

You should be fine with this plan.

 

[disneyag]

Backpacks should fit under the seat with no problems. They will NOT be allowed to just hold them on their laps during takeoff and landing.