carryon bags for kids- who carrys them?

[cruise cruise cruise]

My kids will be 4 (just turned) and (almost) 6 on our trip. 6 y/o is in kindergarden and takes a backpack to school each day.
My question is, should I plan for my kids to each carry their own toy/colorbook/activity bag on the plane or should I just plan to take it all in my carryon?

 

[PollyannaMom]

DS has always liked having his own.

 

[Kae]

My kids take their own too. They also use fanny packs in the parks.

Kae

 

[cruise cruise cruise]

Thank you both for your input.
I am just worried, this is the first time Dh and I have flown with non-infants.
I am worried about security...it seems hard enought to get myself and my one bag through when traveling by myself, let alone now adding on my kids, the stroller, and their carryons too. but I know once we are byond that I will be happy they have their own bags and I am not constantly having to get into mine to get someone something.

 

[tjmw2727]

My kids always carried their own and we liked it that way so the kids could change up who they sit with without figuring out "who has the coloring books" and "where are dd's snacks". They also knew what they had with them and could help themselves.

Going through security is going to take longer with kids and stuff just relax and don't worry. The kids will feed off your stress - just do your best and it will be fine.

Do some plannning and make sure they don't have any liquids or gels - you and dh should have them all with you in your 3-1-1 bags. You can have one for each person but I usually put them all in the bin.

Plan for jackets and shoes to be removed, slipon or velcro shoes are ideal and prepare the kids for the procedure. Send one parent through the metal detector first, then the kids, then the second parent, this way the kids have someone to walk to and supervise them once they clear. Then just gather all your stuff - work swiftly as you can but don't panic.

I find using a bright unusually colored peice of ribbon on all the carryon bags, your stroller and your carseat helps. This way both DH and I know to grab everything with the purple and brown polka dot ribbon on it

I use a rolling carryon and if the kids get tired of hauling the backpack I can just clip it on to my carryon for a while.

Ok sorry way more info than you asked for - but yes to answer your OP.

FWIW the TSA website has a good section on preparing kids for travel including going through security.

TJ

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

My kids always carry their own--probably even the 3yo this next trip! We have them pack it themselves, with our help, of course, following my rules (i.e., no parts of games--all or nothing, that sort of thing). Then after they've gone to bed, I sneak in some $ store surprises--coloring books, stickers, fun snacks. Once we're through security, they love looking through the packs and seeing what they have.

While security is a PITA, it really wasn't that bad. They try to make it as hassle-free as possible. We had to wait in line, but the actual trip through the metal detectors was only a couple minutes.

 

[SmallWorld71]

I use a rolling carryon and if the kids get tired of hauling the backpack I can just clip it on to my carryon for a while.

TJ

You gave lots of great advice. Just wanted to add that when my kids were younger I had them use rolling backpacks. This was there was no need to worry about them getting tired of carrying their things. (DD still uses one.)

 

[1sttimedis]

Each trip I buy different colored see thru plastic folder pouches with a velcro closure and I pack each kid coloring/activity pages, crayons, snack and various mickey stickers and goodies. I put the name of each child on the outside and we stick them all in our carryon bag. It keeps each childs things organized but just one bag makes it a little easier.

 

[colinsdad]

Check out www.trunki.net for some cool luggage for your little one.

 

[cruise cruise cruise]

Each trip I buy different colored see thru plastic folder pouches with a velcro closure and I pack each kid coloring/activity pages, crayons, snack and various mickey stickers and goodies. I put the name of each child on the outside and we stick them all in our carryon bag. It keeps each childs things organized but just one bag makes it a little easier.[/QUO

Where do you get something like this?

 

[cruise cruise cruise]

Check out www.trunki.net for some cool luggage for your little one.

These are so cute! But I have to tell you, my kids still love to ride around on those walker/ride on toy things that 1 year olds use. I can just picture it now, One child on the moving walkway, the other not, having a race to see who can wheel themselves fasterl-- YICKES!!

 

[cruise cruise cruise]

My kids always carried their own and we liked it that way so the kids could change up who they sit with without figuring out "who has the coloring books" and "where are dd's snacks". They also knew what they had with them and could help themselves.

Going through security is going to take longer with kids and stuff just relax and don't worry. The kids will feed off your stress - just do your best and it will be fine.

Do some plannning and make sure they don't have any liquids or gels - you and dh should have them all with you in your 3-1-1 bags. You can have one for each person but I usually put them all in the bin.

Plan for jackets and shoes to be removed, slipon or velcro shoes are ideal and prepare the kids for the procedure. Send one parent through the metal detector first, then the kids, then the second parent, this way the kids have someone to walk to and supervise them once they clear. Then just gather all your stuff - work swiftly as you can but don't panic.

I find using a bright unusually colored peice of ribbon on all the carryon bags, your stroller and your carseat helps. This way both DH and I know to grab everything with the purple and brown polka dot ribbon on it

I use a rolling carryon and if the kids get tired of hauling the backpack I can just clip it on to my carryon for a while.

Ok sorry way more info than you asked for - but yes to answer your OP.

FWIW the TSA website has a good section on preparing kids for travel including going through security.

TJ

More than I asked, but just what I needed to know. Thank you

 

[mickeymaker2003]

Since airlines are charging for checked luggage, I would pack a full size carryon for each child with a smaller removable bag inside with their stuff (toys, games, and snacks). Once you are on the plane, you can take out their smaller bag for them to have access to and you can pack other stuff (like their clothes & shoes or your stuff) in the rest of their carryon. It might reduce how many bags you have to pay to check. When you are ready to get off the plane, you can put their bags back into the larger suitcase.

 

[colinsdad]

These are so cute! But I have to tell you, my kids still love to ride around on those walker/ride on toy things that 1 year olds use. I can just picture it now, One child on the moving walkway, the other not, having a race to see who can wheel themselves fasterl-- YICKES!!

I only have to worry about one. You're probably right about the racing.

I have 2 nephews who totally would do that.

 

[bonybroad]

My kids have transported their carry ons since the youngest was 3 and the oldest was 4. They were so darned cute rolling their little suitcases through the airport. Have your camera ready. Honestly, it was adorable!
And yes, they tried to ride them. Yes, they tried to run over each other with them.
It was still cute, and now they travel like little pros!

 

[GRUMPY D]

are 4 yr old carrys his own back pack . he puts in some toy cars . his webkin frog . and baby blanket ( cant sleep without them ) , and then we add a zippy bag of dry cereal and fruit and a emty spillproof cup ( because after security you can fill it and then not worry about them spilling it on the plane ride )

 

[cheshireqt]

We take at least one flight every year, and usually two. My children have always carried their own backpacks since about age 3. We found smaller-sized backpacks and kept the weight down. They were very proud of having their own backpacks, filled with their own activities. We started letting them wheel their own luggage (checked luggage) around age 6 (again smaller sized for them).
Previous poster already gave great advice about going through security. Just wanted to add. If they can wear some kind of velcro or slip on shoe it will be such a blessing to you. Laced shoes are such a pain to take on and off in a crowded airport.

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

You can find the plastic velcro-close folders in the office supply section at Target. I hadn't thought to use them to corral small things, but I do have one in my WDW planning binder! Maybe I'll get one each, for my little two.

The only thing about the rolling suitcases is, I found that either they're cheaply made, or my kids are hard on them. My kids like them fine, but they didn't hold up well. Rolling backpacks might be a better choice, and can have a life outside of travel.

We usually go Southwest and checked luggage is less of an issue, but I do have my kids each have one change of clothing and a bathing suit in their carry-ons. This allows more carry-on room for souvenirs on the way home, too.

 

[Kellytn]

I took my 4 yr old on her first airplane trip this past Aug and she had her own rolling carry on. And I had a bag inside of it for her to play on the plane with. It also gave us some extra space. I'll have both of my kids have their own carry on for this trip too.

 

[RMulieri]

Our last trip my 4 yr old brought and carried her own backpack.