carryon or check bags?

[hsmamato2]

which should we do? it seems we've packed well enough that we could carry on our suitcases,we each have one which falls within the size guidelines for jet blue.....
we were planning to do ME,and just get our stuff delivered later,but now rethinking
Is carrying on better? it would mean we always hve our bags, but again, it owuld mean we have them,and since we arrive in the a.m.- our room likely won't be ready...... so we'd have to watch them
any opinions? I'd love to hear it!

 

[safetymom]

Personally I can't wait to get rid of the suitcases at the airport. I don't have to lug it through the security line, through shops etc. If using DME it just shows up in your room.

You can always check your luggage at the resort and head off to a park.

 

[bavaria]

Yet again I agree with Safetymom. Plus, remember if you are taking carryons you must follow the 3-1-1 guildelines. Will you be able to take all of your toiletries for the trip and still meet those guidelines?

 

[Manda]

Are you traveling with children? When we travel with only adults, we'll often carry-on everything if possible. When we travel with DS, I carry-on almost nothing. I want my hands free to keep track of him and get everyone smoothly and easily through security.

 

[hsmamato2]

yes,we'll have the 2 kids,not little,the youngest is 8,and very capable of pulling his bag...I was wondering the same thing,would it be easier to just let the airline/ME handle it?
Or not have to worry about someone losing my bags...

 

[bavaria]

the chance of LOST luggage (vs delayed) is so slim that I wouldn't consider that a factor.

Again I question if a family can truly pack all their items for a vacation in carry on luggage only and still meet 3-1-1 regulations

 

[debbiedana]

the chance of LOST luggage (vs delayed) is so slim that I wouldn't consider that a factor.

Again I question if a family can truly pack all their items for a vacation in carry on luggage only and still meet 3-1-1 regulations

I fly out of O'Hare, and given that my last three flights have had my luggage delayed or 'temporarily' lost, I don't think flying with only carry-ons is a bad idea. If you've ever been standing at O'Hare at 11pm and you're the last person from your flight still standing at the luggage carousel, and you're father in law has been waiting at the cell phone lot to pick you up for the last hour...well, you get the picture. This has happened in my last three trips in a row. I realize it's just bad luck, but it's soooo irritating.

In fact, I have been toying with carry-ons only for my trip with DD8 in a few weeks.

We don't travel with that many toiletries. I do bring my shampoo, conditioner, mousse, toothpaste, deodorant, hairspray, shower gel, sunscreen, mascara and liquid makeup. It fits in my quart sized bag. I don't bring a million other things that I MIGHT need. For the convenience factor, I just spend the extra three bucks on a bottle of kids Tylenol or Neosporin or whatever. Plus, keep in mind that every person travelling gets a quart sized bag at security.

hsmamato2, are you travelling in the winter or summer? Summer is a breeze, clothes are much smaller! Winter poses it's own challenges with having to pack such a variety of clothes. Also, keep in mind that you have have your hotel hold your luggage until your room is ready, even if you're arriving early.

If you're more comfortable with carry on luggage, do it. If you don't want to be bothered with your luggage, give ME a shot. Good luck!

 

[hsmamato2]

thanks for all the input!
We could def. pare it down,and satisfy the 3-1-1 rules....we pack pretty light,we'll be there 2 weeks,and plan on doing laundry(we've done it before,so it's do-able)
Any larger shampoo,etc we'd need,I'd order with the groceries-
But again, we're flying from a small airport,and as some of you mentioned,most of the time the luggage doesn't get lost ..... but i tend to get anxious over details as the trip gets closer-

 

[DebbieB]

The carryon situation on the airlines is crazy these days. People push and shove to try to get on ahead of someone else so that they can get their carryons close to their seats. I can't believe some of the large suitcases that people try to shove into the overheads. Often the last few people on have to gate check the luggage because no room is left. I just check it and let the airline handle it.

 

[kaytieeldr]

We don't travel with that many toiletries. I do bring my shampoo, conditioner, mousse, toothpaste, deodorant, hairspray, shower gel, sunscreen, mascara and liquid makeup. It fits in my quart sized bag.

You can fit all that comfortably in one quart-sized bag?

 

[bavaria]

You can fit all that comfortably in one quart-sized bag?

I was wondering the same. My litre bag contains travel size toothpaste, liquid foundation, contact lens fluid, travel size hairspray, travel size deodorant, and is full. Those sizes are for emergency use ie if my bags are delayed. I can't imagine how one could fit enough for a week in a 3-1-1 bag unless one is using the hotel provided toiletries and asking for toothpaste, deodorant, etc from housekeeping or buying it on arrival.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Yeah - admittedly, my 3-1-1 bag usually has two, 100 ml. bottles which take up a fair amount of room (and which in the past have caused the TSA to inspect said bag closely, because the bottles legitimately look larger than three ounces). Throw in a deodorant, a travel toothpaste, and sunscreen - and the bag is pretty darned loaded

 

[bab31]

I agree about not having to tote your carry on's with you.

I take it you need to change flights? Think if your original flight is delayed and you have only 30 minutes or 45 minutes to get to a gate when the flight lands.....I know if I fly thru o'hare- I would be running because I come from a county airport that lands 2 terminals away.... You are dealing with your children and the carry on's - distance to the gate- On the other hand if you have hours between then you are having to keep track of those bags along with the kids. That is no fun either. On a trip I took for a siminar at work the siminar was over early- I flew Midwest. They did not staff their desk all day because of the flight times out of that airport. I had to deal with my luggage until I could check in. There were some shops in the area. Not easy to shop thru and kill some time with two bags. ( had two because I needed to bring manuals home)

ME is so great. If your bags are lost by the airline, they will handle it. It is so wonderful to get off the plane and head over to ME.

I would pack a carry on for needs for 24 hours- ( a lesson learned for anywhere you fly) and head for the park of your choice. When you return your bags will be there.
Vacation starts when you check that luggage!