checking vs carry on question

[abmitch01]

leaving for Orlando Fri. Traveling with 2 kids and my two elderly, handicapped parents, one of whom will be in a wheelchair. Last time the airport was a fiasco- my folks had a ton of tote bags, they couldn't hear the security guards instructions, they held up the lines for others. It was a comedy (sort of) of errors. My father was so bad, he got pulled aside by security and we almost missed our flight.

This time, I'm thinking I should check everything I possibly can of my own so my kids and I have free hands to help my parents. Is it ok to check your camera and laptop? It's a direct flight so I'm hoping that would cut down on the lost luggage odds. And I will give my parents wheelie bags to use as carry ons instead on their PITA tote bags. But boy, checking my laptop give me the willies. What do you think?

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

We would never check a laptop.

How big is the camera? Ours would just end up in my purse or a diaper bag.

What is in their carryons?

 

[Marionnette]

leaving for Orlando Fri. Traveling with 2 kids and my two elderly, handicapped parents, one of whom will be in a wheelchair. Last time the airport was a fiasco- my folks had a ton of tote bags, they couldn't hear the security guards instructions, they held up the lines for others. It was a comedy (sort of) of errors. My father was so bad, he got pulled aside by security and we almost missed our flight.

This time, I'm thinking I should check everything I possibly can of my own so my kids and I have free hands to help my parents. Is it ok to check your camera and laptop? It's a direct flight so I'm hoping that would cut down on the lost luggage odds. And I will give my parents wheelie bags to use as carry ons instead on their PITA tote bags. But boy, checking my laptop give me the willies. What do you think?

I don't pack anything irreplaceable or of significant value in my checked luggage. It's not so much about lost luggage as it is about theft. Not all luggage handlers are honest and a TSA accessible lock is not a deterrent to a dertermined crook. I'd be packing that laptop and camera in one of my parents' bags.

 

[tink576]

I would NEVER check your camera or laptop...please consider this

If it is raining your luggage might sit out in the rain for a considerable amount of time before being put on the plane, I have had this happen when I got off the plane to SOAKED luggage (thankfully on the flight home). Everything had to be pulled out immediately. I can't imagine if I had my laptop in there. I wouldn't risk that. Also they bump and bang those bags around, I would not risk that. I always carry my laptop with me for these reasons.

 

[abmitch01]

their carryons have their cpap machines and their meds

my camera is tiny

after reading these replies I won't be checking my important stuff, thank you!

 

[MichelleinMaine]

I think you're right wanting to check as much as you can. Laptop and camera though- absolutely not. I'd get either a backpack or messenger bag (which will go across your chest) to put them in. Both would be out of your way/give you hands free to help with your parents.

 

[Redwitch]

Would your parents allow you to pack (or re-pack) their bags? Perhaps this would decrease the difficulties and allow you a carry-on as well.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

I highly suggest backpack(s) for you (and the kids) so your hands are free to help your folks. NEVER check a laptop or other valuables.

 

[crisi]

Also help your parents pack. The flights I've been on recently have been very strict about the ONE carryon, ONE personal item. I have to tuck my purse (which is tiny) into my tote or my little tiny purse counts and they want me to check something. And I haven't had, but I've seen issues with someone having two items for their child + their two but trying to carry on four. The FAs have insisted that the children boarding carry their own stuff - or it will be gate checked.

Not that this sort of stuff happens always. Frequently flight attendants can be very understanding of small kids, wheel chairs, etc. But you are wise to be prepared.

 

[tink576]

their carryons have their cpap machines and their meds

*Also
The CPAP machines don't count as one of your carry on items since they are medical devices

 

[Nik's Mom]

Dh and I have traveled with our 2 disabled children and my elderly mother before. The best advice I can give is to minimize the number of bags you carry on. I agree that the backpack is a great idea for you. It keeps your hands free. You can stuff a laptop, camcorder and camera in a backpack. Look around and you will find backpacks with padding for electronic equipment.

Also, depending on your kids age, have them help out with some of their grandparents bags. And ask for pre-boarding on the airplane. This will give you all a bit of time to settle in to your seats, without having to worry about holding up traffic in the aisle of the plane.