Thanks for all the info. I think maybe you're right. We will go for convenience and not claim our luggage. Maybe we'll pack our bluezoo clothes for the flight, or just wear something on the plane we can wear at bluezoo (not sure what "business casual means" but I think we could get by with jeans and flops, what do you think?). Then just pack a swimsuit in the carry-on - it won't take much room - just in case we decide to do those Typhoon Lagoon EMH that night. Otherwise, we can just wear whatever we wear to bluezoo wherever we decide to go.
I think that makes sense. Let's see what Mom chimes in.
Yes, we will each have our own carry-on. Katie will probably bring her computer and her summer reading books. Chris and I will have our computer backpacks. Mom usually brings some sort of carry-on. (Hopefully she will leave her ridiculous fanny pack at home. I have to figure out something more fashionable than a fanny pack for her in the parks.)
As an aside, I am with you on the freaks at baggage claim. The freaks all over the place with air travel, for that matter. I don't understand what the rush is. I travel SO much. Here's what I do:
- Check in online and print boarding passes before I go to the airport.
- Check bags at the airport either curbside, or self-check-in on the inside if the line's not too long. I always check my bag, except for day trips. I simply cannot get my toiletries in 3-ounce sizes in a single 1-quart bag.
- Be extremely picky about which security line to enter. Never follow families with strollers, people with complicated shoes or boots, people with 15,000 carry-ons, people with a drink or bottled water, or other people who are obviously clueless about what the heck to do at security. I noticed that Midway Airport in Chicago now has 3 lines for security: Family, Casual Traveler, and Expert Traveler. I love this. Expert traveler every time. I wish every airport had this.
- Pull my computer out while waiting in line, before the dude checks my ID against my boarding pass.
- Untie my shoe laces, if I'm not wearing my usual flip-flops.
- Sit in a window seat in the back of the plane.
- Wait to stand up until all the rows ahead of me have exited. What's the rush? Our bags aren't going to be there yet anyway.
- At baggage claim, wait patiently behind everyone. When my bag comes down the line, I'll politely excuse myself to bust up in between the jerky people and get my things.
Anyway, you get the point. What's the rush? You're right. I'm not interested in dealing with freaks at baggage claim on my vacation. We'll skip it and head straight for ME.