Flying and baggage questions

[msmama]

When I fly domestic, I fly SW and so I've not had to worry about baggage allowances in YEARS.

This summer we're headed to Europe for 3 weeks and I'm worried about baggage. Our flight is booked through Delta, though the flights are operated by Virgin Atlantic and Air France (to and from).

Is there anyway to up the baggage allowance? (Which when flying economy seems to be one suitcase per person, 50 lb limit). Does a Delta CC give me extra baggage?

I'm not so worried getting there, but I'm slightly nervous coming home (because souvenirs, you know). Seems like the extra weight charges are pretty steep and adding an extra suitcase is $100 (or more)!!

Any suggestions? Any packing tips (besides space bags and rolling)? It's me (mom) and a 9 year old boy.
Thanks!! I've been saving for this trip for YEARS and I'm so excited to actually be in the planning stages now!

 

[Nebraska_Disney]

Each airline lists baggage allowances and costs for all types of routes.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

You need to check the baggage allowances for the airlines you're actually flying, not Delta. You can up your baggage allowance if you pay, are an elite frequent flyer, or buy a higher fare class. It appears that a Delta cc gives you one free checked bag, which you get anyway on an international flight.

 

[ksh1111]

Both Air France and Virgin Atlantic offer a prepay for extra baggage at a discount, vs paying at check in. I think it is $80 on Air France, if I remember right. I pack a duffle on the trip over in my suitcase, then pay the extra to check a 2nd bag on the way home. It is too much stress for me to ruin the end of my trip trying to figure out how to bring all the great stuff home I bought.

 

[pklein09]

International flights often allow a free checked bag and free carry-ons. We flew to Barcelona, London, and Paris last year on United, and never paid a checked baggage fee. Oh, and the overheads on international flights are much larger than domestic flights. You could easily pack another suitcase that would fit in an overhead compartment.

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

Buy two collapsible duffle bags that can be packed into your suitcase on the way there and can be carried onto the plane on the way back. You will be allowed a checked bag, an overhead bag and a bag (like a backpack) under your seat without paying any extra. This is the bag that we always take on our trips, just in case we need the extra room on the way back:

http://www.eddiebauer.com/product/s...79_catalog10002_en__US_EBSite?isRedirect=true

Each bag is $20 if you sign up for their free rewards program and enter code EXPLORE at checkout today. We also have their collapsible daypacks which we use at WDW and on other trips. Love them.

 

[dreiwhit]

One thing a former supervisor of mine and his wife do when they go to Europe in addition to packing empty duffle bags is to wear their old socks and underwear. Before they leave to come home, they throw them away. That leaves them more room to bring stuff back.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I would just bring souvenirs back in a carry on bag. (collapsible bag is great idea)
Also plan a laundry stop or 2. Dh and I went to Ireland for 12 nts for our honeymoon and there were plenty of places to choose in larger towns that offer wash & fold laundry service. We were happy to drop our stuff off in the am, and pick it up late afternoon all neatly folded and didn't waste any of our sightseeing time.
Have a great trip!!

 

[QueenIsabella]

Much cheaper and easier to plan a laundry stop (or two). I wouldn't want to have to schlep 21 days worth of clothes all over. I agree with the PP who suggested a "wash and fold" place--we do this when we travel domestically on an annual vacation--I figure, it's a vacation for me, too. In the US, I pay ~$1/lb--for a family of 6, I might pay $15 for piles of clean laundry.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

International flights often allow a free checked bag and free carry-ons. We flew to Barcelona, London, and Paris last year on United, and never paid a checked baggage fee. Oh, and the overheads on international flights are much larger than domestic flights. You could easily pack another suitcase that would fit in an overhead compartment.

I am a 1K on United and have flown many international flights and the overheads are the same size on most of their planes, domestic and international. You can fit a carry on piece of luggage measuring 9x14x22 inches (including wheels and handle) on all of their planes except the small commuter planes. You may carry on one piece of luggage with the previous measurements and one item which fits under the seat in front of you on both domestic and international flights.

 

[pklein09]

I am a 1K on United and have flown many international flights and the overheads are the same size on most of their planes, domestic and international. You can fit a carry on piece of luggage measuring 9x14x22 inches (including wheels and handle) on all of their planes except the small commuter planes. You may carry on one piece of luggage with the previous measurements and one item which fits under the seat in front of you on both domestic and international flights.

I guess I've been on more commuter flights where you have to gate check your bag. I also thought there was more overhead space on the international flights because of the center aisle.

 

[SirDuff]

I guess I've been on more commuter flights where you have to gate check your bag. I also thought there was more overhead space on the international flights because of the center aisle.

But there's more people because of that same center aisle - it's not like instead of 3x3 it becomes 2x2x2 (or whatever).

Commuter flights can be a different beast.

 

[Albort]

International flights often allow a free checked bag and free carry-ons. We flew to Barcelona, London, and Paris last year on United, and never paid a checked baggage fee. Oh, and the overheads on international flights are much larger than domestic flights. You could easily pack another suitcase that would fit in an overhead compartment.

most NON-Budget airlines...

 

[Dashzap]

If you each have a 50 pound allowance, you should be able to fit a lot of souvenirs in there for the way back. 50 pounds is a LOT of clothes.

Packing help:

https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/packing-light/packing-smart

http://adventureswithsarah.net/ultralight-packing/