How am I going to pack?

[sptddog]

I posted this earlier on the Transportation board, but now I'm here needing advice on how to make the one bag limit work. And, still wondering if they really can limit more than the actual airline....

Here's the background..
We're flying a chartered Southwest flight from Reading Airport to MCO in two weeks - we booked through Boscovs.

They're (Boscov's) telling us we can have only one checked bag and it has to be under 40lbs. One carryon and one personal item.

Southwest's website says THREE checked bags of limited sizes, and then carry-ons (1 and personal). And, says 50 lbs, if over, you pay the 25 bucks.

My original intention was to pack her and I together in one big suitcase, pay the 25 dollars each way. I'd take my laptop bag with a few toys, and a diaper bag for the plane. DH would get one suitcase checked, and take a bag of snacks/breakfast and our ME change of clothes stuff... and if needed, another small bag (I really wanted to not have 4857104897123 carry-ons). Plus stroller checked at gate (they did say that's no problem). No carseat.

They made it sound at the Boscov's orientation as if there was no option to pay the extra fee, and no option for the extra bags. Isn't that restriction a bit ridiculous? And since we simply check back in at MCO like any other Southwest Customer, how would they even know if I brought 2 home?

So, why so limited? Is this normal? And, how the heck am I going to pack her and I in one less than 40lb bag for 7 days????? 1/2 of hers in mine, 1/2 in DH's maybe. Heck, typically on business travel I take one of those 21" carry-ons and it's probably close to 35lbs for a 2-3 day trip!!!

Help!!!

 

[Mickey1122]

Southwest has always said that what you have is per person for us. Maybe there was a communication problem??

 

[sptddog]

The travel agency's paperwork explicitly says 1 bag per person. I'm thinking that I'm going to pack DD in a 21" suitcase and if they make us carry it on, we will. Otherwise, we'll check it. I was just really hoping to not have so much to carry on, I have to take my laptop for work and to download pictures, so that bag is a must have, and then DD's will be my DH's responsibility. Hopefully the only other we'll need is the small diaper bag. I think I can get DD's few plane toys in the laptop bag, and maybe our change of clothes in DD's bag. We'll see....I'm just worried to be so limited in baggage, especially since we'll have stuff we've bought to come home with too! Ohhhhh.

 

[justplaingoofy]

I would think you would want to carry something on big enough to fit some toiletries and a day or two's worth of clothing. They rent the luggage carts at the airport for $1-$2 ...


I always like to check a bag and carry one on with something for everyone.

 

[PA Princess]

"I'm thinking that I'm going to pack DD in a 21" suitcase "

Oh, please do not do that Sorry, I could not resist a little bit of levity.

I had no idea that they were so limited on those Charters! We live in the area (only about 10 minutes from Reading Airport), so we are probably neighbors of some sort I am familiar with the Boscov's deals, but I am too much of a control freak over vacations to book a package.

As for how to do this, if you have explored every option and they are firm about the restrictions, I would simply pack a box of baby clothes and supplies and mail it to the resort. People do this all of the time with food type supplies, so why not a few baby clothes and necessities?

Now of course, the hard part is how to get these items home. I am sure there must be some way to ship home - Disney does mail merchandise you purchase from them. I would investigate how to take care of that. You could easily pack a shipping label with postage included even to be used for the return of your baby items. You could also pack a flat shipping box or 2 in your suitcase (they have a large, free supply of them at the Gus Yatron post office in the area).

If return mailing is too much of a hassle, you could always do the disposal method...I know people who only travel with old socks and under garments and then they dispose of them as they use them on vacation. Not my preference, but babies surely go through clothes at lightning speed, so this might work for you also. O rperhaps there is a shelter or other organization to whom you could donate?

Another alternative is to shop for baby when you arrive in FL. I assume you are using disney transport since you are not bringing a car seat? That would mean a Taxi ride to the nearest shopping place (Walmart? Target?), or if your budget allows...perhaps some shopping on disney property???

Hope this is helpful, and most of all I hope you have a lovely trip and all of the details come together smoothly and with as little stress as possible!

 

[sptddog]

You're right, I'll avoid packing her in the suitcase!

Actually, I'm a control freak too, but the travel agency really only books the room, arranges the tickets, and the flight....we're on our own once we get there....I figured for the convenience of flying out of Reading, it was worth it to give up a little bit!! Only to have them give crap about luggage!

I think I have it figured out - and if I can convince myself to leave my laptop home it gets even easier. I'm just not sure I won't need to log onto work, and/or download pictures - I'm guessing I'll burn through more than 300 pictures/video (my digital camera takes video too, but it uses a lot of card space).

Ahhhhh, packing is so hard.

 

[ducklite]

35 pounds of stuff for a 2-3 day trip? Wow.

I can do a 2-3 day trip in about 10 pounds in a very small roll-on.

Take out all the shoes. You need two, *maybe* three pair, and one will be on your feet while you travel.

Seven days for you...

seven pair of shorts
nine tanks/t's/blouses
seven bras/undies (less if you don't mind rinsing in sink at night then pack less)
sandals, sneakers (worn on plane), maybe a nicer pair of sandals or a pair of flip flops.

Socks for the sneakers--I live in sandals so would probably only bring a couple pair of socks.

If you will be eating at signature restaurants, a couple blouses and a pair of chino's or a skort or casual skirt or sundress or whatever.

I'd also bring a lightweight hoodie, but that would be carried on the plane because they can get chilly.

PJ's, one bathing suit with coverup.

toiletries/makeup/medications

That's not 30 pounds of stuff. It's more like 15 pounds. And your DD's stuff will be basically the same packing list, and smaller in size so even lighter. That's *maybe* 30 pounds of stuff, plus the weight of the suitcase, which I doubt is ten pounds.

Anne

 

[disney_me]

We have been to WDW 3 times and flew with southwest all 3 x's. I pack my DD's and my clothes all in the same bag. I can tell you my bag was 74 lbs for our last trip last christmas. I had no problem at check in. I also has a carry-on same with my DD.

My DH always ask how come I have to pack SOOO MUCH crap I just have too

We all pack too much crap in our bags. Right ladies

 

[ducklite]

We all pack too much crap in our bags. Right ladies

Uh, no.

Anne

 

[AllAboutPluto]

I think I have it figured out - and if I can convince myself to leave my laptop home it gets even easier. I'm just not sure I won't need to log onto work, and/or download pictures - I'm guessing I'll burn through more than 300 pictures/video (my digital camera takes video too, but it uses a lot of card space).

Buy a couple more memory cards!! I don't know what type card your camera uses, but mine uses SD cards and they're getting cheap! I get emails all the time(read: every stinkin day) from (hoping it's OK to mention these websites! I have no affiliation!)buy.com and overstock with rebates and sales! I got my 1GB cards for $15 ea after the rebates. I have 3 512MB cards and 2 1GB cards and I'm hoping that will get me through the week!

And if you need to log on to work, I thought I read there was a business center at each resort. I'm sure they think they need to charge you way too much to use it, but you can always write that off as a business expense or request reimbursement from your employer. But when you're on vacation, not being able to take the laptop is a really nice reason to give the boss for why you can't check your email while you're gone!!

I know how you feel about the laptop... the thought of not having it with me for a week is already bothering me and I don't leave til Sept!

 

[lovesdumbo]

Last Oct I packed for my family of 5 [me, DH, DD(6), DS(4), DD(2)] for a 9 night trip in just 2 checked bags. I did send a box to the hotel with a few extra clothes, diapers and other misc stuff like Halloween decorations and glow sticks. The resort mailed the package home to me. I did send packing tape and return label in the box which made it easy.

I also did laundry 1 time. The laundry facilities are usually right at the pool (we were at the Poly and it was in a seperate building but I didn't mind taking a break from the kids to do laundry).

I would also purchase another memory card for your camera.

I use Eagel Creek packing envelopes for the adult clothes. And I use ziplock bags for my kids clothes. One day's outfit in each bag. It makes it real easy in the morning for the kids to get dressed and it makes packing them very easy.

I just came home from a trip with my DD for her 7th birthday. We were there for 5 days so I didn't do laundry and I was able to pack her things and mine in 1 22" bag. We also had a small carry on and each of us had a daypack.

I learned that I could pack after taking a trip to Estonia in 1995. If I could purchase anything I might need "just in case" there I could certainly purchase anything I might need at Disney!

Hope you discover the freedom of packing light and have a great trip!!!

 

[angwill]

I think over time most people learn how to not over pack. Last year I packed my son age 10 at the time and I for Disney 10 days in October. We only had one suitcase with one carry on sport bag and purse with him having a very small bag for both of us. We did do laundry because we only had 8 days worth the clothing. Technically I could have packed 6 days with the one being a spare set and did laundry at day 5 but I didn't want to be restricted on when I did the laundry. It is easier in the summer because the clothes are smaller and weigh less. I refuse to overpack and bring a bunch of just in case items because it is just more junk to have to carry back home. In my carry on I take a change of clothes for both of us, toiletry bag, swim suits, 2-laundry detergent (small boxes from laundromat), lanyards, hats, sunblock and a few other necessities. The check in is all clothing.

HTH

 

[sptddog]

Well, you guys have certainly inspired me to pack lighter. Or at least try to.

My real issue I guess is that I'm not sure I can do just 'one' outfit per day - first off, it's late June, and going to be hot. I'm guessing I'm going to want at least a second or a change of shirt for the late afternoon, particularly on days we have a sit-down meal somewhere. After sweating all afternoon, a fresh shirt and some travel deoderant will make a huge difference. Maybe I'm a bit overboard there. My DD is full of drool and whatever she eats - I easily go through 2 outfits at home here....again, I can't imagine not needing 2 some days there.

Anne, I envy you for being able to pack that light. My suitcase alone is 13lbs. And yes, 3 days is a heavy suitcase for me. Toiletries aren't light - and I need at least 3 suits, a pair of jeans, 2 pair of sandals (black & brown), 2 extra shirts....easily 30lbs for a work trip. I know it's heavy, as I struggle to get it over my head in and in the overhead bins. Since DD is 25lbs, and I'm used to lifting her over my head, I'm certain my suitcases are heavy.

Thanks for the ideas! I'll def be packing minimally, maybe only 3-4 extra shirts for me, and then I'll do wash if I need one every day. I read our hotel only has 3-4 wash machines - so I'm worried about finding time to wash. I don't want to wash on vacation!

Thanks again! I'm def a member of the 74lbs a suitcase group!

 

[PaulaSue]

I second gettiing additional memory cards. They are cheap with all the rebates offereed now a days.

So is your dd flying free? I missed if you already posted that.

So how many days do you have to pack for and what are your ADRs? Maybe wear the same out to dinner shirt/outfit at night 2 times to declutter your bag? Besides if you shower you are only wearing it a few hours each day.

P. S. Target sells travel size Tide in the sample size aisle if youo have a lot of days on your trip.

Sorry to hear Boscovs has rules that strict. I see the trips advertised there all the time but now I'm glad we didn't go through them. Are you flying non-stop through Southwest and Reading airport? We drove (we live down Route 30, a little way from you) to BWI to get a non stop with the kids. I would hate to have a layover with my girls but then I have 3 knowing more so what is going on and where we were going. KWIM

Hope you have a great trip!

 

[sptddog]

Paula, 7 days, and an ADR each day but the last. None of them are 'signature' restaurants, so no real dress up, but I tend to like to not feel so sticky and dirty at dinner. I doubt we'll be going back to shower before, but I'll freshen up at the parks. DD is flying free as a lap child - though if I had known about the baggage thing I'd have probably just bought her a ticket. It is a direct flight - chartered, so it's out of Reading - VERY convenient. No parking fees, easy to get too now that they opened 222 up all the way out, etc. I'm surprised you had to go to BWI though - I've always got direct flights to Orlando on USAir. And for very good prices. Unless that's changed in the last year or so. I used to fly USAir to Orlando monthly for business.

I think we have it figured out - 2 checked bags for DH and myself (and well, they're prob going to be over the 40lbs, but not by much...), 1 upright carry-on for DD (if they end up letting us check it, great), and my laptop bag w/ toys, camera/video camera. Mini Diaper bag can count as my 'personal' item. It's small enough. So....I'm feeling better, and think we can make it work. In the end, I'll probably be thankful that I don't have such a heavy suitcase. We'll ship home whatever we buy that doesn't fit, and DH can still have a 'personal' item, so he could carry a tote home if necessary.

I am going to look into those sites for extra camera cards - I wouldn't mind having extras regardless of the laptop!

Thanks! Less than 2 weeks and counting....

 

[lovesdumbo]

I always split my clothes between bags. That way if the airline looses a bag you both still have clothes.

Have a great trip!

 

[angwill]

Thanks for reminding me that this time it will be a lot hotter in August than it was when we went in October. I didn't think about needing 2 outfits a day due to the heat. I will just pack two more little boxes of tide from the laundromat I guess. It is easy for me to just throw in the laundry while my 11 yo swims in the afternoon or we can take a morning off and I can get up early and do the laundry while he sleeps too. I am sure this is more difficult to do with a baby though. Good luck, Angela

 

[Lady74]

We have 5 in ouur family( Me,DH,DD 12, DD 8, DD 7) I have found that the two gallon ziploc frezzer bags work great I can fit about two outfits in each and roll out the air to save room in the suitcase I have bought the luggage space bags but the ziploc bags work just as well and they are great for those wet swimsuits that didn't dry after there last swim in the pool before we go home. Happy packing everyone, I know I always get a little cranky packing for everyone

 

[ducklite]

Anne, I envy you for being able to pack that light. My suitcase alone is 13lbs. And yes, 3 days is a heavy suitcase for me. Toiletries aren't light - and I need at least 3 suits, a pair of jeans, 2 pair of sandals (black & brown), 2 extra shirts....easily 30lbs for a work trip.

Actually you could buy a MUCH lighter bag--my TUMI is light enough to pick up with one finger--maybe a couple pounds? So that would solve part of your problem.

Instead of three suits, pack one black or navy suit and two additional skirts/pants in a complimentary color and wear the same blazer all three days.

Day 1: Black jacket and skirt, pink shell
Day 2: Black jacket, grey skirt, grey knit shell
Day 3: Black jacket, black pants, ivory blouse.

You could do the same thing substituting navy or beige, you get the idea. trust me, unless you are in teh fashio field, nobody will notice, especially if you dress teh blazer up with a scarf one of the days.

Same dress shoes all days, one additional pair for casual time that you'll have on your feet as you travel. You'll wear your jeans to and from and in the evening, and if you choose carefully when purchasing knit tops you'll be able to wear them with the jeans after hours as well.

Toiletries don't have to be heavy. Don't carry full size anything. I carry mini poof and body gel, face wash, razor, shampoo, conditioner, small hair brush, styling gel, mini hairspray, toothbrush and paste, deoderant, and face cream, it all easily fits into a standard size toiletries bag--everything except deoderant and face cream is in a refillable mini bottle. Toothpaste I save the tubes as theya re getting low for travel. Makeup can fit into that toiletry bag as well, although I generally carry it seperately. Total weight is *maybe* 4-5 pounds.

Anne