How to handle the luggage and airport with a 2 1/2 year old

[GoofyforDisney3]

I have read some good tips on the car seat issue, but I guess I need some reassurance about dealing with the luggage and everything. The first two times we went to WDW we flew, but it was just me and DH. The last time we went with our 18 month old DD, we drove. and I said never again. That is just to long of a drive for me. My DD did great, and the drive down wasn't so bad, but the drive home was way to long. So this year we are going to fly. BUT, I am a little worried about how to handle the airport. I have heard of using the curb side checkin and also skycaps (although I really do not know what that is), but what about on the way home. How does everyone manage to get the luggage, stroller, car seat and child to the parking lot and car? HELP!

 

[kiddisney]

hi - we've gone down starting at 18 months for both of our kids - so we've had strollers, luggage, car seats, etc. - and what we've done is have one person stay w/the kids - and the other takes care of the luggage - a luggage carrier or luggage w/wheels and used the stroller's basket a lot - also - take your time and get organized at each phase of the trip - before you get on the plane - you can wheel the stroller up to the plane and they will check it for you - and then bring it up when you get off - when you get off - wait for everyone to clear out a little so that you can carry everything off (note - take your own snacks and toys on the plane in a carryon because you may need to pull it out before takeoff and before the service starts on the plane) - when you go to get your luggage and get transport - take your time - if you're renting a car - have one person take care of getting the car while the other waits in the airport - and then have that person drive up to arrivals - the person getting the car can take some of the luggage and the car seat so that they can take the time to install before you have to put your child in the seat - just take your time and coordinate and it'll all work out - the most important thing is taking your time - it allows for less hassles and frustrations - good luck

 

[JennsBabySky]

Well, here is what we do.

Use luggage set and "snap" luggage together. We purchased $50 target luggage a few years back. It is a 3 piece set with 2 wheeled bags and 1 bag that sits on top. We make sure all our luggage fits in these. At the airport, we use the included belts to buckle them together. DH gets to wheel these! Now that the baby is in a convertible carseat, I wear this on my back (use the Pac Back) and I push the double stroller. On top of the double stroller is my daughter's low back booster seat that we put in the carry on bins (we aren't comfortable checking this. My DH also wears a backpack that includes all our carryons -- diapers, wipes, food, blankets, change of clothes, etc. We check the 3 pieces of luggage and take the stroller, carseat, and backpack to the gate. It is super important to check as much as possible. Then we gate check the stroller.

I really like the idea of having your dh drop you off with the luggage and stroller and child. If you use the curbside check in, you could just check in your luggage from here. Then you could wait in the airport with just the child and stroller while dh parks the car and returns with the carseat. Then he can check in quickly (no luggage to check, so he could probably just use the self service kiosks). Then go through security. I also like the idea of having just dh and the carseat get the rental car.

Of course, another option is to just rent a cart as soon as you get to the airport. Then you can pile all the stuff on the cart and wheel it through the airport.

Good luck,
Jennifer

 

[JessetheCowgirl]

I asked a similar question on the community board, but we will have 4 kids ages 7, 6, 3, and 10 mos. So, one child seems like a piece of cake

But, of all ideas, the one I liked best was to curbside check the luggage then ALL of us go park because I do not like to get separated in new places. And we splurged on limo pick up so we can let someone else deal with the luggage---well worth the $$$ at this stage!!!

Good luck!!

 

[CinderellasMama]

When my DD was 18 months old we flew to St Louis by ourselves...it was hard but do-able. I have a big rolling suitcase and had her carseat bungied on top to the suitcase handle. I had my backpack and carry on size bag over my shoulder. I pushed DD in her umbrella stroller with one hand and pulled the suitcase/stroller combo with the other. Once we got to the check-in counter I got rid of the suitcase and carry on size bag so I just had to deal with DD in her stroller, carseat, and my backpack. When we came back I rented one of those luggage carts to carry everything and DD on to go to the car. That was much easier.

You are lucky that their will be two of you.

Brenda

 

[GoofyforDisney3]

Thank you all so much for reassuring me that the airport will be doable. I don't know why I am worrying so much about it. I guess I am just a little nervous about flying with my DD this young. I think we are going to be brave and do the new Disney Shuttle that starts in May. We will arrive on May 6 :jumping4: I figure we should be okay on the way down, and since we will be flying on one of the participating airlines we won't have to worry about the trip to MCO from the resort. I am going to take the advise to have DH go get the car when we get to our home airport and then pick up at the arrival doors. That will hopefully work smoothly.

 

[mommyrom]

Last trip, we had kids aged 12, 5 and 3. I was VERY pregnant and we managed wonderfully after retrieving our luggage! We had a towncar service waiting for us and they handled our luggage right from the claim area. At the airports, we were able to keep our stroller until we boarded and it was gate-checked for us. We are splurging this May and getting a limousine to make things more exciting for the kids (minus the teenager), who will then be 7, 3 and 17 months. Hopefully, it will go as well as before!

 

[lmogs]

I came from Germany last year with my 9 month old (by myself) and even had to switch airports in London. And next year, I'll do it again with my 3 and 2 year olds!! Definitely use skycaps (they are the people by the curbs, or near baggage claim that have large rolling carts) they will handle and wheel your bags wherever you need them to!! Usually tip $1-2 per bag . . .worth it!!