Kicking myself 5 times, fast! A question...

[frannn]

First I don't notice that on the top of my free Treasure Planet movie tickes were $10 off 50 coupons. So I spent lots but never used those coupons. Then, I didn't notice the expiration date on the movie tickets (I had 4!) so I missed using those too. Then, I heard APs were going to be going up, and we didn't have a trip planned, so I didn't buy them. Now, we have a tentative trip planned for Oct.....how much did they go up? Then, I realized that if I don't buy a plane ticket for my dd (will be 1yr) I will not be entitled to bring luggage for her. The stroller, carseat & diaper bag each count as a carry on or checked item. So DH and my luggage (including souvenirs) will be severly limited. Don't know if it's worth spending an extra 200+ just for extra luggage (Jetblue doesn't discount kid's tickets). Any ideas/advice?

 

[gravymom]

How about renting some of the baby equipment when you get down there? I think the place is called A Baby's Best Friend. Also, you can ship some of the souveniers home via Fed Ex or whatever. Hope that helps.

Oh, forgot, you could ship some of the items down to your hotel, if you don't want to rent. Can dh carry the diaper and have that count as his purse? Do they still count a purse as a carryone or is it a freebie?

 

[MinnieGi]

Just wondering why you are bringing the baby's car seat, if you're not buying her a seat? If you are renting a car down there, you can also rent a car seat for her, so that will eliminate an item.

The first time we flew with DD (under 1) she did not have a seat. We gate checked the stroller and I always carry on a diaper bag AND purse. Plus DH carries on a piece of luggage to stow in the overhead bins and we check two large suitcases.

I will say though that after that first flight we always have bought DD a ticket, its just so much nicer to have the extra room! And although we managed her first flight fine, if I did it over again, I would probably pay the extra money to have the extra room.

 

[Mic]

You could always ship the stroller to your resort via UPS, but you would not have it for the airport. Also, any other luggage could be shipped ahead of time.

 

[meesie]

When my kids were younger, ( a couple of years ago ) I would make a quick trip to Walmart or Kmart and buy an "umbrella stroller" once we arrived in Orlando. Usually you could find one for under $20. This saved some carting on the plane as well as worrying about my expensive stroller disappearing accidently in the park. They are easy to carry on if you decide you don't want to leave it when you go home, but not so expensive you would be upset to abandon it. The airline were always great about
"gate checking" baby strollers as we boarded the airplane so that you could have the convenience of a stroller through the airport but didn't have to have it in the airplane cabin. Usually they would bring these up to meet you as you got off the plane also.

 

[Grand Canyon]

I think first you need to ask yourself - how much would you spend renting or buying the equipment down there?
We've only flown a couple times, usually we drive, but we took the double stroller last time. We had to disassemble it, pack it in a bag and include it as part of the luggage. We considered it well worth it.
Next, have you considered what it will be like if you have to hold the DD the entire flight?
I flew once with our oldest without getting the additional seat.
I highly recommend buying the extra seat.
Having the extra room is well worth the matter. It isn't something you like to think of - but studies show that an infant being held in a parents arms vs. riding in a car seat - well, it's just like being in a car.
Check with your airline but usually you get two carry ons per person and three pieces of luggage.
You may not need all of the luggage going down, but how about on the trip home?
We no longer have the double stroller - but we are going to pick up a couple of used jogger strollers. The kids get too worn out.
Yeah, we could rent them down there - but we want the option of using the basket underneath for snacks etc. (see question on bringing in drinks) and we like the larger wheels vs. the umbrella strollers. Renting at any of the parks is such an inconvenience and they're really not comfortable for the child.
AND ... ... I think familiarity with the equipment you're using helps. You know how to hook it up, put it together - you don't have to relearn.
Whew!!

 

[disneymom3]

Okay, I have a couple of answers. First off, no I don't thinnk it's worth $200 in order to bring extra luggage but I would never fly again without a seat for any of my kids. Just 'cause it's free for them to be on your lap, doesn't mean it's a good choice. I would pay a lot more than that to have them in their carseats on the plane. Think turbulence, think rough landings, think how tightly can you really hold onto a baby? Not only are they safer, it's more comfortable for everyone involved.

Second, a diaper bag is a "personal" item like a purse and doesn't count.

Third, I have rented from ABBF when driving and it was worth every penny, but I like having the stroller in the airport especially if there is a layover.