Luggage - Pros/Cons of a second checked bag?

[kjs1976]

We're going to WDW for a week this year. Usually, DH takes his own suitcase and I take a huge one that I have my clothes in, plus all our toiletries in one of those hanging shoe racks. Last year DH took a second suitcase because he was skated in the inline marathon and needed one for his gear and we used the extra space for souviniers. It was nice to have that extra overflow room. This year there are some snacks I want to bring and I want some extra room in case there is something really neat and decorative at DTD or EPCOT that I want to bring back. Only thing is I'm a freak when it comes to worrying about losing luggage, although the worst that has ever happened was we made the flight and our luggage didn't, but was put on the next flight and arrived two hours later.

I'm probably over analyzing all of this, but would like to hear about your packing/luggage experiences and see if you agree that an extra suitcase is worth it or necessary!!! Thank you!!!!

 

[JillU-DVC]

Keep in mind that airlines have cracked down on the weight each bag can now be - most airlines limit the weight of a checked bag to 40 pounds.

We too used to take one large bag, but after being told we'd owe the airlines $75 dollars to check it, we have now started using two bags instead of one large one.

If you're concerned about losing the bag, make sure that you divide all of your stuff among the two bags (don't pack all your stuff in one bag and all your husband's stuff in the other one) - if you have half of each person's clothing in each bag, then if one does get lost, both of you will still have clothes to wear.

I don't bother splitting up the toiletries (I put all mine in one bag and all my husbands in the other). Anything that I know I must have, I carry on (contact lenses & solution, deodorant, and medications).

Hope this helps!!

 

[klahr]

just want to echo the weight issue. My mom always took "Big Green" until we were constantly over the weight limit. It turned out BG was 24 lbs. empty.

 

[Bev J]

We usually pack one big bag, checked, and one small bag that we carry on. Now we will check 2 bigs and each have a tote carry on. I am too worried about the overweight luggage factor and for some reason dirty clothes always seem to weigh more.....LOL I would rather have the 2 bags and have some extra room for what we buy.
We do alot of travel and only one time did our luggage not arive with us and thankfully that was on the return trip, they delivered it to our house the next day.

Bev

 

[amyjo]

Splitting up the clothes between bags is a good idea. We carry on a bag with a change of undies, socks, and a clean shirt. Then, we divide up everyone's clothes between a couple suitcases. That way, if one gets lost, we still have a few outfits per person. For extra room for souvenirs, I'll stuff a duffel bag into one of the suitcases. Send the dirty clothes home in the duffel as checked luggage, and put the souvenirs in a now nearly-empty suitcase.

 

[disneyfanfamily]

We have 5 people going in July. And yes...we will have 5 checked in bags (and 5 small "bookbags" as carryons). We were over by 3 pounds on the way home on our last DW vacation because of souveniers. Luckily, the person at the counter told us not to worry about it - they were going to let it slide. However, we will pack 5 bags, not too full, with extra space for souveniers, etc. It's a lot of luggage, but we won't forget anything! (That's one reason we had to rent a minivan - because of the luggage!)

 

[kjs1976]

I've only come close to overweight luggage once and that was because of the one huge suitcase...I was one pound under! So that is a major reason why I'm considering two!

 

[frannn]

I would put all the stuff that doesn't quite fit into both of your first set of luggages. I'd definetly leave it half empty for souveniers as well. I have tried to cut down on the amount of stuff I bring, but 1 large luggage is somehow never enough. We try to bring a few large duffels instead of a lot of hard sided suitcases. The duffels weigh less to begin with, and the shape conforms to your stuff, expecially when you want to shove a lot into the trunk of a rental car!

 

[Nora94]

If you are flying more bags that are less full is better! We didn't want to pay the extra $25 for our extra 11 lbs so we had to redistribute things to make each of our bags under 50 lbs. Not fun. And luckily they didn't get picky about carry ons!

Nora

 

[chamonix]

I've only truly lost a bag once--on the way home from Antarctica one of my bags was lost. I had it when I went through customs in Miami, but somehow, the airline never showed it getting onto the flight from Miami to St Louis. I don't see how it was in any way related to having more than one bag though. I checked it in, I put it on the belt, I watched it move on......getting lost/stolen was a random event. The rest of my bags made it fine. It never turned up, BTW My advice is never ever check anything you aren't prepared to say goodbye to forever. This experience made me re-evaluate what I though of as "valuable" goods in my luggage. I would much rather replace an expensive camera than something with personal significance or importance that cannot be replaced with money.

Check as many bags as you are allowed. Less wrinkles, lol, and more room for souvenirs, and of course, less chance of being overweight! (the bags, that is, lol)

 

[safetymom]

First check to see what the weight allowance per bag is for your airline. Also be sure to put contact information(where you can be reached while on vacation) and itinerary in your suitcase in case it gets lost.