Luggage question?!

[NicholeB630]

So reading posts about the packing cubes I have a question for families, we are asking for luggage for an early Christmas present from my inlaws we are in desperate need of new luggage and were looking into what kind to get and how many. Our family is Myself, DH, DD5 and DS2. When we go to Disney it will be for 8 nights, so we need to pack quite a bit. What sizes should we get? Should we get the kids each their own? DH and I each have one too? I'd rather have more luggage and it be under the weight limit then try and have less luggage and it be too heavy. We are going to fly Jetblue though so its free for first luggage per person. What are your favorite brands that last? What size cubes for each of us?

 

[baseballnut]

The spinner wheels are a must!!! Just got some and boy do they make a difference. SO much easier to wheel around, especially with kids in tow. And maybe the kids can just bring their own carryon size!

We did laundry onsite our last time so we didn't have to pack as much, and it was nice to not have as much when we came home. We just did laundry while we had some pool time.

 

[happymommy]

We just got 2 new bags for a recent trip to Korea and Hawaii (one week each place, and no time to do laundry until after the week in Korea). I got us Eagle Creek bags (I think they were 28" or so? Not carry on size). They hold a ton, and are super lightweight when empty. I am in love with them!

I think my kids got their own (carry on 22" bags) when they were about 4 and 6, so they could pull them through the airport. Until then, we shared a bag or two.

I got my packing cubes from Ikea (you have to go into the store; they don't sell them online). They are crazy cheap, like a set of 4 assorted sizes for $8. I don't know how much they are from places like Ebags.

When looking at luggage, compare the capacity in liters. Eagle Creek had a much higher capacity than others I was looking at. I also then went to a store to see them in person (REI) but then ordered them online as I was using gift cards I had gotten from my Amex Membership Rewards points. They were about $300+ each, but we do travel a lot so well worth it.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

The spinner wheels are a must!!!

I disagree. They stick out, they are prone to breakage and they add to the length, so can make a bag too long to fit into an overhead bin.

OP, it really depends on your mode of travel (fly or drive), and how often you will use your luggage. If you travel by air and check bags, I would either get an expensive brand like Tumi with a great warranty (free repair for one year, cheap repair after that), or something cheap you don't mind replacing when it is damaged.

 

[NicholeB630]

We usually fly once, twice a year but go on numerous other driving vacations a year. So we def get good use out of our luggage. I'd rather have good luggage that will last awhile rather than cheap luggage. I've heard good things about hard ones too but not sure. I wish we had a ikea closer to us. It's not that far but def out of the way to look at those packing cubes. I am really curious how well they work. But so many people on here say they love them. I am just a horrible packer. I am going to try really hard to pick outfits for each day but with FL weather being up and down in the winter I am afraid I'll need so many extra layering pieces.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

if checking bags, make sure everyone has clothes in each bag in case one get misdirected. nothing worse than getting there and only 3 out of 4 cases make it but if you then have to try and find something for someone to wear could make for a rough night. had it happen years ago when we had to fly to a family funeral and one girls case did not make it. had to find something for daughter to wear to funeral at 10 pm, not fun after traveling most of the day

 

[crashacid]

Ok so I work with luggage so let me put in my two cents.
Spinner wheels are nice and great for the mobility of the luggage. Tumi is great luggage and if you have the money buy it but carry-ons start around $270. There is always Samsonite or Travelpro. Both are good brands that can last awhile. Try to stay to a size around 26". anything over and you can easily hit the weight limit (overweight). A bag for each of your family member is better and than a carry on for a least a few of your family.
Also as always please check with your airline on size restrictions. Some airlines will allow a 22" with spinner wheels(1.5-2"added in height)

Always remember the rule of 45" for carry-one and 62" for check baggage
(HxWxD)

 

[shm_helene]

I am looking at getting wheeled duffle bag because it won't be in the way in the room...also thinking about no wheeled and getting a separate cart to wheel around. My parents travel a lot and that is what they use (along with packing cubes)

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

I have the mother lode from Ebags, sturdy and great packing. But, I find the kids use theirs, and warren tied forever. I like my American Tourister hard shell from SAMs club. We also have a travel set from SAMs that is excellent.

 

[NicholeB630]

Thanks for the advice. We are going to the mall tonight so we'll look at their luggage department. I think I'll stay around 26" for each my husband and I and then get the kids their own suite cases. I will probably then have a big bag for a carry on to put some things in to help with weight!

 

[Trip planner]

I would get different colors for each member of your family of the 5 piece value set of ebags packing cubes.
I would buy one 26 in for the whole family to share (pack liquids) and then get each person a 21 inch carry on.
Since you don't have to pay to check the bags you can check them if you want, but you will have carry one for future trips on airlines that charge to check.