Need flying info!

[The Duchess]

We're flying to DL next week and I have not flown in, like, 7 years. So, I'm not sure what to carry-on that won't be a pain in the neck.
It looks like there are no meals anymore on airlines, so can I bring sandwiches? Can I bring bottled water? Can I bring a small soft cooler?
We'll also be bringing a portable DVD player and a Gameboy for DS. Is that a problem? Can I pack our carry-on things in backpacks?
I'm totally clueless!! DH flies on business, but isn't being much help! I want to board the plane as painlessly as possible!

 

[Lew]

Yes to sandwiches, water, soft sided cooler (it will be counted as a one of your carry-ons or personal item).

DVD and Gameboy can be used when authorized; flight attendants will announce when you can and can't.

Yes, you can use backpacks.

 

[CarolA]

The airlines still give beverages.

You are limited to one carryon and one personal item per person so as you load up keep that in mind.

Be sure to pack the headphones for the DVD player and that your son knows how to turn the sound off on the GameBoy. (I sat near a young man once who was convinced that his did NOT have a sound off feature until a business man two rows away MADE him turn the sound off by teaching him how. No one wants to listen to those sounds for hours!)