Optimizing luggage fees

[lucigo]

We are flying airtran next month and I'm determined not to spend any more than necessary on luggage fees! So the plan is to stuff as much as possible (under 50 pounds) into each bag! I have 3 large bags, but still need to buy another (4 of us traveling), anyone have an advice on a good deal for a large lightweight bag?

 

[prncess674]

Go for a duffle bag. You can use it as a dirty clothes receptacle during the trip. Also are you really traveling for so long that you need 4 large suitcases??

 

[lucigo]

Go for a duffle bag. You can use it as a dirty clothes receptacle during the trip. Also are you really traveling for so long that you need 4 large suitcases??

Its a 7 night cruise....2 adults, a teenager and a 6yo, so yea we probably will. If we can get by with 3 then I can bring the garment bag for formal night clothes.

 

[prncess674]

Its a 7 night cruise....2 adults, a teenager and a 6yo, so yea we probably will. If we can get by with 3 then I can bring the garment bag for formal night clothes.

Don't forget about your carryon allowance. Each person is allowed the equivalent of a 22" standard rollaboard suitcase. I cant imagine a six year old's clothing taking up more than what would fit in a 22" bag.

 

[lucigo]

Don't forget about your carryon allowance. Each person is allowed the equivalent of a 22" standard rollaboard suitcase. I cant imagine a six year old's clothing taking up more than what would fit in a 22" bag.

You could be right, I won't really know until I start setting everything out. We have always driven so I never had to worry about it!

 

[IndyDisneyFan]

You can also do laundry on the ship. It only costs $1 to wash and $1 to dry (not including detergent which you can buy for $1). Sure, it isn't so much fun to have to do laundry while on vacation, but just think about spending that extra $30 per bag saved on the ship!

Laura

 

[lucigo]

You can also do laundry on the ship. It only costs $1 to wash and $1 to dry (not including detergent which you can buy for $1). Sure, it isn't so much fun to have to do laundry while on vacation, but just think about spending that extra $30 per bag saved on the ship!

Laura

Thanks good tip! WIll have to remember to bring a little detergent!

 

[zarvgirl]

I have to second the thought of using carry-on's. We flew Airtran last year and I was surprised by the size of some people's carry-ons. I did see one person told he would have to check his duffle-bag but he had two!!

I will also add even though I tried not to overpack, I soooo did. So perhaps keep that in mind.

have a super trip.

 

[lucigo]

I have to second the thought of using carry-on's. We flew Airtran last year and I was surprised by the size of some people's carry-ons. I did see one person told he would have to check his duffle-bag but he had two!!

I will also add even though I tried not to overpack, I soooo did. So perhaps keep that in mind.

have a super trip.

We will have backpacks for carryon but I don't think we will overpack the carryons if that makes sense. I have a 6yo with autism and even though he is a good kid, he is enough to handle without having luggage to deal with also in ATL. I think you are onto something with the DON'T overpack - I need concentrate on this!

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

Don't forget about your carryon allowance. Each person is allowed the equivalent of a 22" standard rollaboard suitcase. I cant imagine a six year old's clothing taking up more than what would fit in a 22" bag.

That depends what kind of clothes! My DD wears customs at the parks...some requiring petticoats. Even packing them in Ziplocks with the air taken out, her stuff is taking up an entire regular sized suitcase for a 5 night trip!!! Her stuff takes up more room than mine!!!

 

[jacksmomma]

Make sure to put your extra shoes into a carry-on. Those get heavy quick!

 

[nicki.momof3]

Its a 7 night cruise....2 adults, a teenager and a 6yo, so yea we probably will. If we can get by with 3 then I can bring the garment bag for formal night clothes.

We just did a Disney cruise (7 nights) with 2 adults and 3 kids. We did laundry one day so we planned for 2 wears out of every outfit (not dressy) and we still overpacked. For us personally I planned on an outfit (casual) each day. We did not use it. We wore swimsuits 4 fulldays with coverups.

Pack less - you will not need everything and do a few loads of wash.

 

[lucigo]

That depends what kind of clothes! My DD wears customs at the parks...some requiring petticoats. Even packing them in Ziplocks with the air taken out, her stuff is taking up an entire regular sized suitcase for a 5 night trip!!! Her stuff takes up more room than mine!!!

LOL We don't have anything that complicated, just your basic cruise clothes.

Make sure to put your extra shoes into a carry-on. Those get heavy quick!

I did get a rolling garment bag for formal night clothes that will fit shoes too, otherwise its flip flops!

We just did a Disney cruise (7 nights) with 2 adults and 3 kids. We did laundry one day so we planned for 2 wears out of every outfit (not dressy) and we still overpacked. For us personally I planned on an outfit (casual) each day. We did not use it. We wore swimsuits 4 fulldays with coverups.

Pack less - you will not need everything and do a few loads of wash.

I always seem to end up with too many dressy type clothes and not enough extremely casual! I think doing a little laundry is probably going to be the way to go

 

[nicki.momof3]

Another thing I did when we went was ship a box to the ship. In the box I put sand toys that we were going to leave at Castaway Cay, snacks (I know the FAQ said not food - we sent it with no problem - mostly snacks for the shows), some of the disposible items that we would not bring back. The box only cost about $7.00 to ship and none of the items returned with us so no wasted space.

Funny thing is the box was in our room was available at 1:30pm. Our bags did not show up until 4pm.

 

[lucigo]

Another thing I did when we went was ship a box to the ship. In the box I put sand toys that we were going to leave at Castaway Cay, snacks (I know the FAQ said not food - we sent it with no problem - mostly snacks for the shows), some of the disposible items that we would not bring back. The box only cost about $7.00 to ship and none of the items returned with us so no wasted space.

Funny thing is the box was in our room was available at 1:30pm. Our bags did not show up until 4pm.

Thats a cool idea, I didn't know you could do that!

 

[nicki.momof3]

Go to the FAQ on the DCL page (if it is a disney cruise) and it will give you the address. If you are traveling another cruise line just call and ask for the address.