OT-Any tips for flying with 5 yr old to Hawaii?

[scjo68]

I could really use some help from some of you flying experts.
We never fly- we always drive the 12 hours to WDW and always have done fine.
Unfortunely, there is no way to drive to Hawaii from VA!

I have friends that have experience flying, but frankly, when they start to give me tips, I just start to get anxious. They start to tell stories about how the airline changes their flights, confiscates their child's juice, etc.,. and I start to panic and can't listen anymore. I'm not so much afraid of the actual flying (I know flying is safer than driving!) It's more the surrendering of control. Other people telling me what I can and can't carry, when we can go to the bathroom, strangers going through my luggage and asking questions...

I think getting tips online will be easier for me to process- and you all hopefully won't think I'm crazy!
So, I've been looking around online for tips, and thought I'd ask you nice folks for some of your tips. I've looked at the transportation board, but I think I need something more basic.

DH and I are taking my DD11 and DS5 to Hawaii next week, and I am trying to figure out how to pack. We are staying with family who is there in the Navy, so they said we can use their shampoo, sunscreen, etc., which will help a lot. I do have several specific items which I want to pack for us that will need to go into the little 3 oz containers, and quart baggies.

DH wants to pack everything in carryons, and check no bags. We are flying United, and I can find where they specifically list the size limits of carryons, but not the size of the "personal item", purse, etc. , that we can also bring. I was going to bring a portable DVD player for each child, and DVDs, snacks, Nintendo DS for dd, books, paper and crayons, snacks- in our "personal" bags, ie. purses and backpacks, freeing our actual carryons for clothes, shoes, items for our destination.

So how big of a purse can you generally bring? I guess it has to fit under the seat in front of you, but how big is that?

I know you can't bring drinks, so I guess you have to buy them in the airport after you get through security? Snacks are OK to bring, right, as long as they are completely solid?

I usually like to keep OTC meds on hand while traveling, just because you never know who will need some advil, tums, etc. In the car, I usually just keep one bottle with a variety of meds in it, to save space. Does every med. need to be in its original container? If so, I'll need so many little bottles. I know prescription meds (If I have any then) will need to be labeled- do they need to be pulled out for inspectcion or just left in the bag?

Do items like mascara need to go in the "liquids" baggie?
Are wipes OK just to pack in the carryon, or do they need to be in the quart baggie too? I am thinking of a travel sized pack of wipes.

If you have any other suggestions for keeping a 5 year old boy entertained on a 14- hr trip, I would love to hear them! My 11 yr old should be pretty low- maintainance.

Thank you, thank you for any tips you savvy family travelers have!

 

[bas71873]

I could really use some help from some of you flying experts.
We never fly- we always drive the 12 hours to WDW and always have done fine.
Unfortunely, there is no way to drive to Hawaii from VA!

I have friends that have experience flying, but frankly, when they start to give me tips, I just start to get anxious. They start to tell stories about how the airline changes their flights, confiscates their child's juice, etc.,. and I start to panic and can't listen anymore. I'm not so much afraid of the actual flying (I know flying is safer than driving!) It's more the surrendering of control. Other people telling me what I can and can't carry, when we can go to the bathroom, strangers going through my luggage and asking questions...

HI. Fellow Virginian here. My DD has been flying with me since she was 18 months old. I vote for checking your bags. I HATE dragging my stuff thru the airport especially with kids. You can carry on two bags and I usually carry my travel purse (a jansport messenger bag type) and then either a beach bag style bag or a backpack. I take my DD's snacks and then buy her an apple juice or something after security if she needs it. U will get a drink or 2 on your fight. I also take loads of crayons, coloring books, and some little toys for her to play with on the tray. My DD is a great traveler and often sleeps too for me. The armchairs raise up so she can curl up with her head on my lad. Oh, and blankie and woo-woo (her doggie) always travel with us. I have even taken small cans of pay-doh that we play with on the tray too. Bring wipes to clean up. My DD is not a fan of watching DVDs so we don't carry a DVD player. She does not do video games either, but if your's does, take a gameboy or whatever small video game player she likes.

You can check in for your flight 24 hours in advance and often times select your seats. Do that and print your boarding passes. If for some reason you cannot get seats together, just inquire about that when you get to the airport. Be very nice and they will accommodate you. At least that has been my experience. they won't let you child fly alone. They will do some moving and often times passengers are more than happy to switch around. Don't sweat that at all. It will work. I've had to do it numerous times and in fact on our return from Disney DD and I ended up in first class which she LOVED. Just be very nice (and patient) and it will work out.

I think getting tips online will be easier for me to process- and you all hopefully won't think I'm crazy!
So, I've been looking around online for tips, and thought I'd ask you nice folks for some of your tips. I've looked at the transportation board, but I think I need something more basic.

DH and I are taking my DD11 and DS5 to Hawaii next week, and I am trying to figure out how to pack. We are staying with family who is there in the Navy, so they said we can use their shampoo, sunscreen, etc., which will help a lot. I do have several specific items which I want to pack for us that will need to go into the little 3 oz containers, and quart baggies.

DH wants to pack everything in carryons, and check no bags. We are flying United, and I can find where they specifically list the size limits of carryons, but not the size of the "personal item", purse, etc. , that we can also bring. I was going to bring a portable DVD player for each child, and DVDs, snacks, Nintendo DS for dd, books, paper and crayons, snacks- in our "personal" bags, ie. purses and backpacks, freeing our actual carryons for clothes, shoes, items for our destination.

It's 2 bags per person (usually).

So how big of a purse can you generally bring? I guess it has to fit under the seat in front of you, but how big is that?

I know you can't bring drinks, so I guess you have to buy them in the airport after you get through security? Snacks are OK to bring, right, as long as they are completely solid?

I usually like to keep OTC meds on hand while traveling, just because you never know who will need some advil, tums, etc. In the car, I usually just keep one bottle with a variety of meds in it, to save space. Does every med. need to be in its original container? If so, I'll need so many little bottles. I know prescription meds (If I have any then) will need to be labeled- do they need to be pulled out for inspectcion or just left in the bag? I have never had a bottle of aspirin opened so I think mixing them is fine.

Do items like mascara need to go in the "liquids" baggie? No.

Are wipes OK just to pack in the carryon, or do they need to be in the quart baggie too? I am thinking of a travel sized pack of wipes. Yes, I always carry wipes. Not considered a liquid.

If you have any other suggestions for keeping a 5 year old boy entertained on a 14- hr trip, I would love to hear them! My 11 yr old should be pretty low- maintainance.

Thank you, thank you for any tips you savvy family travelers have!

Hope that helps some and I apologize for referring to your DS as a DD above. If you have any other questions, let me know. I'll try to help. I personally would fly any day over a road trip. I need entertained during a road trip. I HATE them

 

[Carriemel]

Do items like mascara need to go in the "liquids" baggie? No.

That is incorrect. Mascara is considered a liquid. If you can SPREAD it, SPRAY it, SPLASH it, SPILL it, POUR it or DRIP it, it is a liquid. I work for TSA.

 

[limace]

Really, don't sweat it. The biggest deal is keeping your child entertained-the other stuff is completely solvable.

When I travel without kids, I don't check luggage. However, I agree that it would probably be easier to check at least one bag-it is a hassle to haul everything through the airport (my least favorite part is going down the aisles of the plane with eight bags for four people). In addition, it can be a challenge to find space for all the bags in the overhead compartment, especially since everyone is carrying on more bags these days.

If you don't think you'll need a med on the actual trip, either check it, borrow from your friends (they'll have Tums, I'm sure) or buy it there. I don't think it's a problem to have non-prescription meds mixed in one bottle, though.

Remember that you will probably want to bring DS's booster seat-you can check that, too.

The under-seat area is pretty roomy, and will accomodate a purse that a normal person would carry or your average backpack (not the big hiking kind, of course). Definitely put anything you might want to access during the flight in there.

Don't worry about juice, etc, for the flight itself, as they do still give complimentary drinks. You can buy juice by the gate while you wait-I think it's a good idea not to give kids a lot of fluid right before they board, in case it's awhile before they can get up and get to the bathroom. Of course, have them pee right before you board

And, of course, although it will be a really long day, it won't be 14 hours straight flying. You can get them out and have them run around during your layovers. Again, one benefit of not carrying everything on is that you have a lot more freedom to get out and move during a layover if you don't have 8 pieces of luggage with you.

Really, it will be fine. I've flown with my kids since they were infants, including annual trips to Hawaii (now, to be fair, I'm on the West Coast so it's a lot closer) and it's been OK every time-heck, even when we had a 9 hour delay with my grandma, my 10 year old and my 1 1/2 year old, the kids did just fine (I was beat, though). Your kids are at a great age to fly-the age they will find it more exciting than anything else. Trust me-toddlers are much, much harder.

 

[mmcphee]

I am going to guess that you have to change planes. Really think about checking some bags. Carrying a lot of stuff through an airport and keeping track of a 5 yo can be a challenge.

Everyone gets two bags one of which is supposed to go under the seat in front of you and one can go in the overhead. Of course not everyone follows that. Having a lot of stuff under the seat takes up a lot of leg room, something to think about on a long flight.

 

[bas71873]

Do items like mascara need to go in the "liquids" baggie? No.

That is incorrect. Mascara is considered a liquid. If you can SPREAD it, SPRAY it, SPLASH it, SPILL it, POUR it or DRIP it, it is a liquid. I work for TSA.

Really? I have never put mine in my baggie that I show. OOPS! I'll remember this for my trip in August

 

[HappyPeach]

I

DH wants to pack everything in carryons, and check no bags. We are flying United, and I can find where they specifically list the size limits of carryons, but not the size of the "personal item", purse, etc. , that we can also bring. I was going to bring a portable DVD player for each child, and DVDs, snacks, Nintendo DS for dd, books, paper and crayons, snacks- in our "personal" bags, ie. purses and backpacks, freeing our actual carryons for clothes, shoes, items for our destination.

So how big of a purse can you generally bring? I guess it has to fit under the seat in front of you, but how big is that?

I know you can't bring drinks, so I guess you have to buy them in the airport after you get through security? Snacks are OK to bring, right, as long as they are completely solid?

I usually like to keep OTC meds on hand while traveling, just because you never know who will need some advil, tums, etc. In the car, I usually just keep one bottle with a variety of meds in it, to save space. Does every med. need to be in its original container? If so, I'll need so many little bottles. I know prescription meds (If I have any then) will need to be labeled- do they need to be pulled out for inspectcion or just left in the bag?

Do items like mascara need to go in the "liquids" baggie?
Are wipes OK just to pack in the carryon, or do they need to be in the quart baggie too? I am thinking of a travel sized pack of wipes.

If you have any other suggestions for keeping a 5 year old boy entertained on a 14- hr trip, I would love to hear them! My 11 yr old should be pretty low- maintainance.

Thank you, thank you for any tips you savvy family travelers have!

I have taken my almost 3 year old to Hawaii from Atlanta 3 times. I also was a flight attendant until becoming a mommy.

At 5 and 11, the kids can carry a backpack with their own in-flight items: snacks, dvd player, book, small toys and 1 change of clothes. I would not try to carry on everything. I would get one large (50 pound) suitcase and check it. Dragging 2 kids and 8 carry-on items through the airport and trying to find places for them on the plane is frustrating and stressful. Your "personal item" is not a second suitcase. It's a backpack, purse or briefcase. So pick a purse that's no bigger than a normal school-size backpack (not a mountain climber backpack lol) and you should be fine. Remember -- it's a long flight and whatever you put under your seat takes away from your legroom and therefore your comfort. Your children won't need the legroom, so put bags under their seats first! If you decide to check one bag, still make sure you have at least a change of clothes for each kid (they can carry it in their own backpack) and at least a clean t-shirt for you. This is in case the kids get air sick... need I say more?

You can bring snacks but TSA (not the airline) will make you toss your drinks. You can bring your mixed up otc meds. You should put mascara in your quart bag (and each of the 4 of you can bring a quart bag.) You can bring liquid meds in their original container but the TSA will probably do a vapor test to test it. As far as security goes, explain to your kids before hand that they have to take their shoes off and put their backpacks through the scanner. I've carred packs of wipes through without any problem dozens of times.

I've found dvds, stickers, snacks, lollipops, aquadoodle, water wow books and crayons/coloring books to be great on the plane. Try to avoid toys with lots of little pieces -- they'll fall and you'll have a hard time getting them off the floor in a cramped airplane. My pediatrician says that a dose of benadryl to help the child sleep is a good idea for the airplane -- that's up to you. Let your husband board first with the one or two bigger bag and you stay in the gatehouse with the kids. Run them and go to the restroom. Board close to last. It will be a long time before they can get up. Make them keep their seatbelt on the whole time... not just when the seatbelt light is on. Make it a non-negotiable rule just like in the car.

Good luck and have fun.

 

[Manda]

The drink issue really isn't a big deal - they'll happily give you beverages on the plane. The only way they wouldn't is if you had a bumpy ride that kept the flight attendants in their seats the entire ride - which is unlikely. I don't usually bring snacks anymore either, since they'll provide those as well (when he was smaller, I did).

A typical backpack easily fits under the seat in front of you. So will a standard messenger bag style laptop case. I carry a large tote and shove it under there, too. I usually bring a backpack for my son (he's 5, too) with his iPod with movies on it (way better than dragging a DVD player around), his headphones, some paper and coloring stuff, some action figures, some wet wipes (no, they don't have to go in your quart baggie), some gum, Nintendo DSi w/games, a bottle of kids chewable Tylenol, and a clean t-shirt. If I'm checking luggage, all I bring for myself in my personal bag is my iPhone (again, with movies on it - also eBooks) and wallet in a small purse. If I'm not checking luggage, I just use my personal bag for clothes, etc. that didn't fit in my carry-on suitcase. I'd probably tuck a small blanket in my son's backpack if I was flying for 14 hours.

I've only got one kid and I've never flown 14 hours... but, honestly, flying with a 5 year old isn't bad at all.

 

[scjo68]

Oh, thank you everyone!
You all are a great source of info, and you have put my mind at ease.

I think I've convinced my husband to check one big bag, so we will have less to carry on.

I am getting excited for the trip, now!

 

[Hoosier Mom]

I agree with each of your kids carrying their own things in their backpacks. That's a great suggestion.

We did a cruise last fall and we had a terrible time with too many carryons. So I have a new rule for us....each person gets one checked bag (25 inch) and 1 carryon.

Then each person's carryon attaches onto their respective rolling suitcase once we arrive.

My son is 4 and he loves the Leapster games. I'm not sure if a 5 year old would like Leapster or not. There's different level games you can buy for it. I've seen the original leapsters at Target for as low as 29. Then you get the game cartridges that are age appropriate. We have fold up head phones for it. The DVD players is a great idea too, although not sure how long the batteries will last. Leapster takes batteries too, but at least you could carry some new batteries along.

Do you have an Arts & Education store? It's sort of a teacher supply store. There's lots of neat things in there to take along. My son loves maze books.

Have fun! We're going to Hawaii in a couple years to celebrate our 10th anniversary. Can't wait!

 

[scjo68]

OP here again.
The kids' carry-on backpacks are all set with books, etc.

I have a question about what to wear on the airplane.

I was all set with myself and the kids wearing shorts/capris, and crocs or fip-flops. It's July and we are going to Hawaii, so I figured that just made sense.

Also, I've been told it's often warm in the plane before you take off- the ac doesn't really work on the runway???

They'll have a very light jacket in their bag in case it's chilly. And for the shoes I figured they need to come off and on easy for security.

Now, I'm finding that shorts are on several recommended do not wear lists, because it gets cold on the plane.

What do you think?

 

[Hoosier Mom]

I usually wear jeans and comfy shoes. Flipflops are fine. Maybe just put some socks in their carry on. Jackets are a great idea. I'd rather cover up with my own jacket than use the airline blankets.

The air above your head only works halfway well at first. I think it works better once you are going.

 

[MiniGirl]

OP here again.
The kids' carry-on backpacks are all set with books, etc.

I have a question about what to wear on the airplane.

I was all set with myself and the kids wearing shorts/capris, and crocs or fip-flops. It's July and we are going to Hawaii, so I figured that just made sense.

Also, I've been told it's often warm in the plane before you take off- the ac doesn't really work on the runway???

They'll have a very light jacket in their bag in case it's chilly. And for the shoes I figured they need to come off and on easy for security.

Now, I'm finding that shorts are on several recommended do not wear lists, because it gets cold on the plane.

What do you think?

I'm glad you were able to convince your dh to check a bag. It will be so much easier on all of you.

As to what to wear... I think a lot depends on the time of day you're flying. Planes are going to get chillier at night than during the day. I personally, always fly in long pants (a nice comfy knit) and bring a light sweater.

Also, the a/c will start running when the engines are turned on. When a plane is at the gate, the engines are not on and the lights, etc are being powered by an APU (Auxillary Power Unit). Also, as a way to save money, planes are generally taxied on 1 engine these days, so often the a/c will not work at its full capacity until just before take off when all the engines are turned on.

Ya'll will be fine. My kids were great travellers at that age (and still are). I would try to let your little guy know what to expect though, so it doesn't seem so overwhelming. At that age, I found it best to talk to my girls and tell them what was coming up. You know.... see that man up there. He needs you to take your shoes off and place them in the bin. Then you need to walk through that arch and pick up your things and move out of the way to put your shoes back on. Stuff like that. If there were no line, I'd stop before we got in line and say that this is the place where we need to take off our shoes. Also, make sure he knows who to contact should he get seperates from ya'll. Just common sense stuff like that.

 

[Leajess99]

As for the crayons, what we found worked best when we flew were the Toddler triangle crayons from Crayola. They did not roll of the seatback table so no need to get out of the seat to go searching for them. My youngest had her Leapster L-Max and her sister had her DS to keep her occupied. Our only problem was that my older DD started having severe ear pain when we landed in St Louis and it only got worse. We did not have to deplane in St Louis and I did have tylenol but to this day she will not fly.

 

[Chereya]

OP here again.
The kids' carry-on backpacks are all set with books, etc.

I have a question about what to wear on the airplane.

I was all set with myself and the kids wearing shorts/capris, and crocs or fip-flops. It's July and we are going to Hawaii, so I figured that just made sense.

Also, I've been told it's often warm in the plane before you take off- the ac doesn't really work on the runway???

They'll have a very light jacket in their bag in case it's chilly. And for the shoes I figured they need to come off and on easy for security.

Now, I'm finding that shorts are on several recommended do not wear lists, because it gets cold on the plane.

What do you think?

I just flew to Hawaii in March with 3 and 5 yo boys. We checked one big suitcase and their booster seats and carried on two rolling cases, 1 rolling backpack, a laptop bag, my purse, a shopping tote "catch all" bag, and each child had a kid sized backpack. It was a LOT to be lugging through the Chicago airport when changing planes. Especially because I was 4 months pregnant, our flight to Chicago was delayed and the two gates were on opposite ends of the airport from each other.

Some things will be beyond your control - flight delays, line hold ups at TSA, gate locations, etc. Just try to do your best with preparations and you'll be fine. =)

I agree that shoes that come on and off easily are a huge help. That's a lot of stuff to keep track of at the TSA line. Keep the light jackets inside the bags otherwise you will have to remove them to go through the sensor, just like shoes. Some airports now have a designated "family" line that allows you to feel less rushed/stressed. Just take your time and make sure that your kids are not scared by the whole process. I made sure to keep all my liquids in my posession. I find it a hassle to pack liquids so I only had a single quart baggie. If you have more liquids than will fit into one baggie, having one person be in charge of them (Mom) is easier than relying on your DH or kids to make sure they're properly brought out for inspection.

I have found that sometimes, at the agent's discretion, they will allow juice boxes on the flight for kids. Formula and milk are allowed for younger babies and toddlers. I usually bring 1-2 juice boxes per child and if the TSA agent tells me, No, we just each drink one instead of throwing it out. I hang onto the juice boxes in my catch all shopping tote along with the snacks, candy, reading materials, light jackets, wipes, etc. Anything that I need easy access to on the plane is in there because it has such a wide opening and a snap button for closing (I got mine from JC Penney).

I have never been asked for the kids' birth certificates but bring them in case anyway. I keep those in my purse where I can make sure they're safe.

Each kids' backpack had their own stash of snacks, small toys, crayons, activities, a few single pack hand wipes, game boy & games, etc. Whatever I felt comfortable with them having their own access to I let them keep in their own backpack. I didn't have them carry anything heavy or breakable so they'd be able to keep up when walking through the airport. We kept the DVD player, their heavier activity books (another vote for the maze books!)and extra DVDs in the rolling backpack. My 5 year old was in charge of rolling it through the airport but otherwise, it was a bag that I kept track of on the plane.

I think shorts and crocs or flip flops are ok on the plane. When we got on our plane, each seat already had a pillow and blanket set out but you can always ask for a blanket from the flight attendant. You probably won't ever need to wear covered shoes while you're in Hawaii so that'll be one less thing to bring if you just wear your casual shoes.

When you first step off the plane in Hawaii, it will feel really humid and the air will feel heavy in your lungs. You may want to prep your kids on the sensation so they're aware. It can get really hot in July also but your bodies should adjust to the climate change in 1-2 days.

Have a great trip! I'm sure it'll be a great vacation and the flight will be just fine.

 

[Zeebs]

We just got back from an around the world trip with our 19 month old and 3 year old.

My tips for what they are worth are:

Check in bags - Too hard to carry everything on board, plus overhead lockers get crowded and you don't want to have to have bags spread down the plane. Also it is so much easier to move around the airport with less bags than more. Most airports don't offer trolleys airside so if you are carrying too much it gets really heavy when walking it around the airport, to the airplane etc.

Your kids are old enough to pack things that they want to take. Just make sure you let them know they pick it they carry it see above point on lugging bags through airport.

Try and get a night flight if this is possible, we found this really worked for us, as it meant keeping the kids entertained for less time, you get on, sit down take off which is always exciting, entertain them for a bit, something to eat, watch some TV and then settle down for a nap, wake up for breakfast, more entertainment and tv and landing.

If you can drive for 12 hours, you can fly for the same the length.

Have a great time.

Kirsten

 

[HappyPeach]

OP here again.
The kids' carry-on backpacks are all set with books, etc.

I have a question about what to wear on the airplane.

I was all set with myself and the kids wearing shorts/capris, and crocs or fip-flops. It's July and we are going to Hawaii, so I figured that just made sense.

Also, I've been told it's often warm in the plane before you take off- the ac doesn't really work on the runway???

They'll have a very light jacket in their bag in case it's chilly. And for the shoes I figured they need to come off and on easy for security.

Now, I'm finding that shorts are on several recommended do not wear lists, because it gets cold on the plane.

What do you think?

Shoes: I would wear your heaviest shoes on the plane. For most people that will be sneakers. Plus you'll have socks on so when you take your sneakers off, you're not walking barefoot through security. Crocs are not a great choice for airports because of the danger of them getting stuck in escalators. Even most small airports have escalators.

Clothes: I do not wear shorts on planes. I like a little more coverage -- I mean, who knows who sat in the seat before you and what they spilled there. I've been an airline employee for nearly 20 years and I've seen too much. A good choice is comfy pants or capris and a summery top / sleeveless or short sleeve plus a light sweater or jacket. Jeans are fine but make sure they're a really comfy pair.

Yes, it can be warm while the plane is at the gate or taxiing, but once you're in-flight it can get downright cold. Also, it can get cool at night in Hawaii and you'll be glad for pants and a sweater. This way you're wearing some of your heavier items and putting the smaller, lighter stuff in your suitcase.

Have fun!

 

[limace]

I just wanted to add that I always travel in easy-on, easy-off shoes, like sandals, but pack a pair of socks for the plane. Also, pack everyone's swimsuit in your carry-on, in addition to a change of clothes-you'll want the change just in case someone gets sick, but also I always, always pack anything that would ruin my first day of my trip if my luggage got lost. If you have no swimsuits your first day in Hawaii, you'll be very sad

 

[scjo68]

Thanks!
The kids' backpacks, with activities, snacks, etc, are all set, and should be their "personal" items, which will need to go under the seat in front of them.

I have one more question though:
I want to have a change of clothes for each of them, just in case something gets spilled, etc. That really adds to much bulk to their backpacks or my "purse." CAn I just have the extra clothes in my carry-on suitcase that will go in the overhead compartment? What I mean is, do I have access to the bigger carryon in the overhead area once I am allowed to get up, or does it stay shut for the whole flight, allowing me to access only our backpacks, etc. that are with us?

The extra clothes are already in ziplock bagies so I can get them out of the carryon without having to dig through everything. But I would probably need to get it down. Hopefully we wouldn't even need the extra clothes during the flight.

 

[Zeebs]

Thanks!
The kids' backpacks, with activities, snacks, etc, are all set, and should be their "personal" items, which will need to go under the seat in front of them.

I have one more question though:
I want to have a change of clothes for each of them, just in case something gets spilled, etc. That really adds to much bulk to their backpacks or my "purse." CAn I just have the extra clothes in my carry-on suitcase that will go in the overhead compartment? What I mean is, do I have access to the bigger carryon in the overhead area once I am allowed to get up, or does it stay shut for the whole flight, allowing me to access only our backpacks, etc. that are with us?

The extra clothes are already in ziplock bagies so I can get them out of the carryon without having to dig through everything. But I would probably need to get it down. Hopefully we wouldn't even need the extra clothes during the flight.

yes you can access the carry on that goes in the overhead compartment. To be honest though I wouldn't worry with a full set of clothes for the kids. Maybe a T-shirt.

For the last 6 flights I have packed a spare set for the kids and have never needed it - for a 3 year and 19 month old. Although we do put them into their pjs after dinner so I guess if something got really wet I could swap back.

I was going to suggest in my last post clothing I wear is a pair of linen trousers and a t-shirt if I wear sandals I pack a pair of socks incase I get cold feet.

Kirsten