Packing for Flight vs Car

[DonaldnDaisy5]

Hi, we are disney vets, however we usually make the 18 hour drive, where my only packing limitations are DH strength and the suburban. Both of which can carry a lot ....

DH has decided we should try flying this time. I've flown before BUT many many years ago, pre kids and all the new regulations. I've looked the rules up online but now am looking for some practicable advice from other over packers to pack for this trip.

We are flying in July via Southwest so two bags per person are free but I am not thinking my DH wants 10 checked bags....what goes in your carry on? Do you roll or fold? Please help so I don't freak out!

 

[Gumbo4x4]

If it can't be easily & cheaply replaced, it doesn't get checked.
If you can't live without it for a few days, it doesn't get checked.


That's my basic plan

 

[aeenser]

My kids are 6 and 8 and each have a backpack with activities for flight, blanket, favorite stuffed animal, snacks, etc. My husband is electronics man and has our laptop/iPad, Chargers for all of our devices, maybe a few other misc items. My carry on is change of cloths for everyone, swimsuits, shoes if necessary, my makeup (no one wants to see my face without out it lol) and travel sizes of sunscreen and hand sanitizer plus whatever I want. for the flight.
We always fly southwest and have never had a problem fitting everything we. Red in our checked bags. I usually pack one suitcase with snakes to save money and then I have plenty of room for souvenirs.

 

[puffkin]

We fly Southwest all the time to Disney (at least 2x a year). I will advise to not pack a ton, even though you can. It is just such a pain to schlep it all through the airport and deal with it in general. We are a family of 4 (DS2 & DS8) plus my mom. This is what we take:

Checked luggage:
3 Large suitcases (1 is my mom's, 1 is DH and my stuff, 1 is the boys)
1 Small rolling carryon (we only take this if we need the airbed for my DS, depending on the size of the room we have)
Carseat

Carryon:
DH Backpack (his medications, laptop, Ipad)
DS8 Backpack (books, games, small toys)
Mom- Small carryon with her books, medication, snacks for plane, etc
Me- Diaper bag with diapers, sippy cups, snacks for DS2, change of clothes for DS2
Stroller- Gate check

We don't carry much on the plane at all. Everything fits under the seats, we never use overheads. Going through security is much easier. I would be so stressed having to lug so much stuff through the airport. I can't wait until we are done with the carseat and the diaper bag, that eliminates 2 things right there.

Especially in summer, we pack so much less since shorts/t's take up no room. I pack 5 outfits per person. We do laundry. Takes minimal effort and so worth it to have clean clothes and not come home with nasty, sweaty laundry especially in the summer. In Winter we just layer a lot.

I just don't understand why people pack so much stuff. I couldn't imagine. It stresses me out.