packing question

[maggiann]

ok, trying to decide whether to put all my toiletries(which i have alot) in my carry on or check it...what do you guys do?

also...i cant decide whether to carry on a bag with a change of clothes in it or just check it all...help me.

2 more days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Mark P.]

We pack the toiletry bag along with the medicine bag in a very small carry on wheeled suitcase.
Both kits are the folding zip up type with plastic pockets, etc., and fit nicely inside the small suitcase and we feel better having them with us (especially the med. bag).
Basically, anything that can be spilled, squashed or broke is carried on with us (we still ziploc the lotions, mouthwash, etc.)

Have a nice trip

 

[Disneyorl]

I take all the toiletries and medicines with me on a rolling carry on. I feel more secure knowing that I am in control of them and if in the event my luggage would be delayed (or lost) I at least have important items with me.

I would suggest maybe placing a washcloth/handtowel in with your toiletries. You could use this to keep any glass items from being bumped around. If you have room, having a spare set of clothes doesn't hurt (not bulky). Have a Great Time!

 

[gt0163c]

All my clothes (except sometimes a flannel or fleece, if it's chilly) and toiletries end up getting checked. I travel wiht a large wheeled duffle bag, all my toiletries in a Lands End toiletries bag and haven't had any problems with things getting squished or leaking in a long time. In fact, the last time I had any problems was a new tube of toothpaste that popped a seam on a driving trip to Colorado (I don't travel with full tubes of toothpaste anymore). The main reason I would think to travel with toiletries and a change of clothing would be in case your luggage got lost. If you're traveling within the US only, that's not so much of an issue anymore. Because of security measures, your bags generally have to be on the same plane as you are. Especially if you're not changing planes anywhere, there's a very slim chance of your bags ending up somewhere other than where you are. If you they do, the airlines can generally find them and get them to you in less than 24 hours.

 

[tink76]

A good tip I saw on here was to pack some of your clothes in DH's (or someonelse who is traveling with you) suitcase and some of his clothes in your suitcase. That way even if it does get lost it is not as likely they will both get lost.

 

[Redbudlover]

We had luggage lost this past spring domestically. Luckily we always take our toiletries and a change of clothes on board with us in a rolling carryon. Not something I will change soon!
Redbudlover

 

[Amyg]

We ALWAYS pack an extra set of cloths on our carry in case our bags don't arrive in time. Our toiletries go in baggies and onto baggage. The only other things I carry on is cosmetics, book/magazine and a sweater since I tend to get chilly on flights.

 

[Stacy's a freak]

Yes, I carryon my toiletry bag since I wear contacts and I don't want to be caught without the right stuff. It's easy enough to replace shampoo/shaving cream/etc, but finding the right contact lens solution in a hotel shoppe is NEVER going to happen.

I also pack a change of clothes - no PJs, just undies, a bottom (shorts or pants) and a top. I call this my insurance policy. Murphy's Law - you're almost guaranteed to have lost luggage if you don't plan for it.

 

[LoveWDW]

I like the idea of a light change of clothing in the carryon. Also, and necessary meds and toiletries. I pack toothbrush, etc. Things that I want to have available so I don't need to run out and shop if I get in at a late hour and just want to shower and get to bed.

 

[chrismb22]

Be careful with the toiletries. I believe you can't carry aersol spray on the plane and last year on a work trip I threw my makeup bag in my carry on and forgot about it. Well, I forgot I had my cuticle scissors in there. My entire bag got searched and I lost a good $10 pair of cuticle scissors. (Actually though, I felt better knowing they caught it. I would have felt really horrible if I made it to my trip and then saw them in there -- at least I know security was doing their job.)

 

[hauntedmansion]

We check it all in a small duffel bag and check it on the way to disney. ( to much of a hassel to carry on) On the way home we use the duffel for soveiners and put the left overs in our suitcases.

 

[disgram]

Most Definately Pack A Set Of Clothes!! I didn't when I went to my son's and so naturally my luggage was delayed!! I went to Charlotte NC and my luggage went to Toledo!! It cost me for not packing a change of clothes!! Also pack the toiletries in the carryon. You just never know what will be ok in the luggage compartment and what won't!

 

[ZoZo]

Be careful with the toiletries. I believe you can't carry aersol spray on the plane and last year on a work trip I threw my makeup bag in my carry on and forgot about it. Well, I forgot I had my cuticle scissors in there. My entire bag got searched and I lost a good $10 pair of cuticle scissors. (Actually though, I felt better knowing they caught it. I would have felt really horrible if I made it to my trip and then saw them in there -- at least I know security was doing their job.)

Same thing happened to me just after 9/11 with the cuticle scissors. I had forgotten that I had them in my makeup kit and they confiscated them. I have never made that mistake again! I also have a swiss army knife attached to my keychain, which I have to remember to remove when flying.

On my carry-on, I pack "essential" toiletries (just the things I couldn't live without the first day), plus a change of clothes and swimsuit. I have also had my luggage lost a couple of times, and say "better safe than sorry". The first time my luggage was lost, it took two days to get to me. No fun.

 

[StephMK]

I'm packing spare clothes for the kids & myself, along w/essential toiletries & will add swimsuits (great idea!). I usually pack stuff for the little kids but one time DS spilled his soda all over MY lap. Not comfy!

 

[Skroops]

I never thought of mixing up the DH clothes with DS and mine in the fat chance a bag would be delayed. I love that idea!
I usually bring my makeup, asprin/sudafed, and things to read or do in case of delay with me. A portable DVD player is great for the kiddo. I like the tote bags that roll for our carry on. I've been on flights where the last few people to board had to check their roll bags, and ours will fit under the seat if needed.
I usually check all of the toiletries. WDW hotels have soap and shampoo that will get me through. We can always pick up a WDW t-shirt if it came to that too! The less I have to carry through the airport, the better.

 

[Okiemom]

Can the carry on be a soft material, kinda like a oversized purse? Then can they be put in overheads or under seats too? Sorry, I don't fly much.

 

[Skroops]

But you do have to carry it to the airplane and through MCO's large airport! That is why the wheel bags are so popular, because airports keep expanding. If you do get a roll bag, make sure its' a smaller type to use as carry on. (Some sales people will tell you it's a carry on size just to make the sale and then you get on the airplane and it is too big!)

 

[justplaingoofy]

My husband used to work for an airline, and now works for the FAA. Also, my father in law works for the TSA. So between the two of them we have "guidelines"

-We've always split/pack our bags.
-Never use the skycaps.
-Do not pack metal (coins, etc)
-Check flights prior to leaving for airport, arrive 2 hrs before.
-Carry on one bag with some clothes,swimsuit,meds, 1 toiletries kit (his gets packed)
-When getting seating assignment, if packing a portable dvd player/laptop, request a seat with a power port so you don't have to use your battery.
-Label outside of bag with your name,address, cellphone, include the dates you are staying & which hotel. (quicker response/delivery). Also, include an additional label/index card with the same info. incase the outer label is lost/destroyed.

 

[justplaingoofy]

oops, meant to include..
If you are not sure on the carry on size look up your airlines website. They will tell you the exact dimensions of a carry on.