Please help with carryons!

[Tiger926]

We haven't flown in a few years, as DH likes driving, but no more as my motion sickness and Osteoporosis (diagnosed very young) as made it too difficult for the long ride to WDW.

We will either be flying Delta or Spirit this summer out of Detroit, so we are checking on the luggage requirements and see a few things have changed, specifically laptop computers are now their own carryon! We always bring our laptop as kids can watch movies, emails back home and digital photos (I upload memory cards each night).

So, we have 4 of us: toddler, child and 2 adults. We are trying to make sense of the carryons - DD7 will be carrying on her booster seat (for use in rental car), as well as a carryon suitcase, toddler will have a carryon, and so will DH and myself.

We are looking into the rolling briefcase/laptop bags as they can hold clothes and other electronics - we will have DVDs and digital cameras/camcorder. Is this ok?

What do you all use for carryons? We will also be gate checking toddler's stroller too, so we are trying to be efficient with our carryons, but since it's been a few years, and things have changed, any tips you all can give would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks, Tiger

 

[Tara]

We haven't flown in a few years, as DH likes driving, but no more as my motion sickness and Osteoporosis (diagnosed very young) as made it too difficult for the long ride to WDW.

We will either be flying Delta or Spirit this summer out of Detroit, so we are checking on the luggage requirements and see a few things have changed, specifically laptop computers are now their own carryon! We always bring our laptop as kids can watch movies, emails back home and digital photos (I upload memory cards each night).

If the laptop is carried on separately, outside of a bag or in a carrying case with nothing else, it is its own item. You can put it in any carry-on bag that it fits into and that is "legal" size for taking on the plane and you still just have 1 carry-on item.

You are each allowed 2 items - one carry-on bag that fits in the overhead bin and one personal item that fits completely under the seat in front of you.
Why do you think a laptop counts as a carry-on item - is it because of the language on Delta's site about what counts as a personal item? I can see how if you aren't reading it all very carefully, it might seem confusing. It says:

You may bring one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard at no charge, plus one extra smaller item like a coat or umbrella. All items must meet the size requirements for carry-on baggage, so they can easily fit into the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Approved Personal Carry-on Items

* 1 purse, briefcase, camera bag, or diaper bag;
* or 1 laptop computer (computers cannot be checked and must be carried on);
* or 1 item of a similar or smaller size to those listed above.
* All carry-on items must be easily stored in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

MY NOTE: The above is aimed at people who think they can bring a purse AND a laptop bag.

Additional Approved Carry-on Items

A couple of other items are okay to bring onboard. They do not count toward your personal items. Keep reading.

* To be prepared for any kind of weather, you may bring a coat, jacket, or umbrella.
* Enjoy food or drink purchased after clearing the security checkpoint.
* Go ahead and shop. One box or bag of duty free merchandise is allowed.
* A special item like a stroller, child restraint seat, or assistive devices such as wheelchairs or crutches.

Carry-on Items: Baggage Size and Weight Restrictions

When oversized bags don't fit in the overhead bins, delays happen. Fees will also be applied to the oversized bag if it has to be checked. In order to avoid delays as well as fees, follow these size and weight requirements:

* Baggage may not exceed 45 linear inches (length+width+height) or 115 cm.
* Baggage must fit easily in our SizeCheck® unit (approximately 22"x14"x9" or 56x36x23 cm).
* Fees apply if your bag is too large to carry on and has to be checked at the gate.

So, we have 4 of us: toddler, child and 2 adults. We are trying to make sense of the carryons - DD7 will be carrying on her booster seat (for use in rental car), as well as a carryon suitcase, toddler will have a carryon, and so will DH and myself.

We are looking into the rolling briefcase/laptop bags as they can hold clothes and other electronics - we will have DVDs and digital cameras/camcorder. Is this ok?

Be aware that if the booster seat does not fit in the overhead or under a seat, it will have to be gate checked. Booster seats are not approved for use on airplanes. Is there a reason you aren't checking it?

The bag you described sounds fine.

What do you all use for carryons? We will also be gate checking toddler's stroller too, so we are trying to be efficient with our carryons, but since it's been a few years, and things have changed, any tips you all can give would be greatly appreciated!

I use a roller bag that fits wheels-first (or wheels-out) in the overhead and a tote-style purse that my laptop fits in (usually a Longchamp Le Pliage tote). My son has a kid-sized rolling suitcase that fits under a seat. DH has a rolling suitcase similar in size to mine and also carries a backpack.

Thanks, Tiger [/QUOTE]

 

[jlewisinsyr]

The only thing I typically carry on is my notebook computer bag and our digital camera bag (DSLR). Within those bags, we'll pack our little pill case with any medicines we may need, contact cases, extra mobile phone battery and a few other small things. Everything else goes in the checked baggage, IMO it's too much of a hassle to carry around a lot of luggage around the airport.

 

[DebbieB]

How are you going to manage all this? Your child and toddler will be able to handle their carryons through the airport? Or will the adults have to drag all this? I don't know about your home airport but it's a pretty good distance from the gate to the curb at MCO. Plus overhead space can be limited. I would combine your children's stuff into one bag and check it. That way you only have to take it to the counter at your home airport and from baggage claim at MCO.

 

[Muhlenberg]

I'm with Debbie...trying to lug too much can be daunting, even for adults. My hubby and I finally decided we had to reduce the amount of things we carry on because it was just too much to deal with. I have a backpack that carries my laptop and bathroom stuff. I have a tote bag that I use as my purse. He uses a rolling case that carries both his CPAP machine and laptop. He always has to go through extra security because of the CPAP, so we combined his stuff to make things easier. He was struggling through MCO carrying all his stuff (asthma), and we HAD to do something about that. So between the two of us, we have LESS than we're allowed...both numbers of things, and size. None of our items are the max size allowed.

Anything you take as carry-on has to be carried through both airports, and if you have a toddler carrying a booster seat, he/she may not be able to physically deal with that all the way through the airport, and then you'll have to help.

Oh and once you get to security, don't forget you have to deal with everyone's shoes, jackets, etc in addition to the carry-ons and laptops. It all adds time/aggravation.

 

[Tiger926]

Thanks to all - forgot to come back to here as we've been busy with Easter!

1. Booster seats - I know that booster seats aren't approved on aircraft, that's why it's not going to be used as I mentioned it's for the rental car. It's a lowback seat, but we haven't actually purchased it yet, as DD uses a Britax Frontier booster, so we are going to purchase a Clek, no back booster. I've read many threads on here where people carried them on to the plane. I'm not comfortable gate checking a car seat as they get bumped around, so I'll wait until I get it, and then measure the seat, and go from there.

2. Laptop - Delta's website specifically lists a purse or laptop, so as I mentioned, this would mean it's a separate carryon. My hubby will carry the laptop with other digital cameras and such, so that should be ok based on the info above. Last time we flew (2.5 years ago, maybe?), you were allowed to carryon both a purse and laptop as I've done it several times. I know it's now changed.

3. Carryons -

a) Toddler (will be turning 3 on our trip) - will be in stroller up until gate check, and then he can pull his own suitcase as he does it all of the time

b) DD7 - will pull her own Princess carryon

c) Myself - will have a purse/backpack only and will carry DD's car seat in a clear plastic bag and will have a hand free to hold baby's hand

d) Hubby - will carry son's car seat for use on plane in a rolling car seat bag and the laptop bag

Kids really want to bring their luggage - it's not that big (Heys) and doesn't hold much, but they want some clothes and toys in them. We are still working this out though, but they both roll them along on their own and have been doing this since they were 18 months old.

Thanks for all of your help - we've flown before, but only with 1 child, so we are trying to make it as efficient as possible. We are flying in July, so no coats, umbrellas, etc. We are very efficient packers, and hardly bring anything into the parks, so your tips and such are helpful for our first flight together with both kids!

Happy Easter to all, Tiger

 

[DebbieB]

Thanks to all - forgot to come back to here as we've been busy with Easter!

1. Booster seats - I know that booster seats aren't approved on aircraft, that's why it's not going to be used as I mentioned it's for the rental car. It's a lowback seat, but we haven't actually purchased it yet, as DD uses a Britax Frontier booster, so we are going to purchase a Clek, no back booster. I've read many threads on here where people carried them on to the plane. I'm not comfortable gate checking a car seat as they get bumped around, so I'll wait until I get it, and then measure the seat, and go from there.

2. Laptop - Delta's website specifically lists a purse or laptop, so as I mentioned, this would mean it's a separate carryon. My hubby will carry the laptop with other digital cameras and such, so that should be ok based on the info above. Last time we flew (2.5 years ago, maybe?), you were allowed to carryon both a purse and laptop as I've done it several times. I know it's now changed.

3. Carryons -

a) Toddler (will be turning 3 on our trip) - will be in stroller up until gate check, and then he can pull his own suitcase as he does it all of the time

b) DD7 - will pull her own Princess carryon

c) Myself - will have a purse/backpack only and will carry DD's car seat in a clear plastic bag and will have a hand free to hold baby's hand

d) Hubby - will carry son's car seat for use on plane in a rolling car seat bag and the laptop bag

Kids really want to bring their luggage - it's not that big (Heys) and doesn't hold much, but they want some clothes and toys in them. We are still working this out though, but they both roll them along on their own and have been doing this since they were 18 months old.

Thanks for all of your help - we've flown before, but only with 1 child, so we are trying to make it as efficient as possible. We are flying in July, so no coats, umbrellas, etc. We are very efficient packers, and hardly bring anything into the parks, so your tips and such are helpful for our first flight together with both kids!

Happy Easter to all, Tiger

Where is you and your husband's luggage? You mentioned about gate checking - most of the flights I have been on lately have run out of room and people were forced to gate check. Just a heads up.

 

[maxiesmom]

You may want to be very careful with what you choose to carry-on. With most airlines charging for checked bags, carry-on space is at a premium. It is not unusual for people to end up having to gate check carry-ons simply because there is no more room! It will be easier on you to condense down to as few carry-ons as possible.

 

[Tiger926]

Ok, now I have a problem...if everyone is allotted a certain amount of carryons, why are they allowing more? If they are running out of room, then that tells me there is a problem somewhere - is it due to the extra stuff like car seats, etc.?

There is no fee for gate checking, right? If someone could elaborate, that would be great!

Tiger

 

[Tiger926]

Where is you and your husband's luggage? You mentioned about gate checking - most of the flights I have been on lately have run out of room and people were forced to gate check. Just a heads up.

I'm not sure I'm following? Our luggage (2 large suitcases for all 4 of us) will be paid for online, and processed through curbside check-in. I'm just asking about carryons - did I miss something?

Thanks, Tiger

 

[DebbieB]

Ok, now I have a problem...if everyone is allotted a certain amount of carryons, why are they allowing more? If they are running out of room, then that tells me there is a problem somewhere - is it due to the extra stuff like car seats, etc.?

There is no fee for gate checking, right? If someone could elaborate, that would be great!

Tiger

Your 2nd "personal item" (purse, backpack, laptop, briefcase) is supposed to fit under the seat but many people throw it on the overhead. There just isn't enough room in the overheads for the number of people who are bringing rollaboards these days to avoid paying to check luggage. When they were designed, it was assumed most of these would be checked. Some of them are too large to fit wheels in, so people put them sideways, which takes up alot of room.

You are not charged for gate checked items, assuming they are within the size requirements.

I'm not sure I'm following? Our luggage (2 large suitcases for all 4 of us) will be paid for online, and processed through curbside check-in. I'm just asking about carryons - did I miss something?

Thanks, Tiger

I assumed you were doing all carryon, my mistake.

 

[toywaltz]

Any reason you're not just renting a booster seat with the car? Seems like a lot of pain for a few bucks.

 

[Tiger926]

Your 2nd "personal item" (purse, backpack, laptop, briefcase) is supposed to fit under the seat but many people throw it on the overhead. There just isn't enough room in the overheads for the number of people who are bringing rollaboards these days to avoid paying to check luggage. When they were designed, it was assumed most of these would be checked. Some of them are too large to fit wheels in, so people put them sideways, which takes up alot of room.

You are not charged for gate checked items, assuming they are within the size requirements.

I assumed you were doing all carryon, my mistake.

Thanks for these answers - that helps!

Any reason you're not just renting a booster seat with the car? Seems like a lot of pain for a few bucks.

I would never rent a car seat from a rental place as they aren't subject to safety inspections at all. Not sure what you are going to get, plus very expensive. It's not going to be a pain to bring the low back booster as it's not very big. I'll check on the size of the box, but we might leave it in the box, and put it in a clear bag, and then gate check with our stroller.

Thanks, Tiger

 

[toywaltz]

I would never rent a car seat from a rental place as they aren't subject to safety inspections at all. Not sure what you are going to get, plus very expensive. It's not going to be a pain to bring the low back booster as it's not very big. I'll check on the size of the box, but we might leave it in the box, and put it in a clear bag, and then gate check with our stroller.

Thanks, Tiger

Well a low-back booster isn't much different than sitting on a stack of books so I'm not sure what safety issues there could be. It's just to keep the seat-belt at the proper height. I agree if we're talking infant/child seats but boosters aren't worth lugging around in my book. What are you doing for the toddler?

 

[SuzanneSLO]

[snip]3. Carryons -

a) Toddler (will be turning 3 on our trip) - will be in stroller up until gate check, and then he can pull his own suitcase as he does it all of the time

b) DD7 - will pull her own Princess carryon

c) Myself - will have a purse/backpack only and will carry DD's car seat in a clear plastic bag and will have a hand free to hold baby's hand

d) Hubby - will carry son's car seat for use on plane in a rolling car seat bag and the laptop bag [snip]

I personally have an issue when we have 2 many rolling bags, including checked lugagge. I find if anyone needs to drag 2 bags, it really makes it hard to get through the airport.

So, by my counting, you have 4 wheeled carryons, a stroller, 2 checked bags (probably at least one of which is on wheels), a backpack and a boosers in a non-wheeled bag.

I would start by getting a backpack for DH to carry the laptop, etc. That cuts you rollers down to 3 plus checked.

Look into how well you can put one of the rolling bags on the stroller (we have used bungee cords, if needed). If it fits with the child riding, then you have 1 hand to push the stroller, one bag on board, one bag to pull behind (rolling carseat), plus your backpack. Obviously, this doesn't work if you need 2 hands for the stroller or can't put a roller aboard. Then, DD will probably need to handle another bag up til check in.

Then DD pulls her bag and DH carries both checked bags, the booster seat and his laptop backpack. After you check luggage, then DH can take another bag from either you or DD.

It sounds complicated, but is actually pretty doable. The key is using a 2nd backpack for the laptop instead of another rolling bag and being to able to store a carry-on aboard the stroller.

Best of luck -- Suzanne

 

[Tara]

If you have a laptop INSIDE a purse, it does NOT count as a separate carry-on item. Or if it's in a backpack or any other bag that fits under the seat. If you have a purse AND a laptop in a separate bag, you can STILL carry both on - you just can't carry on anything else. I fly all the time so I can tell you this is definitely the case.

As for checking the booster - if it's a backless booster, there's really no issue in checking it. Backless boosters are only for positioning - there's no inherent safety feature that could be compromised by having it checked unless the thing was crushed, I guess. The LATCH claws are pretty darned durable and protected within the clasps anyway, so I wouldn't be worried about them being damaged. I'd get a case for it, though to protect it against stains.

And I'd definitely bring my own and check it versus renting one - they're about $25-$30 new but probably $10 per day through the rental agency. (Although the one you are looking at is pricier and so the rental cost may or may not be higher.)

 

[PatsGirl]

I just wanted to add that when I traveled last week with a group of 10 women several of our carry-ons were measured to be sure they were within guidelines. It is true that many of us are resorting to carry-ons only to save on fees and also true that many (not us) are just barely squeezing by the airline measurements. Truth be told, my suitcase was the largest (22") and would not fit front to back because of the wheels. My next trip I'll use my carry-on that is just a bit smaller. I, fortunately, was not picked for measurement this time.

 

[Tiger926]

I personally have an issue when we have 2 many rolling bags, including checked lugagge. I find if anyone needs to drag 2 bags, it really makes it hard to get through the airport.

So, by my counting, you have 4 wheeled carryons, a stroller, 2 checked bags (probably at least one of which is on wheels), a backpack and a boosers in a non-wheeled bag.

I would start by getting a backpack for DH to carry the laptop, etc. That cuts you rollers down to 3 plus checked.

Look into how well you can put one of the rolling bags on the stroller (we have used bungee cords, if needed). If it fits with the child riding, then you have 1 hand to push the stroller, one bag on board, one bag to pull behind (rolling carseat), plus your backpack. Obviously, this doesn't work if you need 2 hands for the stroller or can't put a roller aboard. Then, DD will probably need to handle another bag up til check in.

Then DD pulls her bag and DH carries both checked bags, the booster seat and his laptop backpack. After you check luggage, then DH can take another bag from either you or DD.

It sounds complicated, but is actually pretty doable. The key is using a 2nd backpack for the laptop instead of another rolling bag and being to able to store a carry-on aboard the stroller.

Best of luck -- Suzanne

Thanks for the input - toddler's car seat is wheeled, but will be used on the plane, and we will definitely check the booster seat, as I realized once I posted that it's a lowback, so no safety issues there.

We are debating on whether kids should bring their carryons at all, maybe small backpacks are better as they would fit under seats, but then they really won't be able to hold much? Not sure what to do about the kids at all - maybe it's best to just get 1 larger wheeled carryon for both of them to put their stuff in, and DD can handle this one, instead of 2 kids' cases?

Thanks, Tiger

 

[Tiger926]

If you have a laptop INSIDE a purse, it does NOT count as a separate carry-on item. Or if it's in a backpack or any other bag that fits under the seat. If you have a purse AND a laptop in a separate bag, you can STILL carry both on - you just can't carry on anything else. I fly all the time so I can tell you this is definitely the case.

As for checking the booster - if it's a backless booster, there's really no issue in checking it. Backless boosters are only for positioning - there's no inherent safety feature that could be compromised by having it checked unless the thing was crushed, I guess. The LATCH claws are pretty darned durable and protected within the clasps anyway, so I wouldn't be worried about them being damaged. I'd get a case for it, though to protect it against stains.

And I'd definitely bring my own and check it versus renting one - they're about $25-$30 new but probably $10 per day through the rental agency. (Although the one you are looking at is pricier and so the rental cost may or may not be higher.)

The whole laptop issue is confusing - according to the wording on Delta's website, it's either a laptop or purse, and not both. I'm not sure how I'm misinterpreting this any other way? We were looking at a wheeled case so that way it can fit the cameras, laptop, iPod, etc. and keep them protected. We didn't just want to throw these things in a backpack as they might get broken or knocked around.

We are open to any and all suggestions - everyone is being so helpful!

Thanks, Tiger

 

[Tara]

The whole laptop issue is confusing - according to the wording on Delta's website, it's either a laptop or purse, and not both. I'm not sure how I'm misinterpreting this any other way? We were looking at a wheeled case so that way it can fit the cameras, laptop, iPod, etc. and keep them protected. We didn't just want to throw these things in a backpack as they might get broken or knocked around.

We are open to any and all suggestions - everyone is being so helpful!

Thanks, Tiger

Rest assured that you are reading it more strictly than intended. (And honestly, I wonder if that's why they've written it that way - to scare people into bringing less than they are allowed.)

Think about it this way - say you have a carry-on suitcase that fits properly in the overhead bin. That's your 1 carry-on baggage piece. You still get 1 personal item. Do you think that if your laptop is inside the suitcase that you aren't allowed a personal item? Do you think they search every carry-on bag to see if there are laptops in them and then count those toward the carry-on allowance? If the laptop is inside an appropriately sized piece of personal baggage, it does NOT count as a separate piece.

I typically carry this type of bag as my travel purse: http://www.londonharness.com/shopping/media/longchamp/LOP2724089NVY-L.jpg

It holds all the items I'd usually carry in a purse, plus my laptop, power cord, a water bottle and even a big scarf. It fits under a seat. In addition to this, I bring my 20" wheeled carry-on suitcase. That is my standard travel gear - including on Delta flights. (I think my last Delta flight was in January.)