Should I pack a duffel instead of pullman suitcase?

[frannn]

First, I just want to say thank you for all the thousands of questions (down to the last detail!) I ask and get answered on these boards. The planning is part of what I treasure for every trip and you are all so wonderful for listening. Now, for yet another packing question...

I am getting neurotic about the 50 lb weight limit for checked lugagge. I have my stuff in space bags, so they won't take up a ton of space, but I am already at 50 lbs (in the pullman luggage) and I have a few more things to pack. I am already planning to bring a lightly packed extra duffel (with DD1's diapers, wipes, snacks, and anything that won't fit in the other bags), so I will have room for whatever souveniers we don't have shipped back.
I was hoping to have one large checked bag each for DD1, DH, and me, as well as the lightly packed one, a diaper bag, camera bag, and one large carry on. Between all of this and the stroller and car seat, I think we already have too much to keep track of and carry. So, more luggage is really not an option. We are going for 14 days (different places in FL), and don't want to be stuck doing wash.

Would it make more sense to use a really big duffel that is almost as big as the pullman, and has one set of wheels? I would think there would be at least 5 lbs difference between the duffel and the pullman. The space bags would *probably* keep my clothes dry if my bags got wet. Or-should I put my DD1's stuff in the pullman-or should we all use duffels, what would be easier to carry? And the questions go on and on...can you tell I'm stressed????

 

[ceecee]

I would suggest taking half that stuff and doing laundry one day. We've done the carseat/stroller thing and just had 2 carry-ons and 1 small pullman and it was a lot. Can you buy snacks, diapers and misc. supplies once you arrive? Depending on if you have a direct flight or transportation once you get there, I really would downsize a little.

 

[WDWBetsy]

Just a thought on taking a big duffel on wheels - we bought really neat ones from Eddie Bauer a couple of years ago - actually bright yellow ones so they'd be easy to spot on the baggage carousel.

Unfortunately, most of the airlines now consider the size we have to be too large. So be sure to check the airline's website to see what the checked baggage dimensions are. Ours are over by 4 inches I think. We're going to check a small suitcase each and a large rolling garment bag (which happens to be within ATA's measurements). My DH sees nothing wrong with our smaller suitcases (and I really agree with him deep down), so we won't be replacing the rolling duffels anytime soon since they cost a lot. So now we just take them on car trips instead. I can still use the matching bright yellow carry-ons, but it almost makes me sick to think I can't use what I bought for convenience when flying.