Still pre-planning... Luggage question....

[rszdtrvl]

We are a family of 3. We will be gone a total of 5 nights - 1 in Portland before we leave, and 4 nights in Anaheim.

We are flying Alaska Airlines. Which charges for checked luggage - $25/bag each way.

We were planning on checking 2 bags, which would be $100 total.

However, I got to thinking and measuring our carry-on bag (that we normally check) and realized that it is actually a good size, PLUS is within the guidelines set by Alaska Airlines for a carry-on bag.

So now I am thinking of buying 2 more carry-on bags (probably at Ross) that would probably cost around $25 each, and using those. In the long run, I would save $50. Which is cool!

Has your family done carry-on only? Did it work? Did you have trouble finding spots on the plane to put the bags?

We figure if we did the 3 carry-on bags, and each had a personal bag (which would go under the seat ahead of us) that should be fine. We don't plan on buying a lot of souveniers and bringing a lot of snacks, so I think we would be okay.

But has anyone done this to save money? Were you happy with your decision when all was said and done?

Thanks!!

 

[Meriweather]

We fly Alaska all the time.....1st bag is $15, second is $25.

DH uses a carry on for most business trips, as well as his computer. He has never had a problem finding space for them.
I have flowen 3-4 times in the last few months and everyone always seems to have find room for their bags....not always by their seats though.

 

[rszdtrvl]

Thank you!! I don't know why I kept thinking it was $25/bag. If it is only $15/bag, we will just check one bag each way. I have a huge suitcase that will hold what 3 carry-ons will hold, so that is perfect!

Thank you!!!!

 

[Lostgirlz]

You might want to check also if they offer like a premiere club type of thing that can be joined for X amount of dollars. Me, and DH did this for our trip in March. We figured 3 checked bags would cost us the same as club. It offered us 2 free checked bags, and you can have 2 other guests on your same reservation, and they also get 2 free checked, Plus boarding with the first class passengers, on our membership our bags are one of the first off the plane, and access to the concierege lounge. Again just somethin you might want to look into. I personall cannot (stress cannot) do just a check on. With laptop, and makwe-up, clothes, shoes, nope aint happening lol. Good luck at Ross I went last oct night before me, and DD halloween trip, and bought the GIANT purple one lol. I needed a new big one as our old one had enough already lol thanks to great baggage handlers ugh. I think it came out to about 70 something.

 

[DisCookie]

I think you should be fine, especially with 3 people, you can pack more efficiently (ie one or two bags with all the clothes, those space bag things actually work pretty well and the other bag for other stuff). Finding a spot to place the bags on the plane depends on if the flight is full and when you get on the plane. I try to get on first (or at least first for when they board for the economy seats) so that I know I'll definitely have space above my seat to place my bag and because I have a window seat.

 

[lcasa]

Watch out for that big bag though - they also weigh the bags! And charge a LOT for overweight bags. Check their rules on the website - they keep getting stricter and stricter.

For a family I'd definitely get a carry-on for each, plus the personal item can be a small backpack or a big (ie, beach tote size) bag ( I stick my purse inside a bigger bag). Then maybe 1 checked bag, especially with the no-liquid rule in place. I usually leave 1 personal item empty for souvenirs!

Make sure the the carry-ons are the right size - I've seen airlines measuring them lately, and lots for sale are too big. I've had luck at TJ Maxx and Ross. But I brought a tape measure with me to shop!

 

[DizMe]

We always do carry-on. It's really pretty easy most of the time! lcasa had some good recommendations. I use one carry-on and then a large "purse" which holds my real purse and overflow clothing. I am short so I use a duffel-type bag that can fit under my seat. It's so much easier than trying to lift a bag up into the overhead luggage thing, plus you don't have to scout out a spot for your suitcase. The downside is that you can't use a rolling bag (unless it's backpack-sized), but I have found that a bag with a wide shoulder strap (the kind that goes over your head and sits diagonally) is comfortable. I just got a very cool one at Ross--compact but very versatile, lightweight, and efficient. It has several compartments and is able to expand quite a bit, plus it's padded. It has a funny name, like "Weekend Getaway" or something, and it was $19. I bought my purse at TJ Maxx on clearance for $10. It has two hand straps plus a shoulder strap and is corduroy so it's very lightweight also. It's just a large zippered rectangle (longest side is the vertical one) with some pocket compartments on the outside and a zippered compartment on the inside. I managed to fit my purse, a pair of shoes, a sweatshirt, makeup, brush, medication, phone, and various other miscellaneous items in it on the way down (lots of extra room) and added several purchased items on the way back (no room whatsoever).