Travel Questions

[OrcaPotter]

So, there's a big sale at Disneystore.com ... and I'm planning a trip with my friends for our first DL trip in July. On sale is a rolling Mickey duffel bag which can be personalized. Only, I need a large bag that is also just small enough to use as a carry-on. We're using buddy passes on Jetblue, and we also will need to make a connecting flight, so I'd rather not chance our luggage being left behind either at home or in the connecting city. This may be a long shot, but, has anyone flown on Jetblue recently and knows how strict the carry-on size limitations are? The bag on sale is 31'' and the posted bag max size is 26''. Could it squeak by?

Also, I would imagine that the on-site hotels have gift shops that sell basic toiletries. Those that are off-site, is there a drug store nearby? So far, we're booked for the Fairfield (though hoping a summer on-site deal pops) and I think there's a gift shop located there as well. In case I run out or forget something, I'd like to know I can pick up stuff in a pinch! Hopefully in addition to extra towels we can ask for extra bathroom freebees, too!

 

[VandVsmama]

I haven't ever flown on Jetblue, but there are some great travel websites around there re: traveling with just 1 bag and not checking luggage. www.onebag.com and www.1bag1world.com are a couple of good ones. There are some very useful message boards at www.flyertalk.com, including individual boards based on each airline. You could try searching there (in addition to the airline's website, of course).

Generally speaking (regardless of airline), I've heard that how strict an airline is with the carry-on luggage restrictions and measurements depends on how full the flight is, how many roll-aboard suitcases people bring on, and how big your bag looks to the flight attendant. If you don't stuff your bag to the gills, then you'd probably be fine.

 

[skiingfast]

Also, I would imagine that the on-site hotels have gift shops that sell basic toiletries. Those that are off-site, is there a drug store nearby? So far, we're booked for the Fairfield (though hoping a summer on-site deal pops) and I think there's a gift shop located there as well. In case I run out or forget something, I'd like to know I can pick up stuff in a pinch! Hopefully in addition to extra towels we can ask for extra bathroom freebees, too!

As far as basic needs, about every other hotel on Harbor has a gift shop, and yes they have toothpaste and razors as well as t shirts. Also about 7 minute walk from the park gate is a 7eleven, at the corner of Harbor Dr. and Katella Ave.

 

[kissesbykim]

I'm not sure about the luggage but as far as needing things when you arrive in Anaheim, there is a Target right down the street from DL on S. Harbor Blvd. We always go there when we arrive in town for snacks and things we've forgotten. Have a Fantastic time!!!

 

[calidreamz]

That's a pretty big size difference between the size of the bag that you are thinking about buying and the allowed size. If you REALLY don't want to check your bag I would not chance it.

 

[bumbershoot]

I don't see a rolling duffel on there at all, but I don't think you'd have a chance of a bag 5 inches longer than allowed fitting into the overhead compartments. I haven't been on JB in ages (disliked them both ways on a roundtrip flight) but I think that all bins have been filled to the brim recently. If the FAs see a bag put sideways, they'll turn it, and if it doesn't fit, it'll be checked for you.

If they tag it to be sent through to the second flight, you'll be in the same boat as if you checked it, and if you have the tag it to be picked up on the jetway then you have to wait for it.

I would definitely get a smaller bag.

Or I would use a normal bag, put a day's worth of necessities in a proper carryon, and then just assume that you will have the *normal* experience of a traveller, that your bag will make it. If it does not, know that it's up to the airline to get it to you, and since you will have clothes etc with you in your carryon, you will survive the 24 hours it might take under normal luggage-being-misplaced circumstances.

 

[OrcaPotter]

Thanks for the tips, everyone!

Normally I'm really against bringing everything as a carry-on, I just hate all the uncertainty that comes with buddy passes (it's the only way I can afford the trip, though). I'll either take the tip of using a smaller bag (the one I already own, actually) or taking stuff to survive in the chance a checked bag gets lost. Plus, it's good to know there are places very close by to get supplies!