very stressed about first choice luggage

[binkyboots]

ok... I'm trying to calm donw, but it aint working.

is the allowance really only one 20kg case each? if so I have a big problem... we're (dh and I) booked to go on friday this week, he's disabled, I have to carry medication, rather more clothes than is normal (he's epileptic, sometimes there's an accident) and so on, I'm very worried that 40kg in total is not enough.

can anyone help put my mind at rest here?

 

[SammieG]

i think the charter flights are pretty strict about baggage allowances.. its a great way to charge people more!!

It might be worth ringing them and checking what their policy is.

its one of the reasons we NEVEr book charter...

 

[binkyboots]

well.. if we had options I would have gone with virgin, but this holiday only happened because so many people fundraised and helped to get the money together for it....

heck, I'll call them tommorow, just, very tense.

 

[Miffy2003]

I don't know if this helps, but.....

Last time we came back we absolutely packed our cases to the brim! They were pretty heavy! But even so in total we had WAY less than 20kg of luggage each even though we thought we would be way over the 20kg.

What I am trying to say (badly) is that 20kg is actually quite a lot of stuff.

Where are you staying? If you're in a villa you will have your own washer dryer so might not need as many clothes.

 

[binkyboots]

thanks, we're staying at the ramada inn, I think it has a laundry room (good, I like doing laundry, fills in time if dh is sleeping off a seizure)

I'm hoping 20kg will be fine, I mean, that's each, we're not taking a bunch of shoes or jeans (trying to pack light, lol)

I think I'm just so nervous about the whole holiday that I'm losing it a little here!

I'm sure when we get there and I see him enjoying the florida sun it'll all have been worth it!

 

[Miffy2003]

It will be worth it honestly!

When are you going (so we can maybe give you an idea about what sorts of clothes to take)

You might not need or want jeans for example if you're going in the summer.

 

[binkyboots]

we're going this friday!

heading for the nsshp

I'm taking linen trousers mainly, one pair of jeans to wear on the evenings... all tips would be great though!

 

[Miffy2003]

Definitely start a new thread asking what sort of clothes to take in Sept/Oct.

I've been in September and I didn't wear my trousers once - it was shorts all the way for me. The only time I got cold was in the evening when the air con in restaurants can be very cool!

 

[FizzyPop]

I agree with miffy, It is definately shorts weather, I have never had to wear trousers during the day in september/october I shall be taking a couple of pairs of 3/4 length trousers with me for the evenings because of the air con We leave on Saturday so we will be a day behing you

 

[justplaingoofy]

I would call the airline directly or look them up on their website. Find out what the luggage specs are. Sometimes they will let you bring them, but they charge an additional fee.
I feel sorry for the people that have to lift these very heavy bags all day.

Alot of airlines the specs are:
Domestic- up to 22.5kg
between 23-45kg- extra fee
over 45kg- not accepted

International- up to 31.5kg
between 31.5-45kg- extra fee
over 45k- not accepted

Best of luck.. There is a SuperWalmart & SuperTarget should you need to purchase items you are unable to take from home

 

[florida sun]

Hi Binky

Just saw your thread and thought I would try and put your mind at rest, thats the baggage allowence we had last year and honestly it was more than enough, for Sept/Oct time the weather is still very warm so you wont be needing anything too heavy or big.

I understand your concerns (my mum suffers with epilepsy) but honestly you will be fine. As you said you can do laundry there, I am sure.

Have a lovely holiday and I hope you and your husband really enjoy it.

Sue

 

[binkyboots]

you guys are brilliant, that's really helped!

I would take shorts, but I really hate my body, cant bear to show more of it than I have to, even if it means being a bit hot...

dh however love shorts, he'll be taking his.

I wont start a new thread, I guess light clothes, t shirts, shorts, maybe a wrap/cover up for evening/air conned places.

we'll be fine*

*I'm repeating that over and over till I belive it!

 

[FizzyPop]

You will be fine You and your husband will have a great time

 

[Hilary]

Like miffy, we've managed just fine with the 20kg allowance, even though it seemed we had a lot of luggage - you may be surprised at how much you can take within your allowance.

As your DH has medical needs, maybe you could ring the airline and ask if there's any special dispensation on the baggage allowance, and then get a letter from DH's GP to confirm things. I've no idea if this would make any difference, but it wouldn't hurt to ask

 

[carolfoy]

Call first choice - 0870 750 0001 and ask for special assistance, I'm sure they will do their best to accomodate you, also try and pack 'disposable' stuff that won't matter if you do have to leave some things behind also check on if you have towels etc provided, they can take up so much room so don't pack them if you can help it.
good luck I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time

 

[Hobbes]

Hi Binkyboots
I'm guessing this is your first time going to Florida seeing as you are worried about showiing you bod-Trust me, you will see things to make your hair curl and come away feeling like a supermodel....LOL

 

[carolfoy]

I totally agree, do NOT be embarrassed - you'll see some amazing sights!

 

[SammieG]

another way to save lots of weight in suitcases is to buy toiletries over there on the first day. Have an early morning trip to Walmart. Stock up on Shampoo, Shower gel, suntan lotion etc. Not only is it a lot cheaper but it saves a TON of weight.. (My husband refuses to transport "water" accross the atlantic when we can buy our own out there!! Plus, by the end of the vacation youve used it up.. and so youre not bringing it back either!

 

[Ali and boyz]

Hi Binky. we went in July with out DS and we flew with MY Travel. We phoned the special number and they allowed us extra backage allowance for medical reasons. I would have thought First Choice would allow the same as the airlines appear similar and I have read quite good reports about FT. We were also told that a part from them allowing the extra backage they would have allowed us to pay extra before hand in order to gain this extra allowance. Give them a phone . think it came under special reservations or go back into your travel agent.

Have a fab time

Ali

 

[wicket2005]

Soft holdall type cases are ideal to bring the weight down. We have two hardbodied cases, one of which is heavy before you put anything in and also used a large soft holdall case this year. I weighed the cases, the soft holdall type hardly weighs anything, less than 5 kg (empty). The hard bodied cases were heavier but even when filled when still under our weight allowance.

I think you will be fine, just pack your light clothes and try to leave some space to bring things back. Towels usually provided by hotels for the rooms and sometimes by the pool so you could cut back by not taking bulky towels.