Checked luggage or carry-ons?

[VWL Mom]

Combine as much as you can in one large checked bag and pay the $15.

Don't forget to weigh your bag or be subject to overweight luggage charge. Couple in front of us had 2 bags, one was 56 pounds...were subject to a $90 fee but managed to move stuff around. 50 lb limit on DL.

[Disney Doll]

This is exactly why I love Southwest! No baggage fee. We get 2 checked bags per ticketed passenger and we never stress about packing. I have never had a bag lost or damaged by SW and they are always pretty quick at the baggage claim. Honestly, I'd rather check what I can and avoid the carry-on hassle. I agree that people have gotten a little ridiculous with their carry-ons and it really does slow down the process for everyone.

[hokies4life]

I agree with checking luggage. We usually try to fly Southwest when we do fly and wouldn't have to pay the fees. The last time we flew it was paid for by the government so we weren't worried about the fees since they were already taken care of. But please, Please, PLEASE make sure your bag is within your chosen airline's limits. When on our 5 flights to/from Hawaii in June, we saw SO many people trying to put bags that were far too big into the overhead bins and then saying its the airlines fault their bag doesn't fit when their bag is obviously over the limits. I don't know why the workers at the gate didn't say something to them. Another tip, make sure you put your purse or laptop at your feet, along with any other smaller items. There were many people putting their small carryons in the over head bins which took up space for other peoples items. If you have space at your feet and are able to put something there, (barring those with a need to have their foot space free for certain medical purposes or something) make sure you utilize it. Ok, just my opinion from observations, and it sounds like you have all your bags under control, but just wanted to share for others as well.

[Snow's Mom]

We always use the space under our seats, rarely the overhead bins. Suitcases will have to go above this time, but nothing else.

Shouldn't be a problem flying to Orlando, as our airport terminal is really small. Flying back, as I said before, we'll probably check the largest bag and hope that it follows us home.

I don't know which was harder, getting everything into the suitcases or getting all of our liquids into those little plastic bags!

[Tez]

Depends on if everyone can handle their own carry -on bag. One of my pet peeves is people that need help with their carry-on bag.

I think everyone is trying to get more in their carry-on and it is becoming an issue that we will all soon have to pay for.

The other thing is that if you check a bag it will lighten the load for people to handle their own carry-on and also you will have room for purchases!

[WDWCrazyKaren]

We talked about this last night too. We've decided to take 2 suitcases for the four of us. Since it's an 8 day trip, we've decided we'll each take four changes of clothes and we'll just have to spend a few (hardship, I know) hours by the pool and do some laundry. It's the one place in all of this great world of ours, that I don't mind tossing a load of clothes in the wash!

We'll have to each bring a carry on (which normally we wouldn't) and stuff an extra pair of shorts, t-shirt and shoes into a bag to save some suitcase space. If we have enough room (these are not big carry ons) we'll toss the hair dryer and curling iron in them, just for more room in the suitcases. We may be daydreaming and have to take 3 suitcases, but I'm pretty sure we won't need 4. We can do it! We're an industrious lot!

[DisneyorBust]

Working at an airport, I have heard from airline reps that folks trying to by-pass the baggage fees by taking the bags to the gate and checking them are being charged the same as at the ticket counter. The airlines will make sure they get there crazy baggage fees!

[caryrae]

We're on vacation and we don't start it by stressing about a 20 min. wait.

Just think some people will wait 6 times longer then that for some Park attarctions, maybe even longer.