Travelling as a family - baggage and seats

[NumberblockOne]

We're planning to travel to America next summer for a holiday and to visit family. We haven't been since 2018 and things seem to have changed as now you have to pay to check in baggage and for seats.

There will be four of us me, DH, DS (5) and DD (2). We will need to take a pushchair and maybe car seats. If anyone has travelled like this before, how did you do the baggage? Could we get away with checking in one bag? I'm also conscious that if we take onboard 4 pieces of hand luggage, then we will have a lot to carry around the airport as the 2 year old obviously can't carry anything and the 5 year old will only be able to carry a small bag. Are there carry ons that zip together or stack for carting around the airport, but then come apart to go on the plane?

After thinking about checking in bags and paying for assigned seats, I do start to wonder whether we might as well buy more expensive tickets that have these things included. Are there any search engines that allow you to search like this?

I can't really see that you'd get away with only 1 suitcase to be honest? I'm a light packer, especially if we are going somewhere with a washing machine and towels provided. For 4 weeks away, 2 adults and 4 kids I will be taking 2 large cases. I don't really lack clothes etc in hand luggage because it's a pain to carry around. The kids will need a bag where all their toys, snacks and entertainment are easily accessible to them so you don't want to be packing loads of clothes in their bags do you?

Have you checked the airlines policy of how many car seats and buggy's you can have etc? Each of those items may need to be checked in as a piece of luggage too

Who are you flying with OP? Some airlines include baggage some have reduced fares and have luggage as an add on. I can't imagine being able to manage with one checked in case tbh, it seems like it would be a lot of hassle for a small saving. You definitely need to book seats. You'll get lots of people telling you that its illegal for an airline to separate you and the kids but it isn't, its merely a guideline which states that an airline 'should, where possible' seat children close to parents but this could mean adjacent rows.

My situation is a bit different but regularly do 8 hour flights alone with a 2yo. Having done both I prefer not to take a pram through the airport, either check it at baggage or just buy a cheap 2nd hand one there. I personally find it a total faff and my DS needs all the exercise he can before and after flight to maximise the chance of him sitting still on the plane. If not then there are usually the little duty free trolleys they can sit in. Some airlines allow a carseat/pram/cot if there is a 2 year old which is not included in allowance, worth checking their website.

Whatever you do, don't take a trunki. All I ever see is parents carrying them through the airport. I try and check as much as possible to keep my arms free in the airport, I understand that may cost more depending on airline but it's just what works for us. For hand luggage I take a small rucksack with passports, phone, iPad (preloaded with toddler shows), chargers, headphones, pjs and spare pants for DS, purse. I buy all snacks/drinks at airport if required though DS loves the meal on flight and asking for his apple juice.

It doesnt work for everyone but I always always try to get a night flight. We play at airport (theres a play area at ours) then he gets pjs on just before flight, has his meal after take off and usually falls asleep.

I wouldn't take much luggage tbh. Its a pain once you arrive trying to move it around, pack into hire car etc.

Usually all airlines allow at least x2 pieces of 'infant' luggage for free. ie car seat, pram, travel cot. You would need to check with your airline. but should be able to take at least 2 per child, and pay for any extra needed. check your car seats can actually be used in america, as different legislation.

You basically need to be able to move around, with 2 adults, and safely 2 children. For me, that means maximum x2 cases on wheels for one adult, as other adult will need both hands free to push pram and hold 5 year olds hand where busy.

I would be looking at something like:
x1 main case checked in (should be free to america, might have to pay)
x1 hand luggage case - to contain x1 spare change clothes each, and anything extra for travelling . Goes on in plane with you.
x2 rucksacks for you and Dh to use as bag with essentials for travel and whilst you are there. leaves you both hands free day to day. - can pack with changing stuff/snacks entertainment
x1 smaller rucksack - maybe for 5 year old to keep his main bits in for flight and travelling around. water, snacks, entertainment.

Thanks. We have done the trip several times before, but times must have changed and now the dates that are coming up on price comparison sites don't include baggage or assigned seats. We are looking at BA or Norwegian.

Previously we have checked in two suitcases - 1 large and 1 medium, and also taken a couple of rucksacks onboard.

If you’re flying with BA then Car seats and pram should be included in luggage allowance. I’d keep hand luggage to a minimum and check more bags.

Where are you flying to?

For ba look at their actual website rather than a price comparison one. You are looking at their basic fare, do not look at these for long haul.

And no, do not just check in one bag for the four of you. It’s a false economy. In world traveller (BA version of economy) you have a 23kg weight allowance for each checked bag.

I would not take your own car seat as it may not actually fit properly in the American car you hire. It’s also a hassle carrying it around with you.
I would take two suitcases and one hand luggage item with a risk sack for each child.

Taking 4 pieces of hand luggage as suggested above is too much. Check in 2 medium sized bags and have two pieces of hand luggage that slot on the handles. For 8 hours you shouldn’t need lots of toys. Games and books are more entertaining. Check the aircraft actually has entertainment. DD has been with Norwegian and they didn’t on her flight. BA do and have dedicated DC channels.

Paying for the seats ensures you are together. So make sure you and DH are equally handy for DC.

BA have fairly decent luggage allowance but you are taking too much hand luggage if you go with the suggestion above and have a cabin case and several ruck sacks. I hate ruck sack wearers bumping me all the time and what could you possibly want in 8 hours that you need four bags for? You might get the space for these bags as you will board early but others won’t thank you for it when the overhead storage is full.

So cut hand luggage to a minimum and take hold luggage you can actually lift. Don’t make it heavy - also spinner cases are best. Don’t give your 2 year old anything. BA will bring your pushchair to you on arrival so I would ask them about this service.