One 20KG suitcase for 4 people? Is this doable?

[WhyAreHolidaysSoStressful]

I've messed up. We're flying with Ryan Air (never again and we've not even left yet!) and I've only booked one 20kg suitcase for 4 of us. We managed this last time but also took small suitcases as hand luggage. I didn't realise that Ryan air hand luggage is now literally just a small backpack.

It's now going to cost £112 for another 20kg bag (the first one was only £40 when I booked).

I'm very reluctant so spend so much on extra luggage when it was supposed to be a cheap holiday in the first place.

It's a beach holiday, only six full days there with two days travelling - is it doable if we take maybe 3 lightweight outfits each?

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/sports-bag-essential-20l-pink/_/R-p-324098

These comply with Ryanair's baggage allowance. Some passengers definitely had some a little bigger than these. But these are cheap so get one each. You can easily fit a few light outfits, straighteners, hairdryer and a pair of shoes in these.

I'm going to Berlin this weekend with hand luggage and I've packed 6 dresses. Go with dresses rather than separates. You can wash through underwear. If your doing day things then wear the outfit you wore to dinner the next day. Most places have launderettes if you really need to wash things. Toiletries at the airport or once you get there. It's very doable. Get packing cubes, one for each of you.

I’d vacuum pack and buy toiletries from
boots to collect once you are through security. Means you need to carry them on the plane but won’t count towards your luggage weight!

I think it's plenty with the backpacks but 🤷‍♀️

Where are you flying from? Ryanair were measuring when we went! I almost messed up too, as I booked the family plus rather than the baggage but my DH realised as I was about to press buy

What do you do the other end when you can’t re-vacuum?!

We couldn't manage it. We take a 10kg each and that's pushing it.

This is where people massively differ isn't it! If you'd asked me that 10 years ago I'd have said absolutely not but nowadays we packed me my husband and our two kids in one 23kg suitcase for an 11 day holiday and there were still clothes we didn't even wear!

No chance here. We take 1x 20kg each for a long holiday so for a short we'd need 2x 20kg. Is it cheaper to add on a couple of 10kg cabin bags ?

How long have you got ? Do a trial pack ?

We’d do that easily. It wouldn’t be a problem that would occur to me.

We would be fine for a hot summer holiday, could maybe buy toiletries over there.

Put your lightweight beach towels in your backpack with sun cream and electronics / books. Wear a jumper and sandals. Pack everything else in one case

yes I could do it, easy peasy, if the weather was guaranteed for the holiday (ie and one jumper is enough, no coat)

Yes you definitely can. Just did it. Use your hand luggage for heavier things like shoes and whatever else you can stuff in there.
We were away two weeks but had a washing machine at holiday home and did a few washes while there. But we all took stuff we didn't wear at all. Be ruthless in your packing and it can definitely be done.

I can't imagine a holiday with just 1 pair of shoes!

I'm planning on taking my two kids all with just the rucksack carry on for 4 nights, beach/pool holiday. I think it's doable !

You probably could but for me, I’d book another case as I frankly like my stuff and won’t apologise for it or cut back. If you like your stuff book another case. If you’re not bothered and just need minimal clothes have a trial run of suitcase and rucksack packing.

You will be allowed rucksacks onboard so can put in a few shirts/dresses/shorts. The rest in the suitcase. You can do a wash when needed if necessary.

I just came back from holiday and our DD6 only wore half of what we took.

she wore trainers travelling and then had sandals for the pool and evening
2 x swimsuits
3 x t shirt and shorts
1 dress
2 x pjs

I’d take some things like old pjs which can be left for some souvenirs.

Definitely can be done.

buy toiletries when you get there.

I couldn't do it. you can't buy anything at all to bring back. I like to have different clothes with me. plus i hate absolutely hate carrying stuff with me onto the plane. if you can afford the extra money pay for tye second suitcase I would for the sake of comfort and enjoying my hol

Easily doable, but talk it through with the teenagers as they will need to be on board. If they want to bring hair straighteners or loads of products then there may be more of an issue. If there are no special needs, then it should be fine, and you can buy a bottle of shampoo/conditioner/shower gel when you arrive if those things are not provided.

You've used up the sunscreen, toothpaste etc by the end of your holiday. Four people in a week will use plenty.

Do a trial run and get some of the decathlon cheap bags linked above before buying more luggage space. You can get similar on amazon too!. You can put a bikini in a jacket pocket if the teens want a selection of things to wear on the beach! Pack lightweight towels for beach and you can usually hire pool towels if staying at a hotel.
I end up washing stuff when away somewhere hot as it dries so quickly!
Those bags made to the right underseat size hold loads and you can buy toiletries at boots once though security as you are allowed an airport carrier bag too. You can order the suncream etc to pick up from boots once through if you have time. We have allergies and so I understand you can't just use any old suncream .
Good luck!

Thanks everyone. I've just weighed 3 dresses, one bikini, lightweight towel and flipflops and its come to around 1.5kg so I think we'll be fine.

Come to think of it, last time our big suitcase even had 2 snorkels and masks in it which we didn't even use.

If you had teen boys then yes, but not with teen girls plus a younger one!

We recently did a week for two with one 15kg hand luggage between us plus the free small one you can take. We were fine. Didn't wear half of what I'd packed anyway.