Looking for a large tote bag for travelling/flights with kids

[Uhohmummy]

What bag do you use for travel with kids?
I want something big for chucking in snacks, drinks, toys, changes of clothes, etc. I normally use a small crosse body bag for purse, passport and phone.
At the moment I’m considering this
www.rains.com/collections/waterproof-tote-bags?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6YvRqfmA2gIVhrDtCh2BeQ8dEAAYASAAEgIjQPD_BwE
Or this
www.landsend.co.uk/Medium_Open_Top_Canvas_Tote_Bag/pp/P_32677.html?cgid=12951
Any other suggestions?

I have my eye on one of these:
www.twoqueenbees.co.uk/all-products

Surely with an open top one stuff will inevitably fall out? as you try to squeeze through a plane aisle/pick up toddler/toys etc off the floor...
I personally wouldn't want the extra worry with everything else that goes on at airports.

I use a Kipling rucksack, I need something that separates paperwork from kid stuff. I also need it to shut so nothing falls out.

Backpack with a few zippy pockets. Hoike it on your back outside the plane, one less thing to carry in your hand or on your shoulder.

www.etsy.com/listing/266125809/weekender-camel-leather-bag-oversized?ref=shop_home_active_3
Amazing beautiful quality bags. Get one with an internal zip and it is perfect for travelling.

I'm thinking of getting a le pliage tote because they zip up and look like they last forever and hold tons.

As it'll need to be able to go either on its side under the seat in front of you, or possibly on its side in the overhead locker during takeoff, you definitely don't want something that's open at the top. The stuff could go everywhere.

I'd also suggest a rucksack - more pockets for separating things out, and it won't keep wanting to fall off your shoulder when you're bending down to deal with little people.

I use an osprey rucksack. Loads of pockets for organising stuff, and it leaves my arms free for dealing with my toddler.

For the snack bag, I just use a fabric shopping bag (one of the ones with straps long enough to go over my shoulder)

Speed is the reason - getting ipads etc. in an out of it and on and off the security belt, easy, fast access to snacks, and it's tucked under my elbow so it's secure. Passports/paperwork I put in one of my coat pockets.

I don't find the open top to be a problem.

I’m about to do a long haul flight today to Oz, and with my 4 dc I have done around 6 long-haul flights. Backpacks win hands down. You do lose stuff in an open tote. You need easy access to medicines, passports, food supply. During stopovers, I also need to be hands free, backpack allows this without any worry. I have one from herschelsupplyco.co.uk/search?charset=UTF-8&countryPage=%2Fcontent%2Fherschel%2Fen_GB&query=Orange however I can’t see my exact one, but lots of lovely ones here. If you’re after style, I live in east London, and I see this brand everywhere!

I love the two queen link above, I'm very tempted

Well ive ordered the reduced grey one for £30 from 2 queen.
Im off to NY in 2 weeks so this will be very handy. Thanks @AiryFairy1

Thanks for all the replies! I think an open tote will be useful for quick access but will also look into backpack options. I have 3 DCs, the youngest is 6 weeks old, but I don’t have a nappy bag at the moment so might get something that could serve for both purposes.

I've just bought a Mini Jen from Mia Tiu. It's one like Jane McDonald uses on the cruise program. Haven't used it yet but am looking forward to going away in a couple of weeks.

I really wouldn’t get an open top main carry bag. For easy acces I found separating various things, like documents, liquids, things needed in airport, things needed on plane etc in to pouches or bags within your main bag works well. Have all the stuff you’ll need on the plane in a eg. Fabric tote bag within your main (zip up!) bag. Extract it just before you get on plane, then put the bag with your other stuff in the overhead locker. Reverse process when getting off.

I use an Adidas Gym bag - similar to this www.adidas.co.uk/id-tote-bag/CG1518.html Has lots of separate compartments.

I love Herve Chapelier

Le Pilage all the way. Separate folder for travel docs. Get kids their own rucksacks.

I have just bought a catch kidston fold away weekend bag. It's really big and zips up but also has a long shoulder strap!

Le Pliage! You can leave it open when you need easy access and otherwise zip it, e.g. going through security or on the plane. Really light, hard wearing and can be wiped down or flung in the washing machine for the inevitable spills and mess caused when traveling with kids.

A few weeks ago, someone posted a bag like your first one, but 30 pounds only. Brand started with an m... Can anyone remember?I'll have a look too.

Longchamp le pliage are wonderful. Different sizes and they fold up for packing if you don’t need it all the time.

Found it!

Mia Tui does some lovely ones and they have a special zip thing on back to go over the handles on pull you suitcases

Longchamp le pliage large tote. Foldable and washable.