Hey everyone,
I'm wondering if it's even feasible that I would try to do my London/Paris trip with carry on only. If I can find a place to rent a portable crib, I won't need to schlep that. Our toddler doesn't eat jarred foods anyway... so don't need to bring that. We've travelled a lot and know how to pack light... usually doing a 3-4 week trip with only carryon luggage. So this trip is only 2 weeks, and we'll have an apartment with a washer/dryer, so I think I can get away with packing even lighter.

But I haven't traveled since right before 9/11 and don't know what the new carry on enforcement is like. I'm thinking of flying either Air France or Virgin Air.

Any tips? I do NOT want to have to check luggage if I can avoid it.

thanks,
Kat

I would suggest you contact those specific airlines and ask their rules, as they vary by airline. I have flown both in last year or so (VA just a few weeks ago), and it seemed VA carryon policies were about avg -- I saw some folks carrying on a small roll-on suitcase (maybe 20", I saw no one with a 22" packed to its limit, which usually don't fit in those templates) with another small carryon duffle bag on top of that.

Air France is pretty rigorous in its carryon scrutiny, in my experience, I think they only allow one carryon and don't expect to get a 22" bag packed to its limit past them (20" probably).

If you have a toddler, I assume you are buying that child a seat, though, in which case I think you would be entitled to that seat's carryon limit, also. So you could be okay, and that's why I suggest you check with them. I think some airlines are a little lenient towards those with babies and don't count a small foldup stroller in that limit, but not sure as I haven't tried it.

we were surprised to find out that although all our bags qualified for "carry-on" per the dimensions/size,
we were over the weight limit and had to check them in (on the spot)
So, you may want to also check that aspect .
We flew British Air

Why don't you want to check a bag? My carryon usually is packed with diapers, snacks, toys & books for my toddler. I also pack a few medical supplies, just in case they suddenly get to feeling ill. You don't want to have 5 hours ahead of you if they suddenly get a fever. I also pack extra diapers than normal in case the flight is delayed a few hours. On our last flight to CA I ended up giving another mother an extra diaper and children's motrin because she had packed both in her checked bag & one of her boys was feeling ill.

I find it easier not to have a large amount to carry in the airport with dealing with my toddler. But if you have to just bring a carryon, use the toddler's seat allowance for a backpack with his/her supplies for the flight. If you are bringing a stroller, it will be gate-checked, so it won't count in your carryon allowance.

Can't the people who you rent the apartment through arrange for a crib? Anyway, I couldn't even contemplate a two week trip with carry-on luggage only for myself and toddler. Compared to the hassle of carrying everything with you, a short wait for luggage is not bad. Besides, by the time you get through customs, the luggage might be there already. But if you insist, check with the airline and assume that they will enforce the rules. If your bag is too big to fit into the overhead locker, but is still allowed on the plane, they will put it somewhere else; a real nuisance, since you will have to ask for your bag every time you need something from it.

Christina, That's what I was thinking... with buying a seat for the baby plus our group inclues 4 adults, between luggage for 5 for a 14 day trip in an apartment, I think we might actually be able to swing it. Air France allows a small collapsible stroller to be brought on, in addition to a carry on piece for the baby. But you're right, they are the only airline I have flown on that weighed the luggage to see if it is under the limit.

As far as not wanting to check luggage, just prefer to hop off the plane and not add another step with an already travel weary baby. I don't mind checking luggage on the way home and often do because we tend to do a bit of shopping. But just prefer not to have to on the flight there.

But I certainly would love to hear from other parents about whether they have tried to do this.

Thanks!
Kat

Kat, have you found a place that rents cribs in London? If not, try http://www.littlestars.co.uk/
I have no experience with them myself, since I lived in London when my children were toddlers.

You probably can do just carry on many airlines -- But definitely not on Virgin. Both Virgin and BA limit cabin bags to 6 kilo which is just over 13 lbs.

I love Virgin - it's my airline of choice across the Atlantic - and I pack VERY light, but on Virgin I usually have to check something.