I am traveling alone from the US to Europe (Munich) and training to Italy with a 3 and 5 year old. I would really like to just have carry-on luggage. Since I have 3 paid reservations, do I get to bring three 21 inch carry-on luggage?

Yep. The carry-on size will depend on the airline, but all three of you are due a full-sized carry-on each.

Do you think that a good starting point would be to ask your airline??????

I am sure that loads of us have some idea of what should be allowed BUT at the end of the day it will be the airline that has the final decision.

Also I would be interested to see how you will cope with 3 carry-ons and 2 kids and possibly a buggy.

IMO your giving yourself a lot of hassle, if it were me I would have one carry-on, a bag with toys, books for the kids and 1 or 2 casses in the hold. Get a trolly at the airport.

I traveled a lot alone with kids that age and they learned to carry their own luggage, but appropriate size. I always carried a 22" roll-on, and they each had one of those tiny roll-ons that must be about 15" or so. I also carried a backpack with snacks and all the small stuff you need for kids that age. Worked fine for us.

If you do take 3 21"roll-ons, who's gonna pull them?

Yes - you are each allowed a carry-on. BUT how on Earth do you plan on handling 2 kids, 3 carry-on's, and a handbag -- by yourself?? How would you get three rollaboards/carry-ons through the aisle on the plane - and how would you get from the gate to the first place you might find a trolley?

I am about the ultimate light packer and almost never check a bag. But if I had two little ones I most definitely would check luggage. You need two hands just for the children. So a small totebag for in-flight essentials and a handbag plus the children is about all you can handle. The 5 yo might be able to manage one of the small kid-sized rollaboards StCirq mentions - but that isn't big enough for both kids' stuff.

janisj - good that you share the same opinion as I,

StCirq - a second item of cary-on will not be allowed if the flight originates from within europe, it would be wise IM, to check with the airline in the US, or you might end up with hold luggage anyway.

Like has been mentioned, yes, you can take 3 carry ons but I don't know that you'd want to. My 4 and 5 yos can pull 21 inch bags but they can't lift or carry them.

Unless two of your carryons are small/light enough that you know the kids can totally handle them, I'd probably check one bigger bag and then carry on a small kid's rolling backpack with their "stuff" and one bag for you.

Even if you could put all you need in your carry-on, I wouldn't. Too much of a hassle, the children are too small to take their own luggage. I've travelled with children that age, and they like to have something to occupy them on the plane, a favorite cuddly toy, snacks. In addition to whatever you are taking for the holiday.

And then there's the rules about taking liquids; only small containers for toiletries etc, all in a clear plastic bag.

I wouldn't even think about it. Just check it.

Hi IM,

>I would really like to just have carry-on luggage.

I think that yours is a situation on which one large suitcase with wheels in checked baggage and one small carryon with wheels would be better.

Since you have purchased tickets each person gets the normal carry-on allowance. But as everyone's getting at... how can you manage 3 - 21" suitcases plus 2 - children. That's not practical.

I would absolutely advise checking at least one medium/large suitcase on wheels for this trip.

Oops, even more importantd it will definitely be WAY awkward to try to get around using the train with 3 suitcases and 2 kids. Seriously, you need to consolidate.

I suspect the local thieves will be very happy to see IM trying to control 2 children and several bags

Aside from how you would handle all that luggage, I can't imagine that you'd NEED 3 21" suitcases with children those ages and sizes. Their clothing just isn't that big.

When I traveled with my preschoolers, they would each have a small bag for the plane - little backpack for us (this was in the dark ages before the days of rolling suitcases!)

Were I you, I'd bring one somewhat bigger rolling suitcase (23" or 24&quot and maybe another bag that rides on its wheels, IF NECESSARY, and check them. Each of you have a daypack that you carry on, and make sure you have a change of clothing or two on the plane with you. Make your life a little easier.

I suggest a single checked rolling 26" packed for all 3 of you. Plus a small to medium backpack for you to have with stuff you need on the plane. Plus two tiny backpacks for the kids to each have their own... with things to keep them entertained on the plane plus maybe one little change of clothes & jacket or sweater

That way as you move around, you have just 1 large thing to pull along yourself, plus the two kids to manage (and each of you with a small backpack on your backs).

Yes, suze, that is what I was trying to say. I'd bet that IM could get by with smaller than 26" for the three of them, but if not, it's still one piece.

Noe~~ yup I was agreeing with you!

Whatever size the suitcase (within reason) as long as it is on wheels, and there's only ONE of them, is the trick!

Having a lot of smaller pieces (in this situation) is just a recipe for disaster (one of them getting left behind, etc.).

If the kids were a bit older, I'd suggest a small wheelie for each of them, that they handle themselves. But for kids this small/young I think a very small backpack is the best (as you said).

Another vote for one large suitcase for all of you and small carry-ons for the children and a moderate size carry-on for you.

I doubt she was going to fill each of the kids' carry-ons with their clothes. I'm just as sure she is going to follow the Fodor's advice to leave some room for souvenirs.

Now I hope IM follows the advice not to have 3 carry-ons with 2 little kids.

I traveled with 2 12 year old kids last summer. I still had to help the younger 12 year old with her suitcase up and down stairs in train stations. I ran mine down and went back for hers while my son helped guard the one left alone. IM, no way you can do that with 2 little kids to watch in addition to 3 cases. The little backpacks should be helpful though.

Please, please, check your suitcases and just let your children carry some favorite items in small backpacks. You should bring them some snacks, a change of clothes, and some "mystery items" to bring out when they start getting bored with the flight.
Last year on a flight to Rome, a mother and her 2 children each brought a backpack and a suitcase onto the plane as carryon. The kids could not manage the bags or put them up into the bins - other passengers needed to help them. They were in and out of their bags several times during the flight.

How are you going to carry both kids and all that check on luggage.

Agree to let each kid have a small back pack with toys, snacks, sweater etc) and you have wheeled carry-on with 2 changes of clothes for each of you - in case luggage is delayed. That way you can hang onto kids and luggage - and it will be manageable on the plane.

For a train - get the kids on first, then haul up your suitcase and carry-on. Be sure you have suitcase and carry-ons that clip together - so one sits on the other and you're just pulling one handle.