I just flew Virgin from NYC to LHR. On my outbound, I had no trouble at all with my carryon, which was good, because I had to make a bunch of connections. (I didn't check any bags.)

On my return, they insisted that I check my carryon at the gate (I had gone through the Flight Connections area at LHR to get a boarding card as I was connecting from Amsterdam). Now, this time I had that carryon and a plastic bag with stuff that I didn't really bother to pack and a small shopping bag from the airport. Maybe this was what ticked them off. They claimed the flight was full, and all they did was to try to carry my carryon to determine how heavy it was (no scales, etc.).

But I slipped onto the flight anyway. I just stood aside and packed the stuff in my plastic bag into my carryon and the other shopping bag from the airport.

I noticed that there were many passengers with bags bigger than mine (and presumably heavier). So it's a question of luck also.

I also flew Virgin Express from Athens to Brussels on this trip and they insisted that I check my carryon, which I did.

check your bag and carry on the bare minimum. At most airports you'll be able to use the stroller up to the gate where it will then be "ate checked." In London the stroller (now called a pushchair) will be given back to you at the gate. The walk from almost every gate at Heathrow and Gatwick is a long one, then there's the wait at passport control (you might get the fast pass in premium class), the wait for your bag will be minimal. However, the walk and the waiting in line will seem that much longer if you have a bunch of stuff to carry. Pack important stuff (snacks, water, quiet toys), and change of clothes and a two day supply of diapers with you. You can still pack light and check a bag. I have flown a ton of times since 9/11 and have had a bag searched every other time. A note is placed inside the bag to lt you know it's been opened. The stories I've heard of things being taken have been at the security and have been in the carry on bags. Don't make a decision based on one person's experiece! I have had nothing taken from my luggage (- perhaps because I don't pack anything worth stealing?)

I flew in premium economy (it's not business class and shouldn't be considered as such) from LAX-LHR. Neither the agent at LAX nor LHR even glanced at my slightly overweight carry-on (of course, I didn't have a diaper bag as my "purse" ;) )

Technically the carry-on allowance for both economy and premium economy is exactly the same in dimensions and weight, which is 13lbs (my bag weighs 8lbs empty). Since you're flying from SFO, you'll be on their 747 aircraft. Did you book the PE seats upstairs or downstairs? The overhead bins upstairs are smaller and will not fit a rolling suitcase, but they have a storage closet at the top of the stairway where you can store your bag - just hand it to one of the attendants. Upstairs PE seats do have a very convenient side storage compartment next to the window for smaller articles.

OTOH Virgin provides priority baggage handling for PE, so even if you have to check bags, your wait shouldn't be too long. You'll probably have to gate check the stroller.

We recently flew VA from LAX to LHR. At LAX they weighed our carryons. I had weighed them at home and knew they were okay. Next we waited until nearly flight time and then they herded us all out of the waiting area and went through absolutely everyone's luggage person by person. Needless to say, we did not take off on time! I'm not sure what purpose was served since many people left the waiting area to visit the restroom after their carryons had been checked. They could have easily picked up something forbidden and walked back into the checked area. Strange policy, but LAX is always strange!

In London returning home, we were pulled out of a huge long checkin line and a uniformed gentleman took everything out of my carryon (and put it back in). Then he escorted us to the front of the line. Down side: having the carryon pulled apart. Up side: not having to stand in line.

If you have a real concern, you might telephone VA and ask their advice. ((@))

I often travel with just a carry-on---but, when my boys were little, No Way. It is just too difficult to get throught the airport with the stroller, baby, diaper bag, plus your stuff. Check the luggage and relax. The longest my stuff has ever been lost in over a million miles of air travel is 24 hrs.

Thanks for all the input folks. I just confirmed with Virgin that since my dd is flying on an infant ticket she's not even allowed a carryon piece, which blows my plan out of the water. Either I cut my already lightweight packing in half so her clothes are in my bag, or I just check luggage. I guess I'm just obsessed with the idea... I love the flexibility of just one bag on my back. I guess we'll just have to check it this time, and bring an extra bag. Oh well.

I'm glad to hear that their premium economy (which I know I inadvertently called "business" earlier) gives premium treatment to their baggage... that would at least speed things along after an already very long day in transit.

Hope my babe sleeps on the plane!
~k

It's funny how a couple months can change your entire perspective. I have begun packing and making lists for my trip in September. I've been putting everything "for the trip" in a sort of staging area.

I've certainly realized that carryon by itself is completely impossible this trip. I'm actually laughing at myself for ever thinking it was possible. With a portable booster chair, backpack carrier, a sling, toys for the flight, gifts for my family members that are living in London (including a box of See's candy for my brother in law :) ) I'm bringing a ridiculous amount of stuff.

I do still believe that checking luggage somehow encourages you to bring more than you need... and I'm bringing probably an extra outfit or two that I'd leave behind if I we not checking luggage... but since my goal is to give my toddler a home away from home experience I'm bringing favorite toys, books, Elmo doll, her little pillow, bedding, etc. NO WAY would I do that in carry on. And NO WAY would I travel without it... since those are all part of her routine that keeps her so comfortable.

So... thanks all for bearing with me on this question. Looking at this pile of duffel bags and carryon bags and a stroller and a backpack and a bag of diapers and a few jars of baby food for the flight... I am just completely stunned. Luckily my parents are coming so we've got built in babysitters and baggage porters. LOL

~kat

Just seeing how much "stuff" my sister has to haul around for my nephew and neice (ages 1 and 2) I was wondering how anyone traveling with babies could possibly get by with carry-on only. :)

kat: The whole adventure with traveling is that it is a new, different experience for all -- including the little ones. I have bought my little girl something everytime I am there (an Italian doll, book, toy, etc) so you might not want to bring all those toy items, etc for her, maybe just 1 thing, then buy her a special coloring book, or book, doll, etc. That way you aren't lugging too much over initially........bringing things back is sometimes easier because you are finished traveling. Sounds exciting! You will all have a nice time.

Here's one issue to consider, unless you plan on bringing along a sherpa, there is a limit to what your husband can carry while you are taking care of the baby. Between your things, his things and the babies things, it really accumulates and becomes quite a load to carry.

So, unless you're prepared to have your husband in traction when you arrive in London (or have the Sherpa joining you) the reality of traveling with children is that some things need to be sacrificed. For us, it was carry on luggage. For me, it's just to much of hassle to drag everything through the airport.

BTW, if you are bringing along a stroller, few airlines will allow you to bring them on-board. We've traveled twice to Europe in First and neither time were we able to bring the stroller on board. So, you'll be asked to gate check-it. Which means you'll no longer be able to be the first one off as it'll usually take an extra 5 to 10 minutes for them to bring strollers to the jetway. Given the extra time, checked luggage no longer seems like that much of a wait.

Skatterfly -- I agree with Huitres. The first time I flew overseas with my two-year old, I took a lot of her toys, books and bedding to make her feel cozy, and regretted it.

The novelty of the trip was so distracting to her that all she needed was her primary Bear and Mama. We hauled the rest of the "comfort stuff" around without even upacking it.

And of course, you'll want to buy her a few little toys on the way.

Every child is different of course, but it's something to think about. (As if you needed anything more to think about. ;))

Have a great trip!