Posted 2 days ago

How many suitcases for a family of 5?

We are off on holiday over the summer for a week. There will be 2 adults, 2 children (9 & 6) and 1 infant (18 month old). Realistically, how many suitcases do we need to take/what size & how many hand luggage cases? Thank you
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  1. redzarf's avatar
    Sounds like you might be best to do a dry-run - get everything out that you think you'd take and pile it up on your bed.

    Hard to say for someone else, but if it was my family around 2-3 suitcases. Hand luggage - with a toddler you probably want as little as possible, it'd be my having a backpack full of all the electronics that have to be pulled out for security (I deal with the security bag, my wife walks through with the younger kids), a baby bag, and another that contains snacks, a change of clothes for everyone, antibacterial wipes for the plane seats, etc.

    A luggage strap will allow you to link a second suitcase as a trailer on the first, so one adult can tow 2 with one hand.

    Hand luggage - check sizes carefully, good to have one with 4 wheels then you can usually wheel it down the plane aisle. I then have a smaller bag inside - wheeled luggage goes up top, smaller bag contains the things you'll actually use in the flight and under the seat in front of you.

    One other tip, we always took our time getting off the plane, don't stress about rushing off as quick as possible, wait for everyone to clear out and then it's easier with the kids. You're going to have to wait for collecting your luggage anyway!

    Have fun!
    hannahlc93's avatar
    Author
    Thank you for this
  2. yorkie12's avatar
    I'd say you'll need at least 3 medium sized suitcases, don't go for the large ones as they are awkward to manoeuvre. If you are buying new ones get the four wheelers .Try to spread some of each persons clothes over all three cases in case one gets delayed . Get the kids a back pack for their hand luggage.
  3. Gollywood's avatar
    The fact that everyone has made suggestions based on their own personal circumstances suggests you need to do to do some homework and work out exactly what you need to take for yourself!

    Next you'll be asking how much money do I need to take; how much does dinner cost; do they accept Pounds and what clothes should we pack
    redzarf's avatar
    Can't speak for others, but I (mostly?) posted the advice I thought would apply to almost any family.

    As OP is talking about buying luggage this is probably their first trip abroad as a family. I've benefited from good advice from others, so good on OP for "doing their homework" by asking for advice beforehand instead of blundering through avoidable mistakes.

    See also: xkcd.com/1053/
  4. aLV426's avatar
    None - just buy what you need at your destination!
  5. newbie68's avatar
    Referring only to stored luggage (and assuming you will maximise carry one) I would be aiming at 2 large cases - or if money no object then extra ones that the younger children could manoeuvre.
  6. Dan_82's avatar
    For a family of 5 here, although i have older children, we had 4 large suitacases and still had room to bring things back. As we paid for the allowance anyway, thought it was worthwhile.
  7. TristanDeCoonha's avatar
    You haven't said what climate you are expecting, or if you are a family containing large people.
    You could get away with 3 of most items each, for example. Wash one, wear one, one spare.
  8. AMaky's avatar
    2 suitcases tops!
    unless you need an outfit for breakfast lunch and dinner with matching bag and shoes.
    it's summer, swimming stuff and tshirt/shorts, done.
  9. Chiptivo's avatar
    5 x hand luggage. Cheap and no waiting for the carousel at the airport.
    Spend an hour with a coffee and cake at a laundrette.

    Buy all consumables when you arrive, toiletries etc..

    Save a shed load of unneeded wasted CO2 emissions carting kilos of crap on airlines.
    tek-monkey's avatar
    Does a few kilos really matter in regards to co2? Nobody cares if you weigh 70kg or 170, so an extra 2kg in bag weight should be almost irrelevant?

    Plus if they have a toddler they'll have to wait for the pushchair so may as well carry as little as possible.
  10. 001Cisco's avatar
    Dad could probably manage 1 large suitcase + 1 large backpack + small cabin bag that can slot on the rail of suitcase.
    Mum probably a medium backpack + baby stroller?
    2 little one would be with kids size backpack whatever they can manage.

    P.S. small bum bag/ cross body bag are handy for passport/ phone/ wallet. (edited)
  11. thepostie's avatar
    We're a family of six and usually get away with 2 large suitcases that we pay to go in the hold. Then, everyone else has a back pack to take on board.
  12. ClareSutcliffe's avatar
    Family of five we take a case each
  13. Relievo's avatar
    Depends on how many you can fit into one case.

    But seriously, You could get away with 3 adult cases. One per adult, and one for all the kids.
    I remember as a kid wanting my own suitcase, to be like the adults. But it's just another thing to try and keep an eye on in a busy airport. (edited)
  14. Xippi's avatar
    We never take "one case each." Always mix your belongings across the cases in case one goes missing. Keep a change of clothes in hand luggage for emergency.
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