(27 Sep 2008)

We have prepared some checklists and top tips here below for your family packing depending on the age of your family and the type of family holiday you are going on and hope you will find them helpful.

Hand luggage all kids

Main Luggage

Kids car journeys

Kids ski trip

Camping with the kids

Family first aid travel kit

Check carefully the number of bags you can check in. In some cases it can be just per person and with infants flying with no seat they may not get a baggage allowance at all.

Check also the combined weight limits of luggage even if you can check in and pay for more.

Some airlines, such as Ryanair and AerLingus, charge for checked luggage but you can cut costs by paying online rather than at the airport. See our more specific articles on baggage allowances.

The weight limit for checked luggage in economy varies but is usually between 15kg and 25kg. Exceed the limits and you will have to pay extra. It is often better and easier to check in another bag.

If you suspect your baggage might be overweight, weigh it before you get to the airport and repack.

Items of hand luggage you can take, and any size and weight restrictions apply.
Gels, creams, pastes and other liquids in your hand luggage must still be in containers of no more than 100ml in transparent, re-sealable plastic bags no larger than 20cmx20cm. This includes baby food and milk. Check our specific articles on hand luggage.

The liquid restriction does not apply to anything you get after security, so buy anything you will need in larger quantities such as bottles of water once you have gone through security.

Think about sending your luggage ahead with a company like Carrymyluggage or Personal Porter.

Save by taking an extra light suitcase. Try Antler’s Size Zero range.

Think about the size of your cases especially if you have three or four to juggle. If it is too big and they won’t fit into the boot of a taxi or hired car. Expandable cases are a good option for two weeks.

If you must get a black suitcase, you will find it hard to identify it as the majority of cases are black. A coloured luggage strap or piece of ribbon tied to the handle of your cases will make your black case easier to identify.

Never put anything you or the children would hate to lose or that you absolutely need such as medication in your luggage.

Always put a second label on a suitcase with details of your flight and destination inside and outside.

Split belongings between luggage for all the family so if one case goes missing, all of the family will still have an emergency change of clothes change of clothes.

Try to check in on time and do not schedule your transfers too tight. If you make it on to the flight, your luggage may not.

If you have a buggy or travel cot it may be delivered to the oversize luggage area in the arrival airport so check this when you get to the baggage reclaim area. It is best to get a buggy delivered to you if you can when you get off the plane so ask for this if you can.

If your cases go missing you must fill out a Property Irregularity Report before you leave the airport.

Find out how much the airline will compensate you for immediate supplies. Some airlines have quick overnight packs and some will give cash. Others offer a refund for purchases so make sure you keep the receipts.

If your bag is not found, check when you must make your claim. Generally, it is in writing within seven days.

Your travel insurance may cover loss of luggage but some do not cover luggage. You will still need to produce a Property Irregularity Report and check when you must notify and make the claim as this can be as little as seven days sometimes.

You will also find lots of family friendly travel tips and advice in our research and advice section also.

Read the experiences of other parents and travellers in our forum and add your own experiences as we are a great believer in real parent's experiences.

You will find lots of family friendly travel tips and advice in our research and advice section to help you book the right family holiday. Check out also the experiences of other parents and travellers in our parents forum and add your own experiences as we are a great believer in real parent's experiences as the best measure of whether somewhere will suit you for your family holiday.

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