In the miles & points world, the concept of checking a bag is almost sacrilege. If someone checks a bag and something goes wrong, they’re basically told “well that was a rookie mistake, you should never check a bag.”
In this post I wanted to discuss the pros and cons of carry-ons vs. checked bags, and share my (controversial) take on why checking bags isn’t always terrible.
In this post:
The pros of traveling with carry-ons
What are the benefits of traveling exclusively with carry-ons?
- You don’t have to arrive at the airport as early, since you can typically skip the check-in counter
- There’s less risk of your luggage being delayed or lost, especially in the case of irregular operations
- You don’t have to wait at baggage claim
- You potentially save on checked bag fees (though it really depends — many people get free checked bags, and on some ultra low cost carriers checked bags are less expensive than carry-ons)
The pros of traveling with checked bags
What are the benefits of traveling with a checked bag?
- You can take more stuff with you; it’s nice to be able to travel with multiple pairs of shoes, different type of clothing, etc.
- You’re not restricted to just taking liquids in containers of under 100ml
- You don’t have to worry about boarding early, or about your bag possibly being gate checked; if you’re traveling outside the United States, you’ll often find that airlines have a weight limit of 15 pounds for carry-ons, which is highly restrictive
- You don’t have to carry your bag as far, and don’t have to keep an eye on it throughout your journey
Hot take: checking bags isn’t that bad
Back in the day I’d never check bags. When I lived in hotels full-time for a couple of years, I just had a carry-on bag. However, over the past few years, I’ve warmed up to the concept of checking bags. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely don’t always check bags, but I do it a lot more often than I used to, and I’ve kind of started to not mind it.
To be clear, I still don’t check bags on a majority of my trips. However, if I’m taking a longer trip, typically internationally, I have no qualms checking a bag. So, why is checking bags not that bad?
- While I avoid checking bags with American Airlines domestically when possible, both Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines have a 20-minute baggage guarantee, and I find that outside the United States (especially in Europe), bags regularly arrive even faster than that
- I really appreciate being able to check bags with larger liquids; for example, if traveling to a tropical destination, it’s great to be able to bring quality sunscreen with you, which can save you significant money and hassle compared to what you’d spend acquiring this at your destination
- Having your bags delayed is rare, but if it happens, you can take advantage of the credit card delayed baggage benefits with certain premium cards, and can go on a bit of a shopping spree
- Airlines have much better baggage tracking technology than in the past, so you can typically see throughout your journey when your bag was loaded and offloaded, etc.
- Statistically the risk of bags actually being lost is very small, and with technology like AirTags, we have even more assurance than ever before
- If I’m traveling only with carry-ons, I’m generally technically exceeding the limit outside the United States, since it’s so low (often 15 pounds); it’s easier to just not worry about your bag possibly being rejected
- It’s kind of nice and liberating to just walk through the airport with a backpack
Again, I’m not advocating for always checking bags. I do everything I can to avoid checking bags if I think they’ll take a long time to arrive, or if I think there’s a significant risk of operational issues (due to a complicated itinerary, bad weather, because airlines are generally operating poorly, etc.).
But if I’m flying Alaska or Delta, or if I’m traveling with an airline where bags typically come out quickly, I’ve certainly warmed up to the idea.
Personally I find many of the objections to checking bags to just be a bit overly dramatic, and not accurately reflect the risk or inconvenience.
Bottom line
While many experienced travelers swear by only traveling with carry-ons, I think there’s a case to be made for checking bags as well, at least in specific situations. If you’re traveling with an airline that reliably delivers bags quickly, if you have credit card insurance for delayed or lost bags, and if you value being able to travel with more stuff (including liquids), then there’s most definitely merit to checking bags.
At least that’s my two cents, but I know others will feel differently…
Where do you stand on carry-ons vs. checked bags? Do you swear by carry-ons, by checked bags, or does it depend on the situation?
I haven't noticed anyone mentioning standby. I like having the flexibility of changing flights. That doesn't always work, however, if you have a checked bag.
Add to that the fact that some international destinations can take over an hour to get checked bags. Most in the U.S. aren't that bad, though I have waited 45 minutes in Miami.
I only check a bag when absolutely necessary
Airlines need to enforce the amount of carry-on luggage!!!! I am always amazed at how quickly boarding is completed even with wide body aircraft (20 minutes) in other parts of the world.
Apparently consultants and investment bankers value their time at minimum wage per minute. So waiting to drop and collect bags cost Ryan Bingham a lot of money.
I'm still waiting for those people who seem to be up to date on latest Netflix specials and SNL to realize that it already cost them more than their salary.
Or realize that it's probably cheaper to them to take Ozempic than spending hours at the gym.
Apparently consultants and investment bankers value their time at minimum wage per minute. So waiting to drop and collect bags cost Ryan Bingham a lot of money.
I'm still waiting for those people who seem to be up to date on latest Netflix specials and SNL to realize that it already cost them more than their salary.
Or realize that it's probably cheaper to them to take Ozempic than spending hours at the gym.
And then the whole cost of walking the dog or pay a dog walker. What's the point of having a pet, for emotional support after they get laid off?
Air Asia was strictly enforcing the 7kg/15lb limit the other day at KUL. But Ryanair's limit is 10kg and easyJet has none - as long as you can plade it unaided in the overhead bins.
Americans always take it for granted that you can carry on a 1,000 lbs gorilla as long as it fits the size, pass TSA, and you can lift it by yourself.
A lot of airlines actually have weight and piece limits on carry on bags. How they actually enforce that is another story.
women on travelling carry on only. Has 300k plus members and it's a badge of honour if you can go carry on only for a multi week European tour.
I've started checking a bag that's not much bigger than carry on. Don't want to be limited to one pair of shoes and have no option to do any shopping whatsoever.
Much more comfortable at the airport and lounges. I've noticed also that baggage...
women on travelling carry on only. Has 300k plus members and it's a badge of honour if you can go carry on only for a multi week European tour.
I've started checking a bag that's not much bigger than carry on. Don't want to be limited to one pair of shoes and have no option to do any shopping whatsoever.
Much more comfortable at the airport and lounges. I've noticed also that baggage handling is very efficient these days especially if you have airline status.
If I do go carry on only I limit wardrobe to black and white and have mainly Uniqlo lightweight travel clothing. Their down puffer jacket is essential.
Sorry first paragraph should read as follows!
There's a whole facegroup for women on travelling carry on only. Has 300k plus members and it's a badge of honour if you can go carry on only for a multi week European tour.
One big issue here is when you have a mixed itinerary with 2 or more flights with different airlines with no inter-line agreements for through-checking luggage. This is where carry-one only truly shines!
Checked luggage in this situation involves waiting to retrieve it, technically entering the country, passing through passport control and customs, finding check-in, checking in your bag with the second airline, doing Security again, and 'leaving' the country you just arrived in,...
One big issue here is when you have a mixed itinerary with 2 or more flights with different airlines with no inter-line agreements for through-checking luggage. This is where carry-one only truly shines!
Checked luggage in this situation involves waiting to retrieve it, technically entering the country, passing through passport control and customs, finding check-in, checking in your bag with the second airline, doing Security again, and 'leaving' the country you just arrived in, and head to the lounge if you have time.
Meanwhile, the guy with carry-on has been in the lounge for 2 hours or so before you get there!
Never been caught in that nightmare, as I think things through, and am sure of my facts.
I used to always "carry on" - but technology has truly gotten much better. In late 2020 - I had an experience with Delta which leads me to still think about whether to "check" or "carry on".
It was business travel and I had been gone for probably 8 - 9 days. The new SLC Airport had recently gone into service. It was a bigger suitcase, and when I arrived at the SLC airport...
I used to always "carry on" - but technology has truly gotten much better. In late 2020 - I had an experience with Delta which leads me to still think about whether to "check" or "carry on".
It was business travel and I had been gone for probably 8 - 9 days. The new SLC Airport had recently gone into service. It was a bigger suitcase, and when I arrived at the SLC airport - it did not come out on the new carousel. I waited until bags stopped coming out, and went for Delta baggage assistance. I was politely told that it may actually be in the airport somewhere because it showed delivered and they had been having problems the new delivery control system sending every bad to the correct carousel. They offered to deliver it the next morning for me, and I agreed.
About 5:30 AM the next morning - I got a call from the delivery driver saying he delivered it an hour earlier (!) and wanted to make sure I picked it up off my porch. While he was on the line, I went to the front door, and there was nothing on my front porch. I reported this to him, and he sent me a photo of my bag on my porch. He wanted me to agree that it was not his fault, and wanted me to report it to the police. He did not want me to call Delta.
So - I called Delta, and they suggested I look around my area in case kids had taken it (and I spent about 45 minutes looking around the neighborhood). Delta gave me a number to call back if I didn't find it, so I called them back and filed a claim with Delta. Delta paid a fairly significant sum.
The police patrol every hour and I have never believed that someone took it off our well lighted porch and yard at 5:00 AM. I felt bad - because I have always suspected the delivery guy (it was a very strange call!).
Despite it likely not being their fault - Delta took care of me. Since that time - I have flown exclusively on Delta (okay - there was 1 time on an airline other than Delta (and that was Ryan Air from Lisbon, Portugal to Seville, Spain).
Now - if it is business and I need a little bit bigger suitcase, I usually check it and use Ben's Air Tag trick. But if it is personal travel even for 6 -8 weeks to Europe, we always use "carry on" backpacks designed for travel!
To me this is very simple. Either I take everything on board or I take only my must needed items on board. I try not to check a bag when possible. It is much faster when you do not have to wait for luggage. It can be a long waiting time for the bags to start to come out and until your bag is there. Often premium passenger bags are not first as claimed.
Be careful the brand if luggage. I had 2 rolling duffel bags and a rolling Pelican case i checked. My luhhahe was missing on arrival at Manila. I was filling forms out for lost luggage whrn a guy comes rolling up with them. I learned in Dumaguete ehat happened. One of my daughters employees saw the Pelican and said ‘terrorista use’. Of course. He has seen the Pelican in the movies. They carry bombs, weapons,...
Be careful the brand if luggage. I had 2 rolling duffel bags and a rolling Pelican case i checked. My luhhahe was missing on arrival at Manila. I was filling forms out for lost luggage whrn a guy comes rolling up with them. I learned in Dumaguete ehat happened. One of my daughters employees saw the Pelican and said ‘terrorista use’. Of course. He has seen the Pelican in the movies. They carry bombs, weapons, drugs. So knowing that, workers at Manila autport searched only the Pelican case. And they stole several items. I gave my 2 Pelican cases away. I no longer use them.
The President of your country calmly boards last, waves, and does not worry about space in the overhead bin. Neither should you
Board last. Wheels to the wells ten minutes after you sit down.
Be like jack Reacher. Carry a passport (because you have to), a toothbrush, and cash (credit card, again because you have to). Much lighter in airports than your carry on luggage. Most often you travel to places where you can buy...
The President of your country calmly boards last, waves, and does not worry about space in the overhead bin. Neither should you
Board last. Wheels to the wells ten minutes after you sit down.
Be like jack Reacher. Carry a passport (because you have to), a toothbrush, and cash (credit card, again because you have to). Much lighter in airports than your carry on luggage. Most often you travel to places where you can buy nicer stuff than you have in your carry on if it gets lost. Again, like Reacher, throw out your old underwear if the checked bag gets lost and buy new ones. Maybe even a Saville Row shirt or two.
Checked bags always. Love always being the last one to board, empty jetway, empty aisles, take my seat, doors close.
And in over a million miles flown, can count on 1.5 hands the number of delayed bags I've had.
Agreed. Checked bags make life so much easier.
Cant understand families lugging three bags onboard per kid on a long haul flight to save 10mins of waiting (if that after security) at the other end.
Even on Ord to lga I’d often check my bag. With bag drop and pretty quick delivery at the other end it just made the rest of the experience less painful. Ie being the last to board.
Yeah - I am with Johnny. Anecdote: after close to two decades of not losing any bags, I have recently had my bag not show up after a flight with Turkish. When I got to the Lost Luggage counter to fill the forms, the lovely lady insisted that my bag has arrived 11 minutes earlier at the carousel. I tried to explain to her that it has not, but then noticed it doing the rounds...
Yeah - I am with Johnny. Anecdote: after close to two decades of not losing any bags, I have recently had my bag not show up after a flight with Turkish. When I got to the Lost Luggage counter to fill the forms, the lovely lady insisted that my bag has arrived 11 minutes earlier at the carousel. I tried to explain to her that it has not, but then noticed it doing the rounds on the carousel all by itself. I was waiting at the wrong one.
Case in point: tracking technology in 2024 is beyond amazing
Same. Plus I do a lot of long haul extended periods. I like transiting with just a small backpack with a change of clothes and a laptop.
I find it fascinating how 15 lbs is crazy light in the US, I don't think I have ever had carry ons weighing more than 15 lbs.
For me it depends on class of travel and type of plane. If going long haul in biz, there is always space in the overhead bins. Intra-Europe eco: insane hassle with multiple bags, rollers, etc.
Also, I prefer only carry on during transit in the US, no need to check the baggage again
I’ve been a checked bag person since AA first started charging to carry on bags. Always exempt as an AA EXP from luggage fees, or was an easy choice. The ability to board last and slip into my near close to 100% upgraded seat at the last minute and freedom to move around the airport with that bag made it an easy choice.
Domestic upgrades on AA as rare as a snowball in hell these days. But avoiding the gate scrum and boarding last is not going away.
The lack of a sensible limit for hand luggage on US airlines is completely shocking. It makes no sense that a litigious society in which health and safety considerations are reasonably important seems unable to grasp the concept that it's not a good idea to place bags with 20kg worth of stuff directly above people's shoulders.
The author is correct that baggage handling systems have improved massively over the past 10-15 years, I had...
The lack of a sensible limit for hand luggage on US airlines is completely shocking. It makes no sense that a litigious society in which health and safety considerations are reasonably important seems unable to grasp the concept that it's not a good idea to place bags with 20kg worth of stuff directly above people's shoulders.
The author is correct that baggage handling systems have improved massively over the past 10-15 years, I had taken literally hundreds of flights where nothing was ever delayed. Did have one or two cases of with delayed bags in the last couple of years, but it's nothing like the olden times when you could book a double connection on Alitalia and arrive at your destination ready for a day of virtually guaranteed free shopping!
I definitely will check a bag if I'm flying nonstop. If there is a connection, it will depend how long I'm staying at my destination. If for at least 3 days, then will check a bag; anything shorter will just carryon.
I've lived in hotels and traveled for over 10 years now with just a carry-on. Like, literally no home and over 100 countries. So it's more than doable. However I could write an entire travel guide about finding options to launder my clothes. It's such a shocking variable. Some places simply do not have a reasonable option.
So yeah, I've washed my clothes in a bathtub many times and hung my clothes around the...
I've lived in hotels and traveled for over 10 years now with just a carry-on. Like, literally no home and over 100 countries. So it's more than doable. However I could write an entire travel guide about finding options to launder my clothes. It's such a shocking variable. Some places simply do not have a reasonable option.
So yeah, I've washed my clothes in a bathtub many times and hung my clothes around the room for a day to dry. But hey, I'm a Globalist, Titanium & Diamond, at least it's usually a larger room.
So a checked bag wouldn't really do me any favors. I'd need to do laundry once every 10 days instead of 7? No thanks.
I sometimes spend only a few days somewhere. Which means, if lost, by the time a bag is delivered I'm no longer in the place the airline expects. No "home" for them to send my bag as a default. And the potential cascading failures from there are unacceptable to me.
I travel only with what I need. But need what I bring. I buy things when I need them, and leave them behind when I don't.
So, that's my 2 cents. For the rest of you, please check your bags. I would prefer zero stress about overhead bin space. It has cost me many hours of lounge time worrying about early boarding!
Without fail, my checked bag was being opened by TSA...broken zippers, messed up clothes. Every time. So I started gate checking. It still goes through TSA and Xray, but rarely opened, and if it is, I'm there to observe.
The traveling with one less bag is very liberating. However, the draw backs I see outside of waiting for a bag at the belt:
1. If you need to be rerouted having checked bags makes the situation way more complicated
2. If you end up with a tight connection you might make it but your bag won't. There is also a chance, albeit much smaller. your bags will make it but you will get...
The traveling with one less bag is very liberating. However, the draw backs I see outside of waiting for a bag at the belt:
1. If you need to be rerouted having checked bags makes the situation way more complicated
2. If you end up with a tight connection you might make it but your bag won't. There is also a chance, albeit much smaller. your bags will make it but you will get to the gate too late to be allowed on
3. At least with AA if you're flight is cancelled getting your bag back is a huge hassle and unless you have someone interceding on your behalf (like an agent at the Admirals Club) you might be told to go pound sand. So no change of clothes (unless you buy some overpriced ones at an airport shop) or having decent toiletries for a shower (unless you buy some at an overpriced airport shop).
Essentially, the risk of hassles aren't worth it.
I've become a big proponent of checked bags. On short domestic it's nice to not have to fight for overhead bin space and I don't mind being one of the last people on the plane. For international it's going to generally be longer and having more days without doing laundry is more relaxing cause who really enjoys doing laundry on vacation?
As a family a larger checked bags also reduced our total amount (1 carry + checked vs 3 carry ons)
On shorty hops, prefer carry on.
On long flights or international, will check in luggage.
No matter what, carry essentials (tickets, RX, reservations, cell phone & tablet, etc) in pack pack.
The rest can be replaced if luggage is lost.
Unless it's a really short trip, we check bags to avoid the liquids thing and to avoid weight/size problems. Of course, when things go wrong, you may not have your checked bags for a couple days. As such, it's good policy to pack some basics in the carry-on. That said, I feel like many (all?) travel bloggers oversell the utility of credit card travel insurance. This "insurance" is secondary, and requires proof that the airline...
Unless it's a really short trip, we check bags to avoid the liquids thing and to avoid weight/size problems. Of course, when things go wrong, you may not have your checked bags for a couple days. As such, it's good policy to pack some basics in the carry-on. That said, I feel like many (all?) travel bloggers oversell the utility of credit card travel insurance. This "insurance" is secondary, and requires proof that the airline will not pay before accepting your claim. I've never had an airline refuse to pay, it's just NOT a fast or easy process, so if this worries you, don't check your bags.
I recently had the dubious pleasure of comparing how delayed baggage comp works with Chase vs direct through Air Canada. TL;DR Chase rocks.
I redeemed Aeroplan miles for a one way flight, and paid taxes with personal Chase Hyatt card. The checked bag was not delivered until about 7 hours later. Filed claims with both AC and Chase.
Chase processed the claim within 2 weeks of filing, and gave me the option to receive...
I recently had the dubious pleasure of comparing how delayed baggage comp works with Chase vs direct through Air Canada. TL;DR Chase rocks.
I redeemed Aeroplan miles for a one way flight, and paid taxes with personal Chase Hyatt card. The checked bag was not delivered until about 7 hours later. Filed claims with both AC and Chase.
Chase processed the claim within 2 weeks of filing, and gave me the option to receive reimbursement directly into my bank account.
AC took two months to update me on the claim status, saying the check should be in the mail. Still haven’t gotten it, but they say it could take 6-8 weeks so I guess it’s not unexpected.
I’d say the bank wins this one, although careful on the fine print as some companies will have random fine print like only covering round trips.
I think it really depends on the airline you’re flying. As you said, Alaska and Delta do a great job, but I’d say that there are some airlines where you want to make a point to avoid checking a bag. I almost never check bags but have had consistently awful experiences checking bags with JetBlue for instance.
My advice to the forum is to reconsider checked luggage heading to Heathrow, particularly on Friday nights when half of Europe is going through the airport. Last time I did it (on a delayed BA flight - surprise), we waited for over 2.5 hours for the bags to show up. Slightly comical, given the flight itself was about 45 mins.
I was later explained that baggage handlers do not wait for anyone, and there is only a skeleton team handling late or delayed flights.
We spend so much effort get the free checked bags and luxurious airport experience only to lug our carry-on around like the normies. "Carry ons are savvy" is a dogma of the unsavvy; let them stress about overhead bin space while you casually roll up towards the end of boarding.
I always check a bag even if going somewhere for a weekend. Because almost always the fare I am booking includes it and it just offers so much more options with clothes at a destination but also toiletries etc. Plus I then put my laptop and all my valuables in a small backpack and that’s it for my carry on. End of the world if my something happens to my bag I don’t care and as you say get the compensation through insurance
Watch out for LUFTHANSA.. i flew biz class FRA to DFW and my carry on was more than 12 pounds.. so they made me check it!
Yeah, they are the worst! I once flew Nice to Mexico City, business to FRA then onward via 1st in the amazing 747.
It was Covid times so had to show my EU vaxx cert to check in. Was forced to weigh my bag and made me check it for being a pound or two over.
I love Germany. But they are insanely rigid on their rules. I particularly love the looks of...
Yeah, they are the worst! I once flew Nice to Mexico City, business to FRA then onward via 1st in the amazing 747.
It was Covid times so had to show my EU vaxx cert to check in. Was forced to weigh my bag and made me check it for being a pound or two over.
I love Germany. But they are insanely rigid on their rules. I particularly love the looks of shock and horror when I cross an empty intersection despite the lack of official permission.
Will only fly with them when no other option is reasonable. Or when there's 1st class award availability out of FRA, which I haven't seen since Covid. Unfortunately.
LH allow 2pc at 8kgs each in business. That’s 18lbs each in the USA
So if you had 1 bag 8kgs it was most likely oversize.
When it comes to oversize, overweight and too many, Americans are the worst.
Having children made me become a bag checker after years of being a hardcore never-check man, and I came to appreciate all the advantages Lucky discusses. I'm still not likely to on a short trip with my wife when we leave the kids at home, but it's now something I'll do on occasion
I generally agree with Ben's points and have similiarly increased my checked bagage (mostly because I fly with 1-2 kids on most trips now instead of myself/wife...
The bigger thought for me is the lines to get the baggage checked in. Flying business (international awards) there's rarely more than 1-2 people in line, whereas if I'm flying economy (domestically) the lines can really add up. I'm often getting to the airport last minute...
Yeah, back in summer 2022 when airlines were loosing backs "left and right", it was still less than 1% of bags handled.
On 2 United Express flights yesterday, I made the calculation that waiting in the jet bridge twice for checked bags wasn't worth the inconvenience so I checked it at the counter.
The plane was overweight and they decided to leave 13 bags at IAD last night and my bag was one of the lucky ones.
Got to go shopping for something acceptable to wear to a business meeting at Target at 9:30pm last night...
On 2 United Express flights yesterday, I made the calculation that waiting in the jet bridge twice for checked bags wasn't worth the inconvenience so I checked it at the counter.
The plane was overweight and they decided to leave 13 bags at IAD last night and my bag was one of the lucky ones.
Got to go shopping for something acceptable to wear to a business meeting at Target at 9:30pm last night - the baggage agent gave me $150 on the spot for that.
I need to do some new bag check calculus on United Express from now on.
United Express is the worst. They always stop me saying my carry on won’t fit into the overhead bin even though I have traveled with the same bag for years and know it fits. It is always a stressful situation since some gate agents won’t let me bring it in and want me to gate check. Horrible airline.
While I absolutely understand folks that don't want to check bags I always check bags. It gives me more space for stuff shopped at the destination (it is rare to find people who travel to the US and return w/o anything new ;-)). And then there is this liquids limitation in carry-ons. It's not just sunscreen but also other basics like after shave or shower gel or ...
There are so many hotels not providing the most basic toiletry: shower gel.
I am in the middle. If my destination is in the winter or a long trip, I check bags but always have an AirTag inside for peace of mind. If the destination is in the summer, I never check bags on the way in but have a folded duffel with me that I check on the way back exactly to bring stuff back home that I buy there. Not having a checked bag on the...
I am in the middle. If my destination is in the winter or a long trip, I check bags but always have an AirTag inside for peace of mind. If the destination is in the summer, I never check bags on the way in but have a folded duffel with me that I check on the way back exactly to bring stuff back home that I buy there. Not having a checked bag on the way in makes life much easier. You don’t need full size liquids as you can buy a what you need at your destination. If you have connections, not having a checked bag is much easier, avoids delays and complications. Last, not having your bag arriving at your destination may ruin your trip. On the way back home I really don’t care. If bag is delayed, at least I am at home.
Same here. The liquids thing is my primary reason because I tend to bring my own toiletries, none of which are travel size. I also like to bring home local brews and spirits that aren't available in my home state. Gets me a lot of TSA love notes, but so far everything's made it home intact.