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’d like 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-on bags
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 to secure overhead bin space, 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. Tracking checked bags has also become much easier, which takes away some of the stress.
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 often feel more constrained by travel at my destination -- trains or walking with my bags in city centers -- then worrying about airlines losing things. However, I've had some epic bag situations. Braniff (remember them?) once lost my bag for several weeks. In the late 90s I flew to Russia on a trip that looked like Ben's recent trip of cancellations and misconnects. In the process, my bag went somewhere else. Eventually, it...
I often feel more constrained by travel at my destination -- trains or walking with my bags in city centers -- then worrying about airlines losing things. However, I've had some epic bag situations. Braniff (remember them?) once lost my bag for several weeks. In the late 90s I flew to Russia on a trip that looked like Ben's recent trip of cancellations and misconnects. In the process, my bag went somewhere else. Eventually, it got to Moscow where they don't deliver bags... there's way more drama to this story... but eventually I got my bag the day before I left.
In more recent years, my bags haven't disappeared for more than a day. But I'm on my last nerve with Delta "expediting" my bag onto an earlier flight. I've had my flight diverted and arrived at BWI and at Dulles with my bag landing at DCA. I've had my bag go on an earlier flight that got delayed and arrived after me. So, I either have to hang around the house and wait or go back and get the bag. Oh, and last time the came to the house, they rang the bell and left. I got to the door and found someone else's bag. I had to chase the delivery guy down the block to get him to come back and switch bags.
All that said, it is so nice to cruise through the airport with just my backpack, buy wine or carry heavy (or strange) stuff between my homes.
Big fan of always checking bags (and never traveling airlines like American Airlines exactly because of their baggage issues).
It's nice to bring lots of present, be able to board last, not have to lug your bag around and through security, and be able to board rapidly.
Rational.
Always CHECK ALL LUGGAGE all the time. That is the only advantage travelling by plane, that the luggage is taken care of and you don't have to worry about it. And it will avoid those ridiculous moments where people need to load and remove their bags or suitcases in the overhead compartment (takes huge time, tension, issues, sometimes accidents) that make travelling by plane an unpleasant experience.
"outside the United States (especially in Europe), bags regularly arrive even faster than that".
I take it that you haven't visited Madrid for a while? I generally allow 45 minutes for the first bag to make an appearance.
The whole front-end operation of MAD is a zoo. Can't even imagine what the back-office is like... #shudder
I have been flying domestically and internationally for the past 37 years. The vast majority of those flights have been on Alaska, and internationally, BA. I have had only one instance where my luggage was delayed by flying on the next flight behind mine. I got them the next morning.
Tip: schedule your flights as though your bags were a person, too: if it's a 1-hr connection, don't check your bag. International connections should be minimum of 3 hours. It works.
You have extremely good luck. Seriously. I have had bags delivered late by LH, IB, BA, AF, OK (when it was around), SN (when it was around), LX and a bunch of Asian airlines. So often, that I know by name the courier delivering to my home (my home base is a small airport and the courier that does late luggage deliveries to my -also small- city is just one guy with a van). Most...
You have extremely good luck. Seriously. I have had bags delivered late by LH, IB, BA, AF, OK (when it was around), SN (when it was around), LX and a bunch of Asian airlines. So often, that I know by name the courier delivering to my home (my home base is a small airport and the courier that does late luggage deliveries to my -also small- city is just one guy with a van). Most of my travel is international with one connection.
Sometimes delays were due to strike, sometimes it was SHORT CONN, sometimes pure bad luck, but out of 600+ trips, I probably had my suitcases delayed 15 times overall, so I am way above the US average (EU based).
With very limited flights to my hometown, had I kept your suggested 3h, I would have had to reserve 2 days for most of my trips home.
A subject near and dear to our hearts. We fly to Helsinki from Malta four times a year. Two times we stay for a month. Although we stockpile clothes in or Helsinki apt, so we don't always check bags, we do twice a year.
Once a year we fill a styrofoam cooler in a sturdy cardboard box, and fill it with 12 bottles of wine. The return trip it's filled with Finnish delicacies. (...
A subject near and dear to our hearts. We fly to Helsinki from Malta four times a year. Two times we stay for a month. Although we stockpile clothes in or Helsinki apt, so we don't always check bags, we do twice a year.
Once a year we fill a styrofoam cooler in a sturdy cardboard box, and fill it with 12 bottles of wine. The return trip it's filled with Finnish delicacies. ( Booze in Finland costs 40% more.)
On return trip to Malta, will be a banana box, wrapped in paper, containing two cases of long drink. Once a year a second one is filled with sauna stones. Both suitcases also contain our shopping from Costco in Stockholm.
So, it common for us to have six bags/boxes checked in. We have Senator status, enabling us to check-in six. Never had a bag missing at Helsinki airport. It happened once when returning from Helsinki, to Malta. But since we were tired, we went home and the next day, the airport delivered our bags.
And for those can't wait around freaks, all bags are at baggage carousel before we even get there. ALWAYS.
But when we travel to NZ, Singapore, Tokyo and Buenos Aires we NEVER check in bags. A lost or delayed bags can ruin a trip. But I always check them on the way home. At that point, next day service is ok, since it's mostly dirty laundry.
Here is tip we learned long ago. As Ben said, 15 lbs. may not be much for two weeks, especially with climate changes. ALWAYS CHECK-in on-line. Check-in lines at European airports have nasty habit of weighing carry-on bags as well. Just go to boarding area directly(after lounge). Only when plane is full or you are very obviously carrying too many/heavy bags will they check you out. But, not as often if you are in biz or FC lines.
Usually fly long distance with connections, so always check luggage. My goal is to be the last on the plane, even if I’m at the front of the bus.
Much easier to run to make late connection without luggage, and usually it magically makes it too. Unless it’s Westjet, but thats a whole new level of incompetence.
Never understand why 1st and Business class want to be on first, only to be hit...
Usually fly long distance with connections, so always check luggage. My goal is to be the last on the plane, even if I’m at the front of the bus.
Much easier to run to make late connection without luggage, and usually it magically makes it too. Unless it’s Westjet, but thats a whole new level of incompetence.
Never understand why 1st and Business class want to be on first, only to be hit in the head with luggage and backpacks from every person getting on the plane.
Favorite thing is kicking people out of seat, since they think my window seat is going to available.
If I don't have to check the bags I wouldn't but as a girl who needs a lot of things when travelling and also wants to do shopping, having a check in size luggage is a must. The stuff simply would not fit in the carry on. I will still have a cabin luggage but those are for things like designer handbags which I do not want to risk losing or don't want to squish...
If I don't have to check the bags I wouldn't but as a girl who needs a lot of things when travelling and also wants to do shopping, having a check in size luggage is a must. The stuff simply would not fit in the carry on. I will still have a cabin luggage but those are for things like designer handbags which I do not want to risk losing or don't want to squish and stuff which cannot be checked in like laptop and iPad. It's simply not even a choice unless you're a minimalist guy who doesn't need toiletries and shopping.
I do know the incovenience of baggage not loaded and stuff and have experienced it before but it's simply not a choice if all my stuff wouldn't fit into cabin size luggage and that's just how girls travel
Nope. Carry-on only. Lose things once. Never again. Most ‘liquids’ and other supplies can be purchased at your destination. If you can’t leave home without it, then just stay home.
As a person who can tell how old I am by the amount of pills I carry, I would offer up an exception. With a miserable spine, I sometimes need to carry CBD cream. Does work wonders. But is highly illegal(without the high of THC). Going in and out of places like Tokyo and Singapore, it's not a beneficial idea to have someone at security looking through my liquids.
I'm sure you don't want me to stay home.
Glad for those who rarely have issues with checked bags. Perhaps it is also better in the US, where the airlines often handle the luggage themselves, rather than third parties. At the beginning of my busy travel life (more than 100 flights per year) I usually checked bags. I lost the bags about in 30% of the cases. Mostly they showed up again, but often weeks after, which meant that I almost always had started...
Glad for those who rarely have issues with checked bags. Perhaps it is also better in the US, where the airlines often handle the luggage themselves, rather than third parties. At the beginning of my busy travel life (more than 100 flights per year) I usually checked bags. I lost the bags about in 30% of the cases. Mostly they showed up again, but often weeks after, which meant that I almost always had started another trip (or two) before the bags showed up again. Even in the 70% the bags were delivered correctly, I clocked the average waiting time at 30 mins, multiplied with 100 flights this results in 50 hours waiting time per year, not calculating the 30% of the cases I had to file the lost bagage report, sometimes travel back to the airport to collect them etc.
Therefore, I never check luggage.
I hope not to stand near you when lightning strikes.
All you bag checkers must have great home airports. Mine, AUS and DRO are notorious for 30+ min waits for baggage. Adding 30 min of waiting next to crying tired children in the baggage claim at 9PM is not what I want to do unless I’m traveling with Dive gear.
Speaking of which, I’m surprised that the MIA airport baggage claim has yet to fully traumatize Ben. I’ve had so many 2-2.5 hour connections...
All you bag checkers must have great home airports. Mine, AUS and DRO are notorious for 30+ min waits for baggage. Adding 30 min of waiting next to crying tired children in the baggage claim at 9PM is not what I want to do unless I’m traveling with Dive gear.
Speaking of which, I’m surprised that the MIA airport baggage claim has yet to fully traumatize Ben. I’ve had so many 2-2.5 hour connections in MIA (coming back from abroad) get so tight due to their delayed baggage claim. On multiple trips over the last 3 years Ive had to leave baggage claim and customs without my checked bag just so I don’t miss my next flight. One time we waited for over an hour and then when the bags finally started to come the belt broke down and at that point I said F it, I’m leaving for my connection. Now I just won’t book less than 2.5 hour connection via MIA, and I have GE… which takes less than 5 min there.
There is a time and place where checking is unavoidable, and when that happens I embrace it and pack my whole damn kitchen. But, If I can get away from checking I will any day of the week.
The rule in Malta is that bags are delivered before you get to carousel.
My wardrobe is for about 50% filled with nice clothes and shoes which I have purchased using my credit card's delayed baggage compensation. If I am making a connection at a notorious connecting airport (looking at you CDG) then I have enough in my carry on for a couple of days and at my destination I shop the full 400 eur allowance every time. It doesn't normally inconvenience me too much (leisure trips) and I feel good in the end.
Carry-on is the only way to go. Unless you're stupid.
Yes, those people who block the line at security for 2 minutes before they need to unpack their crap, and then run around the plane trying to store their massive carry-on somewhere look very smart, lol.
Samo: Have you tried First Class, boarding early, ample overhead space, etc.?
It would be interesting to conduct an IQ analysis of folks who always check bags vs those who don't. I know one group will come up the clear winner. When you travel there is no need to haul around a bunch of stuff!!
Anyone who checks in a bag is a TOTAL MORON
Fake Eskimo who checks in a bag is a TOTAL MORON
I always check a bag mainly for FULL SIZE TOILETRIES. I cant survive with tiny bottles of things. I need full sized bottle of sunscreen, skincare, shampoo, soap, shaving cream + razor, all stuff I cant just carry on. That reason alone (plus shopping at my destination) is why I think it is always worth it to check a bag.
Why would there be less risk of losing a bag if you're only taking carry-on? If you know the bag's above you, surely that's no risk, not less risk.
I think there’s a potential correlation between the quantity of cocktails consumed and the odds of leaving a bag behind on the aircraft. ;)
Jokes aside, this year I have almost exclusively traveled with just a backpack. I could possibly see myself forgetting I had a carry-on if I was tired or had a tight connection.
People who say "Oh, I NEVER check a bag" have, almost by definition, led an intensely boring travel life. There are all kinds of situations in which you might need to check a bag.
* If you're brining anything back from a trip, particularly liquids. I pretty much never return from Europe without a couple of bottles of local liqueur of some kind.
* If you have something that's not permitted in carry-on baggage,...
People who say "Oh, I NEVER check a bag" have, almost by definition, led an intensely boring travel life. There are all kinds of situations in which you might need to check a bag.
* If you're brining anything back from a trip, particularly liquids. I pretty much never return from Europe without a couple of bottles of local liqueur of some kind.
* If you have something that's not permitted in carry-on baggage, such as cooking knives, a rigging knife for sailing, a gun, or sunscreen.
* You're going camping and have all your gear.
* If you are traveling for an event that requires formal wear or some kind of team uniform or costume.
* If you're going to or from college, or helping to move a child.
* If you're bringing presents to friends in other countries, or doing handcarry for a charitable organization.
I once made a complete list, I think it had 17 things that came to mind.
Sure, if you only ever take two week trips and never transport anything, swagger around with your "Only dummies bring checked bags" lack of self-awareness. The rest of us are busy being adults.
Only DUMMIES bring checked bags. Too big of a risk of it being lost or damaged, maintain care and control of your belongings at all times.
LOL. No, the risk is absolutely minimal. I check bags dozens of times a year, never ever did I have my bag lost or damaged. I had five cases of delayed baggage in my entire lifetime, each time the bag arrived on the next day.
I’m torn on this also. Although I tend to stick with only carry on simply because I frequently transit LAX intl-domestic and without a checked bag I’m almost always off the plane, through GE, through D1 check in, and to the lounge in 15 min. This more often than not allows me to get on an earlier flight that is too short to sell up front if a seat is available.
Hot take, but transiting...
I’m torn on this also. Although I tend to stick with only carry on simply because I frequently transit LAX intl-domestic and without a checked bag I’m almost always off the plane, through GE, through D1 check in, and to the lounge in 15 min. This more often than not allows me to get on an earlier flight that is too short to sell up front if a seat is available.
Hot take, but transiting through LAX is so smooth these days (at least DL/ST), as long as you don’t have a checked bag.
Flew from YYZ to SIN through NRTBon Air Canada and ANA. Bags weren't loaded in Toronto even though we checked in about 3 hours before departure and were flying business. Changi airport is a great place to shop for necessities (and frivolities) on the credit card insurance tab. Flew to Perth the following day on a separate itinerary on Scoot. As we stood by the empty carousel in SIN an SQ passenger agent asked us...
Flew from YYZ to SIN through NRTBon Air Canada and ANA. Bags weren't loaded in Toronto even though we checked in about 3 hours before departure and were flying business. Changi airport is a great place to shop for necessities (and frivolities) on the credit card insurance tab. Flew to Perth the following day on a separate itinerary on Scoot. As we stood by the empty carousel in SIN an SQ passenger agent asked us if there was a problem. She escorted us to customs to clear the missing bags, SQ flew the bags to Perth two days later even though they had no responsibility for the screw up. Impressive.
If I check a bag then I expect to be able to put my backpack in the overhead, not at my feet.
While I'm reluctant to check bags when using my staff privileges, I do live in a tropical zone, so find myself having to do so when traveling north during winter or if I need to bring back some wine.
If you're doing a complex Kiwi style self-transfer route, cabin baggage only is essential for obvious reasons. If you need to haul weight with you, an interlined route for end-2-end checked baggage is essential. It's really that simple. But I guess I have the advantage of keeping a home at each regular travel end-point.
I rarely check bags unless I need to transport wine or something back that can't be carried on or I'm forced to fly a discount carrier that loves to catch people at the gate with a bag a little too large and then hit them with a massive fee. There have been many times I got jammed up waiting for my luggage, both overseas and domestically. That being said sometimes when I am flying first...
I rarely check bags unless I need to transport wine or something back that can't be carried on or I'm forced to fly a discount carrier that loves to catch people at the gate with a bag a little too large and then hit them with a massive fee. There have been many times I got jammed up waiting for my luggage, both overseas and domestically. That being said sometimes when I am flying first class with an airline that prioritizes first class bags I'll go ahead and check the bag. Would I check my bag if I knew it would be waiting for me as soon as I got off the plane? Absolutely. Does that happen very often? Nope. I'm certain with global entry I am through immigration and out of the airport before the bags of many people even make it to the belt.
I am 66 years old and have had a couple health issues recently. I have discovered that I just don't have the physical strength to lift a normal sized but packed carry on in the overhead and I would'nt dream of asking someone to help me with my bag. So.... I check it no and it really makes my life easier.
Ben!!!! You have come over to the dark side. After all the cr**p you’ve given me over the years for Checking bags!! Ahh victory is sweet
Yup. Check and forget. Sure there may be the very odd delayed bag. But almost never permanently lost. And my back thanks me for it!! And with air tags. Game set and match. (And just think of all the fuel you’re costing the airline by filling the bag!!
Welcome on board bagless
This summer we had a mix of tix/carriers returning from Japan to USA. We flew Itami to Haneda on JAL, then Haneda to Honolulu to Kahalui on Hawaiian (with a ridiculously tight connection). To our surprise, the JAL check-in desk at Itami, took all our luggage checked it through to Hawaii despite there being separate reservations.
Thanks to Global Entry, and superb ground staff assistance from Hawaiian in Honolulu, we made it with time to...
This summer we had a mix of tix/carriers returning from Japan to USA. We flew Itami to Haneda on JAL, then Haneda to Honolulu to Kahalui on Hawaiian (with a ridiculously tight connection). To our surprise, the JAL check-in desk at Itami, took all our luggage checked it through to Hawaii despite there being separate reservations.
Thanks to Global Entry, and superb ground staff assistance from Hawaiian in Honolulu, we made it with time to spare and got all our bags at the end.
By contrast, BA refused to check my bags through to the destination when I made a LAX to LHR in first, with a separate Club Europe reservation from London to another UK airport. They claimed their computer could not join the tickets because they had been made separately - bizarre
BA vs JL customer service in a nutshell. Welcome to the flying Fawlty Towers.
A few years back I had a self-connect from SQ to JL in Narita. SQ checked my bag all the way from SIN to BOS, and even printed the JL boarding passes, even though SQ and JL are not even in the same alliance. Connection was 11 hours (back-to-back red-eyes) and I was going into the city anyway, so I would've been fine regardless, but it was nice to have that level of customer service.
Don't blame the programmers this time!
The computer had the rule "Allow connection of separate bookings" changed to No by management a few years ago.
Checked bags are a hassle if you are self-connecting on separate tickets, especially at international airports where you could stay in transit zone otherwise. And if you plan to go into an inaccessible area within a day or two of arrival (liveaboards, hiking, etc) there won't be a forwarding address for any delayed luggage.
Again, it depends where we're going. For a long weekend or a week by the pool, carry-on is more than enough. For a weeks-long trip to big cities I might check two bags, and return with three.
Ben you are really getting old
:p
Here’s a hot take. The worst part about checking a bag is not having the freedom to hang out at the lounge on arrival at your destination and instead having to go landside to collect your bag.
On the outbound I always carry on and then usually check my bag on the way back home because at that point I don’t care if my dirty clothes get lost for a few days.
Agree with this. On the way home, who cares if they temporarily lose your bag for a bit.
One thing to mention is that if you don't check bags you have more flexibility with IIROPS as they always ask, "did you check a bag."
Always push back when they ask "did you check a bag."
Bags aren't required to fly with passengers on US domestic travels.
You have the same flexibility with IIROPS regardless of bags.
Agents are just too lazy to add same bags to your reissued schedule.
Any idea *why* airlines outside the U.S. do the weight restriction like 15 lb on carry-ons thing? Is it just a simple/clean way, easier than dimensions, to prevent you from having a big carry-on? It makes no sense to me when the weight is going to fly regardless, whether checked or carry-on.
It is mostly a safety issue. If a heavy object falls from the overhead bins, it can cause significant injury.
US FAA regulations on carry-on luggage such as maximum weights, exit row stowage, etc.. are much laxer than pretty much anywhere else in the world.
And with laptop and all your device chargers and accessories for some people already exceed 15 lbs.
@Sean ... exactly so.
But BA allow 23kg !
I always check my bag, unless it's a trip for just one or two nights. I can't be bothered squeezing all the stuff I want into a carryon, than carrying it across the airport, taking stuff out at security, and looking for space on board. It's far more comfortable to have a "valet" service done by the airline, especially when *G/STE+ mean I get a checked bag for free on most airlines I travel with.
Apparently you’ve never experienced an airline losing your checked bag…
I can't believe why we can have something like Japan's Yamato service, they simply carry your luggage from airports to, from and between Hotels across all of Japan, your luggage is magically delivered next day in your room, or at least in the lobby waiting for you, and it is far cheaper than checking a bag.
Good reference! Plus Yamato has that cute cat carrying a kitten in its mouth logo. Arigato!
We used them going from Tokyo to Pappete. Put all our cool weather stuff in one bag and Tokyo hotel had Yamato ship it to our hotel in Osaka. And we carried on shorts, t shirts and bathing suits to Tahiti. Highly recommend them. Every hotel in Japan uses them. And they are reasonable.
We used them going from Tokyo to Pappete. Put all our cool weather stuff in one bag and Tokyo hotel had Yamato ship it to our hotel in Osaka. And we carried on shorts, t shirts and bathing suits to Tahiti. Highly recommend them. Every hotel in Japan uses them. And they are reasonable.
“checking a bag is almost sacrilege.” Who makes the crap up? Also, if you fly American high risk you’re going to have your forcibly checked for you anyways. And they love to lose bags. Industry leader for years..way ahead of the rest.
Only if you’re desperate should you fly AA. Tired planes, plain mediocre soft and hard products.
Passengers who "carry-on" heavy suitcases = shambling galoots .
Airlines who allow "carry-on" heavy suitcases = pick-up trucks in Mexico.
What does Mexico have to do? You need to have it checked, a shrink may help you
I always check a bag for international flights, usually two bags. I will never be someone who can fit 1-2 weeks of stuff in just a carry-on and I'm fine with that.
Domestically, I'll happily check a bag if it's free unless it's a complicated itinerary or has a very short connection (something I avoid when possible).
As a review site, I think OMAAT should always check a bag. After all, it's an important part of the overall service. Was the check-in efficient, did the bag arrive on time, did it come out first with other biz class bags?
Inquiring minds want to know!
Sadly Mild’, it would appear that there are far too few inquiring minds who visit this website. Those who do have the ability to think for themselves, are all too often ridiculed for asking questions.
Someone trigger the brit alter ego again?
Easily triggered as usual.
I used to be a hardcore NEVER CHECK guy but then I had kids. And that forced me to change and I discovered that in many cases, I liked it.
It’s also worth pointing out that, like lots of advice (eg get your oil change at 3000 miles) sometimes the world changes but the advice remains the same. Far fewer bags get lost than they did 20 years ago. The technology is just way better. So the downside risk is just lower
Even more so than the waiting at bag claim is the issue of your bags in the case of irregular operations. You may be able to easily change flights but having your bags rerouted with you is difficult, particularly if they have been loaded onto the aircraft. Also with AA, if your flight is cancelled and you need your bag for an overnight good luck with that.
On a direct flight with good weather...
Even more so than the waiting at bag claim is the issue of your bags in the case of irregular operations. You may be able to easily change flights but having your bags rerouted with you is difficult, particularly if they have been loaded onto the aircraft. Also with AA, if your flight is cancelled and you need your bag for an overnight good luck with that.
On a direct flight with good weather on both ends and nothing major between I might be tempted to check my carryon. One less thing to lug around. But I rarely do.
So, the easy solution is to stop flying AA
As everything in life, it all depends. Domestically I never check bags. You can easily buy anything you may need at a Target, CVS, etc.. For summer travel to Europe, even for 2 weeks, we only bring carry on and folded duffel bags inside to check bags on the return (dirty laundry, shopping, etc.). For winter trips we always check bags. Another tricky thing about checking bags is if you are connecting from a US...
As everything in life, it all depends. Domestically I never check bags. You can easily buy anything you may need at a Target, CVS, etc.. For summer travel to Europe, even for 2 weeks, we only bring carry on and folded duffel bags inside to check bags on the return (dirty laundry, shopping, etc.). For winter trips we always check bags. Another tricky thing about checking bags is if you are connecting from a US airline into a budget or different airline. For example, I usually land in AMS from the US on Delta and take ITA or a budget airline to Italy on different tickets. If I checked bags on Delta I need to claim them at AMS, recheck, go through security, etc… With a carry on I just walk from one plane to another.
Situational for me. Three days or fewer domestically, and if the trip doesn't require anything where I need to dress up a lot, it's carry on plus backpack and I'm fine. Anything longer or international where I don't want to be encumbered with a suitcase in the lounge, I'm checking a bag. Also if I'm visiting Grandma, she always tends to give me stuff to take home... :)
The credit card insurance is the single reason I still check bags. Especially on short connections the risk of delayed baggage is just too high, so without the ability to purchase needed items for free I wouldn't use checked luggage nearly as often.
My wife is wheelchair-bound, after her stroke. And we have a preschooler. We always check bags. Cannot imagine otherwise. And we strongly feel that anyone who didn't arrive at check-in in their own wheelchair or doesn't need a wheelchair on arriving at baggage claim shouldn't hog wheelchair services at airports. Maybe those who own their own wheelchair and actually check-in a wheelchair should have priority for wheelchair services?
I have a lung condition and a bad knee, both of which made it very difficult to walk the lengthy distances from check in to gate, or gate to baggage claim, at many airports. Does the fact that I can only walk shorter distances without problems mean I should be prevented from the use of an airport wheelchair? Or perhaps you think I should not be permitted to travel at all.
I think the complete inability to walk is probably more severe than having difficulty walking. Having difficulty walking is is subjective and there are people who exaggerate or are just tired of walking in an airport. I can think of one ideal solution where the airport provides every single traveler with wheelchair/buggy service so that no one is deprived but since no airport (not even Incheon Narita or Changi) can provide this, then priority should...
I think the complete inability to walk is probably more severe than having difficulty walking. Having difficulty walking is is subjective and there are people who exaggerate or are just tired of walking in an airport. I can think of one ideal solution where the airport provides every single traveler with wheelchair/buggy service so that no one is deprived but since no airport (not even Incheon Narita or Changi) can provide this, then priority should be for those who cannot even crawl there on their own. Everyone else should be in a different queue. Indeed if it takes longer to walk, then perhaps budgeting more time with rests in between and longer transfer times might be better. And since airport staff are unable to determine the severity of any medical condition, the possession of a personal wheelchair at check-in is a the simplest objective way to determine priority on a needs-before-wants basis. Anyone who needs a wheelchair at all times has to have priority - why would any courteous person argue otherwise? Even if I had heart failure and two bad knees I wouldn't jump in front of someone who can only move one hand, and we often see people requesting wheelchair service then walking away with their checked bags out of the airport, without any apparent exertion, much less disability.
One big risk is that in case if IRROPs/flight delays etc, if all you have is carry on you can simply book the next flight online or change your plans very easily without having your current bag being hostage by the plane with trouble
Bag check lines can be unpredictability long also depending on staffing etc
That alone is worth not checking a bag.
Get those jackets with specialty pockets deep enough to hold...
One big risk is that in case if IRROPs/flight delays etc, if all you have is carry on you can simply book the next flight online or change your plans very easily without having your current bag being hostage by the plane with trouble
Bag check lines can be unpredictability long also depending on staffing etc
That alone is worth not checking a bag.
Get those jackets with specialty pockets deep enough to hold an entire 14 inch MacBook and the heavy chargers with several days clothing to go through restrictive boarding policies (basically the jacket is a whole extra bag that you can take off once in the plane)
agree that it is far easier to check bags on legs outside of the US; I wouldn't say that bags arrive faster than domestic AS or DL but with air tags it is possible to know that my bag is at the same airport I am at. I usually get through immigration in foreign countries where I have no special status before the first bags come up on the belt.
and, yes, the liquids...
agree that it is far easier to check bags on legs outside of the US; I wouldn't say that bags arrive faster than domestic AS or DL but with air tags it is possible to know that my bag is at the same airport I am at. I usually get through immigration in foreign countries where I have no special status before the first bags come up on the belt.
and, yes, the liquids rule and lower carry on bag limits are the reason it is hard to carry on for more than a week on a foreign trip
Fly to Malta, Tim. Just about can guarantee you that your bags will be waiting for you, not you for bag.
I am with you. As I get a little older (39), I am enjoying checking more and not shlepping around the airport with bags. Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Lucky, I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
My general approach is to figure out what I need for a trip and then to base my decision off of that.
I will prioritise having carry on where possible, largely reducing time at the airport and removing the risk of lost baggage. However I will not adjust what I take to save a bit of time at the airport.
Admittedly, my trips are always point to point with long stays bolted on...
My general approach is to figure out what I need for a trip and then to base my decision off of that.
I will prioritise having carry on where possible, largely reducing time at the airport and removing the risk of lost baggage. However I will not adjust what I take to save a bit of time at the airport.
Admittedly, my trips are always point to point with long stays bolted on ,and so have the lowest downside to this, but I don't understand letting a checked/carry-on preference dictate what I take.
Ben,
You never mentioned the priority baggage check-in situation. Some Airlines like Lufthansa are really good with First Class baggage coming off first. Most of the US carriers do not seem to focus on the priority tags having any effect at all.
I had mixed success with this. Especially if my flight involves more than one leg, the chances are high that it just comes out whenever. Also it is highly dependend on the Airport loading the bags (as prioritys bages need to be loaded last) and especially "non LH" airports don't really care.
When I fly United ORD-LGA and I am one of 97 United Gold-or-higher elites, and I show up at the gate towards the end of Group 1 boarding, and I am in Economy Plus but have to waltz 2/3 of the way to the back of the plane to store my bag, I wish I had checked it
For years I flew a lot of ERJ-145s where all bags were gate checked and it got me into habit of checking because I hating waiting on hot/cold jetways. Those are mostly gone, save for JSX, but I’ve kept the habit. But I’d say it wholly depends on the airport you’re flying to. Sometimes getting off plane, going to bathroom and walking to baggage you can count on bags basically coming right away so there’s...
For years I flew a lot of ERJ-145s where all bags were gate checked and it got me into habit of checking because I hating waiting on hot/cold jetways. Those are mostly gone, save for JSX, but I’ve kept the habit. But I’d say it wholly depends on the airport you’re flying to. Sometimes getting off plane, going to bathroom and walking to baggage you can count on bags basically coming right away so there’s no time lost. If you’re flying to LAX, well, like I said it matters where you’re landing.
My biggest argument against checking is actually managing the bag outside of the airport. When i go on diving trips i need a big checked bag for my gear, and it can be incredibly inconvenient to handle a bigger and/or an extra bad on more involved trips that might have several flights, or a bus, or a train, etc. I was in Australia recently and we took three domestic flights, a couple of trains, two...
My biggest argument against checking is actually managing the bag outside of the airport. When i go on diving trips i need a big checked bag for my gear, and it can be incredibly inconvenient to handle a bigger and/or an extra bad on more involved trips that might have several flights, or a bus, or a train, etc. I was in Australia recently and we took three domestic flights, a couple of trains, two ferries, and a road trip - I was glad to have minimal baggage through all of that
If your life is Uber from your house to the airport and then Uber from your destination airport to your hotel I get checking a bag. If you have to take public transit, walk on the sidewalk, stairs, a long-distance train, etc. the hassle of dealing with a checked-size bag is larger than just the experience of waiting for it at the carousel.
The worst part of checking bags is having to wait for them.
The worst part of carry on is having to wait for people so you can get to your carry on because the bins above you are full.
Unfortunately you have to wait everywhere.
Next time fly private to avoid waiting and let them wait for you.
Thank you Eskimo, for proving beyond any shadow of a doubt that there is no such thing as a stupid question, or, sensible post …. only STUPID answers or replies.
Eskimo, your STUPID reply to Hunter’s post proves what a most ignorant proletariat troll you are. Such a pathetic little creature, assuming that you are human and not some third rate computer program.
You are simply beyond the comprehension of real human beings....
Thank you Eskimo, for proving beyond any shadow of a doubt that there is no such thing as a stupid question, or, sensible post …. only STUPID answers or replies.
Eskimo, your STUPID reply to Hunter’s post proves what a most ignorant proletariat troll you are. Such a pathetic little creature, assuming that you are human and not some third rate computer program.
You are simply beyond the comprehension of real human beings. The dirt under my shoes has more worth to the human race than you ….
Travelling internationally with a priority tag on the bag usually guarantees that the bag will be delivered before you arrive at the carousel
Not true, sadly. I recently flew SQ biz long haul, with a priority tag, and my bag was literally last on the carousel at SIN. It took so long that I actually visited the lost luggage office before it finally came out, almost an hour after landing.
G …., I travel to SIN, usually with SQ, several times each year. Roughly 50% carry on and 50% check in. With the volume of luggage being offloaded and processed during peak periods, one has to accept that sometimes luggage goes ‘walk-about’. SQ are excellent at delivering delayed luggage directly to one’s hotel under these circumstances.