Some people prefer to check their bags because they can’t fit everything they need into a 22 x 14 inch carry-on bag. Others check their bags to enjoy more freedom navigating the airport and boarding their flight. Whatever your opinion on the matter, there are a number of things to consider.
Here are 9 reasons why a carry-on is better than checked baggage.
1. You won’t have to stand in line to check your bag.
Print your boarding pass at home or check in on your phone and then head straight for the security checkpoint instead of standing in a long, snaking line of people waiting to check their suitcases. Your carry-on bag will fit nicely in the overhead bin. Even if they run out of overhead bin space and you’re forced to check your bag at the gate, you’ll still save time.
2. You won’t have to pay a checked bag fee.
It’s becoming commonplace in the airline industry. Everyone seems to be charging passengers a fee for checked baggage. But most airlines still allow one carry-on suitcase plus a small personal item for free.
3. Your stuff won’t get delayed, lost or stolen.
It happens more than you know. And it’s a big headache. Especially if you have multiple connecting flights. It might mean that when you reach your destination you’ll be forced to buy new clothes so that you’ll have something to wear. That’s an added expense you weren’t expecting during your trip, not to mention the time it takes working with the airline to report your lost bag, shopping for missing essentials and waiting around for the airline to delivery your bag if it is ever found. Not the way you want to start off a trip.
4. You’ll be able to exit the airport more quickly.
Airports are not enjoyable places. They are full of infrequent travelers who become easily disoriented, stressed and clog the system by needlessly blocking passageways, asking a lot of questions of airport officials and flight attendants, and holding up lines. The sooner you can exit the airport the sooner you can get on with life.
5. If your flight gets delayed, diverted or cancelled you’ll have your stuff with you.
When your flight plans get thwarted, it’s not easy getting your checked baggage returned to you. And if you are forced to stay overnight in a foreign city, you might be stuck without clean clothes. Also, it may limit your options of alternate means of traveling, such as renting a car or taking a train (if those options can get you to your destination more quickly).
6. You’ll be better prepared for accidents and spills.
Not only can coffee, marinara sauce or wine get spilled onto your clothing, but sometimes the airplane seat wasn’t properly cleaned prior to boarding and you end up sitting in crumbs from someones chocolate bar. So having a change of clothes is oh-so-handy.
7. You’ll stay nimble.
Dragging a large suitcase on your trip can be daunting. Especially when you travel outside the United States where cities commonly have cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks. If you plan to take public transportation from the airport you will receive plenty of glares from commuters when your bag takes up most of the train carriage. And good luck carrying your large bag up the stairs since most metro station lack elevators. A smaller bag is just always easier.
8. You just might reach your destination faster.
Sometime you reach the airport and look at the flight board and see there is a earlier flight to your destination. It is like winning the lottery to find that they have available seats and since you did not check a bag, they can add you to the earlier flight. Pure happiness is reducing your waiting time at the airport and starting your travel adventure earlier.
9. You’ll have peace of mind.
There’s an emotional toll that must be paid when you check your bags, because bags do get lost or stolen every day. So there’s a lot to be said for keeping your stuff by your side and reducing your travel stress. Especially if you packed your favorite clothing and gear.
It must be said, there are a couple small drawbacks to only bringing carry-on luggage, but experienced travelers find clever ways of overcoming these tiny obstacles. For instance, since there are limitations on liquids and gels in carry-on luggage, you may have to purchase travel-sized lotions, sunscreen and other things. Or at least bring your own travel-sized containers that you can fill and bring with you. Just make sure everything fits in your 1 quart, clear plastic bag. Or just purchase some of those things (such as suntan lotion) when you arrive at your destination.
Now that you have our opinion on the matter, check out our guide: How To Choose The Perfect Carry-On.
(Image: Capricorn Studio/Shutterstock)
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