Should You Checked Your Luggage Or Carry-On?
Whether it is more advantageous to check your luggage or to carry it with you? If you are having trouble deciding what bag to bring with you on your next flight, the following is a list of 7 things you should take into consideration.
1. How Long Will I Be Traveling?
Naturally, shorter trips lead to smaller bags, whereas longer ones may require additional packing, depending on the length of the trip. The more time you will be gone, the more things you will need to bring with you in order to be comfortable.
2. What’s The Weather Like Where I’m Going?
Clothing options for hot destinations, are typically more compact and lightweight in comparison to those locations with colder climates. This might have a significant impact on the size of the bag you need.
3. What Are The Fees Associated, With Both Checked Baggage And Carry-On?
If you are flying on a basic economy fare, it is possible that you will not even be allowed to bring a carry-on with you. In this case, you will need to decide whether or not to check a bag.
In contrast, some airlines charge additional fees for checked bags; to avoid these fees, you should try to pack as little as possible and travel with just your carry-on.
4. Does It Matter Whether Or Not, My Suitcase Makes It To My Destination Right Away?
Because it is more likely that checked luggage will be lost than carry-on luggage, you should carefully consider whether or not, you will be able to manage without your belongings for at least one day, once you arrive at your destination.
For example, you might want to check your heavier bag on the way home from your trip, but bring only a carry-on bag with you on the way to your destination, so you can go shopping later. Consider connecting flights as well, because even if you have a long layover, there's always the possibility that your bag won't make it through the connection.
5. Business Or Leisure?
There is a rationale behind why the vast majority of business travelers, insist on only bringing hand luggage on their trips. It is because, they can move as quickly as nimble athletes through the airport and thanks to this, there is no wasted movement. Carry-on only lifestyles, make traveling more convenient for a wide variety of reasons.
6. Are You Ready To Lug, A Carry-On Through The Airport?
The process of going through security checkpoints can be annoying for some people. Bringing items in and out of the luggage for inspection can also be an annoyance.
Once you've passed through security, your choice of bag will determine how the rest of your time at the airport goes. Carrying around a carry-on bag can be a hassle, whether you're standing around waiting for your flight, navigating the airport to catch a connecting flight, or spending time in an airport lounge.
It is even more difficult to visit the restroom when moving the carry-on luggage, which makes it more difficult for solo travelers.
7. Is It Better To Travel Light, In The Age Of COVID-19?
It's possible that traveling with less stuff will make you safer overall. If you fly with just a carry-on, you won't have to wait at baggage claim for your luggage, which is an even more appealing time-saver during the pandemic than it already is.
A significant advantage, is not having to wait for one's bags in an enclosed space, with dozens of unknown people for a period of twenty minutes.
On the other hand, if you fly with only a carry-on luggage and are on a smaller regional jet, you may be in an even worse situation than those who fly with checked luggage.
You may be required to check the bag at the gate if you are flying on a small regional jet, because the overhead bin cannot accommodate your carry-on luggage. Because of this, it's possible that you'll have to wait on the jet bridge before the flight, crammed in with everyone else who had to gate-check a carry-on bag too.
The Bottom Line
Consider the needs of your upcoming vacation before making a decision about whether to bring checked or carry-on luggage on your next flight. Is it the fees for the baggage, your willingness to lug bags around during longer wait times and how those waits could potentially affect your ability to physically distance yourself from other passengers.
Traveling with only carry-on luggage, as opposed to checking bags, has both advantages and disadvantages. In order to find the solution that is most suitable for you, it is important to take into account all of the relevant factors, such as airport hassle, travel time, and cost.
-
https://www.airhelp.com/en-int/blog/checked-baggage-vs-carry-on-luggage
https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/checked-baggage-vs-carry-on-what-you-need-to-know
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/carry-on-vs-checked-bags