Luggage: Check or Carry On?

I know many travelers who struggle with the decision about their luggage, “do I check it or carry it on the plane?” With all the fees and policy changes imposed by airlines over the past several years, the decision has become more complicated. Let’s discuss some of the pros and cons about your luggage to make your choice a little easier next time you fly.

Reasons to Check Luggage

• You need to bring a lot of stuff.
  • Sometimes there is no way around it. If your trip is more than 7-10 days and laundry isn’t an option, you will need to check your luggage.
• You’re transporting items not allowed to be carried on.
  • Liquids over the threshold.
    • The TSA limits carry liquids to 3.4 oz. If you’re flying internationally, some countries further restrict this amount.
  • weapons.
  • certain tools which may be viewed as dangerous, such as a screwdriver.
  • other items deemed inappropriate by the TSA/jurisdiction visiting.
• Convenience.
  • It sure is nice to check your luggage before security and then be free from lugging it around while in the airport and on the plane.
• Full flight.
  • Overhead space fills up quickly. If your flight is full and you don’t have priority boarding, you may have to check it anyway.
• Extra fees.
  • Some airlines, especially the ultra low cost carriers in Europe, charge more money for carry-ons then they do for checked bags. Often, you won’t know until you are at the gate and boarding is about to begin. Do your homework.
• Souvenirs.
  • If you intend on shopping while you’re away, you may want to start your journey with a large suitcase and leave room for souvenirs.

Reasons to Carry On

• Save money.
  • Unless you have airline status or fly in a premium cabin, there will always be a fee for checked luggage.
• Luggage won’t get lost.
  • Even though airlines have made great strides in preventing the loss of baggage, it still happens on occasion.
  • If you have a short connection window, the chances are greater that your luggage will not make it onto your plane with you on the next leg of the journey.
  • Your connection involves a different carrier.
    • Partner airlines don’t necessarily have computer systems that sync flawlessly. If you’re flying out on Delta at JFK and connecting to Air France in CDG…cross your fingers.
• Theft.
  • Most people are honest and good by nature. At least that is something I’d like to believe. But, there are bad apples in every industry, and there are reports every so often that things have gone missing from a suitcase. If you’re carrying something valuable or sentimental, keep it with you.
• Faster airport arrival.
  • There is no need to wait at the carousel for your luggage, so once you’re off the plane you can just walk out of the terminal.
• Damage to your suitcase.
  • Quality luggage isn’t cheap. Although I don’t own a $900 carry on, I did investment in some good pieces. I’m sure most baggage handlers do their job well, but I’ve seen handlers fling suitcases across the tarmac like they were trying out for the olympics.
• Delayed/Cancelled flights.
  • I’ll give you an anecdote to explain this one. About two years ago I was at New York’s JFK on an Iberia flight with my wife headed to Madrid. We had a two hour layover with a connection to Lisbon. The plane was held at the gate for almost an hour for some maintenance issue. The plane door was still open and gates agents were periodically in and out of the aircraft during this time. Passengers were not given any ETA for a resolution. I was getting nervous about the connection. Although Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suarez airport (MAD) has fairly good signage, the airport is massive. Also, we would be subjected to further security screening before boarding the next flight. There was another couple on the flight with us that had an even tighter connection and were offered the opportunity to disembark on a different flight operated by American Airlines, Iberia’s Oneworld partner. I was able to hear the entire conversation between the couple and the gate agent. Okay, I’ll get to the point. This was the question of all questions. “Do you have all of your luggage with you, because if you have luggage down below, I can’t rebook you on that American flight?” They left the plane and hopefully made their connection. As it so happens, our mechanical issue was resolved about 15 minutes later and all was good. However, I’ll never forget that question.

Bottom Line

The above lists are by no means all inclusive. Everyone’s travel situation and packing habits are different. Personally, I make every reasonable effort to avoid checking my luggage. However, there are times where I simply need to check a bag, but that is definitely the exception.

I’ll offer a strong piece of advice. Should you decide to check luggage, always carry one small bag with you on the plane that could fit under your seat. Make sure it has your medicines, comfort items for the flight (headphones, eye mask, reading material, etc…), and one day’s change of clothes. In the unlikely event your luggage is lost or delayed, you’ll be able to get by for a day or so. Airlines will reimburse you if there is an issue with your luggage, but they usually require at least 24 hours before fulfilling a claim.