Carry-On Bag or Checked Bag

Are you Team Carry-on Bag or Team Checked Bag? I’m Team Carry-On for the most part, but sometimes it’s not that simple! Most of my travels abroad range from 1 week to 3 months. For the most part I either use the Allpa 35L Travel Pack by Cotopaxi or the Global Travel Bag Roller by Topo Design (both are carry-on friendly). Visit my Amazon Storefront for all your packing essentials. Please note, as an Amazon Associate, I earn commission on qualifying products.

Choosing a carry-on or checked bag both have their pros and cons. Choosing the right one depends on a variety of factors. This includes the length of the trip, the type of destination, and personal preferences. In this blog post, I will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using a carry-on bag or a checked bag. I will also summarize scenarios when it’s best to use each!

CARRY-ON LUGGAGE

advantages of carrying on baggage

• Saves Times: Having just a carry-on saves me time. I can usually bypass the check-in area all together. This is especially helpful if I’m running late for a flight. And once I arrive at my destination, I don’t have to wait for my bags to be unloaded from the plane.
• Guarantee of no delayed luggage! With a carry-on bag, once I arrive at my destination, I can immediately exit the airport without having to wait at the baggage claim. I once waited for 2 hours for my bag to be delivered after I arrived in New Delhi, India.
• Increased Mobility (when using a backpack style carry-on): When using a backpack style carry-on, it provides ease of maneuverability on uneven streets or terrain. Unlike traditional wheeled carry-on bags, backpacks can be easily carried on my back. This leaves my hands free to navigate through obstacles or hold onto railings and handholds. This makes them a great option for travelers who plan on exploring busy cities or walking on uneven terrain. Backpack style carry-ons also tend to be more compact and lightweight than wheeled bags. This makes them easier to carry and store in overhead compartments or under seats on planes, trains, or buses. Overall, it’s helpful and more convenient for a trip that is on the move every couple of days.

• Forces me to pack minimally and practically! One of the advantages of using a carry-on bag is that it forces me to pack minimally and practically. With limited space in a carry-on bag, I’ll need to carefully consider what items I actually need to bring on my trip and leave behind anything that isn’t essential. This can be a great exercise in prioritizing and simplifying my travel experience. Additionally, packing minimally can also make my travels more convenient and stress-free. I won’t have to worry about lugging around a heavy, bulky bag or sifting through unnecessary items to find what I need. Instead, I’ll have everything I need in a compact, easy-to-manage bag. Packing practically is also important when using a carry-on bag. I’ll pack items that can serve multiple purposes or are versatile enough to be worn or used in different ways. For example, I ensure that every top I bring can be worn with at least 80% of my bottoms. Another example is I will back dresses that can be worn during the day, evening or as a swimsuit cover-up. 
• Piece of mind & sense of security! Using a carry-on bag reduces the risk of loss or damage to the luggage. When I check my bags, there is always a chance that the bag may get lost or delayed. This can be a major inconvenience. By keeping my luggage with me at all times, I can ensure that my belongings are safe and secure during transit. This can be especially important for travelers who have connecting flights or are traveling to multiple destinations. Carry-on bags also allow me to keep important items with me always, such as medications, travel documents, and electronics. I won’t have to worry about these items being separated from me or damaged, which can give me a sense of security and peace of mind throughout my travels. 

disadvantages of carrying on baggage

• Limited Space: One of the biggest disadvantages of using a carry-on bag is the limited space. Most airlines have size and weight restrictions on carry-on bags. This means that travelers may have to pack lightly or leave some items behind.
• Security Restrictions: Travelers using carry-on bags need to be mindful of security restrictions on liquids, gels, and other items that may be prohibited on flights. This can make packing more challenging, especially when gone for longer trips (2 or more weeks). Travelers may have to purchase these items at their destination.

best types of trips for carry-on LUGGAGE

• Best for warmer climates, when one doesn’t need to pack as much clothing
• Best for on the go trips. Being on the go doesn’t allow for much unpacking, so having less makes it easier to sift through.
• Best for quick trips when one can pack practically and minimally.

Checked LUGGAGE

advantages of checking baggage

• Can go wild on the liquids! One of the advantages of checking a bag is the freedom it provides to bring as many liquids as one needs. When I check a bag, I can pack full-sized bottles of sunscreen, lotion, and other liquids without worrying about security. I won’t have to cram everything into a limited space. I can spread out my belongings more comfortably throughout my luggage. I find this especially helpful when I’m planning a trip to a tropical destination and I want to bring a large bottle of sunscreen. If I’m only bringing a carry-on bag, I’ll be limited to a 3.4 ounce (100 milliliters) bottle of sunscreen. This usually isn’t enough to last me, as I’ll be planning on spending a lot of time outdoors. However, if I check a bag, I can pack a larger bottle of sunscreen without having to worry about security’s liquid restrictions. Although I can just pack a bunch of mini-bottles, I may have other liquids I’ll want to bring. This includes other liquids such as insect repellent, after-sun lotion, and aloe vera gel. Checking a bag can allow you to bring all of these items with you without having to worry about space constraints.  In summary, checking a bag can provide more flexibility when it comes to packing liquids.
• More Space! One of the most significant advantages of using a checked bag is the additional space. It provides more room when needing to pack bulkier items, more items in general, gifts for others or wanting to bring back souvenirs.
  • Options Required: This can be especially beneficial for trips that require a lot of outfits, such as a wedding or other formal event. Checking a bag allows me to pack more clothing options and accessories. This gives me the flexibility to create different outfits for different occasions. For example, if I’m attending a wedding, I need multiple outfits for the rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, and other related events. This can require a lot of clothing and accessories, such as dresses, shoes, jewelry, make-up, etc. Packing all of these items in a carry-on bag can be challenging, as I’ll need to carefully select only the essentials and may not have as much space to work with. However, checking a bag allows me to pack more clothing options and accessories. This gives me the ability to create multiple outfits and feel confident and comfortable throughout the entire trip. 
  • Bulky Items: Checking a bag can be beneficial if I plan on bringing bulky items such as winter coats or boots, which can take up a lot of space in my luggage. With a checked bag, I’ll have more room to pack these items without having to sacrifice other essentials. 
  • Gifts/Souvenirs: Finally, having a checked bag allows space for me to bring gifts to my destination and/or to bring lots of souvenirs home! For example, if I am traveling to visit family or friends, I can use the extra space in my checked bag to pack gifts for them. Additionally, if I plan on doing some shopping during my trip and want to bring back souvenirs or gifts for myself or others, checking a bag can be a great option. I can use the extra space in my checked bag to pack these items without having to worry about exceeding the weight or size limit for my carry-on bag. This can be especially helpful if I plan on buying bulky souvenirs.
• More comfortable: Without the weight of a carry-on bag, especially if I’m using a backpack, I can enjoy a more comfortable flight. One of the advantages of checking a bag is the comfort it provides during travel. I won’t have to carry a heavy backpack style carry-on or pull a heavy suitcase through the airport. Carrying or pulling heavy luggage can be tiring and stressful. This is especially true if I have a long layover or need to walk long distances to my gate. With a checked bag, I can simply drop off my luggage at the check-in counter and then proceed through security and to my gate without the added weight and inconvenience of carrying or pulling heavy luggage. This can allow me to move through the airport more comfortably and with less stress. Additionally, if I have a connecting flight or need to navigate a large airport, carrying or pulling a heavy backpack or carry-on luggage can be challenging. With a checked bag, I can simply pick up my luggage at baggage claim and then exit.  Checking a bag can provide a more comfortable travel experience.

disadvantages of checking baggage

• Cost: The cost of checking a bag can be a significant disadvantage, especially for longer trips. Most airlines charge fees for checked bags on domestic flights. These fees can add up quickly, making checked bags a more expensive option.
• Risk of Loss or Damage: When travelers check their bags, there is always a risk of loss or damage. Bags can get lost in transit, or they may be damaged during handling, which can be frustrating and inconvenient.
• Waiting: It can be inconvenient to wait. For example, I would have to wait in line to drop off my bag. And then wait again at baggage claim when I arrive. This adds extra time to my travel experience.

best types of trips for checked LUGGAGE

• Trips that require clothing options (i.e. Bachelorette Party, Wedding, etc.)
• Trips to cold climates that require bulkier clothing.
• Great for vacations where I’m in only one or a few locations where I can unpack. It’s also helpful if I require a lot of large liquids.

Do you prefer a carry-on bag or a checked bag?