Before packing for a flight, it’s important to decide whether you’re going to check a bag or bring a carry-on. There are pros and cons to both options and they each make sense for different scenarios, but what does each option entail, and what are some of their respective benefits and drawbacks?
Bringing a carry-on bag can be much more convenient and efficient than checking a bag. When you are bringing a carry-on, it saves a lot of time at the airport since you don’t need to wait in the line to check your bag. You also will avoid baggage claim, which can often take a significant amount of time. Carry-on bags also include the added security of keeping your bag with you during your entire trip, there is no risk of it getting lost in transit. It can also be helpful to have all of your items with you during the flight so you don’t have to worry about needing an item out of your luggage while you are separated from it.
However, carry-ons don’t make sense for every traveler and every trip. Carrying a bag around an airport for an extended period of time as well as loading them onto the overhead bins on a plane can be difficult for small children or people with difficulty lifting the bag into the bin. Further, having to keep track of it in an airport can potentially be stressful for just about anyone, especially if you have a long layover or delay. There are also size limitations to carry-on bags, which can make it harder to pack during colder months.
While there are plenty of reasons why a carry-on bag might make sense for your trip, sometimes it is a better idea to check a bag.
There are significantly fewer limitations on what items you can pack if you check a bag. The list of unacceptable items for carry-ons is extensive and often contains some very specific requirements, for example you cannot bring a container of liquids, gels, creams, etc. larger than 3.4 oz.
However, when you check a bag you are allowed much more freedom in what you can pack. It can also be easier to board and disembark the plane if you aren’t worried about getting a carry-on bag in and out of the overhead compartments, which can sometimes be a hassle to deal with. Checked bags also are less limited in size than carry-on bags, so you can pack more items with you if you choose to check a bag.
However, there are some downsides to checking a bag. For one, it can take more time in the airport as you need to arrive earlier to ensure that you have enough time to check your bag. It can also take extra time once you land since you will need to get your bag out of baggage check. Another important thing to consider is that some airlines charge extra money for you to check a bag, which you might not want to spend.
Overall, there are benefits and drawbacks to both checking a bag and bringing a carry-on. Each option makes sense for different trips and different travelers. It is important to consider both of these options before packing for a trip, so you can ensure maximum efficiency at the airport and general ease of travel during your trip.
Kathleen McNamara has visited over 5 countries and loves trying different cuisines and visiting museums and historical sites around the world. She prefers to bring a carry-on bag when flying.
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