Carry-On Vs. Checked Luggage
This is always the debate, do I check my bag or do I carry it on? This decision gets me every single time. There truly is an art to making this decision. So how do you decide whether to check your luggage or carry it on?
Here’s my checklist for deciding on whether I should check my bag or carry it on:
1. Are there checked luggage fees?
I always try to determine if it is worth it to check my bags. I fly almost exclusively United and take advantage of their credit card to get free bags but when I do travel with other airlines, I have a look at how much it’s going to cost before weighing it out if it’s worth it. Then there are situations where I just have to check the bag.
2. Can it all fit?
Do I really need 5 coats for a weekend trip? Probably not, so let’s make some decisions, plan ahead and take two coats — I then can probably check my bag.
3. Am I pressed on time?
Checking bags means extra time pre and post departure, this is something to keep in mind. Am I in a rush when I land or can I hang out an extra thirty minutes for my suitcase?
4. Can I afford to have a lost suitcase?
Airlines on average lose 17% of checked luggage (though they have made measures to bring this number down). When I am going on a trip that has multiple locations and am going from place to place, I cannot afford for my suitcase to be lost. It can take two days or more for your suitcase to catch up to you and if you are on the road, this can complicate things. When I want to make sure my belongings are with me, I usually will not check my bag. If I am headed somewhere to hangout for a week or two, it’s really not going to affect me if my luggage is lost and delayed in arrival.
5. Do I really want to carry it?
Yeah, dragging suitcases through an airport can be a pain — so I check it for simply just this reason. I do love to just have my purse and not worry about the suitcase.
Hopefully this is helpful for your next travels, stay tune for a “how to pack a carry-on” soon!
Bon travels xx
PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
