When flying, many travelers are faced with the conundrum of whether to check or carryon their bags. Here are a few helpful facts that may make your decision easier when deciding what to do with your bags, and why.

The Advantages of Checking:
There are definitely instances when checking your bags is the most convenient way to go, keeping your hands free and your mind clear. Here are a few practical reasons why sending your bags just might be the wiser choice.

Lots of STUFF:

The major issue with carrying on luggage is you are limited in what you can take. Airlines will often impose restrictions on the size and weight of carryon luggage, making it difficult to pack all that is needed for any trip that exceeds a few days. Furthermore, most airports have strict rules regarding liquids and items allowed on board due to security concerns. So, if you wish to take more than a few ounces of that hair product/face cream/mouth wash or even something as mundane as a nail file or a pair of scissors, you may want to check your bag. The TSA has an extensive list of prohibited items that you’ll probably want to look at before you decide to forsake checking your bag…

Where do I put my Bags?!

Carryon travelers often encounter major storage issues on board, especially in light of multiple cost cutting measure airlines have been taking to maximize the number of passengers per plane, reducing the size of seats, walkways and… you guessed it, storage. The overhead bins are often insufficient for holding all passengers’ bags and if you were unfortunate enough to be called on in Group F, you just may be holding your bag on your lap for the duration of the flight. In the off chance that you do find an overhead bin to accommodate your bag(s), the chances of it being in close proximity to your seat are slim to none. So be prepared to wait an extra fifteen minutes once you land to get from your seat in 10D to your bag.. all the way by 36A.

It’s a Drag…

Carryon luggage, true to its name, must be carried.. at all times. That means that your practical tote bag with all your vacation needs has to be taken to your gate, which just happens to be a twenty minute walk from the airport entrance. Your bag just got a LOT heavier. Not only do you need to carry said bag all the way to the gate, but you must keep it in your custody at all times due to security concerns and TSA regulations. A trip to the bathroom, a newsstand, even a walk to stretch your legs are all accompanied by your carryon luggage. It’s times like this that you really wish all you had was a briefcase or purse.

The Disadvantages of Checking Bags:
Despite these clear advantages of checking bags, sending luggage to the depths of cargo does not come without a price. Here are a few reasons that, despite the inconvenience and limitations, it still might be worthwhile to keep those bags close after all.

Lost Luggage:

Airlines don’t exactly have the best track record in getting your bags to you how and when they are supposed to. In 2009, roughly 8 million bags were reported either mishandled or lost. Even once your bags are found, there is often little more compensation than their delivery to your home/hotel/lodgings, and bags will be delivered hours, sometimes even days after your arrival. Once returned, make sure your bags arrive as they left; many disgruntled passengers have reported items stolen or broken from luggage.
Helpful Tip: Even if you do check luggage, be sure to take important medications, jewelry or valuables with you on board to reduce the likelihood of them being lost, delayed or stolen. Also, lengthy waits for missing luggage will often leave travelers without basic necessities, such as a change of clothes or a toothbrush, so you may want to stick these items in your carryon-just in case.
Also, in the event that you are connecting with another flight and you either miss your connection or decide to take another, more convenient flight, your bags may get lost or delayed in the process. Carryon luggage gives you more flexibility, allowing you to switch connections without the hassle of worrying if your bags will follow suit.

Less Time, Less Stress:

Have you ever envied those passengers who walk straight past the baggage claim to customs, while you dolefully wait at the luggage carousel for your suitcase, only to discover it is the last one to emerge.. again? One of the major advantages to carrying on is the time it saves. Not only do you avoid an entire ordeal post landing of locating the luggage carousel and then waiting for your bags, but you also reduce wait-time pre-flight. Many airports have the option of digitally checking in, and without the hassle of checked luggage, you can just breeze through to your gate, avoiding lengthy lines and bureaucratic procedures. You also are granted the peace of mind knowing that all your bags are with you and not at the mercy of the unknowns of cargo.

An Extra Expense:

In addition to the multiple headaches of checking luggage, if you are flying domestic, chances are you will have to pay to send your bags. Most airlines in the US charge passengers a fee to check bags, with a set rate per bag. American Airlines, for example, charges $25 for your first checked bag, $35 for your second checked bag, $100 per third, fourth and fifth checked bag and $200 per any additional bag. There are also restrictions on weight-roughly 23 kg./50 lbs. a bag. This may be an added expense you will want to consider both when you make your decision about checking or carrying on.

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