It’s a question that plagues every Traveler from time to time: Should I take carry-on luggage or checked baggage?
In some cases, the answer is a no-brainer. Of course, you should take a checked bag if you’re traveling long-distance. Take a checked bag if you’re staying in your destination for more than just a few days or a week. Take a checked bag if you absolutely must travel with something that can’t be brought in a carry-on. However, you probably don’t need more than a carry-on bag if you’re staying a night or two in a destination on a quick trip.
But when the answer isn’t quite as clear, what should you keep in mind? Here’s what to consider when deciding whether you should pack carry-on luggage or checked baggage for your next trip, business or leisure.
Consideration #1: What You’re Bringing
First things first, and maybe most importantly, consider what you’re bringing with you on your trip.
If you absolutely must bring something that is not allowed by law to be carried in a carry-on bag, then your answer is clear. You’ll need that checked baggage, no matter how short your trip.
If you’re bringing something that you don’t want to be banged about, reconsider a checked bag, though. If you’re packing a delicate gift for a client that you’re worried might break, or you’re just worried your laptop’s going to get a beating in the baggage compartment, go with a carry-on bag. You’ll appreciate the peace of mind. You’ll know that you’re the only one moving, rolling, and otherwise touching your precious cargo.
You’ll also need to consider the size and number of your items. More and/or larger items will require a checked bag.
Consideration #2: Your Travel Budget
While baggage fees are usually minimal, if you’re trying to save on travel costs for any reason, checking a bag will be something to reconsider when choosing between carry-on luggage or checked baggage.
If you travel often, though, and often run into this dilemma, it’s worth considering signing up for a travel credit card. Many come with one free checked bag for every Traveler for every flight. Then, you never need to worry about the extra cost of checking a bag. Do note that this perk only applies when you’ve booked your travel with your personal travel credit card, and when you’re flying with the card’s airline partner(s).
Consideration #3: Convenience
Few Travelers have ever called checking a bag “convenient.” Looking for the most convenient travel experience possible? Consider leaving your checked bag at home.
While, yes, most of the time, your checked bag will arrive safe and sound at your destination, there are always those times when it doesn’t. If you’re on a hectic business trip, that’s the last situation you want to be in. Don’t be left with only one change of clothes and no toothbrush.
Even if the checked bag arrives at your destination with no problem, there’s still the added time wasted at the luggage carousel. When you choose carry-on luggage, you can walk off your plane, out of the terminal, and out of the airport, with no waiting around. You’re on your way fast. Other travelers are sometimes left waiting half an hour or longer just to retrieve their belongings.
All of the above said, we can see an argument could be made for the convenience of checked baggage. If all goes smoothly, you just drop your bag off at the check-in desk. Then, you go about your flying experience versus having to haul a carry-on bag with you through the crowded airport, through the stressful security lines, etc.
However you envision your most convenient flying experience then, will dictate which option — carry-on luggage or checked baggage — is most convenient for you.
Consideration #4: Aircraft
You may think you’re bringing a carry-on bag to the airport. When you arrive, though, you might just find that your carry-on bag doesn’t have a space in the aircraft’s overhead bins. Your plane is just too small to fit everyone’s items. Your carry-on bag is suddenly going to become checked luggage, unless you have a special exception, such as if your carry-on contains medications.
This can be frustrating, of course. You thought you were assured all the convenience and safety of a carry-on bag. Now, that’s not the case. However, in addition, this problem can also make the entire travel process longer for everyone involved. Bags have to be shifted around from one spot to the other.
To eliminate this time waste and any disappointment, consider looking at what kind of aircraft is servicing your route. Then, based on its size, make a safe bet on whether or not you’ll be allowed to keep your carry-on at all. If you feel it’s unlikely, go ahead and pack a checked bag.
Consideration #5: Your Destination
Choosing between carry-on luggage or checked baggage isn’t just a matter for the airport. You also want to think about your destination. Once you arrive, will it be easy for you to lug a large checked bag to your hotel? Or will you struggle? Would it be easier and more convenient for you to simply have a lightweight carry-on? Like a weekender bag that you can sling over your shoulder?
For example, say you’re flying into a city, but you have to take multiple forms of public transportation or walk a while to get to your hotel. In this instance, a carry-on bag is going to be more convenient and easier to maneuver. If, though, you’re flying in and taking one rideshare from the airport to your hotel, you might be entirely fine with a checked bag, regardless of its size.
You’ll also want to consider your hotel room size. If floor space is at a minimum, you won’t want to spend the majority of your time in your room tripping over your luggage.
Want to Make Your Business Travel Experience as Easy, Stress-Free and Streamlined as Possible?
If you’re always up for a new travel hack to make your Business Travel Experience all the easier and more convenient, you should be working with a Travel Manager to help oversee and streamline your travel experience. From planning to the trip itself to reporting your expenses after you’ve returned, they can help.
