Carry-on or checked baggage: which is the superior travel option?
Both carry-on and checked luggage come with their own advantages and disadvantages, often shaped by the nature of your trip. Here, I outline the distinctions between a carry-on and a checked bag, along with the pros and cons of each travel method. Just to be clear: I personally prefer the carry-on approach.
1. How do carry-on bags differ from checked bags?
The decision between using a carry-on or checked bag can significantly affect not just your travel experience, but your entire trip.
What constitutes carry-on luggage?
Carry-on luggage refers to the bag or bags you bring onto the plane during your flight, typically stored in the overhead compartment. Common examples include the popular roll-on suitcase, a duffel bag, or a backpack.
Each airline has specific size and weight restrictions for carry-on bags, so it’s essential to check their policies before you travel. If you’re uncertain about your bag's dimensions, you can use the Dinogo bag measurement tool in the app.
The TSA has guidelines on what items are permitted in your carry-on, so it’s crucial to know these before you start packing. For comprehensive details on flying with carry-on luggage, including size and weight limits as well as airline policies, refer to my carry-on luggage size and weight guide.
What exactly is checked baggage?
Checked baggage is stored in the plane's cargo hold and is not accessible during your flight. You must check your bags at the airport check-in counter before they are loaded onto the aircraft, and you'll retrieve them in the arrivals area once you land.
While checked baggage has fewer restrictions than carry-ons, there are still rules regarding size, weight, and allowable items. You can find all the necessary information along with tips for a smoother flight in my guide to checked baggage rules.
2. How do I determine whether I need a carry-on or checked luggage?
The age-old travel dilemma! Unless you’re already a devoted fan of one option, the most sensible way to decide between carry-on and checked luggage is to take a step back, consider the specifics of your trip, and assess your needs. It’s a balancing act of convenience, cost, and capacity.
Where are you going, when, and for how long? If it’s a long beach weekend in the summer, a carry-on should suffice. If you’re gearing up for a week of winter sports, a checked bag will provide ample space for your gear and warm clothing. If your journey is more complex, there are several other questions to consider that will affect your choice.
How long am I willing to wait in line?
Waiting in line is part of any flight experience, but the type of luggage you choose has a significant impact on how much time you’ll spend in queues.
With checked baggage, you’ll have to wait at the check-in counter before going through security and boarding, which, in my experience, is often the slowest and least staffed area of the airport. This means arriving earlier and spending more time waiting. After you land, you'll also need to wait for your bag to appear on the carousel, which can, depending on your arrival airport, take longer than you might expect.
With a carry-on bag, those frustrations are eliminated, as everything travels with you on the plane. For speed and convenience, carry-on consistently outshines checked baggage.
Champion: carry-on bag
Do I enjoy traveling light?
This one’s a bit complicated, as both carry-on and checked bags could argue to be superior in this context.
If you check your bags, you’re liberated from hauling luggage through the airport and onto the plane. This is especially helpful if you have a connecting flight. Plus, you can bypass that game of overhead bin roulette while trying to stow your bag near your seat.
Choosing carry-on means it’s definitely more hassle to carry your bag everywhere in the airport (using the restroom can be especially tricky). This is one reason roll-aboard suitcases have surged in popularity. With them, there’s a solid argument that carry-on is actually better for traveling light, as it requires you to maintain that lightness throughout your entire trip, not just during travel. While it’s convenient to check large, heavy bags at the airport, it doesn’t ease the journey to and from it.
✈️ Pro tip: If you’re staying at a hotel, there’s no need to pack essential toiletries, as they’ll be provided for you. Find ways to lighten your load and you might not need to check a bag at all!
Outcome: tie
How much do I trust airlines with my checked luggage?
When you check your bag, you’re putting it in the hands of the airline. We’ve all seen footage of baggage handlers tossing checked luggage around and heard tales (or experienced ourselves) of lost or delayed bags.
The truth is, while statistically your bag will usually arrive safely, losses and mishaps can and do occur frequently. If you opt to check your bag, ensure it’s secure, avoid placing valuables inside, and consider having insurance. Alternatively, go with a carry-on (but remember, insurance is still a good idea)!
✈️ Pro tip: Place an AirTag in every bag you check to keep track of it through the airport, making it easier to locate in case it gets delayed or lost.
Champion: carry-on bag
Do I need items that can’t go in my carry-on?
As you may know, carry-on luggage has more restrictions than checked bags beyond just size and weight limits. If you need to carry liquids larger than 3.4 ounces (like perfumes or sunscreen) or are bringing items that the TSA prohibits on board, checking your bags offers much greater flexibility.
Another factor to think about is the activities planned for your trip. If you’re heading to New York or Paris for a shopping spree, you’ll need enough space to accommodate your purchases.
Checking a large bag that isn’t completely full allows you to return with it packed to the brim, which can save you money – just remember to plan ahead for this.
✈️ Pro tip: You can always pour liquids from larger bottles into smaller, carry-on compliant containers before your flight. Many companies offer specialized containers designed for this exact purpose.
Champion: checked bag
How much am I willing to spend on my luggage?
When flying domestically within the US, you typically won’t incur extra charges for carry-on luggage. However, the situation can change internationally, particularly when flying with budget airlines in Europe or Asia.
Today, most airlines impose fees for checked luggage. In fact, Southwestern is currently the only major US airline that allows you to check a bag for free (in fact, two bags) with an economy ticket. The fees you encounter will vary based on several factors: from your ticket class to your airline miles and membership status.
Dinogo offers a comprehensive overview of checked bag fees for all major airlines if you’re looking for a quick reference. Even more beneficial is its Fee Assistant. When you search for a flight on Dinogo, the panel on the left of the results page features the Fee Assistant. Add any checked or carry-on bags you intend to take, and the search results will automatically update to reflect the costs associated with your luggage. This provides a much easier and more reliable way to know your expenses compared to trying to calculate it yourself and comparing different airlines.
Champion: carry-on bag
3. Should I choose a checked bag or a carry-on?
By now, you should have a clear understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of carry-on versus checked bags, allowing you to make an informed choice. It ultimately comes down to the three essential ‘C’s’ – capacity, convenience, and cost.
For me, it’s a no-brainer, and I have no intention of joining that check-in line anytime soon.
How was this guide put together?
I’ve traveled with both carry-on and checked bags to every continent and a variety of airports, ranging from expansive multi-terminal complexes to modest one-room facilities.
During my journeys, I’ve experienced lost and found bags, delays, and damage (even facing a particularly challenging incident involving surfboards). I’ve dashed through sweltering lounges burdened by carry-on backpacks and broken wheeled suitcases, lamenting their weight with every stride. I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge, and I’ve learned it the hard way!
With your luggage plans sorted, you can now focus on the flight itself. Dinogo offers some incredibly useful guides featuring tips for flying, advice for long flights, and once you’re onboard, suggestions for activities to do on a plane.
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Evaluation :
5/5