Carry-on or Check-in: Which is Better?

written on May 2nd, 2013 by Jean Del Mar

When was the last time you didn’t bring any luggage to a flight? If you are like most people, the answer would be never. Most aircraft passengers need to bring things with them during travel. We are given the option between carrying our luggage or checking it in instead. There are considerations in choosing the former and the latter. During my travels, I have noticed the positives and negatives of each.

Carry-on

Pros

• You are in charge of your luggage. This means the airport attendants aren’t going to lose your luggage. If you lose it, then it’s most likely your own fault.
• No more queuing to claim your things at the baggage carousel. This will save you time.
• In case of flight delays or change of flights (due to missed flights, etc.), carrying on your luggage is much faster and more flexible. No need to go to a counter and transfer your things from flight to flight.
• Your luggage is safest with you.
• It is always within your reach when you need something in it.

Cons

• You can only carry limited amount (weight and size) of luggage.
• If you are the last person to board, chances are, there won’t be any overhead bins left for you. You may have to store your luggage in 26B even though you are seated in 9D.

Check-in

Pros

• You can check in more stuff. If you have large baggage cases, then this will be necessary.
• Excess baggage is also possible as long as you pay extra for it.
• You don’t have to rush into the plane and fight for the overhead bin space.
• If you aren’t carrying anything, you can easily move around the airport and once in the plane you can comfortably seat without the hassle of bringing too much stuff.

Cons

• There’s a possibility that the airport attendants may lose your luggage.
• Personal belongings might get damaged due to mishandling.
• It will consume some of your time waiting for your luggage to be transported from the conveyor to the baggage carousel.
• You or somebody else might accidentally get the wrong luggage because of possible identical features.

I always prefer carry-on when I travel. I am very protective of my things. That’s why whenever possible, I travel light. I only bring very important things for my trip.

But if you have a lot of luggage, you will have to check them in. Just don’t include your valuable things like gadgets, jewelries, money, and any fragile personal belongings you have in your check-in baggage. Best to be safe.

Enjoy that trip!