Checked Luggage vs Carry On Luggage: Which is Better?

Checked Luggage vs Carry On Luggage: Which is Better?

The age-old travel dilemma: checked luggage vs carry on luggage? As budget travellers, we’re always on the hunt for ways to save money and make our adventures as seamless as possible. One of the most significant decisions we face is how much to pack and which type of luggage to choose.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of both checked luggage and hand luggage only, helping you make an informed choice that aligns with your budget and travel style.

What is Checked Luggage?

Checked luggage refers to the bags or suitcases that passengers hand over to the airline during the check-in process at the airport. Hence the term ‘checked’ luggage.

These bags are then stored in the cargo hold of the aircraft for the duration of the flight and are not accessible to the passenger during the journey. Checked luggage allows travelers to transport a larger quantity of belongings, including clothes, toiletries, and other personal items, but may incur additional fees and involve longer wait times at baggage claim upon arrival.

What is Carry on Luggage?

Carry-on luggage refers to the bags or suitcases that passengers are allowed to bring into the cabin of an airplane with them.

These bags are small and compact, designed to fit in the overhead bins or under the seat in front of the passenger. Carry-on luggage typically contains essential items that travelers may need during the flight, such as electronics, travel documents, toiletries, and a change of clothes. The advantage of carry-on luggage is that it avoids checked baggage fees, allows for quicker boarding and disembarking, and reduces the risk of lost or delayed luggage. However, it is subject to size and weight restrictions imposed by airlines and airport security regulations.

Checked Luggage vs Carry On Considerations

There are several factors to consider when deciding between checked luggage or carry-on only.

• What type of trip are you going on? This will dictate which items you need to bring. Is it a relaxing beach holiday where you will only need a towel and swimsuit, or is it an adventurous outdoorsy trip where you need thick clothing and lots of equipment?
• What type of place are you visiting? Does your end destination have cobbled streets or is it a haven for wheeled suitcases?
• Do you trust the airline? With minimal trust, you might not want to let your luggage be out of sight!
• Are you in a rush? If you’re on a tight timeline, you might not have the time to wait around for baggage.

Checked Luggage Advantages

More packing space

With a larger suitcase/holdall at your disposal, you can pack a wider range of clothing options or specialist equipment without worrying about strict size limitations or liquid restrictions. This can be particularly beneficial for extended trips or when traveling to colder destinations or places with varying weather conditions. As well as similarly beneficial for any hobby-related trips (e.g. camping, diving, skiing, cycling).

Comfort for Long-Haul Travel

If your journey includes long-haul flights, having checked luggage can be a game-changer. You can stow away heavier items, such as toiletries, without straining your back throughout your travels. This leaves more space for nice-to-have items like travel pillows or blankets to make your flight more comfortable. This also means you will hopefully have more space under the seat in front of you for your legs.

Less Worry about Oversized Hand-Luggage

With checked luggage, you can pack more without concern for exceeding carry-on weight limits or size restrictions and incurring extra fees. Some budget airlines have strict weight or size limits for hand luggage, which they (rather annoyingly) sometimes enforce. By checking your luggage, you can avoid potential headaches or fees caused by exceeding these limits.

Hands-Free Travel at the Airport

Larger or heavier items can be cumbersome to carry around the airport. Once you’ve checked your luggage, you don’t have to worry about carrying it around during layovers or while waiting at the gate. With checked luggage, you only need to worry about it during check-in and pick-up.

No Liquid Restrictions

Unlike carry-on luggage, checked bags are not subject to the strict liquid limitations enforced by airport security, allowing you to pack toiletries and liquids that are more than 100ml (Woo!). This means you won’t have to buy a new shampoo in an unknown supermarket or be over-charged for suncream overseas.

Less Stressful Security Checks

Checked luggage goes through a separate screening process, reducing the likelihood of additional security checks or restrictions.

Easier Packing of Gifts and Souvenirs

When returning from your trip, you have more space to accommodate souvenirs and gifts without worrying about space constraints.

Comfortable Travel with Children

For family trips, checked luggage provides ample space to pack essentials and items for children without carrying everything on board.

Checked Luggage Disadvantages

Extra Fees

Many airlines charge additional fees for checked luggage, which can significantly increase the cost of your trip. As a self-confessed budget traveller, this is something I always try my best to avoid!

Baggage Weight Limits

Checked luggage often has strict weight limits, and exceeding them can result in costly overweight baggage fees on top of your original baggage fee.

Limited Access to Items

Once checked, you won’t have easy access to your belongings during your journey, making it inconvenient if you need something from your luggage during layovers or in-flight.

Slower Process at the Airport

Checked bags add extra steps both before and after the flight. Instead of checking in online and going straight to security, you will need to weigh your bags and add labels to ensure they go on the plane which extends the check-in process. Post-flight, baggage reclaim will add further waiting time. Retrieving checked luggage from the baggage carousel can be time-consuming, especially during peak travel times. After a long flight, you want to get started on your holiday, not linger around waiting for a bag on a travellator…

Theft or Pilferage

Although rare, there’s a slight risk of theft or pilferage of items from checked luggage. Alternatively, someone may decide that your suitcase looks rather like theirs and they take it off the travelator…

Lost or Delayed Luggage

Similarly, there’s always a risk of checked luggage getting lost or delayed during transit, potentially disrupting your travel plans. Another reason why Airtags are often handy!

Risk of Damage

Checked luggage is more susceptible to damage due to rough handling during loading and unloading. There have been a few occasions where I’ve handed over my suitcase and it’s come back in a different condition with broken handles and scuffs or even damaged property inside. Or even worse… A leaky bottle!

Less Mobility

Carrying bulky checked luggage can make navigating crowded streets or public transportation challenging. Particularly if there are stairs or uneven surfaces involved…

Space Constraints

In some cases, checked luggage may not fit into smaller transportation options or accommodations, limiting your travel flexibility.

Carry On Advantages

Most of the advantages for carry-on luggage are directly the opposite of the disadvantages of checked luggage.

Cost Savings and Avoiding Baggage Fees

Most airlines charge extra fees for checked luggage, and those fees can quickly add up, especially if you’re hopping between multiple destinations. Meanwhile, most airlines allow at least one piece of carry-on luggage for free. Therefore, by sticking to hand luggage only, you can avoid these extra expenses and allocate your hard-earned money to more exciting experiences.

Mobility and Convenience

Carrying a lightweight backpack or a compact rolling suitcase grants you unmatched freedom and agility. You won’t need to wait at the baggage carousel or worry about the airline losing your luggage. Plus, you can easily explore crowded streets, hop on public transportation, and maneuver through airports with ease.

Easy and Secure Access to Items (during flights and layovers)

You can easily access your essentials during the flight, making it convenient to retrieve items like snacks, books, or electronic devices. Similarly, this also makes carry on luggage convenient during layovers as you have access to all your essentials without having to retrieve checked luggage.

No Waiting at Baggage Claim

With carry-on luggage, you can bypass the baggage claim area, saving time upon arrival and departure.

Pack Wisely and Efficiently

Opting for hand luggage forces you to be selective with what you bring. You’ll become a master at packing light, choosing versatile clothing, and essentials that will serve you throughout your journey. This newfound skill will not only save you money but also prevent the burden of carrying unnecessary items.

Safer for your Belongings

Hand luggage reduces the risk of lost luggage, theft or damage. Since you keep your carry-on with you at all times, nobody else is getting near your bag so the risk of losing your belongings during transit is significantly reduced.

Versatility

A well-packed carry-on can be used for short weekend getaways or longer trips, providing versatility for various travel durations.

Carry On Disadvantages

Limited Packing Space

Carry-on luggage has size restrictions, limiting the number of items and outfits you can bring for your trip. This may mean you leave things behind or don’t have exactly what you need. If you are going away for a long time, carry-on will mean a lot of washing and re-use!

Bulky items like tripods, larger electronics, or winter clothing might not fit in your carry-on, requiring you to check them or leave them behind. This can cause a challenge in colder destinations or trips where you need specific equipment. And forget about trying to squeeze in extra items like souvenirs!

Strict Liquid Restrictions

Security regulations usually limit the volume of liquids you can carry in your carry-on, which can be inconvenient if you have specific toiletries or liquids you need.

Must Leave Behind Restricted Items

In addition to liquids, items like pocket knives or scissors, must be left behind or purchased at your destination.

Limited Storage Space on the Plane

Overhead bin space can fill up quickly, especially on busy flights. This sometimes means you will be stuck with a large bag restricting your leg room, or potentially leading to the need to check your carry-on at the gate anyway.

Size Restrictions with some Airlines

Some budget airlines have strict size and weight limits for carry-on luggage. Without checking these in advance and measuring your bag, it can be easy to exceed these limits, which may result in additional (and overpriced) fees.

Potential Additional Fees

While most airlines allow one free carry-on, some budget airlines still charge extra fees for bringing carry-on luggage onboard (so make sure you read the small print!).

Extended Security Checks

You’ll need to remove laptops, tablets, liquids, and sometimes shoes during security checks, which can be frustrating when you’ve delicately packed your hand-luggage to maximise space. With more belongings in your hand-luggage going carry-on only, this process may be more time consuming than with checked luggage.

Potential for Back Pain

Carrying a heavy carry on bag can strain your back and shoulders, especially if you have a lot of walking or long layovers or don’t have a suitable carry-on bag.

My Luggage Tips

• If you’re looking to cut costs and avoid paying the checked luggage fee share large holdalls with your family/travel buddies. That way you can split the cost of having one checked luggage item rather than multiple.
• Sometimes flights don’t have enough space in the hand luggage area so they will offer free check-in of your belongings.
• If you are concerned about space for your hand luggage on the flight, book priority boarding or try to get on sooner so you can find space for your luggage near your allocated seat.
• Maximise your hand luggage. Buy a suitcase or holdall that is specifically for hand luggage to maximise the space you have.
• Pack your bags with your trip essentials first. Then see how much space that takes up. You might surprise yourself.

Conclusion: Checked Luggage vs Carry On Luggage

Ultimately, the choice between checked luggage and hand luggage only comes down to personal preferences and travel needs. As budget backpackers, carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option to make the most of your adventure while staying true to your budget. Remember, it’s not about how much you bring, but the experiences you create and the memories you make along the way.

I have personally travelled with checked luggage and also hand luggage only and enjoy the benefits of both in particular scenarios. It’s always handy to have more space, but I love the freedom and mobility of not having more bags.

Before you go

Thank you for reading my guide on checked luggage vs carry on luggage. If guides, itineraries, and travel content like this interest you, head over to my blog page to find out more.

If you are new to Matt’s Next Steps, check out the About Me page to find out a bit more about who I am, my travel adventures, and why I wanted to become a travel writer.

Please comment below and let me know your thoughts and experiences, or if there is anything else you want information on.

Happy travelling!