I almost always check a bag when I fly, even if it’s just a quick trip.
Yes, it costs more, and yes, it means spending some time at bag drop and baggage claim. But it can be worth the money, and those extra few minutes at the airport, for a number of reasons.
With less to tote around and fewer restrictions to worry about, I find that checking a bag makes my entire travel experience smoother and my vacation more enjoyable. I’d argue it’s actually the easiest way to upgrade a trip, even when sitting in basic economy.
Here are just a few reasons to ditch your carry-on next time you fly.
In this article
Checking a Bag Means Less to Schlep
The idea of lugging a suitcase around the airport for hours only to compete for space in the overhead bin doesn’t appeal to me, especially as a mom with a toddler who doesn’t travel lightly.
Even before I became a parent, though, I’d check my luggage to give myself one less thing to worry about.
With a checked bag, there’s no baggage to wheel through security, take up room at a crowded gate, or squeeze into a stuffed overhead compartment. Or worse, risk a last-minute gate check anyway when space inevitably runs out or my maxed-out carry-on doesn’t fit.
Instead, checking a bag means I can breeze through security, shop in the terminal, and run to the bathroom before boarding without having to bring my suitcase along.
Bigger Bags Leave More Space to Pack
Checking a bag makes sense if you’re prone to overpacking like me.
When I check a bag, I also don’t have to worry about whether I’ll have access to a washing machine and dryer where I’m staying. Although, let’s be honest, I also check a bag so I can bring enough clothes to take a vacation from laundry altogether.
On that note, I like to have wardrobe options when I’m traveling, especially if I’m going to multiple countries or an event like a wedding, or my destination has unpredictable weather. Checking a bag means I can bring a larger suitcase and pack everything from beach coverups to ski suits without worrying about running out of room
A larger suitcase also comes in handy when I’m visiting family for the holidays, and need to pack bulky winter gear and gifts. It’s tricky (i.e. nearly impossible) to do that with a carry-on.
You Won't Be Limited By TSA Restrictions
Packing your toiletry kit can be a whole lot simpler if you’re checking a bag.
Since you don’t have to think about the TSA’s 3.4-ounce liquid limit, you can bring full-size products if you wish. I found this convenient for a recent trip to Europe. Traveling with my toddler, I was rushing to pack, and thankfully, I didn’t have to waste time decanting my products into smaller, TSA-friendly containers.
I was also able to take my curling iron in my checked bag; it would’ve been a hassle to remove it from a carry-on at security. Typically, any electronics in travelers’ carry-ons that are larger than a mobile phone are required to go into a tray to undergo screening.
Worried About Your Bag's Location? Use a GPS Tracker.
Often, the main concern when checking a bag is lost luggage. I get it. But with GPS trackers, you needn’t worry about losing track of your stuff.
A few years ago, when my husband and I were returning from Honolulu to Philadelphia, we landed ahead of schedule for our connecting flight in Chicago. We were able to catch an earlier flight home, but were concerned that our checked luggage wouldn’t make it onto the plane at short notice.
But thanks to the AirTags in our suitcases, we could see that our stuff was just a few feet away, giving us peace of mind before takeoff.
A Suitcase Allows for More Souvenirs
Limited carry-on space means no extra room—for anything. Forget cramming last-minute tchotchkes from the airport’s duty-free store into your carry-on, or shelling out for shipping fees to send larger souvenirs home.
With the extra space that comes with a checked bag, shopping at your destination can be a lot more fun. I’ve brought back some cute stuff from my travels, like a print from a local art market in Maui that’s now hanging on the wall in my home office, a mini espresso maker from Tuscany that lives in my kitchen, and a pair of earrings from Malta that remind me of that trip every time I wear them.
Checking a Bag Can Be Cheaper Than You Think
Understandably, many people avoid checking a bag so they don’t have to pay extra for the privilege.
But before you pack a carry-on, it’s worth looking into whether your credit card comes with benefits that will cover the cost of a checked bag.
Many airline credit cards, including branded ones from Delta, American, and United, waive fees for checked bags, and in some cases, will offer the same perk to their travel companions.
Even if you don’t hold an airline credit card, a number of credit cards designed for frequent travelers will reimburse users for the cost of their checked luggage.
With my Chase Sapphire Reserve card, for example, I get a $300 travel credit annually, which can include luggage fees along with other travel expenses, from airfare to accommodation.
The Shortcut
Checking a bag means no overhead bin scramble, no gate-check risk, no TSA liquid limits, and nothing to wheel through security. You board with your hands free.
Many airline and travel credit cards already cover checked bag fees. Check your wallet before you assume you're paying out of pocket.
It can also make your vacation more enjoyable. You won’t need to worry about laundry, and you’ll have space to bring souvenirs home.
Worried about lost luggage? Invest in a luggage tracker. They're inexpensive and take the anxiety out of baggage claim.
