Most people understand that checking a bag places your personal belongings in the hands of an airline that could quite possibly mishandle your items. When you let your bag go you are at the mercy of the airline. Fortunately, most people who check luggage don't have any issues. The truth is that most bags end up right where you need them, with you when you land. The airlines are actually pretty good at handling luggage. Of course you will still hear the stories of lost luggage that is not delivered until then end of a trip, and the occasional bag that is lost forever.
Even though checking a bag is pretty low risk, I still don't want the airline in charge of my stuff. I like to keep it with me at all times. Knowing that it could be lost is only one reason that I don't like to check a bag. Here are a few reasons to carry-on instead of check your luggage that you may not have considered.
-Save Money
Just because you have booked a flight you shouldn't automatically add $60 to your cost of travel. That's about how much the airline will charge you to check one bag each way. I'm sure you could use that money to do some fun things on your trip!
-Have Everything You Need
Have you ever checked your bag and then noticed that you left something in it that would be handy to have during your flight? Airport stores make a killing on overpriced headphones, phone chargers, books, and lots of other miscellaneous items that people forget in their checked baggage. Remember, once you check your bag, you won't see it until you reach your final destination. (Hopefully) Make sure you don't leave anything you will need in flight inside that bag.
-Quicker Check-In
Online check-in is now available on most major airlines. If you are not checking a bag then you can save some time by skipping the check-in counter at the airport. All you need to do is get your mobile boarding pass on your phone, head to the airport and go right through security to the gate.
-No Waiting at Baggage
When you land at your destination, all you need to do is grab your carry-on bag and be on your way. You won't need to wait at baggage claim to pick up your luggage.
-Increased Flexibility
When you check luggage, you are bound to the identical itinerary that your bag is booked on. If you find yourself in a position to take an earlier flight, or switch to a nonstop instead of a connection then you will be able to make a switch. As an airline employee I had to turn many passengers away from earlier or better flights simply because they had checked baggage. If you have only carried on then you will give yourself better travel options.
That's five quick reasons why you may want to consider keeping your bags with you when you fly instead of checking them with the airlines. Yes, you will have to carry a slightly smaller bag, but the benefits of carry-on luggage far outweigh the risks of having your bag lost, paying bag fees, and gives you increased flexibility. It's usually the best way to go.
Of course there are always exceptions and you may not always be able to carry what you need. If you are planning a golf or skiing vacation with your own equipment then you will need to check those items due to size constraints. If you have o choice but to check a bag, make sure you always have your essential items in your personal bag that you keep with you just in case the airline loses your stuff.
What are your thoughts on dealing with luggage when you travel? Do you carry-on, or like to drop your bags off and forget about them? Leave your comments below!