I firmly adhere to the philosophy of carry-on travel, advocating against checking bags unless absolutely essential. While there are situations that necessitate checked luggage—like traveling with family, transporting bulky items, or embarking on extended trips—I usually circumvent these fees through airline credit cards, elite statuses, or premium class seats. Despite potential waivers, convenience and flexibility remain paramount in my travel approach.
The Convenience of Carry-On Bags
Quick Airport Transitions
Keeping your bag with you allows for the quickest possible transition between airports, as it alleviates having to visit ticket counters pre-flight and wait at baggage claims post-flight. Nothing is more valuable than time, and when traveling, I want as much as possible.
The Flexibility of Carry-On Bags
Adapting to Last-Minute Changes
Checking your bag often locks you into your original itinerary. When unexpected last-minute changes occur, not having a checked bag is key, as it allows you to change flights on the fly.
Additional Benefits of Carry-On Only
Avoiding Lost Luggage
Other ancillary benefits to sticking solely with hand luggage include avoiding lost bags.
Light Packing and Ease of Transport
Keeping your belongings light means less packing/repacking and easier transporting between locations.
Handling Longer Trips with Carry-On Bags
Purchasing Essentials Locally
You may be asking, what about longer trips? I still avoid checking bags on longer trips. My thinking is that I can almost always purchase additional items of clothing or toiletries wherever I go in cases where I do not have enough room.
Creating Space for Souvenirs
What if you want room to be able to bring home extra items purchased on your trip? One tactic I use is to bring clothing/shoes that I want to wear for the last time. Things that have made their way through the lifecycle of my wardrobe eventually get donated to Goodwill. Why not donate them to the hotel staff or to a shelter wherever you are headed? You get one last use, you save room/weight on your return (leaving room for purchased items), and in some cases, you get to donate directly to needy causes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there are times when checking bags is necessary, the benefits of traveling with only carry-on luggage far outweigh the occasional need for checked bags. The convenience and flexibility, along with avoiding lost luggage and light packing, make carry-on travel my preferred choice. Even on longer trips, with strategic planning and local purchases, I manage to avoid the need for checking bags, ensuring a smoother, more efficient travel experience.
