Recently, I have reviewed a lot of articles and videos from travelers who pack using only carry on bags. I understand the desire to avoid charges and the hassle of handling the larger bags, but it is really worth the trouble? Here are some of my thoughts on the matter.

Getting Bags Checked for Free

One reason cited for not checking bags is the cost. Most airlines charge around $30 for the first checked bag up to 50 pounds (23 kg). However, it is very easy to avoid these charges.

– Get an airline credit card

We have credit cards with both United and Delta, which covers most of the airlines we use. When we pay for the air with these credit cards, we get our first checked bag free. There are other benefits to having these credit cards, including early boarding, lounge privileges, and additional loyalty points. Since we travel a lot, we get to take advantage of these benefits – about half our flights use frequent flyer miles.

– International travel allows one or more bags free

When traveling internationally, you are generally allowed one bag per person free. This varies with the destination. For example, when flying to Brazil, you will be allowed two bags free. Verify with your airline what their policy is for checked bags.

 – Fly premium classes

If you can afford it, upgrade to business class where you will get free checked bags. This is not always an option, but will work for some.

Know the Limitations for Carry-on

There re some situations where you will not be allowed to carry on your bag. Read your airline baggage policies to find out what the limitations are. Read this article from CheapAir.com that provides a lot of information on the airline policies for both domestic and international flight.

– Basic Economy limits

I have watched travelers who fly using basic economy (or whatever the airlines call their really cheap fares). United does not permit a carry-on bag for Basic Economy. On the other hand, Delta does allow a carry-on bag. Some airlines charge a fee, so it is wise to know the airline’s policies before booking basic economy seats. I have seen many travelers notified that they have to check their bag and pay the fee. Needless to say, they are not very happy.

– Weight and Size Limitations

Highly rated luggage scale from AmazonYes, some airlines have weight limits. I have had three experiences with this. On a return trip from New Zealand, I was informed my carry-on was too heavy and I had to check it for $100. Since I had come over with no problem, I was really surprised, but had no choice except to pay the fee. On another trip on British Airways from London, I was informed my bag was overweight, but I was able to remove items to reduce the weight. On my most recent trip on Lufthansa, my bag was weighed at Dulles airport where I was informed it was 3 kg over the limit. After explaining I could not check the bag as it had camera gear with Lithium-Ion batteries, they let me carry it on board. Do not assume you can pack a heavy carry-on and get it on-board. Also, make sure you can lift the bag into the overhead compartment, as flight attendants are not allowed to do this for you. Always carry a portable luggage scale – they are inexpensive and you will avoid expensive surprises. In addition to weight, some airlines are enforcing size limitation more strictly. Again, check your airline policy to verify that your carry-on luggage complies with their rules. Keep in mind that the dimension include the wheels, not just the packable area. Your bag must be able to fit into the overhead compartment or you will be required to check it. Check out this article from Travel Made Simple that includes a table of some of the airline limitations on weight and size.

– Small Planes

Many trips require the use of a small plane for one leg of the trip. Often these planes do not have the space for some of the carry-on bags. Be prepared to gate check your bag. Even though they may not charge you for this, you will be required to put your bag in the cargo hold and retrieve it either at the destination gate or luggage carousel, depending on how the airline treats the bag. Keep in mind that you may want to transfer medications, jewelry, and lithium-ion batteries to your personal bag so they are save. And don’t forget to keep any important documents with you if you have to check your carry-on.

– Budget Airlines

Be careful when using budget airlines. This is especially true in Europe where the final leg of your trip may be on one of these. On a recent trip, we were booked on a flight with Brussels Air which limited the amount of carry-on they would permit. After a certain number of bags, they forced remaining passengers to pay to check their carry-on. This was the first time I had observed this and many of the passengers were upset. Check out this article from The Points Guy that discusses luggage policies for budget airlines.

Can Everything Fit in a Carry-on?

I really do not know how anyone can pack for a 2-week trip with just carry-on bags. I do not like to do laundry on my trips, so I pack sufficient essential for my trips. I also travel with electronics and camera gear which do take up a significant part of my carry-on. We like the formal nights, so need to pack suits and dresses for these nights. I guess that, if you are doing a totally causal Caribbean cruise, it might be possible to fit everything in one bag, but a longer overseas trip would be more difficult. Also, consider whether you will purchase anything on the trip an need to bring it back. If you purchase a bottle of wine, you cannot bring it in your carry-on. Space consideration will be key for carry-on.

A final consideration is not to over stuff your carry-on. Some airlines are enforcing the size limit and insist that your bag fit within their specified dimensions.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that, for a cruise, I do not see the benefit of trying fit all my stuff into a carry-on. I do not like to do laundry on a trip. Maybe a land-based vacation would be more convenient with only carry-on, but larger bags are not really an inconvenience for a cruise where you only have to move your bags at the beginning and end of the trip.

I am interested in your thoughts on this matter. Please take the poll to let me know what you use for luggage and provide any comments or questions in the comment area below.