Wirecutter’s Travel Experts Grant You Permission to Check a Bag
Even the most die-hard proponents of checking your bag admit that there are good reasons to avoid it sometimes.
You might save money. Unless you have special status with your airline of choice or an upgraded ticket, checking a bag is likely to cost you — often at least $30 each way. Carry-ons, on the other hand, are often free. (However, some budget airlines, such as Allegiant, make you pay for both carry-ons and checked bags, and the fee can be nearly the same.)
You could save time. Waiting at the luggage carousel for a checked bag can take awhile. This can be particularly stressful if you’re on a tight transfer schedule, writer Claire Wilcox noted.
Still, there are ways to mitigate your risk of a long wait time. “Check your bag at the curb, tip the skycap well, and your bag will probably beat you to the luggage carousel,” says editor Christine Ryan.
You’ll have peace of mind for tricky itineraries. You should also consider if your trip can handle the possibility of lost or delayed luggage, especially if you have a very short layover. If you’re imminently departing for a long trip, like a cruise, you may not get that luggage before you depart.
You can keep your valuables close. If you’re traveling with something valuable “in silver or spirit,” Claire recommends taking it in a carry-on, so you’re absolutely sure it makes it to your destination. Same goes for breakable items that may not survive in the loving arms of the baggage handlers.
