The Checked Bag Debate
To check or not to check
Ah, the classic question of whether to check a bag or go entirely carry on. If ever there was an intractable debate when flying, this is probably it. Unless it is a short trip, I’m in the checked bag camp. I have my reasons, so before you judge me too much please read on.
Traveling for business often requires bulky clothes like suit jackets. These take up a surprising amount of room in a bag. A checked bag is usually better for keeping these clothes from getting wrinkled than my carry on (both my checked and carry-on rollaboards have a suit-packing insert). The extra space also allows for other winter jackets that can be easily packed without worry.
I also like to be comfortable when I travel. This means having plenty of changes of clothes and options if the weather changes. That extra pair of pants for the coffee spill on the plane becomes very handy the first time you need it. And being able to pack sunscreen and other liquids beyond the TSA limits helps me feel better when I’m traveling. The extra space allows me to take what I want, still packed efficiently.
Shoes and exercise clothes take up way too much space in a suitcase. I keep my running shoes reserved for running and working out, as they are expensive and I don’t want to wear them out. They are also my treat after a long day or early in the morning. Add running shorts, running shirts, running socks and a hat and suddenly that carry on suitcase gets a lot smaller.
And finally, there is the convenience factor. Checking my bag doesn’t take very long as I have Premiere Access with United and Star Alliance airlines. I don’t have to shove my carry on into overhead bins that are just barely big enough. I’m not worried about stashing my bag in an overhead bin for rows behind me and going against the flow when deplaning. I take enough stuff that if I lose my bag for a night it isn’t catastrophic (although I may claim otherwise to the airline). I have an air tag in my bag so I know whether it made my flight and it is on the airline to get it to my final destination. It isn’t an extra charge with airline status, so why not?
