Carry On Luggage Only - How Many Do It?
 

I know for long trips it would be impossible, but for short ones, how many of you try to squeeze your stuff into a carry on? I'm going to visit my parents later this summer and since shorts/light shirts will be the attire, plus taking a few other personals and a book to pass the time at the airport, I think dealing with the hassle of checked luggage, is, well.....a hassle! My husband says why lug a semi-heavy carry on when I can just check my luggage. Whose side are you on?! ;-)

If you can avoid Baggage Claim at all, I say all the better! However, bear in mind that it may be searched, so make sure it re-packs easily. If it's so heavy you won't be able to lift it over your head, forget it and check it. And also remember that EVERYONE ELSE will have carry-on luggage and other junk to load into those overhead bins, so be prepared to fight for a nearby bin or settle for one not directly near your seat.

When I traveled extensively on business (which I hardly do nowadays), I tried to do carry-on exclusively. Not always easy on longer trips, but it can be done.

As long as I don't have to travel in the winter, I totally get by travelling carryon. I hate waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting for my luggage to come out of the chute. And with some of the stories I've been hearing about extra paws in checked luggage, I'm sure going to try to keep it that way.

Secret to my success? lightweight, color-coordinated knits, and minimal health & beauty products.

The thing is, if your hustband is checking a bag, you're going to have to wait and wait and wait and wait...

3 weeeks, one wife, two kids, 8 bags

I guess I am on both sides.

I travel with carry-on only, but usually check it anyway. I like to walk onboard with nothing except jacket & reading material inhand. Seldom is my luggage NOT at the carousel when I get there. I think the hassles are more with carryon than checked baggage since 9/11, and would be happy if carryon was prohibited or charged a fee ... they slow down the loading & emptying of passengers.

I travel light so that I can utilize public transportation and not have to depend on others to get around.

Warm climate 7 days or less - carry on.

Anything longer or colder and I end up checking baggage. And praying it makes it.

~ Sheryl

Not bragging, but went to Europe for 2 weeks, all carry-on. Went to Chicago for few days in Apr. and after, straight to Vegas, all carry-on. Practice makes perfect :-)

Carry on the wine,toothbrush & clean underwear-check the rest. I'm just never in that much of hurry and don't mind the walk after a long flight. I'm not to impressed with the way some folks tackle the overheads, grab their suitcase and wack a few heads along the way. Not everyone can be rushing to a meeting or connection can they !?

My daughter and I did 16 days touring Europe with three backpacks between us. We were the envy of all the other travelers who struggled with their bags everywhere we went!

I never take more than I can carry, and I never check it outbound, having had too many occasions where my luggage and I enjoyed vacations or business trips in different cities. Sometimes, I'll pack a collapsible bag and on the way home I'll check that, so I have room in my carryon for souvenirs.

I am so tired of people wrestling up and down the aisles with 'carry-on' luggage. Or having to help little old ladies jam it into my overhead space. Check the luggage, for pete's sake. With everyone carrying-on baggage claim has become a breeze. By the way, all of you who are so proud of doing 3 weeks in Europe with just a carry-on or back-pack, we know. We can smell you. Thanks, but I'd rather not wear the same thing every day on vacation. Pack some clothes, already. Sheesh.

If at all possible, I do not check my luggage. Two of us can travel very nicely with one carry on (even for a 10 day stay) - no rbnwdln we don't smell, we are just able to pack smart and not take everything we own with us. I do agree with the fact that many people are getting on to planes with bags that are WAY to big - basically if you can't lift the bag or if the bag is larger than you - it's not carry on.

Since you're visiting your parents, why not take whatever you have to have along with you in a carry-on and UPS the rest, then UPS it home?

I went to Europe last year for a month with only a carry-on. Took a "packing light" class at Rick Steve's and was so happy I did. Figured it wasn't as if were were going to a 3rd world country and couldn't find anything we needed there. We went in March-April and I did end up buying a leather jacket in Spain, but had intended to. Like others, I avoid checking in my luggage whenever possible (especially after having it get lost on a few occassions).

However, my husband feels the opposite and ends up taking twice the stuff I do and having to check at least one bag in (not to mention struggle with all this luggage in airports, on trains, etc.) I always have a good book to read while he waits around for the checked-in bags.

So I'd say, pack light, but you (like me) may just have to watch your husband wait around and lug extra things around until you too can make him a believer in packing light. Oh, well, if that's worst complaint, we shouldn't complain, right?

Have a good trip whatever you decide.

Have done it both ways--and sometimes for long overseas trips. However be prepared for extensive security searches perhaps twice--once at main security and once before boarding. Also do not pack anything pointy.

I prefer to carry on only my purse and reading material. I am so tired of getting clipped in the head, etc., by people traveling with huge carry ons. With all the folks who are carrying on these days, we all have to wait in the aisle of the plane while they maneuver it all, and at security points. Have never lost a bag, and the wait for checked luggage these days seems to be minimal. Plus, you can't put certain things in carry ons, which is sometimes a pain.

Artlover,
what is Rick Steves?

Just an observation about carryons...I've noticed lately that security at O'Hare is getting much less accommodating. I always carry a small suitcase, small purse and briefcase on my business trips. Now, security won't allow me through the checkpoint until I stuff the purse inside my briefcase or suitcase, as only 2 carryon items are allowed. The day I have to check my small suitcase or briefcase in baggage, is the day I start driving for business rather than flying!

What I've found to be perfect is a sturdy duffle type bag that's big enough for a week's worth of stuff (and after much traveling, I have definitely learned what I don't need, I think that's more important than anything) AND fits under the seat in front of me on the plane. What are people BRINGING in those huge black "carry on" monsters?

Every time I've ever gone on a trip with a man, he has haphazardly packed the night before, flinging some stuff in a tiny bag, and has never had any problems! That also woke me up to how much stuff I was bringing.

Men can teach us so, so much.

love
kristin

I can do any sort of trip (summer/winter, Business/leisure) of up to 4 or 5 weeks with a 21 inch rollaboard and medium sized handbag.

For trip of a week or less I shrink that to an 18 inche rollaboard and a smaller handbag.

I don't mind checking them if I must (on BA and VS you have to check anything over 15 lbs no matter how small) but I refuse to schlepp large bags.

On most airlines I take the rollie on board - but I don't over stuff it so I can easily lift it into the overhead. On some jumbo jets I cannot reach the overhead so end up asking someone else to hoist it for me. But since it is never very heavy that is seldom a problem.

i don't go w/ the Rick Steves system - it looks like he always wears the same things. But it does work for many people. I use a modified "bundle" system and things don't wrinkle much or at all.

If things coordinate you can easily get 15 to 20+ distinct outfits plus toiletries, shoes, etc. into a 21 inch suitcase

Lolly--you can check out Rick Steves at ricksteves.com. He has a travel website too, but not as good as this one (IMO).

Janis--he probably DOES wear the same thing all the time...that's one of the advantages of being a women--we can change our scarfs! (I'll admit, I got tired of black, but I'd still opt for going with only a carry on.)

As much as I can, carry on only. I did a week in London during December with only a carry on. We flew non-rev so we didn't want to take a chance with our luggage.

I always carry on for trips of 5 days or less...unless it's Christmastime (gotta bring those gifts for the family) or if my travel companion is checking luggage (If I have to wait around anyway, why carry it on?)

I went with a group to China for two weeks. One couple made a big deal of how they were Carry On Only (COO).

While the rest of us were having all our bags carried by a porter, they were carrying their bags. It didn't take long before they were checking their's as well.

I haven't seen a time in a long time where I had to wait more than a few minutes to get my luggage from baggage claim. I hate more having to wrestle with a bag in the cramped quarters of the plane.

I figure the baggage people are doing most of the work--I might as well take everything I need to be comfortable. Doesn't cost any extra.

I like to take on board a small, manageable carry-on, so if my luggage is lost or delayed, I'll have my essentials, and check the rest.

The new restrictions are actually a relief to me; my husband always insisted that we carry on as much as possible, which pre-911 meant wrestling at least a couple rather large suitcases. The one time I convinced him to check all our luggage, most of it was delayed,the bag that did arrive was damaged, and he got in an argument with the rude baggage dept. So back to carry-on .... but at least it's lighter!

Unless you can pack light, check your bag! I too am tried of getting a bonked on the head by a suitcase the minute the flight lands. I only take essentials in a backpack that fits under the seat, check the rest.

travel with kids,check the bags. Travel alone or with just my wife,carry them on.

We always said we would try and did not have the opportunity until last month, when we went to Vegas for 4 days. We got regulation sized bags (up to 22", but check with the airline ahead). We each brought one 22" and one add'l smaller carry on. It was delightful!

I'm with Connie. Part of your airfare includes the cost of the airline handling your bags. Why lug that stuff all over the airport when they'll do it for you? I'd much rather take a liesurely stroll to my gate without hauling luggage with me.

Try it, you'll like it!

A couple things that will help you pack lighter:

1) use the jumbo size zip lock bags. They keep like items organized (i.e., underwear) and also compress bigger items (ski suit).

2) bring stuff you don't like and pitch it along the way. This will make room for anything you buy without having to worry about space in your suitcase.

3) if you're so inclined, buy clothes that are made with quick dry fabrics. I have some shirts that are made for hikers. I can wash them out and they dry instantly.

I can understand the lure of carrying on everything. I always carry on what I would absoultely need if my luggage was lost for two days. Those of you who lug those 22" "regulation" bags, please remember the overhead bins are for everyones' use. I'm also a little tired of having my stuff either jammed in behind your bag or back 12 rows because you've taken three times the space most of us use.

I always carry on if I have a connection.
On direct flights it depends on the routing. If there's a chance of jumping on an earlier flight I will not check the bags.
Tomorrow I head to Canada and since there is no other direct flights to Montreal, I will check my bags... why hassle with it.
I always take a totes duffle which folds into a tiny package in case I buy a bunch of stuff.

I generally check everything except a few essentials and whatever I'm bringing to occupy myself on the plane. I still pack light, but I much prefer not to have to lug my stuff all over the airport and onto the plane. My trips are much more enjoyable that way, and it makes going through security so much easier.

Only once have I had a problem with my checked luggage not making it to my destination when I did. That was a pain, but the airline brought it to my hotel the next day, so it wasn't too big of an inconvinience. I always take a few essentials in a small carryon just in case this happens.

I've only had one time that my luggage was lost, and that was almost 20 years ago. I travel much more now and have never had a problem with lost luggage - and that was with some very short connection times!

However, I've done both. I used to always check bags until I saw some postings here from Fodorites. I read all the websites and took all the suggestions. Then for a long weekend for a wedding in Texas, I took only carryon and a purse. It totally SUCKED! I was one of the last ones on the plane on one flight, and the flight attendant had to put my bad way in the back of the plane. When I reached my destination, I had to wait for the entire plane to disembark before retrieving my bag. Time lost there! (AND I found out that all the folks in the back of the plane stow their carryon in the front bins, so they can grab as they pass by. Meanwhile, I'm sitting up front, last to board, and I'm stuck. Talk about inconsideration.

As well, when I reached Denver with my carryon and purse, the flight had been delayed and we were given food vouchers to get lunch. Yeah. That was a treat. Trying to work my way through a deli line, then walk around the airport with a sandwich, drink, purse, and rolling a suitcase!

Not anymore. I check my bags now, even if I only take the smaller ones. Too much hassle to use carryon and for the only reason of saying, "I can pack for 6 months using only a backpack." Yeah, and so what?

As for waiting at baggage claim, I've only had one wait that was 10 minutes long. The rest of the time, my bags are usually there by the time I am. Heck, after waiting for all those folks to push, pull, and drag their carryon luggage out of the overhead bins and get off the plane, a quick trip to the restroom to freshen up, and I'm at the carousel by the time my bags are. I find I end up reading my book as I stand in the aisle waiting for people to struggle with their luggage - or at least when they don't nail me with it!

We always do carry ons, especially for longer trip, most recently 2 weeks in South America. We generally have active trips where we move quite a bit and lost luggage could possibly be a huge problem since it might never catch up with us. Worst experience was a 4 day resort stopover in Hawaii after a 3 week trip through Asia. Checked luggage was found and sent to us on our last day there.

Just remember, LADIES, that if you can't lift it over your head, don't assume that the person nearby will help. Chivalry ends where the cabin doors begin.

Jason, I so agree with that. I was on a flight one afternoon where this woman asked me to help her put her carry on in the overhead bin. She said it was too heavy and she didn't want to hurt her back. I told her no because I didn't want to hurt my back, signaled for the flight attendent who then checked the bag to cargo. Not only was it heavy but oversized. Needless to say the woman was pissed at me and the FA. This was pre September 11th.

I have a similar story which caused me to change my mind forever when it comes to helping other passengers toss their overstuffed shaggage in the overhead bins. I was a pre-9-11 flight from IAD to SFO and was placed in steerage because it was not a company paid trip. This little woman was in front of me, about 40 years old, hair and makeup way too overdone for the journey, and obviously had no business wearing what she was wearing. She gets to her seat which was right behind mine and proceeds to open the overhead bin. Before even attempting to lift her whale-egg of a suitcase, she asks if I cna do it for her. I assumed it was because of my good loooks and athletic physique, so I didn't hesitate. After about a second later, mid flight from the floor to the overhead bin, I thought I had a hernia or something, but still managed to stuff her bag o' hell into the bin after crushing it at least 3 inches so it would fit. Fellow passengers were gawking as I squeezed a watermelon into the space of an orange (another problem I have but that's another story...). When I finally parked the Titanic, she said thanks with a little smile and sat down. Mid flight, she got up and decided she had left something in her bag, perhaps her brain, and unzipped it and slid her hand in the pocket, blindly reaching for something. I knew this because her knee kept hitting the back of my seat. When she did find what she was looking for; a hairbrush, it had been flattened to the point where it looked more like a duster. Apparently it was expensve because she began to verbally assault me for crushing her expensive "Follicular enhancer". I tried not to make a scene but she kep speaking in a condescending tone behind my seat like, "well if SOMEONE hadn't pushed so hard, I'd still have my brush. Who knows what else is broken in there..."
To that, I quickly turned around and gave her a right hook and introduced her to my fist. Just kidding. I politely said, "if you hadn't packed your mother in there for the free ride, maybe your nappy weave-comber would still be a nappy weave comber instead of a toothbrush" My sarcasm did not get through to her. Needless to say, it was a really long flight and after a few drinks, a kicking on my seat felt like a massage.

Come on Jason,tell us the watermelon/orange story as well.

WEll, it's rather personal, but if you reaaally wanna know.....