I’ll start this by saying I’m a carry-on person. Nine times out of ten I’ll travel with my carry-on, med bag and personal bag, but here I am going to talk about the 1 out 10th time I check a bag.
There are certain times during travel I need to abandon my carry-on only mantra, in favor of checking a carry-on sized bag or a larger bag, and these are the five factors I consider if I should check a bag of any size.
1. Layovers and Connections
This is the one I consider the most. If I have a tight connection, which I can check on my TripIt Pro App, I typically will bring a carry-on, since it is likely my checked bag would not make it onto the next plane.
However, if I have a long layover, a checked bag can be a good idea so you do not have the hassle of carrying around a bag while in the airport. When checking a bag in a situation like this, you can focus on only having your med bag and personal bag to look after while waiting for your next flight.
2. When Your Bag Would Be Too Heavy
There’s the folding method, the packing cubes, and the rolling of clothing, just to name a few of the different methods of trying to fit everything you can into a carry-on suitcase. However, even if you do get everything to fit, this likely means an overstuffed and heavy suitcase which can lead to two potential issues.
A heavy suitcase itself can be an issue for someone with a medical condition. First, if you are on a weight lifting restriction, which many PH patients are, this can be an issue when trying to board some planes. Some airports do not have jet-ways, and you will need to climb a flight of stairs to get into the plane. If you have a heavy bag, this means carrying it, without assistance, up flights with other passengers around you.
If there is a chance you will have to carry your heavy bag, like with IcelandAir, it may be best to just check beforehand and avoid this possibility.
Second issue with a heavy bag is putting it in the overhead bin.
If you are traveling alone, and have a heavy bag, it is worth it to check the bag beforehand, than deal with the off-chance that no one will help you put it in the overhead bin or have gate check available.
The other issue with over stuffing your carry-on, just for the sake of having one, is that you do not have room for souvenirs If you are going on a longer trip, and over packed to the point where you do not have an inch to spare, it may be better to check a bigger bag and have the airline take care of it, and have more room for things to bring back.
3. Liquids
For carry-ons, the TSA rule on liquids is the 3-1-1 system. This means you can only bring a 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottle or less in 1 quart sized zip-lock bag per passenger.
While the liquids in your med bag do not count, if you are traveling with more than that amount, you will need to check a bag. Additionally, if you do not have TSA Pre-Check, or Global Entry, you will need to remove your liquids while going through screenings. If I am going for a longer trip, I like to pack my own shampoo, conditioner, body washer and face washes, which would come in larger amounts than would be allowed by TSA, and will check a bag so I can bring everything with me.
4. When the Price is Right.
Many airlines charge for a first or second bag on domestic and international flights. Southwest allows you to check two bags for free.
Certain airlines do not charge you for your first or second if you have their credit card, like American or Delta. However, not all airlines are this generous. Some airlines will charge up to $70 for a first checked bag, while others are on the lower end of $25 for the first bag. When contemplating checking a bag, I decide if the price is right for the trip I am taking and worth the expense.
5. When Transportation to or from the Airport is Difficult
Getting to and from the airport is one of the most stressful parts of the journey, especially when traveling with bags and a medical condition. In most major cities, while taking public transportation is easier and more cost efficient, it may not be the best way to travel when you have a medical condition. Public transportation usually means more walking with your bags, stairs, and limited elevator access. If you are juggling a carry-on, medical bag and a personal bag, it may make this more difficult. If I know that I will be taking a car or Uber to and from the airport, it makes it easier to decide to bring a checked bag, especially when traveling abroad.
Each trip is different, but I always weigh these 5 factors before each trip to see if I should check a bag or bring a carry-on. If you are usually a carry-on bag person like me, maybe you'll consider these factors next time you are traveling!
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