Under what conditions do you check a bag?
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
| We check bags when skiing and when we traveled with kids in diapers. |
Anonymous
|
Very rarely.
I always try to find a deal on the price of the flight, so it usually costs to check a bag--so I don't. I'm even less likely to check a bag if I have to make a connection and I'm on my way to my destination. I'm more likely to check the bag if it's a direct flight and/or I'm on my way home. |
Anonymous
| We always check bags when possible. Then we don't have to schlep them all over the place, put them in and out of the overhead bins, have someone watch them while going to the bathroom, block the aisle, etc. |
Anonymous
|
Never. Even when kids were little. Unless you count the stroller at the door of the plane.
Not worth my time to wait for luggage after, or deal with lost luggage. I am a good packer - have traveled 2 weeks in cold climates (Alaska) and warm climates (Costa Rica), and dual European cities in Europe for work trips, and can fit everything in my spinner/wheelie suitcase. |
Anonymous
| I'm OP and I'm a mom of a teen fashionista. |
Anonymous
| NEVER. |
Anonymous
| Almost always. I have a bad back and hate the idea of carrying or rolling a bag around the airport. Also I don’t have to worry about finding space in the overhead bins- so less stress on that front. |
Anonymous
|
If I'm washing my hair often on the trip I end up checking. Too many hair products as a black woman to make a check bag work on a heavy swim/beach trip.
I never check for work. |
Anonymous
| If I'm traveling solo with DS, although as he gets older and can handle a normal sized carry on that is changing, or when we will be gone more than a week and not staying somewhere with laundry. Then we check one and carry on one. |
Anonymous
| If I'm going somewhere for a full week or more. Mainly because of the liquids/toiletries that I'll need for that long. |
Anonymous
| We always check when doing a caribbean vacation. Not bothering trying to put a weeks with of sunscreen for 3 people into carry ons and don't see the point of paying for them there (we generally get free checked bags so its not like the price cancels out) |
Anonymous
|
Any trip over a week especially if they are going to charge me anyway for a carry on. I would rather pay to check one large suitcase than pay for 4 carry-ons for a family of 4.
Also check bags for skis and had to check backpacks/camping gear. |
Anonymous
Always. I find it way more stressful to deal with trying to pack too lightly and then dealing with everyone else’s carry-ons that they’re jockeying for position and space to stow. Anyway, I only take a backpack in board and put it under the seat, leaving more room for your carry on. You’re welcome 
|
Anonymous
| Almost always. I don't like having to think about my toiletries, packing too heavy, having a hard time getting in in the bin, etc. I like just getting to the airport, getting rid of my bag, and being free to move around easily. I've also never lost a bag, so maybe I'd feel differently if that was the case. |
Anonymous
Two other reasons: 1. Increases risk of issues on your trip- losing stuff, needing to wait, replace it, etc.. More importantly: 2. Makes you much better able to switch flights if something goes wrong. A lot of times if a different flight is leaving in 20 minutes they can't move your checked bags that fast, but if you didn't check anything you can get on. This has been key in getting home close to on schedule a couple times over the years when there was bad weather or mechanical issues. |