Carry on iburprofen filled ? Or check your suitcase and relax Travel tips from The Women’s Travel Group
Today a woman on our Umbria trip asked if I recommend a carry on or checked suitcase. For myself: I check bags to the destination, but sometimes carry on, returning home. Here are the pros of carrying on:
1—You never lose sight of your belongings. That is,until you fall asleep on the plane. Common times for theft are during meal service, sleep periods and during boarding and disembarking. Some time ago, there were headlines of theft of cash, phones or jewelry from suitcases in the overhead. Having said that, it is rare for someone to steal a suitcase from a plane as they risk a customs inspection. You should lock your suitcase even if you carry it on.
2- No waiting at the other end. No waiting if your plane is changed or cancelled. I flew to Mexico City; the flight was cancelled due to a volcano eruption. Because the suitcase was checked on an international flight but was being delivered back domestically, the wait was hours. You have quicker TSA security.
3-You have access to everything you packed, both in the airport and on the plane. If you forgot, example, a charger or sweater, you can double check then purchase whatever you forg
4- You avoid baggage fees. But you might incur laundry fees!
5- You avoid the luggage carrousel delivery and nerves seeing others retrieve cases while you wait and worry. Note: go for a color not a black suitcase; colors are easier to spot. Some experts warn dangling ribbons or other identifiers and unzipped outside pockets can snag then tear you case. They might also cover the bar code label stuck by check in staff.
Cons of carrying on
1- Assuming you arrive at the airport 2-3 hours pre flight, you do not need to drag your suitcase for 2-3 hours and into the airport bathrooms as well. Some stalls barely fit a suitcase plus you. The American for Disabilities Act states the minimum has to be 36 inches wide and 5 ft deep. Other FAA regulations govern other aspects of an airport bathroom.
2-Your palms and shoulders will eventually hurt. I tried handle covers. They have minimal cushioning and my hands cramped after a while anyway.
3-You can relax with a small bag that holds valuables. But if you use electronics, you are still burdened with chargers, adaptors, electronic devices, your jacker, medicine? That smaller bag should also be locked, so it is safe when you go to the bathroom.
3—You might pay a fee for checked luggage. In Europe, maximum sizes for checked bags can be smaller so beware. Some European discounters charge one amount for the bag if fee paid when you book. They charge higher amounts at the airport, that is when you discover your bag is too big.
4- You can pack liquids. You don’t need to fill tiny bottles with your liquids. Or bring the small tubes of awful toothpaste your dentist gives away. As plastic hotel amenity bottles disappear, we have fewer ‘volume marked’ bottles for personal products. There are rumors about ending the liquid 3-1-1 rule; rumors only. Looking at my own products, many of them contain 4 oz. Even if the 4 oz bottle is almost empty, you must pack it.
5- There is temptation to keep adding to your wardrobe! Space fills itself.
And of course you can sit back and avoid the boarding hysteria during which passengers rush onto the plane in order to grab overhead space.
NEWSFLASH I sighted Travelpro pinkish 21 inch carry on at Nordstrom Rack this week. The salmon color was not ideal but the half price was. Travel tips for women from The Women’s Travel Group, award winning tour company for women and women’s groups. Call us at 646 309 5607
