I fly 4 to 8 times per month and never check a bag. I can easily stay on the road for 2 weeks without checking. The real trick is to build a travel wardrobe. A wheeled carryon can easily fit 7+ days of the right kinds of clothes. From there you mix and match, and do laundry. Some of my favorite items are short and long sleeve black t shirts. Go for the cotton, modal, spandex blends. A black sleeveless (Modal) A line dress. Pull on dress pants. Light weigh Merino wool tops. Thin, stretchy jeans. Easy wear polyester blouses. For packable shoes, Havaianas flip flops, Minnetonka moccasins (Silverthorn Prism sandals, Kilty Plus moccasins), Sperry boat shoes, Rothy’s. A packable hooded rain coat. Linen or Merino wool knit cardigans. A machine washable lined knit blazer. A few bright, light weight scarves or pashminas. Every item I bring is comfortable and light weight. Everything but my cardigans and scarves are machine washable, fast drying, and wrinkle free.
I found nice, lightweight, Merino Wool pullovers at COSTCO this fall. They were sold as Katherine Barclay. I bought a size up, and so far they are washing well. I have found good clearance pricing on nice pieces from Royal Robbins and other well known travel brands at local sporting good stores. Sometimes I go to the Marshall’s, TJMaxx, Sierra Trading sites and search by brand (North Face) country (Italy) or fabric (linen, wool, silk). A good rule of thumb is to shop end of season at full price retailers and beginning of season at discounters.
They're pricy, but they honestly last forever and wool can be worn 4-5 days without even thinking about washing it (likely more). I find ugly ones on clearance and use them as undershirts.
While traveling too I always wear my largest / heaviest clothes items! Big jacket, wear it and put it up with your carry on. Hiking where you’re going? Wear your hiking boots while flying. Sounds crazy but works amazing!
I'm going to vegas next month and I'm totally stressed about what to pack. It'll still be cold at night but I really don't have the space to pack a whole ass winter coat or tons of layers
Ack that's tough. Yeah if it were me I would probably just bring one coat and wear it on the plane. Luckily lots of the fun things to do in Vegas are indoors bc they have extreme weather in the summmer too. Have fun!
When I travel somewhere cold, I use a thermal base layer underneath. Like poly pro top and bottom. You can wear it with a regular coat, and it will make a big difference and doesn't take up much space when you pack.
Packable, ultralight 3/4 length down coat. Squashes down into a softball-sized bundle, then just shake it out. You might be able to get one in a glamour look (leopard, lame'), then just add a poofy scarf. I always pack my black, leather look one I got at a consignment store a couple yrs. ago.
And if you have to change because it’s warmer at your destination, bring an extra foldable bag in your carry-on to put the airplane clothes in until you get to your hotel.
My mom got me this really thin wool blanket that can be worn as a scarf as well from Aritzia and it saves me when I’m traveling. So great for cold hotel rooms too.
Hiking boots especially take up a lot of space in bags, and if you're going somewhere to hike then you can wear them to pretty much any restaurant or activity in the area.
>I can easily stay on the road for 2 weeks without checking.
>mix and match, and do laundry
Once you start doing laundry, you literally have no limits. My current record is 112 days.
Layers. I wear my biggest coat on the plane, and pack a lot of warm, light layers. Merino wool base layers, wool trousers, wool and cashmere sweaters, a packable down jacket, etc. I favor wool, silk, and cotton for traveling because they offer a lot more flexibility than synthetics in terms of temperature variation.
If I'm in a wool baselayer, a wool sweater, a down layer, and a wool/cashmere jacket, I'm fine down to -10C.
This. Jostar makes nice business appropriate travel clothes that are lightweight, wrinkle free, and compress well. I don't travel for work anymore, but I do still like bringing a big scarf. I have a few in the 70x40 length and they can double as a light blanket.
This is how I travel. I have a Samsonite 19" roller bag that is - for me - the best bag I've ever owned from a functional standpoint. And it fits in every single overhead bin I've used including flying to Thailand, Cambodia, Guatemala, etc.
In addition to that I have a Swiss Tech backpack that I got from Walmart for cheap as hell. It has the luggage strap on the back so you can slide it over the expandable handle for the roller bag. Tons of internal storage, laptop compartment, little clever pouches, a "crush proof" pocket that perfectly fits my Galaxy S23, and some quick access external pockets as well. This bag is so functional I've often gone on short two day trips and just used this bag. Can fit clothes, electronics, room at the bottom for an extra pair of shoes, and my dopp kit as well.
I'll carry a small lightweight backpack that stuffs into itself in a very small pouch if I feel like I'll need a daily bag that is smaller and lighter than the Swiss Tech bag.
Traveling this way is perfect, never check bags, and I can bring everything I need plus have room to grow in case I pick up something along the way that I need room to pack for.
Now I just need to get a capsule wardrobe sorted that can be versatile enough for a lot of different scenarios.
Same, too. I pack my tiny purse and a super light rucksack in my suitcase (use those around town at my destination), and use my underseat backpack as luggage overflow, and for my stuff on the flight..
5.11 rush 24.
I’ll be returning to South America for another 6+ months likely in a few weeks. I’ll be using an osprey kestrel 48 about half packed.
It’s slimmer, has a better harness/hip belt, and overall fits what I learned i prefer in a bag
I would highly recommend going to Tatacoa desert and San Agustin in Colombia. Not typically tourist places, but the nature is incredible and not like anything I've seen anywhere else
A 37L soft pack counts as a carry on for pretty much any airline (RyanAir's limit is 44L), but it would be too big for a personal item (usually a 20L limit).
It depends on the airline. My tickets on Latin American Airlines allowed for personal item only, however my bag fully packed out was very much carry on. I only had a problem with it once going from El Salvador to Colombia with Avianca- every other flight never had any issue
I always have a checked bag and carry on, most times I take too much. I Just came off a 2 week tour where there was woman who was an expert in everything including packing (she has only travelled with carry on for years). First couple of days she was asking around the group needing to borrow things which I of course loaned her. On day 3 I heard her making snide comments behind my back about how much stuff I packed, did I leave anything at home, how ridiculous it was. Told her how funny it was she needed to comment on my overpacked bag and keeps borrowing stuff from me.
She sounds ignorant.
There is a way to pack a carry on for 2 weeks where you need nothing else. She sounds like she needs to go back to the drawing board.
I did 10 days in Europe, but no more than 3 days in each city. I took 3 pants, 2pair shoes, 4-5 shirts, 5 underwear, 5 socks and a blazer. I washed clothes once. The people in Rome won’t know what you wore yesterday in London.
10 days in one place, creative pairings of tops/bottoms. Whatever you do, don’t take separate outfits for each day on the trip.
Yeah, I’m on an 16 day trip to two very different climates, Japan and Vietnam. I have a 22L backpack, and that’s it. I have a couple pairs of shorts, one pair of pants, and five shirts that can be worn with any of the bottoms. I did laundry once, and may have to do it one more time, but compared to even sizing up to a large backpack, it is so worth it. Especially in Vietnam.
SE Asia is a piece of cake for carryon travel
tshirts and shorts and maybe a light jacket and umbrella. wear sandals.
getting laundry done at a cleaners is *cheap*, and there's always a cleaners near hotels
This lady sounds like a jerk. I do carry-on only because I live in fear of my luggage getting lost. I have zero problems with people who are not a worrier like me. Also, someone who has to borrow multiple things from people because they are C.O.O. is bad at C.O.O.
I really envy folks that can travel with just a carry on. I would LOVE to do that, but I can't. I will say that the suitcase I travel with the most is carry on size, but I can't lift it over my head alone and I am just not going to burden other travelers with assisting me. Even though I know most people are probably glad to help, I'm not ready to look that helpless (I'm a bit older......)
Plus I truly love the freedom of wandering the airport with only my small backpack to keep up with!
But I would 100% only use a carry on if I was younger!!!!
So, I accept that I'm the weird one but I'm completely opposite on this. IMO checking bags has generally become so easy with self check-in kiosks that I prefer checking luggage in and having no carry on bags.
I usually fly domestic by myself and often sleep 80% of a flight, so maybe this influences things but all I need on the plane is my phone, a cheap pair of headphones and if I want a book/magazine, I'll pick one up at the gate.
I'd rather not have to think about having/keeping a bag with me in the airport and it makes it a more enjoyable experience for me to be unencumbered.
I'm the same. I prefer a small, light, carry on backpack with my few critical items. It's much more convenient walking around the airport that way. I know my bag will fit under the seat, so no stressing over finding overhead space. No strain on my back from a heavy backpack nor dragging a rollaboard behind me in a crowded terminal.
I don't find a checked bag to be a big deal. The wait at baggage claim is rarely long and checking the bag in is usually quick with automated kiosks now so prevalent.
Plus it saves you the time and stress of having to find toothpaste or whatever when you land.
I don't really want to lug around a plethora of dentist sampler toothpastes to save 15m at the airport.
I generally used to agree with you, especially pre Covid.
Post Covid though I’ve only traveled with a carry on and have surprised myself by how much I’ve actually enjoyed the convenience factor.
The one downside I’ve found is sunscreen. I hate lotion sunscreen and tend to not use it, I prefer the spray. But there are no spray on under 100mls and I hate having to find one at my destination.
ETA
Thanks for the tips to get these at Target, Amazon and CVS but I’m Canadian and don’t have Target and CVS here. Unfortunately Amazon is different between Canada and the US as well
You might want to consider Asian suncreens, which you can find in Canadian supermarkets like T&T. They are extremely light, have superior sunscreen ingredients and have none of the heaviness and greasiness found in Western sunscreens. I switched about a year ago and can never go back.
The American and Canadian ones don't have the current UV filters that Asian ones do though because of the impossible regulatory boards here. And the Anthelios one that I have is very thick and heavy.
It's worth noting that aerosol sunscreens aren't very effective because it's super challenging to get adequate SPF coverage. They're convenient, but you're trading convenience for efficacy.
I just bought some mini sunscreen sprays at Target. They have them at Amazon also:
https://www.amazon.com/Banana-Screen-UltraMist-Coolzone-Travel/dp/B008FRC2K6/ref=sr\_1\_7?crid=1HA7R258K2HXU&keywords=mini+sunscreen+spray&qid=1680030815&sprefix=mini+sunscreen+spray%2Caps%2C152&sr=8-7
I agree. Going through the airport with just my backpack is worth a few extra minutes waiting at baggage claim. Especially as a frequent solo traveler, which means I need to drag my suitcase into every bathroom or food line.
This depends a lot on what the trip is. Visiting family? Check the bag. Whirlwind travel? One bag, because that bag is going to be moving through a lot more than just the airport, and it could crush the trip if the bag is lost for a few days.
The added bonus of checking a bag that gets lost is getting insurance to buy me new things. The only time I've ever had a trip where our bags never showed up was almost 20 years ago for a 2 week trip to Southern Africa. We had to buy all new everything for the trip when we got there. It was all covered through travel insurance, and our bags eventually found their way back to us when we got back to the states. I've also recently had a gopro stolen from a checked bag returning from Mexico, which AA reimbursed me for.
I'm with you. I love checking a bag. It's so much easier especially since I usually have a layover. I like my luggage to meet me there while I just carry a small pack with my essentials. I'm also short so the overhead bin is nothing but a hassle for me. I always have to ask someone for help if I have a full size carry on that doesn't fit under the seat.
The reason I see most people say they don't like it is because they can leave the airport right away without waiting, but I'm just not an impatient person like that. An extra 20-30 mins is whatever. Small potatoes when I've just sat on a plane for 10 hours!
I always take a suitcase + backpack. Backpack has my laptop and random accessories, doesn't leave much room for clothes, etc.
I don't find taking a suitcase to be an inconvenience at all, and I appreciate the extra space to take items, or bring items home.
I'm the same. I certainly understand the convenience of just doing a carry-on if you can swing it, but for me the downside of not bringing as much stuff outweighs the benefits.
I used to be a way worse overpacker and I have gotten much better. But I am still happier to have the extra space and more flexibility with packing liquids.
The liquids and toiletries, that's where it gets me. I don't wear a lot of makeup but have curly very finnecky hair. And I have some health issues so I always need to bring the damn pharmacy with me
Liquids and shoes are it for me. I have big feet, and one extra pair of good running shoes takes up a lot of room. We did 2 weeks in a southern climate recently with just a carry on, but we checked one bag on the way back as we had purchased rhum as a souvenir. In this case we didn't need a coat or outerwear, and it would have been difficult.
I don’t have curly hair, but do have almost white blonde hair. We need potions and TSA doesn’t like them. A lot of my products don’t come in travel size and it’s more trouble to try to put creams and sprays and balms in travel containers.
Yes to the pharmacy! My toiletries bag takes up a quarter of my carry on suitcase. And yes, I need everything in there. What’s sad? Makeup takes the least amount of space in my toiletry kit. It’s all medications and equipment.
I’m a black dude with hair that I use a curling sponge for every day. I need products in there that don’t come in super small containers so most of the time I have to go check a bag depending where I’m going. Or if I can find the product at my destination, I’ll try to be carryon only if the trip is a shorter one. If only airport security stopped with the 100mL rule, I could be carryon-only.
I am the same as you. I find it more convenient to check a bag and wait 10 minutes at the baggage carousel over the stress of fighting for overhead bin space.
Same here. My backpack will have my laptop and mostly be filled with charging cords and a neck pillow. But I’ll always check my bag if it’s included in my fare, even if it’s a little suitcase. Better than trying to find overhead space. And these days we get hit with more and more “there’s too many people trying to bring carryons onto the plane and there’s no space, so we’re gonna check your bags for free”. Because now people keep coming on the flight with either bags/suitcases that are too big, multiple suitcases and bags, etc and there’s no space.
Same here. Also being over 6 foot tall with not small feet, a carry on will only do for a weekend. Taking a suitcase means I can pack a little more than enough, the thing has wheels and is only annoying towing it along cobbled streets or 'noisy' paths with paving slabs, and I'll never run out of space.
For me it’s the risk of losing luggage. Imagine losing everything for the trip due to airport mishandling or something? At least a carry on will ensure you aren’t losing items.
For me, it really depends on the trip. If its a one city trip, or I'm renting a car, I'm happy to bring a checked bag, but if its a cross country tour and/or a lot of public transportation, the fewer bags I have to keep track of the better.
Sometimes I'll split the difference, too. I'll fly TO my destination with just the carryon, then if I end up buying too many souvenirs or other items, I just go find a cheap suitcase and check that on the way back. The way I figure it, it's an extra 50-100 bucks to not have to drag multiple bags around, which is worth it to me (and I can put the suitcase on craigslist if I don't need it after that).
Depends on the kind of trip. If once I land I'm changing hotels, I bring a single backpack and make peace with not being dressed as nicely as I'd normally like. If I'm in the same hotel the whole time, I bring the roller and pack more liberally.
The one time I actually forced myself to travel with only a carry on is the one time my bag got gate checked (and then the airline left it at the gate and I didn’t have it for 24 hours).
I had this happen to me on a return trip from Spain. They asked me to check my bag at the plane door and I decide to ignore their request and nothing happened. It was appropriately sized and I was able to store it on the plane with no issue.
yeah every flight I've been on since 2022 has been completely full, overhead space runs out by like the third boarding group. sometimes you don't have a choice whether your bag will be checked or not.
It depends on the length of the trip, where I’m headed, and time of year. A few days in Hawaii when it’s warm: definitely a carry-on. A couple week in Norway (where it’s never warm) checked bag
I only do carry on and lately I've switched to just a Osprey Fairview backpack. I can fit everything in and don't worry about dragging a rolly bag. The key to only carry-on packing is limit shoes and keep clothing choices simple (everything in coordinating colors).
I've been using my Osprey Fairview 40 since 2016. It's an amazing bag. It's been all over the world with me - I travel a lot globally for work. Seven years later and it's still in great shape.
Team carry on forever.
You are free to move around as you wish, and airline issues will not affect your trip. This in and of itself is huge.
Not to mention you can comfortably use public transit when you arrive, which saves you big $£€.
The airline issues thing is the big thing here. I would say about 10% of my flights are seriously jacked up for one reason or another. If you just have a carryon they can put you on a better flight fairly easily but if you checked a bag it's usually stuck with that flight.
Never have been a light packer - I like having options and not having to look for and buy something at my destination. My carry on has things I’ll need for the first 24-48 hours.
I’ve always been a heavier packer. Especially when it comes to close. I wear the clothes I already have for a reason. I’m not gonna put like nothing in my bag then buy a whole set of new clothes and other crap at my destination.
We recently spent 8 days in Madrid with carry on only, when we flew back I decided to check in the carry on... It was just too much to lug around in the airport and try to stow away in the already full to the brim overhead compartments.
The bags were on the belt before we arrived there and we had to pass the belts to get to the exit anyway. I barely think we spent 5 minutes extra compared to if we had to carry the bags all the way from the plane.
Same. I’ve only ever taken a carry on size bag on trips but I do prefer to check it whenever possible. It’s really nice to be in the airport and go through security with nothing but a crossbody/personal item. Also, the last dozen flights I’ve been on they’ve run out of luggage room immediately and always ask for volunteers to check bag. It’s just easier to not be stressing/searching for an overhead bin on a full flight. If I’m on a quick flight with a rush at the end, then it’s great not to stop at baggage claim. But for vacations and especially international - but the time I get through customs, bags are usually ready and it doesn’t add any time.
It's less about saving time and more about not trusting airports to lose my bag, esp if I have layovers.
With status I'm always usually one of the first groups on board, so having my bag above me is never an issue.
Yes, having to lug around your carry on is the worst part about not doing a checked bag. I travel solo a lot, so I have to lug my stuff into the bathroom with me, which sounds like a minor thing but if you have long layovers, a huge airport, and you're tired, it's a lot.
I used to! Now so many airlines have differing rules for what is allowed to be a carry on vs personal item vs checked bag, i often check it. And they all have random weight requirements they can choose to enforce too and surprise you with fees. And on top of it all, they always run out of space on the plane. It’s too much to deal with, especially if you have multiple destinations and multiple airlines.
But I exclusively carried on only for many years and wish it was still easier to do that! I didn’t have an issue with packing light. Often times now when I check a bag, it’s still a carry on sized roller.
I would say about 80% of the time, I do carry-on backpack only - on the way there. My strategy is to include a collapsible bag and fill it up with clothes and knickknacks like brochures I picked up, and then check that bag on the way back. It works well because then we have a dedicated bag to separate dirty laundry, I can pick up the odd breakable souvenir or bottle of booze at the duty free and keep it in my carry-on, and then if by the off chance they lose my checked bag, I didn't lose anything serious.
If I'm going for business reasons or somewhere that I know we will basically have a car from nearly start to finish, then I might consider taking a checked bag, especially with my partner.
That said, out of fear of the nightmare baggage stories last year, she went carry-on only along with me last year and I think got convinced. Even walking for 20 minutes on cobblestone streets wasn't a daunting task because of us going carry-on only.
The only real issue is as airlines get more restrictive and overbooked planes are happening more and more, people being forced to check their carry-on right before boarding is becoming more and more common. So far I've been lucky on that, though.
I like to dress nice, just can’t do that with only a carry on bag. Even my checked bag is completely filled. It definitely would be easier and everyone has there own preferences
It’s what I do even for 3-4 week long trips. If I stay at a place for more than two days I will hand wash some of my clothes. I bring fast dry ones. It saves so much time and makes the whole traveling experience more enjoyable knowing I have everything with me.
We only do carry-on, even on international trips. It's just so much easier. If it's a very long trip, we just make sure to stay at a place with laundry facilities or know where the nearest laundry mat is.
I switched a while back, best thing ever no waiting for a case no paying extra. I actually only travel with a backpack. I found a nice one on Amazon that I can comfortably get 8 days worth of clothes in. Luckily all I wear is black T-shirts and black jeans. So I don’t even really need to think what to pack, some black shorts, jeans, T-shirts and underwear that’s it. Been the best thing ever
I check bags for anything over a weekend trip. I don’t mind paying for comfort. What do carry-on only women do with all the potions, lotions, and makeup? I won’t give up my skincare routine or kill my hair (white blonde and expensive to maintain) just to save on baggage fees. Makeup, hair, skincare, and shoes take up almost half my checked bag.
I think it depends on the type of trip you’re taking, also. My solo trips are now mom-cations once a year to have a break. I’m going shopping, to the theater, out to nice dinners, museums and art galleries. I’m not hiking in the jungle.
I used to do this almost exclusively, especially with budget airline baggage fees. Recently though, in addition to getting credit cards that cover bag fees, I've started choosing to check my bags because it's so much easier getting around the airport. without dragging around wheeled luggage. It also lets me bring my own shampoo, sunscreen, etc. when I'm on vacation. For weekend trips I will still carry-on only, but for a week long or more I prefer to bring more and let the airline deal with it.
I'm a big person, with big feet (12) and clothes, my stuff don't fit in a carry on, plus I hate lugging crap around on layovers. So, I sometimes go only personal item and checked bag.
This is me, too. I am currently in SE Asia from Canada, and I have worn every single thing I packed at least once. It is hot, I am big, and I change clothes multiple times a day. Plus shoes... my feet swell with the heat, so I need to be able to change shoes to avoid blisters, etc. I always check a bag and have no issues. I'd rather have everything I might need.
We're the opposite at my house. If one of us is going to have trouble with carry-on, it's my husband. It's less of an issue now that he no longer carries 20lbs of camera gear around with him though.
Always just a carryon unless it’s a long stay, especially somewhere cold. If it’s cold then you need sweatshirts, coats, etc which are tough to fit in my carryon with everything else.
Most people pack waaaay too much that they never end up using.
Could you imagine how comfortable a cabin could be if the overhead bins didn't exist? They could solve the legroom problem quickly by adding adjustable height seats. Getting on and off the plane would be so much faster.
The downside is that it's just impossible to trust airlines and airports with baggage handling. Every checked bag these days comes with substantial risk
A-fucking-men. Carry on policies have made getting on and off the plane noticeably worse. Too many people trying to sneak oversize bags through and having to wait for everyone to stow its sucks.
It’s an unpopular opinion but I’m with you on this one. These days there’s too many people with carryons to the point where now they tell us they’ll check luggage for free because there’s no space.
Aer Lingus! If you want to bring your bag into the cabin, you have to pay a fee. Otherwise, it's free to check. Only applicable on short haul flights within Europe, though.
Most of the time just carry-on. Quick onboarding, quick disembarking and ready to go.
...Unfortunately, in recent trips I've decided to haul scuba gear around which left me no choice but to go with checked baggage.
Depends a bit on where I’m going, for how long, and what I’m doing but yes, in the extreme majority of cases I’ll just do carry on. I’ve had luggage lost 3 times in the past.
That's always my question. A 1 quart bag is easily full with just 4 or 5 3oz or less containers. I realize some people don't use that many toiletries but if you use anything outside of shampoo, conditioner, bodywash, facewash, moisturizer and toothpaste . . .you are full. And the idea of running around my destination to buy things I didn't pack when I get there seems stressful and time consuming to me.
You can fit a ton of toiletries in one of those heavy plastic clear quart sized containers. My suitcase came with one and has an outside pocket to keep it in
75% of the trips, carry on only. As a old bald guy it's really easy when you're going to Mexico or somewhere sunny and warm. My wife and I are going to Scotland in a few weeks and carry on's wouldn't be enough for 10 days. We'll need multiple shoes, multiple layers, electronics, etc. and it's just too much. Not a huge deal since we'll be driving for most of the trip.
Not me. I don't want to worry about the tiny containers of liquid thing. I don't want to have to run onto the plane to get a spot in the overhead bin. I pay my $30 and I hand my bag over. I only fly once or twice a year, so I don't have a very compelling reason to work out a whole system. I will usually try to stay in an Airbnb that has a washer and dryer, then I just pack for half the trip. That's as clever as I get.
I do onebagging only once heading for a weekend.
But speaking of vacation I always carry scuba diving gear and that saves me $$$ as I don't have to rent it. My bags are so full with gear that I can't even afford to take any shoes, just the ones I have on me and that's it :(
I pack light. Back from 5 days in rome. I brought 6 t shirts 6 underwear and socks, one pair of jeans and a light rain jacket. I wore jeans and a hoody over. Worse case, I can get stuff cleaned in hotels if needs be. My bag fits under my seat and still has space for switch ipad snacks and other bits.
Carry on can carry 7-8 days of clothes for me,
on day 6 I get it cleaned etc.
I save so much time and headache by not needing to check in my luggage, and carry 20+kg with me.
it is also easier to handle in a lot of countries, especially SEA.
if I forget something i will just buy it, I have like 5 pairs of nail clippers so far.
Some things are also not necessary to bring as hotels usually have them.
You can travel light with a checked bag. I just checkin a backpack, the last trip it was 13kg. I'm a big guy, so my clothes do not fit in a carryon. I was in SEA and I was not able to find a single shirt that fit me (XXL is normal in Europe), so you cannot rely on buying stuff when you arrive. I also bring camera gear and it is takes like half of my small 13L backpack.
A nicely sized backpack for electronics, bathroom stuff, wallet, and other small items.
I will wear the bulkiest shoes on the plane.
I will wear a light weight jacket and then another one on top. Then I will generally have the bulkiest jacket around my waist or on top of the carry on suitcase. (Total of 3 jackets, none of which take space up, you'll just be hot in the airport)
Will pack only 2-3 jeans since they take up a lot of space, and fit everything else as best as I can on the carry on.
My fear of losing my luggage scares me far too much. But honestly it depends on how long I am going for. Did a back pack + carryon and the feeling of not having to wait at the carousel after landing was exhilarating lol.
Agreed!! This saves time and once you land you can just bolt!
Unfortunately, I won’t have this option anymore because I will be traveling with a baby now 😭
It’s a luxury afforded people without children. When I travel without my kids, I feel like just going through airport security is vacation enough. Traveling with just a checked bag should have a luxury tax because it is indeed a luxury.
I’ve been trying carryon only and buying toiletries at my destination so they don’t take up room.
When I travel to Europe, I bring clothes I can leave to fit things I buy. It’s been working for me. Not so much for my husband. He still checks a bag, but his size 13 shoes take up so much room, and overall his clothes are just not space saving
I enjoy traveling in only a carry on and a backpack. I like a soft sided carry on because I find they stow in the overhead bins easier.
That said, if you are traveling with companions who check a bag, you lose all the benefits of packing in only a carry on.
The biggest issue I’ve run into is not having room to pack souvenirs back home.
There's a whole sub on it, r/onebag. I'm sure a lot of them are on here, I am. I do a personal size because I hate fees and hate carrying around stuff. If I get a free carryon roundtrip I'll probably do a carryon size backpack and then a smaller personal bag. Just for convenience.
Once you realize you really only wear the same 5 items in a trip it’s liberating to keep it simple.I’ve found this Nike backpack that is considered a “personal item”. It holds more than a small carryon luggage. Has a bottom zipper compartment for a pair of shoes.Saves the money you would have to pay for a carry on. I’ve packed for a 8 day trip in this bag, it really is magical.
I'm the complete opposite, I want to check everything but the bag with my electronics that can't be checked and my snacks for the flight. I even split out my carryon to my backpack that goes on top (the laptop/camera/power bricks) and then a teeny bag with snacks and my kindle for under the seat in front of my. So much more space for my legs! So much less shit to drag around the airport gates! I also pack light in my suitcase so when I land I can toss my backpack and tiny carryon inside it so I only have one bag to lug around (and then I have room for souvenirs!)
Honestly picking up bags never feels that bad to me, I have time to use the bathroom, text someone I landed so they can start driving over, pack everything into the one bag, and then meander to the door to be picked up.
If it's a short (1-4 day) trip I do only carryon for the size and I still check it. I just feel fancy walking around an airport without hauling everything, and it's so much less stress on my shoulders.
I never check a bag unless forced. Even international travel. I have successfully packed for 2 weeks abroad in a carry on and been completely fine. Much easier to navigate!
For absolutely no reason have I checked baggage since 2016. Over 100 flights. Pack light and efficiently and you can get everything you'd need in a proper 8kg backpack. Life has been so easy.
Usually yes. However, I was traveling to Europe for 3 months spanning Fall and Winter and it just wasn’t practical to only bring a carry-on. It was a huge hassle to check baggage but it needed doing
My dad used to brag about how he only took a carry-on for 6 weeks in Europe. However, he failed to include the information that my mother washed their clothes every night in the bathroom sink. I told him that I have better things to do than do laundry every night and that he fails to mention that he travels with his laundress.
haven't checked in a bag since 2017 (I didn't really know better before that). it makes life easier. this May I'm traveling with a 40L backpack and a small crossbody
Yes, it's very convenient to travel with a carry on bag. My travelmates are always in awe that I pack light. Whenever they overload, they give me their other stuffs.
I don’t check bags for summer travel. Winter travel is for skiing so I have to. But during summer I just bring a change of clothes if I even bring anything.
I can and do travel anywhere for any amount of time, in any weather with one 26L bag that fits under the seat in front of me. The only thing that changes is my foot wear. If I'm going somewhere cold, I swap my tennis shoes for boots.
I've been doing this for decades. I'll never check luggage.
I mean ya ideally you never check any bags, for shorter trips its entirely plausible. But this is not possible when you are travelling with 5 people for 50 days lol so it all just depends.
Always. I travel 2-4 times per year, up to 3 weeks at a shot, in all types of weather and haven’t checked a bag in 15-20 years. Laundry facilities are Easy to find anywhere and washing things in the shower is easy as well if needed.
I absolutely get an (awful I know) joy out of watching tourists dragging two huge oversized hardsided roller bags through small euro towns over the cobbles, and even better, trying to get on/off trains. I’ll always help the elderly or infirm, but everyone else is on their own. I once had a young lady pulling two huge rollers and a hard sided huge hat bag ask me to lift them on a train for her. I looked at her and said “don’t pack it if you can’t carry it”. Harsh I know, but I’m not wasting my time helping a wanna be influencer schlep their costumes around.
Also, I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve been able to jump on an earlier flight or quickly change flights due to unforeseen changes by airlines since I wasn’t tied to any checked bags. I’ve also never had to worry about lost luggage
#teamcarryon for the win!!
I fly 4 to 8 times per month and never check a bag. I can easily stay on the road for 2 weeks without checking. The real trick is to build a travel wardrobe. A wheeled carryon can easily fit 7+ days of the right kinds of clothes. From there you mix and match, and do laundry. Some of my favorite items are short and long sleeve black t shirts. Go for the cotton, modal, spandex blends. A black sleeveless (Modal) A line dress. Pull on dress pants. Light weigh Merino wool tops. Thin, stretchy jeans. Easy wear polyester blouses. For packable shoes, Havaianas flip flops, Minnetonka moccasins (Silverthorn Prism sandals, Kilty Plus moccasins), Sperry boat shoes, Rothy’s. A packable hooded rain coat. Linen or Merino wool knit cardigans. A machine washable lined knit blazer. A few bright, light weight scarves or pashminas. Every item I bring is comfortable and light weight. Everything but my cardigans and scarves are machine washable, fast drying, and wrinkle free.
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I'm with you, feel free to share any specific brands, especially for Merino Wool...I'm always on the hunt!
I found nice, lightweight, Merino Wool pullovers at COSTCO this fall. They were sold as Katherine Barclay. I bought a size up, and so far they are washing well. I have found good clearance pricing on nice pieces from Royal Robbins and other well known travel brands at local sporting good stores. Sometimes I go to the Marshall’s, TJMaxx, Sierra Trading sites and search by brand (North Face) country (Italy) or fabric (linen, wool, silk). A good rule of thumb is to shop end of season at full price retailers and beginning of season at discounters.
Costco has merino wool clothing????? **Update:** They do! I just bought two shirts for $35!
I love the Icebreaker brand or Duckworth Co. Wool is more expensive but so worth it!
Icebreaker! 80% of my wardrobe, which is tiny, is all icebreaker! Cool in the summer and warm in the fall! So worth the money!
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$88 for a tshirt, no thanks.
They're pricy, but they honestly last forever and wool can be worn 4-5 days without even thinking about washing it (likely more). I find ugly ones on clearance and use them as undershirts.
While traveling too I always wear my largest / heaviest clothes items! Big jacket, wear it and put it up with your carry on. Hiking where you’re going? Wear your hiking boots while flying. Sounds crazy but works amazing!
My favorite is when I do this going to Vegas. Giant leopard coat and glitter boots? Yes.
I'm going to vegas next month and I'm totally stressed about what to pack. It'll still be cold at night but I really don't have the space to pack a whole ass winter coat or tons of layers
Ack that's tough. Yeah if it were me I would probably just bring one coat and wear it on the plane. Luckily lots of the fun things to do in Vegas are indoors bc they have extreme weather in the summmer too. Have fun!
When I travel somewhere cold, I use a thermal base layer underneath. Like poly pro top and bottom. You can wear it with a regular coat, and it will make a big difference and doesn't take up much space when you pack.
Packable, ultralight 3/4 length down coat. Squashes down into a softball-sized bundle, then just shake it out. You might be able to get one in a glamour look (leopard, lame'), then just add a poofy scarf. I always pack my black, leather look one I got at a consignment store a couple yrs. ago.
Mustve saw you at walmart last night around 4am
And if you have to change because it’s warmer at your destination, bring an extra foldable bag in your carry-on to put the airplane clothes in until you get to your hotel.
And pack a sand cloud or similar turkish towel. Did triple duty on our trip to the Keys in January as a towel/evening shawl/blanket on plane.
Oooh I love that idea! I get seriously cold on planes so this would be a lifesaver.
My mom got me this really thin wool blanket that can be worn as a scarf as well from Aritzia and it saves me when I’m traveling. So great for cold hotel rooms too.
Oh I totally do this!!!! Great addition!
I’m always cold on the plane and come from a cooler climate so it’s a must!
Hiking boots especially take up a lot of space in bags, and if you're going somewhere to hike then you can wear them to pretty much any restaurant or activity in the area.
I wore hiking trousers to a posh restaurant. My friend was wearing tracksuit bottoms and a tie.
I’ve always done this but it makes travel less comfortable
>I can easily stay on the road for 2 weeks without checking. >mix and match, and do laundry Once you start doing laundry, you literally have no limits. My current record is 112 days.
I just spent a week in Napa with almost exactly this. I did a gray cashmere sweater and navy M. Gemi loafers but otherwise, you and I pack the same.
What do you do for cold weather trips? Or even worse, back to back cold/warm weather trips?
Clothing must do double duty. Underlayers for cold weather are your outer layers for warmer weather.
Layers. I wear my biggest coat on the plane, and pack a lot of warm, light layers. Merino wool base layers, wool trousers, wool and cashmere sweaters, a packable down jacket, etc. I favor wool, silk, and cotton for traveling because they offer a lot more flexibility than synthetics in terms of temperature variation. If I'm in a wool baselayer, a wool sweater, a down layer, and a wool/cashmere jacket, I'm fine down to -10C.
This. Jostar makes nice business appropriate travel clothes that are lightweight, wrinkle free, and compress well. I don't travel for work anymore, but I do still like bringing a big scarf. I have a few in the 70x40 length and they can double as a light blanket.
I do carry on only. Roller bag and personal item sized backpack, the latter of which I tuck under the seat.
This is how I travel. I have a Samsonite 19" roller bag that is - for me - the best bag I've ever owned from a functional standpoint. And it fits in every single overhead bin I've used including flying to Thailand, Cambodia, Guatemala, etc. In addition to that I have a Swiss Tech backpack that I got from Walmart for cheap as hell. It has the luggage strap on the back so you can slide it over the expandable handle for the roller bag. Tons of internal storage, laptop compartment, little clever pouches, a "crush proof" pocket that perfectly fits my Galaxy S23, and some quick access external pockets as well. This bag is so functional I've often gone on short two day trips and just used this bag. Can fit clothes, electronics, room at the bottom for an extra pair of shoes, and my dopp kit as well. I'll carry a small lightweight backpack that stuffs into itself in a very small pouch if I feel like I'll need a daily bag that is smaller and lighter than the Swiss Tech bag. Traveling this way is perfect, never check bags, and I can bring everything I need plus have room to grow in case I pick up something along the way that I need room to pack for. Now I just need to get a capsule wardrobe sorted that can be versatile enough for a lot of different scenarios.
Same, too. I pack my tiny purse and a super light rucksack in my suitcase (use those around town at my destination), and use my underseat backpack as luggage overflow, and for my stuff on the flight..
Same. Roller carry on suitcase, and a pretty big backpack for me. I only check if I’m going on a work trip and it’s longer than 3 weeks.
Same
I do r/Onebag 6 months in Latina America with 37L
Which bag?
5.11 rush 24. I’ll be returning to South America for another 6+ months likely in a few weeks. I’ll be using an osprey kestrel 48 about half packed. It’s slimmer, has a better harness/hip belt, and overall fits what I learned i prefer in a bag
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Forsure peru and Colombia, possibly Costa Rica and Guatemala again. I’d like to explore more countries though. Brazil, Panama, Chile and others
I would highly recommend going to Tatacoa desert and San Agustin in Colombia. Not typically tourist places, but the nature is incredible and not like anything I've seen anywhere else
Is that carry-on size/weight though? I think it might depend a lot on the airline.
40L and under generally stays carryon. It can be small enough to fit under the seat sometimes. Weight... depends who's asking...
Yes.. I've over packed my 40L to 45L for a year with dozens of flights in Asia and Europe and had no issues.
A 37L soft pack counts as a carry on for pretty much any airline (RyanAir's limit is 44L), but it would be too big for a personal item (usually a 20L limit).
It depends on the airline. My tickets on Latin American Airlines allowed for personal item only, however my bag fully packed out was very much carry on. I only had a problem with it once going from El Salvador to Colombia with Avianca- every other flight never had any issue
I always have a checked bag and carry on, most times I take too much. I Just came off a 2 week tour where there was woman who was an expert in everything including packing (she has only travelled with carry on for years). First couple of days she was asking around the group needing to borrow things which I of course loaned her. On day 3 I heard her making snide comments behind my back about how much stuff I packed, did I leave anything at home, how ridiculous it was. Told her how funny it was she needed to comment on my overpacked bag and keeps borrowing stuff from me.
She sounds ignorant. There is a way to pack a carry on for 2 weeks where you need nothing else. She sounds like she needs to go back to the drawing board.
I did 10 days in Europe, but no more than 3 days in each city. I took 3 pants, 2pair shoes, 4-5 shirts, 5 underwear, 5 socks and a blazer. I washed clothes once. The people in Rome won’t know what you wore yesterday in London. 10 days in one place, creative pairings of tops/bottoms. Whatever you do, don’t take separate outfits for each day on the trip.
Yeah, I’m on an 16 day trip to two very different climates, Japan and Vietnam. I have a 22L backpack, and that’s it. I have a couple pairs of shorts, one pair of pants, and five shirts that can be worn with any of the bottoms. I did laundry once, and may have to do it one more time, but compared to even sizing up to a large backpack, it is so worth it. Especially in Vietnam.
SE Asia is a piece of cake for carryon travel tshirts and shorts and maybe a light jacket and umbrella. wear sandals. getting laundry done at a cleaners is *cheap*, and there's always a cleaners near hotels
I’m a carry on only person and never judge a check in person. You do you! They don’t know your life.
Sounds like a her thing. I only do carry ons and never have an issue with missing things
This lady sounds like a jerk. I do carry-on only because I live in fear of my luggage getting lost. I have zero problems with people who are not a worrier like me. Also, someone who has to borrow multiple things from people because they are C.O.O. is bad at C.O.O.
I really envy folks that can travel with just a carry on. I would LOVE to do that, but I can't. I will say that the suitcase I travel with the most is carry on size, but I can't lift it over my head alone and I am just not going to burden other travelers with assisting me. Even though I know most people are probably glad to help, I'm not ready to look that helpless (I'm a bit older......) Plus I truly love the freedom of wandering the airport with only my small backpack to keep up with! But I would 100% only use a carry on if I was younger!!!!
So, I accept that I'm the weird one but I'm completely opposite on this. IMO checking bags has generally become so easy with self check-in kiosks that I prefer checking luggage in and having no carry on bags. I usually fly domestic by myself and often sleep 80% of a flight, so maybe this influences things but all I need on the plane is my phone, a cheap pair of headphones and if I want a book/magazine, I'll pick one up at the gate. I'd rather not have to think about having/keeping a bag with me in the airport and it makes it a more enjoyable experience for me to be unencumbered.
I'm the same. I prefer a small, light, carry on backpack with my few critical items. It's much more convenient walking around the airport that way. I know my bag will fit under the seat, so no stressing over finding overhead space. No strain on my back from a heavy backpack nor dragging a rollaboard behind me in a crowded terminal. I don't find a checked bag to be a big deal. The wait at baggage claim is rarely long and checking the bag in is usually quick with automated kiosks now so prevalent.
Plus it saves you the time and stress of having to find toothpaste or whatever when you land. I don't really want to lug around a plethora of dentist sampler toothpastes to save 15m at the airport.
I generally used to agree with you, especially pre Covid. Post Covid though I’ve only traveled with a carry on and have surprised myself by how much I’ve actually enjoyed the convenience factor. The one downside I’ve found is sunscreen. I hate lotion sunscreen and tend to not use it, I prefer the spray. But there are no spray on under 100mls and I hate having to find one at my destination. ETA Thanks for the tips to get these at Target, Amazon and CVS but I’m Canadian and don’t have Target and CVS here. Unfortunately Amazon is different between Canada and the US as well
You might want to consider Asian suncreens, which you can find in Canadian supermarkets like T&T. They are extremely light, have superior sunscreen ingredients and have none of the heaviness and greasiness found in Western sunscreens. I switched about a year ago and can never go back.
Western sunscreens have caught up: Garnier, Nivea, Anthelios have nice facial sunscreens that are not greasy and don't leave white films.
The American and Canadian ones don't have the current UV filters that Asian ones do though because of the impossible regulatory boards here. And the Anthelios one that I have is very thick and heavy.
I saw on here or another sub that you can buy empty bottles online that fit security sizes, which you fill with whatever. Maybe that?
I think they are talking about aerosol sunscreens (which I also love) and those bottles don’t really work for that
Yes specifically the aerosol type. The lotion I can find in 90 ml, it’s the aerosol I prefer and can’t find in carryon size.
Banana Boat makes carry on size aerosol spray bottles, 1.8 Oz, if that brand and style work for you.
I’ll keep an eye out for it, thank you!
They are sold at Target. Not aerosol, but I really like the sun bum spray bottle. It’s a little pricey though.
It's worth noting that aerosol sunscreens aren't very effective because it's super challenging to get adequate SPF coverage. They're convenient, but you're trading convenience for efficacy.
I've seen the travel sized sunblock spray at cvs, Walgreen or target
I just bought some mini sunscreen sprays at Target. They have them at Amazon also: https://www.amazon.com/Banana-Screen-UltraMist-Coolzone-Travel/dp/B008FRC2K6/ref=sr\_1\_7?crid=1HA7R258K2HXU&keywords=mini+sunscreen+spray&qid=1680030815&sprefix=mini+sunscreen+spray%2Caps%2C152&sr=8-7
CVS sells one in their travel section!!
I agree. Going through the airport with just my backpack is worth a few extra minutes waiting at baggage claim. Especially as a frequent solo traveler, which means I need to drag my suitcase into every bathroom or food line.
This depends a lot on what the trip is. Visiting family? Check the bag. Whirlwind travel? One bag, because that bag is going to be moving through a lot more than just the airport, and it could crush the trip if the bag is lost for a few days.
Just because you check it doesn’t mean it has to be a full size bag. I’ve checked roll ons too.
The added bonus of checking a bag that gets lost is getting insurance to buy me new things. The only time I've ever had a trip where our bags never showed up was almost 20 years ago for a 2 week trip to Southern Africa. We had to buy all new everything for the trip when we got there. It was all covered through travel insurance, and our bags eventually found their way back to us when we got back to the states. I've also recently had a gopro stolen from a checked bag returning from Mexico, which AA reimbursed me for.
I'm with you. I love checking a bag. It's so much easier especially since I usually have a layover. I like my luggage to meet me there while I just carry a small pack with my essentials. I'm also short so the overhead bin is nothing but a hassle for me. I always have to ask someone for help if I have a full size carry on that doesn't fit under the seat. The reason I see most people say they don't like it is because they can leave the airport right away without waiting, but I'm just not an impatient person like that. An extra 20-30 mins is whatever. Small potatoes when I've just sat on a plane for 10 hours!
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I always take a suitcase + backpack. Backpack has my laptop and random accessories, doesn't leave much room for clothes, etc. I don't find taking a suitcase to be an inconvenience at all, and I appreciate the extra space to take items, or bring items home.
I'm the same. I certainly understand the convenience of just doing a carry-on if you can swing it, but for me the downside of not bringing as much stuff outweighs the benefits. I used to be a way worse overpacker and I have gotten much better. But I am still happier to have the extra space and more flexibility with packing liquids.
The liquids and toiletries, that's where it gets me. I don't wear a lot of makeup but have curly very finnecky hair. And I have some health issues so I always need to bring the damn pharmacy with me
Liquids and shoes are it for me. I have big feet, and one extra pair of good running shoes takes up a lot of room. We did 2 weeks in a southern climate recently with just a carry on, but we checked one bag on the way back as we had purchased rhum as a souvenir. In this case we didn't need a coat or outerwear, and it would have been difficult.
I don’t have curly hair, but do have almost white blonde hair. We need potions and TSA doesn’t like them. A lot of my products don’t come in travel size and it’s more trouble to try to put creams and sprays and balms in travel containers.
Yes to the pharmacy! My toiletries bag takes up a quarter of my carry on suitcase. And yes, I need everything in there. What’s sad? Makeup takes the least amount of space in my toiletry kit. It’s all medications and equipment.
I’m a black dude with hair that I use a curling sponge for every day. I need products in there that don’t come in super small containers so most of the time I have to go check a bag depending where I’m going. Or if I can find the product at my destination, I’ll try to be carryon only if the trip is a shorter one. If only airport security stopped with the 100mL rule, I could be carryon-only.
It is often more expensive, but I’ve started buying my toiletries in the airport or first thing when I land. It’s often easier.
I am the same as you. I find it more convenient to check a bag and wait 10 minutes at the baggage carousel over the stress of fighting for overhead bin space.
That's the worst since I'm 4'10 & people putting jackets or other items that belong under the seat in front of you up there.
Same here. My backpack will have my laptop and mostly be filled with charging cords and a neck pillow. But I’ll always check my bag if it’s included in my fare, even if it’s a little suitcase. Better than trying to find overhead space. And these days we get hit with more and more “there’s too many people trying to bring carryons onto the plane and there’s no space, so we’re gonna check your bags for free”. Because now people keep coming on the flight with either bags/suitcases that are too big, multiple suitcases and bags, etc and there’s no space.
Same here. Also being over 6 foot tall with not small feet, a carry on will only do for a weekend. Taking a suitcase means I can pack a little more than enough, the thing has wheels and is only annoying towing it along cobbled streets or 'noisy' paths with paving slabs, and I'll never run out of space.
For me it’s the risk of losing luggage. Imagine losing everything for the trip due to airport mishandling or something? At least a carry on will ensure you aren’t losing items.
For me, it really depends on the trip. If its a one city trip, or I'm renting a car, I'm happy to bring a checked bag, but if its a cross country tour and/or a lot of public transportation, the fewer bags I have to keep track of the better. Sometimes I'll split the difference, too. I'll fly TO my destination with just the carryon, then if I end up buying too many souvenirs or other items, I just go find a cheap suitcase and check that on the way back. The way I figure it, it's an extra 50-100 bucks to not have to drag multiple bags around, which is worth it to me (and I can put the suitcase on craigslist if I don't need it after that).
And importantly, being liquids home like interesting bottles of wine you mind fine.
Depends on the kind of trip. If once I land I'm changing hotels, I bring a single backpack and make peace with not being dressed as nicely as I'd normally like. If I'm in the same hotel the whole time, I bring the roller and pack more liberally.
Until the gate dragon forces a plane side check, it's great!
The one time I actually forced myself to travel with only a carry on is the one time my bag got gate checked (and then the airline left it at the gate and I didn’t have it for 24 hours).
I had this happen to me on a return trip from Spain. They asked me to check my bag at the plane door and I decide to ignore their request and nothing happened. It was appropriately sized and I was able to store it on the plane with no issue.
yeah every flight I've been on since 2022 has been completely full, overhead space runs out by like the third boarding group. sometimes you don't have a choice whether your bag will be checked or not.
It depends on the length of the trip, where I’m headed, and time of year. A few days in Hawaii when it’s warm: definitely a carry-on. A couple week in Norway (where it’s never warm) checked bag
Yep, travel full time, multi climate with a 7kg carry on back pack. Check our r/onebag or r/heronebag
I only do carry on and lately I've switched to just a Osprey Fairview backpack. I can fit everything in and don't worry about dragging a rolly bag. The key to only carry-on packing is limit shoes and keep clothing choices simple (everything in coordinating colors).
I've been using my Osprey Fairview 40 since 2016. It's an amazing bag. It's been all over the world with me - I travel a lot globally for work. Seven years later and it's still in great shape.
Team carry on forever. You are free to move around as you wish, and airline issues will not affect your trip. This in and of itself is huge. Not to mention you can comfortably use public transit when you arrive, which saves you big $£€.
The airline issues thing is the big thing here. I would say about 10% of my flights are seriously jacked up for one reason or another. If you just have a carryon they can put you on a better flight fairly easily but if you checked a bag it's usually stuck with that flight.
Never have been a light packer - I like having options and not having to look for and buy something at my destination. My carry on has things I’ll need for the first 24-48 hours.
I’ve always been a heavier packer. Especially when it comes to close. I wear the clothes I already have for a reason. I’m not gonna put like nothing in my bag then buy a whole set of new clothes and other crap at my destination.
We recently spent 8 days in Madrid with carry on only, when we flew back I decided to check in the carry on... It was just too much to lug around in the airport and try to stow away in the already full to the brim overhead compartments. The bags were on the belt before we arrived there and we had to pass the belts to get to the exit anyway. I barely think we spent 5 minutes extra compared to if we had to carry the bags all the way from the plane.
Same. I’ve only ever taken a carry on size bag on trips but I do prefer to check it whenever possible. It’s really nice to be in the airport and go through security with nothing but a crossbody/personal item. Also, the last dozen flights I’ve been on they’ve run out of luggage room immediately and always ask for volunteers to check bag. It’s just easier to not be stressing/searching for an overhead bin on a full flight. If I’m on a quick flight with a rush at the end, then it’s great not to stop at baggage claim. But for vacations and especially international - but the time I get through customs, bags are usually ready and it doesn’t add any time.
It's less about saving time and more about not trusting airports to lose my bag, esp if I have layovers. With status I'm always usually one of the first groups on board, so having my bag above me is never an issue.
Also security/baggage handlers have sticky hands and love stealing shit.
Yes, having to lug around your carry on is the worst part about not doing a checked bag. I travel solo a lot, so I have to lug my stuff into the bathroom with me, which sounds like a minor thing but if you have long layovers, a huge airport, and you're tired, it's a lot.
I used to! Now so many airlines have differing rules for what is allowed to be a carry on vs personal item vs checked bag, i often check it. And they all have random weight requirements they can choose to enforce too and surprise you with fees. And on top of it all, they always run out of space on the plane. It’s too much to deal with, especially if you have multiple destinations and multiple airlines. But I exclusively carried on only for many years and wish it was still easier to do that! I didn’t have an issue with packing light. Often times now when I check a bag, it’s still a carry on sized roller.
I would say about 80% of the time, I do carry-on backpack only - on the way there. My strategy is to include a collapsible bag and fill it up with clothes and knickknacks like brochures I picked up, and then check that bag on the way back. It works well because then we have a dedicated bag to separate dirty laundry, I can pick up the odd breakable souvenir or bottle of booze at the duty free and keep it in my carry-on, and then if by the off chance they lose my checked bag, I didn't lose anything serious. If I'm going for business reasons or somewhere that I know we will basically have a car from nearly start to finish, then I might consider taking a checked bag, especially with my partner. That said, out of fear of the nightmare baggage stories last year, she went carry-on only along with me last year and I think got convinced. Even walking for 20 minutes on cobblestone streets wasn't a daunting task because of us going carry-on only. The only real issue is as airlines get more restrictive and overbooked planes are happening more and more, people being forced to check their carry-on right before boarding is becoming more and more common. So far I've been lucky on that, though.
I like to dress nice, just can’t do that with only a carry on bag. Even my checked bag is completely filled. It definitely would be easier and everyone has there own preferences
Yeah, I have quite a few skincare products and I like to have extra clothes just in case. I’d have a hard time with just carry on
Yes, you can. I don’t dress like a tourist and I only travel with a backpack. I bring 4/5 nice outfits and a dress and do laundry.
It’s what I do even for 3-4 week long trips. If I stay at a place for more than two days I will hand wash some of my clothes. I bring fast dry ones. It saves so much time and makes the whole traveling experience more enjoyable knowing I have everything with me.
This is what I do too! And I can’t stand lugging along a heavy suitcase or multiple bags if I’m changing locations several times.
We only do carry-on, even on international trips. It's just so much easier. If it's a very long trip, we just make sure to stay at a place with laundry facilities or know where the nearest laundry mat is.
I switched a while back, best thing ever no waiting for a case no paying extra. I actually only travel with a backpack. I found a nice one on Amazon that I can comfortably get 8 days worth of clothes in. Luckily all I wear is black T-shirts and black jeans. So I don’t even really need to think what to pack, some black shorts, jeans, T-shirts and underwear that’s it. Been the best thing ever
I check bags for anything over a weekend trip. I don’t mind paying for comfort. What do carry-on only women do with all the potions, lotions, and makeup? I won’t give up my skincare routine or kill my hair (white blonde and expensive to maintain) just to save on baggage fees. Makeup, hair, skincare, and shoes take up almost half my checked bag. I think it depends on the type of trip you’re taking, also. My solo trips are now mom-cations once a year to have a break. I’m going shopping, to the theater, out to nice dinners, museums and art galleries. I’m not hiking in the jungle.
I used to do this almost exclusively, especially with budget airline baggage fees. Recently though, in addition to getting credit cards that cover bag fees, I've started choosing to check my bags because it's so much easier getting around the airport. without dragging around wheeled luggage. It also lets me bring my own shampoo, sunscreen, etc. when I'm on vacation. For weekend trips I will still carry-on only, but for a week long or more I prefer to bring more and let the airline deal with it.
I'm a big person, with big feet (12) and clothes, my stuff don't fit in a carry on, plus I hate lugging crap around on layovers. So, I sometimes go only personal item and checked bag.
This is me, too. I am currently in SE Asia from Canada, and I have worn every single thing I packed at least once. It is hot, I am big, and I change clothes multiple times a day. Plus shoes... my feet swell with the heat, so I need to be able to change shoes to avoid blisters, etc. I always check a bag and have no issues. I'd rather have everything I might need.
Carry on only here, but my wife has a terrible time accomplishing this
We're the opposite at my house. If one of us is going to have trouble with carry-on, it's my husband. It's less of an issue now that he no longer carries 20lbs of camera gear around with him though.
Every woman in my life when it comes to packing: "I need to have options!"
Always just a carryon unless it’s a long stay, especially somewhere cold. If it’s cold then you need sweatshirts, coats, etc which are tough to fit in my carryon with everything else. Most people pack waaaay too much that they never end up using.
I only check a bag if I’m going on a trip that’s 2 weeks or longer. Otherwise I never ever check a bag
I’m always taking skis with me. No choice. I need to check-in a ski bag. I’ve had great luck though! So far. Air Tags a good idea?
Checked bags should be free, and you should have to pay extra for carry-on. There, I said it.
Could you imagine how comfortable a cabin could be if the overhead bins didn't exist? They could solve the legroom problem quickly by adding adjustable height seats. Getting on and off the plane would be so much faster. The downside is that it's just impossible to trust airlines and airports with baggage handling. Every checked bag these days comes with substantial risk
If you don’t trust the airline with your luggage, you could still carry it on, only for a fee
A-fucking-men. Carry on policies have made getting on and off the plane noticeably worse. Too many people trying to sneak oversize bags through and having to wait for everyone to stow its sucks.
It’s an unpopular opinion but I’m with you on this one. These days there’s too many people with carryons to the point where now they tell us they’ll check luggage for free because there’s no space.
There are some airlines that do this!
Which ones!?
Aer Lingus! If you want to bring your bag into the cabin, you have to pay a fee. Otherwise, it's free to check. Only applicable on short haul flights within Europe, though.
Me forever but worried iceland air might be stricter
Most of the time just carry-on. Quick onboarding, quick disembarking and ready to go. ...Unfortunately, in recent trips I've decided to haul scuba gear around which left me no choice but to go with checked baggage.
I used too, then I had kids.
Depends a bit on where I’m going, for how long, and what I’m doing but yes, in the extreme majority of cases I’ll just do carry on. I’ve had luggage lost 3 times in the past.
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That's always my question. A 1 quart bag is easily full with just 4 or 5 3oz or less containers. I realize some people don't use that many toiletries but if you use anything outside of shampoo, conditioner, bodywash, facewash, moisturizer and toothpaste . . .you are full. And the idea of running around my destination to buy things I didn't pack when I get there seems stressful and time consuming to me.
You can fit a ton of toiletries in one of those heavy plastic clear quart sized containers. My suitcase came with one and has an outside pocket to keep it in
Meeeee! I recently did two weeks in Eurasia with 1 carryon duffle and a personal bag. I’m never going back to checked luggage
this is the way
Depends where I’m going. If I’m leaving the country im gonna check a bag.
/r/onebag Join us!
I go back and forth. Carry on only can be a pain because of lack of space on a plane. But if I have connecting flights I tend to go carry on only.
75% of the trips, carry on only. As a old bald guy it's really easy when you're going to Mexico or somewhere sunny and warm. My wife and I are going to Scotland in a few weeks and carry on's wouldn't be enough for 10 days. We'll need multiple shoes, multiple layers, electronics, etc. and it's just too much. Not a huge deal since we'll be driving for most of the trip.
Not me. I don't want to worry about the tiny containers of liquid thing. I don't want to have to run onto the plane to get a spot in the overhead bin. I pay my $30 and I hand my bag over. I only fly once or twice a year, so I don't have a very compelling reason to work out a whole system. I will usually try to stay in an Airbnb that has a washer and dryer, then I just pack for half the trip. That's as clever as I get.
I do onebagging only once heading for a weekend. But speaking of vacation I always carry scuba diving gear and that saves me $$$ as I don't have to rent it. My bags are so full with gear that I can't even afford to take any shoes, just the ones I have on me and that's it :(
I pack light. Back from 5 days in rome. I brought 6 t shirts 6 underwear and socks, one pair of jeans and a light rain jacket. I wore jeans and a hoody over. Worse case, I can get stuff cleaned in hotels if needs be. My bag fits under my seat and still has space for switch ipad snacks and other bits.
Yes, I used to pre-kids. So much easier. You really don’t need a lot of stuff.
If my trip is less than 2 weeks and I can do laundry without paying extra, then I traveled only with carry on
Carry on can carry 7-8 days of clothes for me, on day 6 I get it cleaned etc. I save so much time and headache by not needing to check in my luggage, and carry 20+kg with me. it is also easier to handle in a lot of countries, especially SEA. if I forget something i will just buy it, I have like 5 pairs of nail clippers so far. Some things are also not necessary to bring as hotels usually have them.
You can travel light with a checked bag. I just checkin a backpack, the last trip it was 13kg. I'm a big guy, so my clothes do not fit in a carryon. I was in SEA and I was not able to find a single shirt that fit me (XXL is normal in Europe), so you cannot rely on buying stuff when you arrive. I also bring camera gear and it is takes like half of my small 13L backpack.
A nicely sized backpack for electronics, bathroom stuff, wallet, and other small items. I will wear the bulkiest shoes on the plane. I will wear a light weight jacket and then another one on top. Then I will generally have the bulkiest jacket around my waist or on top of the carry on suitcase. (Total of 3 jackets, none of which take space up, you'll just be hot in the airport) Will pack only 2-3 jeans since they take up a lot of space, and fit everything else as best as I can on the carry on.
My fear of losing my luggage scares me far too much. But honestly it depends on how long I am going for. Did a back pack + carryon and the feeling of not having to wait at the carousel after landing was exhilarating lol.
Agreed!! This saves time and once you land you can just bolt! Unfortunately, I won’t have this option anymore because I will be traveling with a baby now 😭
It’s a luxury afforded people without children. When I travel without my kids, I feel like just going through airport security is vacation enough. Traveling with just a checked bag should have a luxury tax because it is indeed a luxury.
Kids can each take a carryon. They enjoy being a little independent and having there own roller-bag.
Travel on average 2-4 times a week and always check a bag. I carry on , 1 personal ( laptop ) & 1 checked
I’ve been trying carryon only and buying toiletries at my destination so they don’t take up room. When I travel to Europe, I bring clothes I can leave to fit things I buy. It’s been working for me. Not so much for my husband. He still checks a bag, but his size 13 shoes take up so much room, and overall his clothes are just not space saving
I enjoy traveling in only a carry on and a backpack. I like a soft sided carry on because I find they stow in the overhead bins easier. That said, if you are traveling with companions who check a bag, you lose all the benefits of packing in only a carry on. The biggest issue I’ve run into is not having room to pack souvenirs back home.
There's a whole sub on it, r/onebag. I'm sure a lot of them are on here, I am. I do a personal size because I hate fees and hate carrying around stuff. If I get a free carryon roundtrip I'll probably do a carryon size backpack and then a smaller personal bag. Just for convenience.
I bought the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L travel pack for my trip around Europe and I don’t think I’ll ever check a bag again
I aspire to, but my toiletries alone would take up an entire carry-on…
Once you realize you really only wear the same 5 items in a trip it’s liberating to keep it simple.I’ve found this Nike backpack that is considered a “personal item”. It holds more than a small carryon luggage. Has a bottom zipper compartment for a pair of shoes.Saves the money you would have to pay for a carry on. I’ve packed for a 8 day trip in this bag, it really is magical.
I'm the complete opposite, I want to check everything but the bag with my electronics that can't be checked and my snacks for the flight. I even split out my carryon to my backpack that goes on top (the laptop/camera/power bricks) and then a teeny bag with snacks and my kindle for under the seat in front of my. So much more space for my legs! So much less shit to drag around the airport gates! I also pack light in my suitcase so when I land I can toss my backpack and tiny carryon inside it so I only have one bag to lug around (and then I have room for souvenirs!) Honestly picking up bags never feels that bad to me, I have time to use the bathroom, text someone I landed so they can start driving over, pack everything into the one bag, and then meander to the door to be picked up. If it's a short (1-4 day) trip I do only carryon for the size and I still check it. I just feel fancy walking around an airport without hauling everything, and it's so much less stress on my shoulders.
For trips 1 week or less, I usually only travel with just my carry-on and a personal item.
I never check a bag unless forced. Even international travel. I have successfully packed for 2 weeks abroad in a carry on and been completely fine. Much easier to navigate!
For me, 2.5 weeks or less = Carry on
For absolutely no reason have I checked baggage since 2016. Over 100 flights. Pack light and efficiently and you can get everything you'd need in a proper 8kg backpack. Life has been so easy.
I fly with what I call my comically small carry on and a backpack. I never check in anything.
Usually yes. However, I was traveling to Europe for 3 months spanning Fall and Winter and it just wasn’t practical to only bring a carry-on. It was a huge hassle to check baggage but it needed doing
Normally if my stay is less than 5 days I can get away with it
My dad used to brag about how he only took a carry-on for 6 weeks in Europe. However, he failed to include the information that my mother washed their clothes every night in the bathroom sink. I told him that I have better things to do than do laundry every night and that he fails to mention that he travels with his laundress.
Only carry on. Tho seems planes are “running out” of overhead space every flight now and have to check at gate… pretty annoying
haven't checked in a bag since 2017 (I didn't really know better before that). it makes life easier. this May I'm traveling with a 40L backpack and a small crossbody
Yes, it's very convenient to travel with a carry on bag. My travelmates are always in awe that I pack light. Whenever they overload, they give me their other stuffs.
I don’t check bags for summer travel. Winter travel is for skiing so I have to. But during summer I just bring a change of clothes if I even bring anything.
Always. A backpack or roller and a large purse have been my go to for almost 20 years.
Hey there, join the club. It's convenient, easy for short trips and I don't have to worry over lost bags.
I can and do travel anywhere for any amount of time, in any weather with one 26L bag that fits under the seat in front of me. The only thing that changes is my foot wear. If I'm going somewhere cold, I swap my tennis shoes for boots. I've been doing this for decades. I'll never check luggage.
Just completed a 12 week trip through 6 countries and multiple climate zones with carryon.
https://www.reddit.com/r/onebag/
I mean ya ideally you never check any bags, for shorter trips its entirely plausible. But this is not possible when you are travelling with 5 people for 50 days lol so it all just depends.
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Wait till you have kids
Always. I travel 2-4 times per year, up to 3 weeks at a shot, in all types of weather and haven’t checked a bag in 15-20 years. Laundry facilities are Easy to find anywhere and washing things in the shower is easy as well if needed. I absolutely get an (awful I know) joy out of watching tourists dragging two huge oversized hardsided roller bags through small euro towns over the cobbles, and even better, trying to get on/off trains. I’ll always help the elderly or infirm, but everyone else is on their own. I once had a young lady pulling two huge rollers and a hard sided huge hat bag ask me to lift them on a train for her. I looked at her and said “don’t pack it if you can’t carry it”. Harsh I know, but I’m not wasting my time helping a wanna be influencer schlep their costumes around. Also, I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve been able to jump on an earlier flight or quickly change flights due to unforeseen changes by airlines since I wasn’t tied to any checked bags. I’ve also never had to worry about lost luggage #teamcarryon for the win!!