Should You Use Checked Luggage or Carry-On Luggage?
For most trips under a month, carry-on luggage wins: no bag fees, no lost luggage risk, and you’re out of the airport faster. But for full-time travel, winter or multi-season trips, gear-heavy adventures, or any journey where you genuinely need the space, checked luggage is the smarter, saner choice.
Context: I’ve been traveling as a lifestyle for over 20 years. The first 12 of those years were full-time travel with no home base. Even with a home base, my trips continue to average many months at a time.
I started with checked luggage (as one does), and traveled that way for eight years. Then after much paring down, for two whole years of full-time travel, I proudly toted everything I owned around the world in a carry-on bag. Since then, I’ve flipped back and forth between checked luggage and carry-on luggage, depending on the trip. But for the last eight years, I almost always travel with carry-on luggage only.
- Years 1-8: checked luggage
- Years 9-10: carry-on only
- Years 11-12: mixed
- Last 8+ years: mostly carry-on
Here are the pros and cons of checked vs. carry-on luggage, along with some criteria to help you make the best decision for your own travel needs.
NOTE: My luggage suggestions in this post have not been influenced in any way; in most cases I purchased all luggage on my own (unless I mention otherwise), and any luggage suggestions that I have not owned personally have been road-tested and endorsed by friends and colleagues.
If you click any of the luggage links in this post, I will earn a small commission for your subsequent purchase; your own price is not affected, and I thank you in advance for supporting The Professional Hobo this way.
Checked Luggage vs Carry-On: Size and Weight Rules at a Glance
One of the most Googled questions on this topic is simple: what are the actual size and weight limits? Here’s a no-nonsense breakdown.
- Carry-on size:Ā The standard maximum for most major airlines is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including wheels and handles. Budget and regional carriers can be significantly stricter, sometimes as small as 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Always check your specific airline before you pack.
- Carry-on weight:Ā This varies wildly. Most US carriers (Delta, United, American) don’t enforce a carry-on weight limit at the gate. But budget carriers and many international airlines cap carry-on weight at 15-22 lbs (7-10 kg). Some European budget airlines set it as low as 5 kg (11 lbs) on certain routes. Even larger airlines like Lufthansa and Turkish airlines have carry-on weight limits set at 8kg (15lbs) on some routes. This is exactly where carry-on-only travelers get caught out, often at the worst possible moment.
- Checked bag size:Ā Most airlines allow checked bags up to 62 linear inches (length + width + height combined), which works out to roughly 27-29 inches on a typical rolling case.
- Checked bag weight:Ā The standard limit on most airlines is 50 lbs (23 kg) for economy class. Some airlines allow 70 lbs (32 kg) on international routes or in premium cabins. Overweight fees kick in fast and hurt.
- Personal item:Ā Almost every airline allows one personal item in addition to your carry-on, free of charge. A personal item must fit under the seat in front of you, typically 18 x 14 x 8 inches or smaller. A small backpack, tote, or laptop bag qualifies. This is a separate allowance from your carry-on and is a useful extra slot whether you check a bag or not.
How Much Does Checking a Bag Actually Cost?
The fee gap between carry-on and checked luggage has widened considerably, and not in the traveler’s favor. Here’s a realistic picture for 2026.
- Domestic US flights:Ā Most major carriers charge $35-$40 for a first checked bag each way. A round trip with one checked bag typically runs $70-$80. Add a second bag and you’re often paying $45-$50 each way on top of that.
- Budget US carriers:Ā Frontier charges some of the highest bag fees in the industry. First checked bag fees can hit $79 or more each way if you pay at the gate rather than online in advance.
- International flights:Ā Many long-haul international fares still include one free checked bag, especially in premium economy and business. But super basic economy fares on transatlantic routes increasingly charge $60-$75 each way for a first bag.
- The carry-on fee surprise:Ā A growing number of budget carriers now charge for carry-on bags too, sometimes more than the checked bag fee, precisely because carry-on travel has become so popular. Always read the fine print on what’s included in your fare before you assume you’re saving money.
| Feature | Carry-On Luggage | Checked Luggage |
|---|---|---|
| Typical size limit | 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm) | 62 linear inches (~27-29 in case) |
| Typical weight limit | 15-22 lbs (7-10 kg); US majors often unenforced | 50 lbs (23 kg) economy; 70 lbs on some intl routes |
| Average fee (US domestic) | $0 on most full-service; $30-$79 on budget carriers | $35-$40 each way on most major carriers |
| Lost/delayed risk | None (stays with you) | Low but present; less than 0.5% on domestic flights |
| Best for | Short trips, warm climates, frequent moves | Full-time travel, winter, gear, electronics, souvenirs |
| Packing flexibility | Limited; every gram counts | High; room for extras and comfort items |
| Airport speed | Fastest (skip baggage claim) | Add 20-40 min for carousel wait |
CARRY-ON LUGGAGE: PROS
Oh, to gallivant around the world without a care, and just a light bag that never leaves your side. To enjoy the freedom of being able to handle anything your travels throw at you, without the weight of the world (or at least, a checked bag) holding you back.
Here are some of the benefits of traveling with carry-on luggage:
It’s Stress Free. No more worries about whether your checked bag made it on the same plane as you; it’s a sure thing.
Faster Airport Arrivals. You’re golden once you’ve cleared customs and immigration. I once clocked 15 minutes from the plane landing in a new country to my walking out of the terminal.
Moving Around Isn’t a Hassle. Changing accommodation/location frequently? Walking your stuff a little further than you thought? Navigating a cobblestone street? No problemo. Packing up is easy (since there’s not much to pack, after-all), and your carry-on luggage is light enough that you can carry it over rough terrain/stairs/etc with ease, even if it doesn’t have backpack straps.
In my first 12 years of full-time travel when I had no official home base, I did two standalone trips with carry-on luggage, before ditching my checked luggage for good and spending the next two years living out of a carry on case: I spent three months sailing the Caribbean, living on five boats spanning three countries. To do so with a 20kg checked bag would have been a nightmare. The other was a sponsored trip through Europe where I traipsed through eight countries in three weeks; traveling at that pace would have been miserable with a lot of stuff in tow.
Packing is Simple. Even if your carry-on luggage is chock-a-block, there’s still just not that much to pack. Hence, the process is quicker and easier.
(See also: Pro Packing Hacks – These are the Best Travel Accessories)
You’ll Save on Checked Luggage Fees. With airlines separating out more and more fees (like meals, seat selections, and bags), you can save a few bucks by not having to pay for a checked bag.
Best Scenarios for Carry-On Luggage
You’re Going Somewhere Warm. Hot, preferably. The lighter your clothing requirements, the more packing options you have.
Fixed-Length (Short) Trips. I’ve packed for trips as long as seven months with carry-on luggage only. Having said that, I’d suggest the ideal carry-on trip length would be one month or less.
It’s a Busy Trip. The more you have to pack up and move from one destination to another, the better you’ll appreciate traveling light.
Best Carry-On Luggage Types
With increasingly stringent airline carry-on luggage restrictions, the lighter your bags, the better. Here are some specific luggage types and suggestions:
Wheeled Luggage
I prefer wheeled luggage in general; I’m spared of back pain, wear-and-tear on my clothing (from hauling on and off a backpack all the time), and call me vain, but I simply prefer the image of rolling luggage vs. backpacks. While some people might argue that wheeled luggage is impractical over rough terrain (like cobblestone or dirt roads), being carry-on sized, it’s light enough to carry by the side handles when necessary.
WHEELED CARRY-ON LUGGAGE SUGGESTIONS
When it comes to wheeled luggage, the first debate needs to be hardshell vs. soft sided, and spinner vs. two-wheel. Hardshell spinner luggage is having a moment, and for good reason. With four wheels it’s much easier to wheel around (smooth surfaces, that is) rather than dragging two-wheeled luggage behind you. And hard shell luggage is sturdier and provides more protection. That said, those wheels and the hard shell come at the cost of weight – which is one of the most important factors when traveling with carry-on luggage only.
Interested in diving down the soft-shell vs. hardshell luggage rabbit hole? Watch this: How to Pick the Best Luggage For Your Travels: Hardshell vs Softside.
Depending on your preference, here are my two top options for wheeled carry-on luggage:
SOFT-SHELL: Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel 40L. In fact, you can’t really go wrong with any of Osprey’s Wheeled Carry-on Bags. I’ve owned a couple of predecessors to what you see here and I can say they’re all thoughtfully designed, sturdy, lightweight, with rugged wheels that handle any terrain. Note that some of the bags you’ll see on their wheeled carry-on luggage page also have backpack straps. Wheeled backpacks are an invention of their own; I share some thoughts on whether they’re appropriate for carry-on luggage below.
HARDSHELL SPINNER: Level8’s Textured Luggage Collection is superb. I have two versions of their Carry-on 20″ luggage (my partner uses one). Trip after abusive trip, the wheels hold up. I didn’t realize just how important good wheels were until my partner and I were rolling our respective luggage around. His was twice the weight of mine, yet rolled like it weighed less than mine. Don’t believe me? I even caught it on video!
Backpacks
I’m not a backpack girl for many reasons (which I outline here). But if you’re going to travel with a backpack, a carry-on backpack makes the most sense. They’re generally the most lightweight form of luggage you can find, allowing you to allocate the most weight and space for your stuff. Aim for a 40 litre (or so) backpack, which will give you the most space while adhering to (most) carry-on luggage rules.
CARRY-ON BACKPACK SUGGESTIONS
The Osprey Porter 46 is the largest carry-on backpack you’ll likely find at 46L. (In fact it’s so large that it doesn’t always qualify as carry-on, depending on the airline).
Osprey makes solid luggage and is particularly adept in the backpack department.
For something a little smaller, and massively popular amongst my carry-on travel colleagues, check out the Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack. People love it for its versatility, organizational features, and harness comfort (with multiple sizes to choose from, depending on your own size/stature).
Buy on Osprey or Amazon.
Women will appreciate the almost-identical Osprey Fairview 40 Carry-On Travel Pack with a suspension system built for ladies.
Get it from Osprey or Amazon.
Personally, I love Pacsafe, and would consider the Pacsafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Backpack for its security features (like slashproof material and tamperproof lockable zips), its light weight, and great amount of space. It also has a front pocket with lots of organization power, and Pacsafe’s signature locking cord so you can lock the bag to a secure fixture.
For a twist on the carry-on backpack, check out the Knack Pack expandable backpack. What makes it a super-cool carry-on backpack is that it is expandable – the idea being that there’s plenty of space while you’re in transit with all your stuff. The magic happens when you arrive and unpack your things; the Knack Pack zips down and becomes a day bag. This is part of the “One Bag Travel” movement, which I will be writing about in more detail in the coming months.
Knack Pack sent me their Large Expandable Pack to try out. At its smallest it’s 30 litres and can fit under the seat in front of you in airplanes. Fully expanded, it’s 45 litres and measures 21.5″ x 14″ x 9.5″ – which fits most carry-on guidelines. It’s made of water-resistant material and has about a gazillion organizational features.
For a day pack, the large size is…well, large. Although 30 litres is a good size for a daypack, because of the dimensions, it feels large on my small(ish) frame.
I since got their Series 2 Medium Expandable Pack, which expands from 24 litres to 35 litres. I’ve used it consistently for years as my personal item bag. It’s small enough to fit under the seat in front of me, and even expanded, nobody has looked twice.
Confused? Join the club. I created a video walking you through both packs and comparing them. Watch it here!
CARRY-ON WHEELED BACKPACK SUGGESTIONS
I adore wheeled backpacks and have traveled with a few different ones over the years. (See also: Wheeled Backpacks: Why They’re the Best, and Tips for Buying One).
But I would generally shy away from wheeled backpacks of the carry-on ilk, simply because the combination of both wheels and straps comes at a cost of weight and space, which is vital when traveling ultralight.
Having said that, if you’re still keen on getting one, Osprey has (in my opinion) the best carry-on wheeled backpacks on the market. They have two contenders, being the 36L Farpoint, and the 45L Sojourn. I would choose the Osprey Sojourn Wheeled Travel Pack 22″/45L. It will give you the greatest flexibility for various trips.
CARRY-ON LUGGAGE: CONS
While carry-on travelers sing the praises of ultralight travel (almost evangelically so – I know, I’m still one of them), it also has many drawbacks, some of which might be insurmountable depending on your travel style or trip at hand. Let the carry on vs. checked bag debate begin.
Your Wardrobe Will be Extremely Limited. You won’t have an outfit for any occasion; and will likely be perpetually over-dressed or under-dressed. Buying clothes at each destination to suit the circumstances/climate (and getting rid of them before you leave) can be expensive and impractical.
Winter? Forget It. My long-term carry-on packing list gets me through three seasons (barely); the sheer bulk of my very limited selection of cool weather clothing made it difficult. Packing for winter climates as well would have been impossible.
Constant Hand Washing. With a limited wardrobe, be prepared to wash your clothes in the bathroom sink all the time. This can get tricky if you’re moving around often and your stuff doesn’t dry easily overnight. If you’re staying in communal quarters, good luck finding somewhere to modestly dry your undies.
You Might Have to Check it Anyway. General airline carry-on luggage dimensions are 22 x 14 x 9 inches (roughly 55 x 35 x 23 cm), but some airlines are much smaller. Other airlines are stingy on weight, some allowing carry-on luggage to be only 5 kg (11 lbs)!
And don’t think the airlines will let it slip if you’re a hair over in weight or size. I once took a flight where the check-in agents didn’t check the size or weight of anybody’s carry-on luggage if they were checking a bag, but they meticulously weighed and sized up all the bags for people flying with carry-on luggage only. I watched a couple forced to check their carry-on luggage, frantically pulling out their laptops and other items inappropriate for the cargo hold, and having to carry it all in a plastic shopping bag for the rest of their trip. And for this inconvenience, they also had to pay (top price no less) to check their bags at the last minute.
There May Not be Room in the Overhead Bins. Depending on when you board, and how many other people have bulky carry-on luggage, you might be out of luck. Sometimes the gate attendants will nail you before you even board; if too many people have carry-on luggage only (which is common on domestic flights), they’ll go around the waiting room and tag your bag to be checked at the gate, whether you like it or not.
You Might Still Have to Pay. Some airlines are getting cheeky and not only charging for carry-on luggage, but charging even more than for checked luggage. They’re doing a great job of capitalizing on the popularity of carry-on travel.
Long Layovers Suck. Although carry-on luggage is a delight compared to schlepping checked luggage around outside of the airport, toting your carry-on bags around the airport before your flight and during long layovers is not fun. One ill-fated nine hour layover in a poorly laid out airport gave me back pain for a week.
Souvenirs? Think Again. While limiting the things you can buy might be great for tight budgets, sometimes you really want that special something to commemorate your travels. You’ll be outta luck unless you’re prepared to throw something out to make room. Which, to be honest, is also a bit wasteful.
CHECKED LUGGAGE: PROS
Taking into account the dark side of carry-on travel as outlined above already creates most of my case for traveling with checked luggage. It ultimately depends on you, your travel style, and trip requirements. Here are some general benefits of checked luggage:
No Stress at Check-In. When I traveled with carry-on luggage, I always worried that the check-in agent would deem my bag too big or too heavy. Once, when flying with Ryan Air in Europe, in the middle of a horrendous heat wave no less, I had to wear all my heaviest clothes and hiking shoes for an agonizing flight, all so my carry on luggage could stay within the limits. With increasingly stringent carry-on restrictions, stress at check-in will only increase with time.
Bring What You Want. You don’t have to pack your checked bag to the seams; simply having the option to pack whatever you want and/or to get a few extras along the way makes your trip more civilized, and less an exercise in stingy discipline.
As a full-time traveler, this is the biggest reason I reverted back to checked luggage after my two years of carry-on. While I was in Asia renting apartments with kitchenettes, I carried a small espresso maker with me to make my morning routine a delight. When I was in South America doing shaman-things, I had space for all my shamanic accoutrements. I also like to have specialized nutritional supplements, which take up space. So no matter where I went, I had room in my luggage for a few extras (adding either comfort or aesthetic value) that make each place I visited feel a bit more like home. (And for a professionally homeless person, this had great value over the long run).
Packing is Easier. Although heaving my 18kg checked luggage up a flight of stairs wasn’t exactly pleasurable, at least I didn’t have to worry about playing tetris while packing a maxed out carry-on bag. I used all the organizational packing tools I wanted without worrying about the extra bit of space or weight they took up. This makes packing and unpacking (something you do a lot on the road) a dream.
Lost Luggage is on the Decrease. While it only takes one incident to make you reconsider ever checking your bag again, stats indicate that the chances your bag will be misplaced have drastically reduced. According to SITA’s latest Baggage IT Insights Report, cases of lost luggage are at record lows: just 4.9 mishandled bags per 1,000 passengers!
Best Scenarios for Travel With Checked Luggage
You Travel Full-Time. If everything you own has to fit into your luggage, going with carry-on will involve sacrificing either comfort, style, or versatility (or a bit of all three). Why bother? If travel is your lifestyle, consider just that: it’s your life.
You’re Traveling Through Multiple Climates, Including/Especially Winter. Taking a winter trip on its own practically necessitates checked luggage; going from snow to beaches requires even more luggage space.
You Want to Get Souvenirs. If you’re taking a trip of fixed duration and want to bring back some gifts or souvenirs, you’ll have the space with checked luggage. Alternately, you can bring an extra bag to check full of goodies on the way home.
You Travel With a Lot of Electronics. Would you check your laptop or expensive camera? Probably not. Digital nomads in particular are renowned for their electronic requirements; photographers have it the worst with multiple cameras and lenses, and even drones. In these cases, traveling with just carry-on is near to impossible.
You’re a Gear Head. If you participate in any kind of specialized sport or activity requiring āgearā, you’d better bring along a checked bag. Some types of gear aren’t even allowable on-board.
Best Types of Checked Bags
While some travelers swear by their giant backpacks, I don’t. So by the process of elimination, I won’t recommend any here. (I speak from experience; click here to see the various backpacks I initially started traveling full-time with, and why I don’t think they make sense).
Okay, then. On with the various checked luggage types I do recommend:
Wheeled Backpack
The wheeled backpack is the best of both worlds, and was the first form of luggage I actually enjoyed traveling with. However beware: you won’t want to take it hiking in the countryside. Think of a wheeled backpack as rolling luggage that you can put on your back when you need to. You can reduce the discomfort of using straps by getting a model with a padded hip belt, and pay attention to the construction of the bottom part of the pack, so it doesn’t dig into your back/hips.
CHECKED WHEELED BACKPACK SUGGESTIONS
For a checkable wheeled backpack, look no further than Osprey’s big brother to their 36L wheeled backpacks:
The Farpoint Fairview Wheeled Travel Pack 65
Designed with all the high-quality bells and whistles that Osprey is known for, these packs are also compatible with Osprey’s Daylite pack series so you can attach your daypack to the front of your case to make it way easier for carrying on your back. (I personally refuse to wear a backpack on my back and another one on my front, so these details are important to me).
Rolling Luggage
For a few years, I consistently traveled with checked rolling luggage. Ever since my shamanic escapades, and having a home base that I thought was āfor goodā in Peru (a couple of years before setting up a “for real home base” in Toronto), I started to insist on having a few extras that meant my checked bag weighed in at 18-19kg. (Remember, that was still pretty much everything I owned).
It was a little too heavy to comfortably wear on my back, so I compensated with indestructible wheels that I abused over gravel, dirt roads and cobblestones. But more often than not, if I had any choice in the matter, I minimized actual travel time with my luggage in tow, and paid extra to travel from door-to-door with it. I have a packable large daypack for shorter/side trips.
(See also: What and How to Pack for Long-Term Travel, with a Video of What I Look For in Luggage, How I Pack, and What I Pack)
CHECKED ROLLING LUGGAGE SUGGESTIONS
I own the Eagle Creek Gear Warrior 29, which has since been discontinued. And honestly, Eagle Creek has since so dramatically changed up what they offer that I’m not sure what I would recommend (if anything). And because I’ve since gone back to carry-on luggage, I haven’t tested a lot of checked luggage.
SOFT-SIDED CHECKED ROLLING LUGGAGE: Again, I would look at Osprey as they make such great stuff. The Sojourn lineup continues to be some of their best-selling luggage, and has been on the market for almost as long as I’ve been traveling. Check out Osprey’s Checked Luggage lineup here; I think the Sojourn 60L is the checked luggage sweet spot for size and portability.
Here’s why I still like Osprey’s soft-sided luggage: it’s high-tech, incredibly rugged and durable, and still lightweight (only 8.2 lbs!). And because it’s soft-sided, you don’t have to pack it to capacity to keep everything from bouncing around inside; the handy compression straps keep everything together. I watched a friend of mine pack it with about half as much stuff (he planned to fill the bag with other things along the way) and the compression straps worked wonders. You wouldn’t be able to do that with hard-sided luggage.
And the wheels and chassis can handle all kinds of terrain including gravel roads and mountainous terrain. My Eagle Creek luggage had similar wheels and I threw everything at it, including a 4 km (4 km!) walk on a crappy dirt road in India (not one of my happiest moments). Wheels matter.
But….keep reading for hard-shell checked luggage suggestions.
What about Hard-Shell Luggage with Spinner Wheels?
Unlike most people I see in airports, I didn’t initially jump on spinner luggage or hard-shell luggage bandwagons.
So in 2022, when Level8 sent me a couple of their lightweight carry-on luggage with spinner wheels to try out, I figured it was time to see what all the fuss has been about. Since then, I have tried four other brands of hardshell wheeled luggage, and I keep coming back to my Level8 luggage as the best intersection of quality plus reasonable pricing.
Level8 makes both carry-on and checked luggage in multiple sizes. Here are some features of all their luggage:
- It’s made with aerospace-grade ultralight hardshell material for maximum protection of your stuff.
- The have TSA-approved combination locks built in.
- Their 360 degree spinners are designed to be ultra-quiet and anti-shock.
- The interiors are fully-lined with dividers and zippered pockets.
I personally like the Level8 Textured Collection (in both checked and carryon sizes) because the hardshell has a texture that protects it from scratches which can happen all too easily, especially if you’re checking it in. (And unlike the picture here, it comes in a rainbow of colour options.)
But carry-on warriors will appreciate their Road Runner Carry-on because it has a separate pocket for a laptop and other miscellaneous items, which can be handy if you don’t travel with your laptop in a separate daypack.
Not sure whether the Textured Carry-on or Road Runner will be best for you? I go through both in this video!
And for the best of both worlds (carry-on luggage with an anti-scratch exterior plus a separate laptop pocket AND expansion capabilities), then check out the Grace EXT Carry on Luggage lineup, available exclusively on Amazon.
Here’s what I’ve discovered about hardshell spinner luggage:
Pros of Spinner Luggage
- Dramatically easier to roll on smooth surfaces.
- You can still tilt and roll on two wheels when the terrain is rougher.
- Luggage doesn’t tip over the way it can with awkwardly-packed 2-wheel luggage.
- Easy to slip your daypack over the telescoping luggage handle using a pass-thru strap and transport both as one (this isn’t so easy with soft-shell and/or 2-wheeled luggage).
- Spinner wheels are just plain cool!
Cons of Spinner Luggage
- The wheels aren’t quite as bombproof as the wheels on a lot of 2-wheel models, which often have a tread and are made of rubber. This makes rolling on uneven terrain like dirt/gravel/cobblestones easier (and quieter).
- Spinner wheels almost always stick out from the luggage which reduces the packing capacity of the luggage. (The wheels on 2-wheel luggage are usually inset).
Pros of Hardshell Luggage
- Better protection for your stuff. (At least in theory; I’m not totally convinced – I think they’re about equal at the end of the day).
- Because it opens clamshell-style into two halves, it’s easier to see and organize your stuff within the case. (Versus soft-shell which has one big space.)
- It looks cool.
Cons of Hardshell Luggage
- If you don’t pack it full, your stuff will bounce around in the luggage. (This problem is partially solved with flaps that hold the contents in each half of the luggage).
- No room for overpacking. For better or worse, soft-shell luggage has a bit more leeway if you want to take a few extra things home from your trip.
- You can’t access the contents on the go. The only way to get into hardshell luggage is to lay it down and open it up completely. This is both awkward and a huge inconvenience if you just want to pull out a jacket.
- It takes up a larger footprint. Again, because the only way to open it is to lay it down and open it completely, you need twice as much space as soft-shell luggage, which only has a flap that opens and peels back.
- While not universally the case, hardshell luggage tends to be a bit heavier.
- Bulkier to store when not in use.
When you look at it like this, hardshell luggage has more cons than pros. That said, I’ve got a lot of it, and I do like it. If you’re traveling with checked luggage, hardshell makes a lot of sense because it will be protected against the abuse it gets from baggage handlers, and because checked luggage is inherently heavy, it’s easier to transport on four wheels rather than two.
So if you’re in the market for hardshell luggage, I suggest you take a peek at what Level8 Cases has to offer.
And get 10% off with discount code Nora10!
Checked vs. Carry-On for International Travel
International routes change the math considerably, and this is where a lot of carry-on-only travelers get blindsided.
On long-haul international flights, most full-service carriers (Air Canada, British Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qantas) still include one free checked bag even in economy. That completely neutralizes the biggest argument for carry-on: the fee savings. When the bag is already paid for, you’re essentially leaving money on the table by squeezing everything into a 22-inch case.
The opposite is true on budget international carriers. Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet, AirAsia, and their cousins have aggressively restructured their carry-on policies. On some of these airlines, only a personal item (under-seat bag) is free; a full-size carry-on now costs extra, often more than a checked bag booked in advance. Read the fine print before you assume.
Two other factors tilt toward checked luggage on international trips:
āLiquids and restricted items.Ā The 3-1-1 liquid rule applies to all carry-on bags on international flights. Sunscreen, toiletries, and any liquid over 100 ml must be checked or left behind. For trips longer than a week, this alone can make carry-on frustrating. That said, check out my video about Solid Toiletries to level up your carry-on travel game!
āLayover logistics. A checked bag transfers automatically on a single itinerary. With carry-on only, a long layover means hauling everything with you through the terminal for hours. My nine-hour layover experience is seared into my memory for good reason.
Bottom line for international travel: if your carrier includes a free checked bag and your trip is longer than two weeks, check it without guilt.
What Can Go in Checked Luggage But Not Carry-On?
This question trips up even experienced travelers, and getting it wrong can mean an expensive surprise at the security lane.
Must go in checked luggage (not allowed in carry-on):
- Liquids over 100 ml (3.4 oz) per container, regardless of type
- Sharp objects: knives, scissors with blades over 4 inches, box cutters
- Sporting equipment: baseball bats, golf clubs, ski poles, hockey sticks
- Most tools over 7 inches in length
- Firearms and ammunition (with proper declaration)
- Gel-type shoe inserts and large gel packs
Must go in carry-on (not allowed in checked luggage):
- Lithium batteries above a certain watt-hour rating (laptops, cameras, power banks)
- Spare lithium-ion batteries of any kind (loose batteries must fly with you)
- Medication you might need mid-flight
- Valuables: cash, jewelry, irreplaceable electronics
That last point is worth underlining. Your laptop, mirrorless camera, and external hard drives belong in your carry-on, full stop. The cargo hold is not temperature-controlled on all aircraft, and baggage handlers have no idea what’s fragile. If you travel with serious photography or digital nomad gear, this single rule may force you into a two-bag strategy regardless of how light you want to travel.
Don’t Forget This Crucial Luggage Accessory
Whether traveling with checked or carry-on luggage, I insist on having a packable daypack that I can take on mountain adventures, or grocery-shopping missions alike. Here are my criteria:
- Waterproof (or at least water resistant)
- Comfortable straps
- Ultralight and easy to pack into my luggage
- Sturdy material on the bottom for durability and use
- One or two drink pockets on the outside (optional but ideal)
I have been using a variety of packable daypacks solidly for over 16. They’re perfect for day trips, grocery shopping, day hikes, weekend excursions, and more.
Want to know what I’ve learned in that time (without all the trial and error)? Then check out my article comparing the top packable daypacks on the market.
Checked vs Carry-on Guidelines
- Carry-on wins for trips under 1 month, especially warm-weather.
- Checked luggage wins for full-time travel, winter, gear, and electronics.
- Standard carry-on max: 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm).
- Budget airline weight limits can be as low as 5 kg (11 lbs).
- Checked bag fees: $35-$40 each way on most US carriers.
- A packable daypack is essential regardless of which option you choose.
FAQ
A:Ā For most Europe trips, carry-on luggage is the better choice. Europe is best explored by overland train and bus, and cobblestone streets and steep station stairs make heavy luggage genuinely miserable to haul. If you’re moving between multiple cities, the lighter you travel, the better your experience. The main exception: a long winter trip or a single-base stay where you won’t be dragging your bag up and down staircases every few days.
A:Ā If your bag fits carry-on dimensions, the decision comes down to a few factors: how fragile the contents are, how much time you can afford at the luggage carousel, and your airline’s specific rules. Some airlines cap carry-on weight at just 7 kg with no option to buy extra. Others restrict overhead bin luggage to personal items only on certain fare types. In those cases, checking your bag is not just easier, it’s mandatory. If none of those constraints apply, carrying on is almost always faster and cheaper.
A:Ā Yes, a backpack can be a carry-on as long as it fits within your airline’s size limits (typically 22 x 14 x 9 inches / 56 x 36 x 23 cm, including any frame or straps). Most carry-on backpacks in the 40-46 litre range meet standard size rules, but budget and regional carriers can be stricter. A smaller backpack that fits under the seat in front of you is classified as a personal item, which is a separate free allowance from your carry-on.
A:Ā No. Checked baggage is luggage you hand to the airline at check-in; it travels in the aircraft’s cargo hold and you collect it at baggage claim on arrival. Carry-on baggage stays with you in the passenger cabin, stored in an overhead bin or under the seat. The two have different size limits, different weight limits, different fee structures, and different rules about what you can pack (liquids, sharp objects, and certain electronics cannot go in carry-on but can go in checked bags).
A:Ā Check your ticket or booking confirmation: it will state your baggage allowance as either ‘1 carry-on included’, ‘1 checked bag included’, or both. If you booked a basic economy fare, you may only have a personal item with no carry-on or checked bag included. The airline’s website baggage policy page will list exactly what each fare class includes. When in doubt, look up the specific fare rules before you pack.
A:Ā Yes, most standard carry-on bags can be checked, and airlines do this routinely when overhead bins are full (called a gate check). If you choose to check your carry-on voluntarily, make sure any lithium batteries, valuables, and medications are removed first, as these must travel in the cabin with you. One practical benefit: gate-checked bags are usually returned to you at the jet bridge on arrival, so you skip the baggage carousel entirely.
A:Ā A carry-on is a full-size bag stored in the overhead bin, subject to size limits of roughly 22 x 14 x 9 inches on most airlines. A personal item is a smaller bag that must fit under the seat in front of you, typically within 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Most airlines allow one of each for free on standard fares. A small backpack, laptop bag, or tote qualifies as a personal item. Budget carriers often charge extra for the carry-on while keeping the personal item free, so packing into just a personal item can save money on short trips.
Want More?
I love writing about this stuff. Evidence:
The Ultimate Packing List for Full-Time Travel
Wheeled Backpacks: Why They’re the Best and Tips for Buying One
Best Luggage for Long-Term Travel – Backpacks vs. Rolling Luggage
Pro Packing Hacks – Here are the Best Travel Accessories for Organization and Saving Space
Travel Packing: What and How to Pack
The Best Travel Clothes for Men
This is always a good subject and you cover it well!
Thanks, Rob! I’ve tried and tested just about every option out there. š
Always a fan of checked baggage Nora. Convenience factor. I’d rather hand it off for pros to lug it around, versus me knocking out folks on the plane as I wield my luggage LOL. So much easier. And after flying 110 plus times, luggage lost only once. 1 week later I eventually got it. Thank goodness the folks we house sat for had a dude about my size š Thanks for sharing š
Ryan
Hey Ryan,
I must admit I still pack my checked luggage as if it might get lost (as in, anything of vital importance to me or anything really expensive goes with me in carry-on)! But at the same time, I’ve flown at least as many times as you and only once had my bag delayed by a couple of days.
Excellent article, except “Spirit Airlines limits you to 16 x 14 x 12”. Actually, it appears to be 22 x 18 x 10″ (https://customersupport.spirit.com/hc/en-us/articles/202096476-What-are-the-size-and-weight-limits-for-bags-).
Happy trails!
Thanks for the observation Henry! I’ve corrected my error. Muchly appreciated!
Hey, Nora! I found your post so enlightening as it was great to see the differences between carry-on and a checked luggage. I usually travel with a checked one as I simply can’t pack light. š
Thanks Lydia! That’s another benefit to traveling with checked luggage; you don’t have to worry about packing light š
I switched to carry on after losing luggage on a holiday years ago. I’m still a carry on fan but I did check in luggage for holidays with an ex. We split our clothes between the two bags, so that if one went missing we still had half of our clothes each. I also stuffed a couple of lightweight outfits in my carry on and wore the most versatile shoes. My parents always did that, for that very reason.
The worst part of losing luggage was that we literally had nothing but the clothes we stood up in and our travel documents. At least taking the precautions above gives the best chance of not being in that position again.
Hi Anna,
I’m sorry you lost your luggage (and everything but the clothes on your back). You’re absolutely right in that a highly recommended precaution when checking luggage is to have a few provisions as well as the things you ABSOLUTELY cannot stand to lose in the bag you carry on with you.
Great tip – thanks!
Thanks for posting this. There is so much snobbery in the travel community nowadays, like somehow you’re a lesser traveller if you check bags. I really hate that sense of judgement just because you see someone at the airport with a massive suitcase. You don’t know their story or why they’ve packed the way they have.
I’m pro checked bags. I travel full time so I want a few home comforts with me. Also, I only use ethical, non animal tested toiletries so I carry full sized versions with me since they can be hard to find in some parts of the world. And I do love handing my bag off to someone else to deal with.
I’ve never had a bag lost (touch wood) but I do have essentials in my carry on – prescription meds, laptop and often a change of clothes especially if I’m going to Asia. There’s no way I’m going to easily find a bra to fit in most Asian countries.
Hey Kathryn,
Thanks for the vote for checked bags! Good to know that you agree, as a fellow full-time traveler. (I too, use special toiletries, and I tend to stock up on such items when I’m in a country that has them, so I hear you on needing the space).
And amen on Asian bras! LOL! I hadn’t actually thought to pack an extra in my carry-on bag though; perhaps I will now. š
I mostly travel with checked in luggage (unless it’s a very short holiday). But at the beginning of the year, Air France lost my luggage and after 20 days of having them tell me that they didn’t know where it was, I was ready to travel carry-on only. I went through freezing cold Patagonia without winter clothes and with a 22l backpack. In the end, I got my luggage back (long story but Air France knew all along where it was, they were just too lazy to deliver it – if you ever miss your luggage, contact employees from other airlines to help you). I am still very nervous every time I stand at a luggage belt. These days, I am very careful at what I put in my checked bag and only leave items in there that I wouldn’t mind losing.
I think my biggest issue with carry-on luggage are sunscreen and insect repellent. I have been to areas where I could only buy 15% DEET which is not enough for me. Or where the sunscreen was horrible amd I got a skin rash from it. Or it left this horrible white, sticky layer on my skin. So for long-term travel, I would prefer checked-in luggage – even if it means being incredibly nervous the next time I stand at a luggage belt.
Hi Ilona,
I’m really curious how calling employees from other airlines helped you. Is it because they had no agenda to protect their own asses and gave you the inside scoop?
I totally agree with packing your checked luggage with things that you don’t mind losing. Of course, everything we pack is important, but some things are more sacred than others. š
I also hear you on the insect repellant and sunscreen. In my experience Asia is tricky, as many creams have “brightening/lightening” agents in them that don’t suit caucasian skin well.
And you know what? I’ve not had any severe luggage dramas (I had it lost once and recovered a few days later, and it was on my way home from a vacation so I wasn’t really affected), but every time I stand at that luggage belt, I don’t rest well until I have my bag back in my hands!
Was interested in your comment about spinner wheels – I read somewhere that the spinner bags are safer from breakage and damage because the baggage handlers can just zoom them down the ramp instead of throwing them. . .
But yeah, I’m totally in favor of checked bags. Because. . . liquids (and now powders!!) and vitamins and supplements.
Hey Susanna,
Interesting about the spinner theory! But I have to say, I’ve seen a LOT of luggage get loaded on and off planes, and never once have I seen it rolled down the ramp. In fact, I’d suggest it’s a greater hazard because it could fall off the ramp on the way down!
As for the powder thing….yeah. Crazy! First liquids, then for a short time laptops (OMG!), and now powders. What’s next?? š
Hi Nora
A couple experiences from my travels. On a Caribbean trip our checked bags for my ex, her 17 year old son and my self did not arrive until the day we were to fly home. We had rented a 40′ Hunter Sail boat and gone to another island. All three of us had to make due for 10 days with the shorts and T shirts in my back pack.
The second is while I was in SOCLANT. Special Ops Command Atlantic. My boss, Army Colonel Olchivik was in Miami Airport changing flights returning from Key West to Fayettevill NC. When checking in he stated ” I want to go to Fayetteville and I want my bag to go to Peru”. The gate agent said we can’t do that sir. The Colonel says ” Why not you did it last week”. She didn’t know what to say.
Travel safely
George
Hey George,
Ha ha! I like that second story.
What an experience in the Caribbean though. Yikes!
Hi Nora, How is your Gear Warrior 29 holding up? I just bought one, but Iāve also seen a few grumbling reviews online that make me hesitant to fly with. Specifically, they complained that newer EC bags arenāt as durable and seem to be more cheaply made than older bags (even of the same exact model), and also that the zipper on the front compartment of the Gear Warrior 29 is weaker than the main compartment. Regarding the zipper, someone stated that the front compartment zipper tears open when lifting the bag using the center handle. Is yours newer, or on the older side? Have you experienced any issues since your article? Thanks!
Hi Daniel,
Thanks for bringing this up! I was unaware of these reviews.
I just pulled mine out and had a close look at the wear and tear.
I bought my Eagle Creek Gear Warrior 29 in 2016 (I don’t know if that makes it old or new), and it has been checked 20-30 times on flights, and wheeled all over the place (including a fateful 5k on dirt/gravel roads in India, as well as a few other off-road experiences).
To be honest, it’s in great shape! There’s wear on the corners from baggage handling, so thankfully the corners are all reinforced – the wear is purely cosmetic. Other than that it looks pretty new.
I’ve had no problems with the zippers. Indeed the front compartment zipper isn’t as big/durable as the main compartment zipper, but it’s not meant to hold a lot nor be too stretched out. (Having said that, I’ve given that zipper a run for its money by stuffing that compartment a bit).
I also have had no trouble with the centre handle loading the front zipper too much. But I also don’t use that handle much. Baggage handlers likely use it more than I do.
I believe Eagle Creek offers a warranty; so if the bag doesn’t hold up the way it should, you have some recourse.
Hope this helps!
Hi Nora,
I remember since signing up for your blog more than 5 years ago the topic of carry-on and check-in baggage has always been one of my favorites. I usually go with 3 brands – EagleCreek, PacSafe and Osprey, but most of my stuff are Eagle Creek (Switchback Max 25″ and 22″, Global Companion 40L, Wayfinder 20, and almost 2 dozen travel accessories – packing cubes, folders, and the like). For traveling in countries where the risk of theft is high, I use the PacSafe Venture Safe EXP65 and 25L GII. Finally, I have an older Osprey Transporter 40, which is packable but a bit bulky – it serves as my additional carry-on and I then use the smaller backpacks as personal items since they fit under the airline seat. These are the ones I use for general all around travel and would easily fit 20/23 kg which is the norm for maximum weight per piece on international carriers (check-in) and 7 kg for hand-carry.
I also have 2 larger suitcases, a 30″ Eagle Creek Expanse AWD and a 25″ TravelPro Platinum Magna 2 Spinner suitcase if I’m not going off the beaten track, as both have spinner wheels. When I need more bags if traveling with family, I would borrow my sister’s Rimowa Trunk or Salsa.
These bags give me pretty much flexibility in choosing when I travel solo, and this particular article that you recently updated is a great guide as to whether I will bring check in luggage or not on my trip next month to Australia during winter. I have now decided that I will bring a check in bag, but still debating whether I should use the PacSafe EXP65 (backpack, no wheels) or the 25″ SwitchBack Max (wheeled backpack). And then which carryon to combine with whatever I choose. What do you think? Appreciate your recommendation, and I’ll update you once I have finally made a selection. And yes, because of the packing cubes, it should be easy to shift contents to another bag should I decide to change my mind at the last minute. Thanks.
Hi Nolan,
Wow – you’ve got a great portfolio of luggage that gives you lots of choice depending on each trip!
As for which luggage to take to Australia, personally – I don’t do checked-size backpacks. For me, backpacks are carry-on only; if I’m lugging around 20kg of stuff, I need wheels! The wheeled backpack is great because it gives you the option to put it on your back (when navigating terrain that isn’t roller-friendly), and you can wheel it around the rest of the time.
Great article!
I’m about to embark on a long-term (2+ years) journey traveling around the world, and I’ve been back-and-forthing about whether to check my bags in for months now.
This article has convinced me. I’m going to have a bunch of electronics and I just can’t envisage that all fitting in a 35L pack. Maybe I can downsize later, once I’m used to things, but at first I really feel like it’d be shooting me in the foot.
Hi Scout,
I think that’s a good call, especially if you have a lot of electronics. It’s nice to have a bit of extra wiggle room with a larger (checked) case, in case you want to get something along the way (without throwing out something in your bag)!
Hey Nora, I watched your interview with exploring alternatives and I loved the ideas you shared about full-time travels. I am writing to you from Kenya and I just decided to quit my job and travel full-time. I was torn between a backpack, carry on or a checked bag. Thanks for sharing the pros and cons of each. Now I can clearly understand why it’s better to go with a checked bag.
Hey Susan,
Congrats on your upcoming travel adventures! I hope you enjoy the journey! Let us know how your luggage choice fares your new lifestyle. š
Interesting points but I think youāve missed a couple of key tricks.
First get a compression sack (not packing cubes). This compresses your clothes down to 1/3 the size, meaning you can easily fit a decent sized wardrobe in a 28 litre carry on.
Second, layering. Iāve travelled multiple years from -30 to 38 Celsius with a single 28 litre Mission Workshop Rummy messenger bag. A merino wool base layer is small, light but very warm. Add to this a waterproof shell and ultralight down jacket (warm but compresses very small) and youāre set for all situations.
Life is just better on every level when you have 1 carry on bag – and with a compression sack you donāt need to compromise much.
I have many other tips which I have covered and will cover on my podcast āDigital Nomad on FIREā available in any podcast app.
Interested to hear your thoughts.
Hi Nick,
Didn’t miss those key tricks at all! In fact, I don’t mention any of my packing tools or tricks in this post – just luggage.
Stay tuned for a different post featuring packing tools – which will include something even better than a compression sack, called the Hoboroll, as well as compression packing cubes, spacesaver bags, and much (much much) more.
And yep – I’m all about layering, and I’m also a huge fan of merino wool.
Again – this post was just about my luggage choices, but thank you for sharing your other tips (and plugging your podcast lol).
Thank you so much for this article. i was despretely looking for a backpack and i’ve found the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 backpack which is very useful and i’m in love with the color. and big thank you for making it easer for me the purchase the backpack through amazon itself. which you have made it easier for me. š
I have what may sound like a dumb tip, but if you are going somewhere for a while and plan to pick up gifts, clothes, souvenirs etc and leave space in your bag, fill it with bubble wrap. It weighs next to nothing and stops stuff moving around. I have flown over 100 times and have watched many a baggage handler so anything remotely breakable needs protecting. It even avoids excess creasing of clothes.
You may say to me it is plastic and not environmentally conscious. Have you ever ordered on Amazon? You will have plenty of spare bubble wrap if you have š So, it costs you nothing and you would have to dispose of it anyway. Best part, is you can pop it and recycle when you get somewhere you can recycle.
That isn’t a dumb tip at all, Graeme! It would be especially helpful for those traveling with hard-shell luggage and wanting to leave space and not have everything get tossed around inside enroute.
Thanks for the creative thinking!
As a student this was a super comphrensive list as to why I should use checked luggage versus carry on. While I will likely be using cary-on, to do a three week trip in the summer, I will keep this in mind when my trips start getting longer!
Thank you Nora for this article. Keep up the great work.
I so much try to survive on carry-on luggage, but I always end up packing my stuff in a big one. I am still working on reducing my requirements though.
This article on checked vs. carry-on luggage presents an interesting perspective. While carry-on luggage is often touted as the more convenient option, the author makes a compelling argument for the benefits of checked luggage. It’s refreshing to see a different viewpoint and consider the advantages of checking bags. It definitely gives me a new perspective on my future travel packing strategies.
Thanks Austin! I like to take a contrarian approach occasionally. Rarely are things ever black or white.