Let’s get this out right up front … we are bag checkers and we think you should be, too. We’ll get to that shortly, but first, a rant for all those who DO prefer their precious carry-on bags. We’re hoping that if you’re one of “those” people (Sarcasm Font), this rant doesn’t apply to you. Here goes…
If you insist on carrying your bags onto an airplane, FOR FUCK’S SAKE –PLEASE keep them small, simple, and within your ability to lift them to the overhead bin.
We get it. There’s an appeal to not having to wait for your bags at the other end of the flight. If you take them with you, you don’t run the risk of them not being there when you show up. You can stuff the jacket you needed in Prague in the middle of winter into your bag so that you don’t have to deal with it when you get home to Phoenix. (See below for why these are all fallacious reasons.)
We get it. What we don’t get is why so many people insist on bringing their entire wardrobe with them on the plane. We’ve seen many folks in the airport toting bags that are clearly too large for the overhead bins, and also carrying handbags or backpacks that would carry a two-year-old. It’s bad enough in the airport, but even worse in a crowded airport lounge. Even some of the regulation size bags are clearly and heavily stuffed to the gills. We cringe as they try to lift these behemoths onto the security belt, and worse, when some five-foot-tall petite woman tries to lift them up into the overhead compartment. Some sweetly ask, “Can you help me?” “No” is the only appropriate response … you packed it; you brought it, it’s your problem!
Fortunately, the EU is clamping down on these oversized wardrobes on wheels resulting in a ripple effect that is creeping into US-based carriers’ rules. When it comes to carry-ons, size matters! And don’t try to convince me that the “personal item” you’ve attached to the handle of your wheelie bag is personal. It’s another carry-on and you know it! Stop trying to cheat.
I miss the days when the boarding call started with First Class passengers and anyone traveling without a carry-on. I mean, get the hell out of my way with your two bags and FFS stop bumping into the people who are in aisle seats and don’t deserve to be assaulted by your oversized bags.
Often the aforementioned “personal” bag is a safety problem. I’ve seen many that don’t fully fit under the seat in front of the passenger, and the flight attendants don’t seem to care. I care if I’m sitting in the window seat and you’re in the middle with that bag. I’ll step on your feet to get out of the plane in an emergency.
The solution? Number 1: Pack less shit. You probably don’t need all the things you take. Especially shoes. You’ve all read the tips over and over, so we don’t need to rehash them here, but consider this. No one – I mean NO ONE – cares if you wear the same shirt/pants/dress on multiple days when you’re traveling. It’s EXPECTED. If you need something you didn’t pack, you can get it on the road. For one of our first trips together, we purposely packed very little, knowing we would buy stuff when we got there.
Solution #2: Check your bags. All the reasons why people carry on have strong arguments against. Save time at your destination? Who cares and what’s your hurry?! You’re on vacation! Grab a coffee or a drink as you head downstairs. Business trip? Build-in the extra half-hour … they’re paying you anyway. Worried about your bag not making it to your destination? If you checked-in early enough, there shouldn’t be a problem. Make sure you don’t have too tight a connection if you have to change planes. Bags usually get to their new gate before people (usually, see epilogue form Prague trip). If you’re really worried, pack an extra pair of underwear and some essential toiletries in your personal bag. If it’s really an issue, buy stuff when you get there.
Want another reason to check your bags? Flight attendant adoration. On a recent flight where Greg had only a couple of phones and Judy a small handbag, the flight attendants queried us as we began to exit the plane.
“Do you have everything?” they asked
“This is it. This is how we roll!” Greg replied,
“That’s awesome!” was the pleased comeback.
There’s a whole world out there just waiting to be explored. For all that is holy, leave all the crap at home and enjoy the freedom of packing light!
Editor’s Note:
Yeah, we write a lot about luggage. See:
The History of Luggage – The World A to Z
To Pack or Not to Pack – The World A to Z
Day 171 – A Year of Gratitude and Joy – The Case for the “Murse” – The World A to Z
Lessons From the Road – The World A to Z
It's Your Life. Live It! 
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