By Liam Cusack | Special to Cruise & Travel Report
June 24, 2025

In an era when “carry-on only” is worn like a badge of honor among frequent flyers, I have a confession to make: I check my bag. Every time.

I know — it goes against the grain of every TikTok travel hack, YouTube minimalist packing video, and points-blog packing cube manifesto. But after two decades of global reporting, I’ve come to a simple truth: checking your luggage isn’t a surrender — it’s a strategy. A smart, sanity-saving one.

And here’s why you should consider doing the same.

1. Less Stress, More Ease Through the Airport

The moment you drop your suitcase at the airline counter, a quiet transformation begins. You’re no longer dragging, lifting, guarding, and maneuvering a heavy wheeled object through security lines, gate areas, and crowded jet bridges. You glide. You sip coffee with both hands. You read a newspaper — with arms fully extended.

Checking a bag makes the entire airport experience smoother, especially in crowded terminals or during tight connections. Security checkpoints are faster with fewer items to remove and fewer raised eyebrows over “overstuffed” bags.

2. It Might Actually Save You Money

Yes, many airlines charge to check a bag — typically $30–$40 domestically. But how many travelers pay more than that for early boarding, priority seating, or overhead bin space? And how many pay for costly carry-on-size luggage that fits the airline’s ever-shifting dimension rules?

I’ve seen passengers forced to gate-check bags that didn’t quite fit, resulting in delays and stress — and they still paid for the privilege.

Insider tip: Most travel credit cards or airline loyalty programs include one free checked bag. In many cases, you’re paying the same (or less) for a checked bag than you would for guaranteed carry-on space — with far more freedom.

3. No More Overhead Bin Battles

We’ve all seen it: the seat 36C passenger cramming a bulging duffel into the first-class bin, or the late boarder stuck doing the luggage tango. These mini-dramas are stressful for everyone — and they slow down the boarding process.

By checking your bag, you walk onto the plane with a simple personal item — not a back-breaking roller. You board faster, settle in sooner, and keep the cabin calm.

Insider tip: As we all know airlines overbook their flights, but they must get these flights away from the gate on-time or it costs them thousands of extra dollars and lost revenue. I always volunteer to check my bag, and I have found that 95% of the time the airline will check my bag for free just to avoid delays and fights over bins.

4. Your Travel Day Feels Like… a Vacation

This may be the most important reason of all. Travel days are, by nature, chaotic. But they don’t have to be punishing. When I check my bag, I treat my journey like part of the trip — not an obstacle to endure.

I walk more freely. I browse shops without dragging luggage behind me. I’m not sweaty or sore before I even reach the hotel.

And at the end of the flight — yes, I stop at baggage claim. But here’s the truth: I almost always end up at the cab stand at the exact same time as the person who raced off the plane, hunched under a duffel, annoyed, flustered, and still waiting for a ride.

Meanwhile, I’ve strolled through the terminal, stretched my legs, and maybe even grabbed a coffee. I’m relaxed. I’m enjoying my travel day.

5. Pack What You Actually Need

The carry-on-only crowd often boasts of fitting two weeks into a backpack. But at what cost? Rewearing wrinkled clothes? Skimping on cold-weather gear? Leaving behind comforts like a proper pair of shoes, or the right outfit for a nice dinner?

Checking a bag gives you the freedom to pack responsibly — with room for a rain jacket, an extra sweater, or a change of shoes. It allows for spontaneous plans: a formal evening, a chilly day trip, or even a few souvenirs.

6. You Don’t Get to Your Destination Faster Because You’re First Off It

Here’s a reality check: The only time being first off the plane matters is if you’re racing to make a connection. Otherwise, the cab line will still be there. Your hotel check-in desk will still be open. You’ll still wait for your rideshare.

Instead of joining the scrum at the aircraft door, imagine leaning back, letting the crowd rush past, and walking off calmly, knowing your heavy lifting is already done.

Final Boarding Thoughts

We’ve been conditioned to think that checking a bag is inefficient, old-fashioned, or even weak. But the truth is, it’s the choice of the unbothered traveler — the one who doesn’t measure a trip in square inches of suitcase space, but in experience, ease, and joy.

There’s a quiet pleasure in letting go — literally and figuratively — of the baggage you don’t need to carry every step of the way.

So check your bag. Take your time. And meet me at the cab stand. I’ll be the one smiling, unburdened, and glad to be there.

Liam Cusack is a travel journalist and editor-at-large for Cruise & Travel Report. He believes that good travel isn’t about how light you pack, but how well you move through the world.