carry on, luggage, baggage fees

Carry-On vs Checked – Which Luggage Option Is Best?

One common thing that most air travelers think about is whether to check their bags after shuttle services drop them off or whether they should carry them onto the plane. Some passengers like to have their suitcases with them on the flight so that upon arrival, they can get right on their shuttles for a quick getaway. Others prefer to let airport services handle them so they can board their flight with little more than a purse or laptop. The decision is different for everyone; however, there are some definite pros and cons to consider.

Bringing Luggage Into the Cabin

Taking luggage into the cabin on a flight can be a lot more convenient for some people; however, there are some definite pros and cons to this decision:

  • Pros – On the brighter side, carry-on luggage means there is no dealing with bag checking or baggage carousels. After being dropped off by airport services, taking suitcases with them allows travelers to avoid check-in lines and get to their flights more quickly. It also means getting to their ground shuttles more quickly upon landing. Taking suitcases on the plane allows travelers to keep their belongings close by, eliminating the chance of them being lost or delayed. Convenience is also a factor since travelers have everything they need during their trip with them at all times. Putting everything necessary for a trip in one container to take on the plane also promotes lighter, more efficient packing.
  • Cons – On the contrary, there is a limit as to what can be carried onto the plane in terms of size. Carry on bags must be a certain dimension or they may have to be checked in at the last minute. Considering this, it may be a challenge to get a suitcase stowed on a full flight. Multiple carry-ons can take longer to get through the security checkpoint after being dropped off by ground shuttles. Carry-on luggage is also subject to TSA safety regulations, so this needs to be taken into consideration when packing things like personal care items. There will also be less room for bringing souvenirs and gifts back on the return trip.

Checking Luggage at the Curb or Terminal

After airport services drop passengers off, checking suitcases either at curbside immediately upon exiting the shuttle or at the counter also offers its share of positives and negatives:

  • Positive – Those traveling for longer periods of time or who need more items can bring what they need in their luggage. Rather than having to deal with multiple carry-ons, passengers can check their bags early and not have to worry about them again until they reach their destination. Checked luggage also makes getting through security easier and faster.
  • Negative – Unfortunately, checking suitcases does expose passengers to a certain amount of risk that luggage may be delayed, lost, or damaged. Upon landing, travelers must then go to the baggage return area and wait for their luggage with all the other passengers. Most airlines impose a suitcase limit per passenger as well as a weight limit, charging extra for exceeding weight limits. Dealing with checked bags in general can increase overall stress levels on a trip.

So travelers should decide whether to take their luggage with them on the flight or check it based on their need and personal preferences. After arriving at the terminal on the shuttle, handing over bags makes check-in and boarding easier. Carrying bags onto the plane gives passengers more control over their luggage and helps them get to their ground shuttles more quickly upon arrival at their destination. In either case, planning before heading to the terminal with airport services will prevent unnecessary confusion and travel stress!

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Discover The Best Ways To Avoid Stress When You Travel!

Whether traveling for fun or leaving on a business trip, airport excursions can be extremely stressful. Between the rush of arriving on time to the wait at check-in and security lines, the tension can get anyone’s journey off to a bad start. Airport shuttles are one way to reduce this stress since scheduling reliable transportation is an easy way to simplify getting to the terminal. Besides scheduling shuttle services, passengers can also keep their flight under control by considering the following stress-reducing flight travel tips.

Plan Carefully and Well In Advance

Some of the main problems that those who fly experience can be avoided with good and early planning. Book flights and shuttle services well in advance, meaning weeks or even months before travel dates so there is no problem getting the necessary reservations. Then create an itinerary for the trip and a packing list. Consider the local climate, itinerary, and any special items that should be packed depending on the purpose of the trip. By starting early and then reviewing the list a few times before it is time to actually pack, there will be fewer forgotten items.

Simple Luggage Checking

When traveling with more than a carry-on bag, passengers will need to check their extra luggage. Airlines usually accept one bag per person and limit that single piece of luggage to a certain weight. A great way to avoid any problems with suitcases is to purchase an inexpensive luggage scale ahead of time. By using such scales, travelers can make sure their bag is under the weight limit to avoid extra fees. It is also easy to use curbside luggage check-in at the terminal after being dropped off by airport transportation.

Electronic Check-In

Once shuttles have dropped passengers off and suitcases have been logged in curbside, travelers can minimize aggravation and stress by using one of the electronic entry control kiosks that let many people avoid the regular check-in lines and head straight to the security area. Many airlines even allow passengers to sign in via email, which can be done while on the way to the airport.

Easy Security Checkpoints

Dress comfortably and appropriately to get through the security entry control line without problems and to reduce the number of items that must be removed. Approach this area with boarding passes in hand and shoes removed ahead of time. When arriving at the tray area, immediately place shoes, loose items, and any electronic devices in the trays to reduce delays. Once all personal items have passed through the checkpoint, getting reorganized will be easier.

Stay Relaxed Until Boarding

If there is time to kill before boarding, explore the gift shops, read a magazine, or grab a snack. Keep occupied to avoid the anticipatory stress that can come when waiting is unavoidable. Once it is time to board the plane, avoid the initial rush to get in line by hanging back a bit until things are more controlled. When boarding the plane, most passengers will already be seated and there will be less of an issue in moving through the aisle and getting any carry-on bags stowed.

Regardless of why people fly, making airline travel as stress-free as possible is not as difficult as it seems. Thorough planning that includes scheduling shuttle services can cut airport stress in half. Cutting the worry of arrival times and parking out of the equation by reserving shuttles allows travelers the ability to concentrate on the other details of their trip. Good pre-planning and reliable airport transportation can set the tone for a relaxed and comfortable flight!

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