Stick to a Carry-on Instead
We understand why travelers like to check their bags – they can hand them off to someone else and not have to worry about them anymore until they land. However, our Newark Airport parking company urges you to reconsider and pack a carry-on instead. Here’s why:
You save money
Unless you’re part of a frequent flier program or you’re flying Southwest, you’ll have to pay to check your bags. Most airlines charge $25 for your first bag and $25-$35 for your second bag – and that’s just one way. If you check two bags to and from your destination, you could pay up to $120 just in luggage fees. Stick to a carry-on and on most airlines, you won’t pay anything.
You know where your belongings are
Once you turn over your luggage to the airline, you won’t see it again until you land. Most times when you fly, you’ll pick up your luggage at baggage claim and everything will be fine, but sometimes, the TSA can rifle through it at random and there have even been cases of things being stolen out of travelers’ luggage. In addition, there’s always the chance that your luggage could be lost during your travel. When you have a carry-on, you’ll know where all of your belongings are at all times.
You pack lighter
Packing a carry-on forces you to take only what you need with you. This means you won’t overpack and instead, you’ll learn to optimize your space. Do this enough times and you’ll get used to packing light. (You’ll also find it’s much nicer to not have to lug around heavy suitcases or sort through lots and lots of clothing.)
You don’t have to wait at baggage claim
No matter how long the flight, many travelers are anxious by the end of it and would like to be at their end destination as quickly as possible. When you check your bags, you’ll have to wait at baggage claim for them to come down the conveyor belt – and we all know that can take awhile. If you stick to a carry-on, you can deplane and be on your way right away.
You have everything you need
If something goes wrong and your flight is delayed or canceled, you may be forced into a long layover (or even an overnight hotel stay at the worst). If this happens, you’ll probably want to have everything you need for the duration. If you’ve unfortunately packed everything into your checked luggage, you may be out of luck.