As tempting as it is to pack lots of clothes on a long trip, it’s in your best interest to pack light and, if possible, only travel with hand luggage. This is always good advice, but especially applicable this summer.
My challenge for you: don’t check your luggage this summer when you fly
First, a warning about this summer. The situation is bad, especially in Canada and Europe:
So you think traveling can’t be worse? Here is BAGGAGE DROP at Montreal/YUL airport. Not the baggage room. People are told to tag their bag and leave it here and ‘hope for the best’. They don’t know when they will be able to accept the bags again. #TravelPatiently pic.twitter.com/jDhoYrZxzL
—Paul Andersen (@pandersen) July 5, 2022
Baggage chaos at Heathrow airport in London….. pic.twitter.com/tj66gWR33F
— Citizen 1 (@citizen1448) July 6, 2022
If you’re traveling anywhere in Europe this summer, do your best not to check baggage. I was told Munich had over 5000 bags and London seemed to be the same. 👍 pic.twitter.com/F72McdlVB0
—Andrea Mengucci (@Mengu09) July 2, 2022
The old joke that there are only two types of bags, a carry-on and a lost bag, isn’t really a joke these days…as thousands of people can attest.
Understand that airlines on both sides of the Atlantic are facing severe labor shortages and we have seen recent collapses in Montreal, London and Amsterdam in which thousands of people have been separated from their luggage .
Don’t think it can’t happen in the US too: we at Award Expert have been dealing with lost luggage issues all month, especially in Newark.
You probably don’t need a checked bag
Seasoned travelers understand that human nature is to overpack. It’s amazing how many trips I’ve made over the years to come home with a suitcase full of clothes I haven’t worn.
Sure, bring a change of underwear for each day (or multiple days if you have access to laundry), but let’s be honest with each other. For most people, wearing the same shirt for a few days isn’t a big deal. I’m certainly not advocating that we stink to avoid checking a bag; but I don’t think that’s the compromise.
Instead, roll up your clothes, pack some light, lay down when traveling, and you’ll probably find that you get along just fine with one carry-on and one personal item.
It’s true that low-cost carriers sometimes charge more for bringing carry-on baggage on board than for checking baggage, but it’s not about that, it’s about minimizing the risk of you losing your bag during a busy summer season.
CONCLUSION
I challenge you to leave your checked luggage at home this summer and find that you’re fine with a carry-on. Sure, you might not have four pairs of shoes and two evening dresses, but you’ll have peace of mind knowing your stuff is right above you or under your feet.
