Carry-On Vs. Checked Bag: Which Is The Best Option For Your Trip?

Forbes

28-05-2025

When preparing for travel, one of the first decisions to make is often carry-on versus checked bag. While there's no right or wrong answer, it's important to consider the main differences between the two: size, weight, capacity and price. If you're embarking on a shorter trip or want to avoid baggage claim (and possible baggage fees), a sleek carry-on is the way to go. Alternatively, if you're traveling for an extended period of time or packing for several people, checked luggage will offer more room and ease of mind.
Size, weight, capacity and price are a few of the top considerations when deciding between carry-on ... More versus checked luggage.
I've personally traveled with both types of luggage to a wide range of destinations. For this story, I considered my own firsthand experiences and polled several Forbes Vetted staff editors for their opinions on the matter. I also gained key insights from expert packers like travel and lifestyle content creator Jessica Morrobel of Traveling With Jessica and Lauren Call, CEO and founder of shipping bag company Packd. Read on to learn more about the main differences between traveling with a carry-on versus checked bag to help you select the best type of luggage for your next trip.
Carry-on bags have a smaller and more efficient size that can fit in the plane's overhead compartment. This allows you to access items throughout the flight (which can be especially helpful if your flight is delayed and you end up spending more time than expected in the airport), and you won't lose time at baggage claim. 'I'm team carry-on for short trips because it saves time, reduces stress and gives me the flexibility I need when plans shift last-minute,' says Morrobel. Jordan Thomas, assistant deals editor at Forbes Vetted, favors using a backpack as her carry-on bag. 'You won't have to wait around the luggage carousel after a long flight, and a backpack makes it so easy to get around multiple places," she says.
On the other hand, when traveling internationally or for a longer period, you may not be able to get away with just a carry-on. Due to their larger size, checked bags will provide more packing space and room to add souvenirs along the way. 'When I'm traveling internationally for a longer trip or creating content for a brand campaign, I'm absolutely checking a bag,' says Morrobel. Some members of the Forbes Vetted staff like to travel with both a carry-on and checked bag: For trips over seven days, Madeline Kaufman, director of partnerships, packs everything she needs for the first three days of her trip carry-on and everything else checked. 'This way, if my checked bag doesn't arrive in time, I still have several days' worth of supplies,' she says.
The lightweight, portable size of carry-on luggage makes it the preferred choice for many Forbes Vetted editors, including news and deals writer Bianca Alvarez. Plus, many carry-ons have an expander that adds several extra inches of space. 'A carry-on with expandable features makes all the difference on the return trip," says Alvarez. "If I'm doing a lot of shopping, I can still fit the new items in my carry-on, and I have the option of checking it—it's truly the best of both worlds.'
To help you maximize the space you do have, invest in good packing cubes and bring transitional clothing that pulls double duty. 'My other tip is to wear your heaviest jacket on the plane, regardless of the weather—that way, it won't take up space in your suitcase,' says Claire Epting, updates writer at Forbes Vetted. 'You can always take it off when you get to your seat and use it as a pillow or blanket.' Note: If you are flying carry-on only, all your liquids must be in a toiletry bottle no larger than 3.4 ounces and fit in a clear quart-sized bag.
Away
This popular carry-on (which we reviewed in our guide to the best carry-on luggage) is ideal for trips up to eight days. It has a helpful interior compression system, a built-in TSA lock, a laundry bag, 360-degree spinner wheels and other helpful features.
While some travelers may feel hesitant about handing off their valuables at the check-in desk, checked bags can be an ideal option for many types of trips. 'I love checking a bag,' says Call. 'Especially when traveling with my kids, having my hands free and boarding the plane without juggling luggage is a game-changer.' Checked bags also allow for more storage space, particularly if you have oddly shaped gear (for example, a snowboarding helmet or a professional camera) and bulky items. If you're heading to a colder climate and need to pack thick sweaters and warm jackets, they may be easier to accommodate in a checked bag. 'Just make sure you organize well,' notes Call.
Several of our editors who travel with checked bags often recommend luggage trackers for peace of mind. 'I always put an AirTag in my checked bag,' says Kara Cuzzone, supervising deals and coupons editor at Forbes Vetted. 'That way, I can track it and see that it's made it onto the plane with me. Plus, I try to fly direct whenever possible to avoid extra opportunities for my luggage to get lost.' Morrobel agrees: 'I always recommend using a luggage tracker. It's a small move that can make a big difference, especially if you're heading straight into events, filming, or meetings after landing.'
Monos
This stylish bag has a capacity of 60 liters, which is plenty of packing space for a two- or three-week trip. In our testing (it was rated the best checked hardside luggage in our review of the best checked luggage), it received high marks for its durable shell and extra add-ons like two shoe bags and a vegan leather luggage tag.
The size and weight of your luggage are the most important features. The size of the suitcase determines where it's stowed; every airline has different standards for carry-on sizing, so check the airline's requirements before packing to ensure your bag is the correct size. If you tend to be an over-packer, choosing a suitcase that expands is smart, as it gives you extra space if needed.
Another consideration is how much your luggage will weigh once fully packed. If you're traveling alone, you'll need to move it through the airport or bus terminal to reach your destination, and if it's a carry-on, you'll need to be able to lift it into the overhead bin. If you're concerned about the final weight, look for lightweight yet durable materials that won't add extra bulk.
Amazon
The affordable price, smooth and quiet wheels, lightweight design (it weighs 5.3 pounds) and compression system, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-On is a winning pick. It also offers an additional two inches of packing space, and the PowerScope handle is helpful for tall travelers.
July
Weighing just over eight pounds, our testers were pleasantly surprised by the spacious interior and extra features like the anodized aluminum bumpers and odor-proof laundry bag. It glides over different surfaces easily and holds up well to frequent use, with minimal scuffing and no scratches or dents.
Checked bags give you more packing space, so if you have an international trip or a longer trip ( two or more weeks), you'll have more space with checked luggage. This isn't to say that you can't travel with a carry-on for longer trips, but it forces you to be more discerning with what you bring, and may have less room for bulky items like a travel steamer. Before leaving on your trip, list all the items you want to bring, and determine the needed storage space. Making a thorough list beforehand prevents overpacking and ensures you're prepared for your destination.
Amazon
This sturdy suitcase is extremely durable and can fit a surprising amount of belongings, thanks to the interior compression straps and expandable design. It's featured in multiple luggage guides, and our testers appreciate how durable and reliable it is, especially on long-haul flights to numerous destinations. Plus, it weighs under eight pounds.
Samsonite
We recommend this pick from Samsonite for a softside checked bag that's also expandable—should you need the extra space. It has a generous 77-liter capacity and can expand by up to two inches. The compression panel and 'X' style cross straps also help you fit a lot of garments.
Because checked bags are larger, they typically cost more. Expect to pay at least $200, with some options costing nearly $1,000. On the other hand, carry-on bags hover around $200 to $300, although some bags can cost up to $800. If you're weighing a pricier item against a more affordable one, consider how well the bag functions, how stylish it looks, how durable the materials are and the special features it offers.
Amazon
This top pick is under $150 but still offers travelers plenty of valuable features, ranging from a built-in TSA lock to elastic tie-down straps to a handy zippered 1-inch expansion panel. We also appreciate the 360-degree wheels, making it easy to move, even when fully packed.
Calpak
This stylish, hardside bag is a great value, considering the impressive 68-liter capacity and sturdy build. It also has a combination TSA-approved lock, a convenient side handlebar and an extra 2 inches of packing space should you need to expand it.
The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of in-depth roundups on luggage, including the best luggage, best checked luggage and best carry-on luggage.
When deciding between using a carry-on or checked bag, consider the length of your trip and your personal preference. For extended stays or if you're packing for multiple family members, a checked bag offers more room and the flexibility to add more items throughout your trip. However, opt for a carry-on for quick trips or when you need to move through the airport faster. Remember, there's no right or wrong answer.
The main difference between carry-on and checked luggage is the size and how it's stored in an airplane. Carry-on luggage is taken onto the aircraft and put in the overhead compartment (each airline has slightly different size and weight limits), while checked luggage is stowed in the airplane's cargo hold.
A backpack can be considered a personal item or carry-on, but always check the airline's rules and size guidelines before heading to the airport. (In most cases, if it's small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, it qualifies as a personal item.)