Carry on vs checking bags - Packing question

[rjonsun]

Remember, it is @25 each flight, so $50 per trip per bag. To me $50 is still a poke of money. It is the same reason I don't stay in expensive hotels, look for the most reasonable transfer prices from the airport to Negril, use route taxi's, eat mainly in mom and pop restaurants and don't bring home "stuff" from each visit. Being stewardly is a way of life for us and allows us to take at least 2 trips for year (not always Negril) usually 2 weeks at a crack.
Regards,
Bob

[TAH]

Remember, it is @25 each flight, so $50 per trip per bag. To me $50 is still a poke of money. It is the same reason I don't stay in expensive hotels, look for the most reasonable transfer prices from the airport to Negril, use route taxi's, eat mainly in mom and pop restaurants and don't bring home "stuff" from each visit. Being stewardly is a way of life for us and allows us to take at least 2 trips for year (not always Negril) usually 2 weeks at a crack.
Regards,
Bob

We have a similar mentality, Bob. It's not that I can't afford a few more bucks, but if I can get the same thing for less, then that's more money for something else. Rarely do we stay in an expensive hotel (though we do splurge once in a while), or eat at a "nice" restaurant.

[Todd]

Why worry about a $25 baggage fee when you're going somewhere to enjoy yourself? I prefer to pack light, but my wife likes a variety of apparel. She checks a bag and feels good because she knows she has what she needs, and then some. We're already paying a pretty penny to be vacationing, why sweat the $25?

It's not really the money for us. We like traveling light and it saves a little time, nothing like flying thru customs and immigration just to wait for bags. And just can't wait an extra second to walk thru them sliding doors in to that warm air! Also, on the way back, depending on which airport and what C&I decides on any given year, can save a little time.

[jesswade]

Thanks everyone for the ideas and experiences of what you do! And I agree with Rjonsun, TAH, and Todd - it's about the $ (for us it would be $50 each way, we have flown United /American - they offer no free bags), its about the convenience of just getting off the plane and starting the most enjoyable vacation, and its also about getting the same thing for less - who wants to give the airline $$ for the bags when you are already giving them $$ to fly and now extra $$ for the seat! lol. I would rather spend that money on more rum punches, more Red Stripes, more subs, and more 3 Dives

[Ever72]

I try to do carry-on only as it does help me to not over-pack and saves a few bucks in the process. Yes, sometimes difficult decisions need to be made on what to leave behind.

Most of the times that I have gone carry-on only I ended up checking my bag at the gate anyway at no charge. Airline employees at gate seem to always be requesting that on my flights. As more and more people do carry-on only, the overhead bins fill up faster and they run out of space. So they ask people to gate check. I pull out my tablet and anything else I want on the flight and go ahead and check it. Especially if my wife has already checked a bag (and seemingly almost every pair of shoes she has purchased over the last 23 years...but I get it...a woman has to accessorize!!!)

Same with us - we've been asked to check husband's carry on bag on the last 2 flights we've been on. And for me. it isn't about saving the money, really. It's more about wanting to free myself of lugging a ton of stuff I'm not even gonna use in a big bag. The mental freedom.

[fargoman]

My problem with not checking is it forces me to buy sunscreen there in Jamaica..at an average of 16-18$ a bottle or can...its at least 10$ an item more then the states..buying 4 or 5 cans of spray or lotion in Jamaica eats up all the savings of not checking..so I will probably check from now on

[BobbyMaser]

don't forget that with bringing liquids, you can break it down to travel size bottles; empty bottles are pretty cheap....after having my Jamaica bags lost on route, I NEVER check them any more

[jesswade]

BobbyMaser, good reminder! and much cheaper than buying suntan lotion in Jamaica.

[captaind]

Last month I arrived with 50 lbs and left with 11 lbs

I lose alot of weight in Jamaica

Cap

[Marblehead]

You can toss the shampoo if you shave your head! Respect --Marblehead