Carry on vs checking bags - Packing question

[Mike_D]

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

This is kind of my philosophy, as well. The wife brings a lot of bath and body products (creams, pastes, etc.) that always rile-up the TSA folks, so they are better off being put in a checked bag. Plus the convenience of not having to lug a carry-on around the airport after we check in is a bonus.

Also, We have NEVER had to wait for our luggage at the carousel in MBJ. By the time we get through immigration, our luggage is usually sitting on floor waiting for us. I think this is because MBJ has only 1 working luggage carousel, so then need to clear it and get ready for the next flight.

If I were travelling solo, I could totally do a backpack or duffel bag. But for my wife and I combined, it's easier to just throw all our stiff in one checked suitcase.

[captaind]

I check two suitcases (Southwest) that weigh 50 lbs each

Somehow, when I go back foreign those suitcases are empty. Truly a mystery.

Cap

[Carrie]

Okay … I'll chime in. There are many reasons to check your baggage … the obvious we all know is size, limit, contents, weight. I have paid to bring for the orphans. It's a no brainer. I fly from Canada many times a year and it's always the same thing … does the bag fit? What are contents? Customs don't care your bag, merely contents. Did you know that you can have many mini bottles of spirits as they do not break the rules of content (you cannot consume on the flight) … it gets very old for frequent travellers to be held up with all this. Check the bag, have my bag and purse. My partner have a small bag. Kids need stuff. I'm sick of the borderline measure and time to disembark. My take and you please please check the bag. I can assure you I have competed with many that did carry on and I booked. Got all my creams on board.

[Carrie]

Nothing like what Captain says …. goodwill has no weight on return. I've heard you can get extra case waved but thus far I need to apply a little more persuasion or early notice. Crud Southwest has had some horrific and tragic events of recent weeks. It's hard enough for those suffering a loss … but we all get so affected. Luggage: Southwest … may we all be safe and give.

[Marko]

Fly Southwest ................... two FREE pieces of luggage per person plus usual carry on items ....................... no problems

yeah this is who mi use these days.......great airline and put airlines like Spirit to shame
mi there for months so gotta have the shampoo's, lotions, shaving creams, liquid soaps, etc so a checked bag(s) is a must
but if mi was only going for a week or ten days......mi could get away with just a carryon and personal bag.......no problem
they are so efficient now in Mobay with getting the checked bags out......there isn't much of a time difference grabbing a checked bag...
back in the 80's it was certainly a different story......yah mon

Cool Runnings, Marko



Cool Runnings, Marko

[Captain Oil]

I agree with Marko ................ baggage handling is so much more efficient these days in MoBay ............ we use the MoBay Club expedited service through Immigration / Customs and our baggage is always in the terminal before we can clear Immigration ................... much different then in years past when waiting for bags to arrive was always a pain.