I have to stuff weeks worth of clothes in a small bag. 

I can’t carry liquids above 100ml. 

I have items to watch over while in transit.

I worry if the airline staff will make me pay for the dimensions of my luggage(or if they’ll let me board it altogether).

I struggle to find space in the overhead cabin.

Despite all of these concerns, I opt to travel light. 

Most places have laundry services. Worst case, I can do the laundry myself. Forgotten products are available in the supermarket. And I often find myself not using the items I bring.

The hassles of checking in bags pale in comparison to the time, peace of mind, and feeling of lightness that no checked-in luggage carries. 

Here are 5 reasons I almost never check-in luggage:

I get to save precious time in doing bag drop

Granted, online check-in and/or business class can significantly cut hours and minutes from this problem. But standing idle and wondering why queues slow down right before my turn are moments I’m not fond of. 

Before Covid-19 hit, and Singapore Changi was at its most efficient, I remember going straight from work to the airport. I’d feel like the king of efficiency. I’d knock off my to do list until the last second and get to fly off somewhere right after. 

No waiting time for luggage – the trip or rest at home can begin sooner.

Flying is exhausting. Packing is an undertaking. Waiting for my luggage and clearing security take patience. Sitting through a plane ride feels suffocating.

When I land in any destination, I’m looking forward to beginning the trip or resting. What better way to delay the relaxation than wonder if and when my bag will come out of the conveyor belt.

I remember finishing a three week work trip in Ethiopia. And Schiphol had manning issues in immigration so I spent 60 minutes waiting to get stamped. And I had to wait another 60 minutes for my bag to arrive. It almost didn’t. More on that…

It removes the risk of having my luggage lost or destroyed

I’ve had two close encounters. But fortunately, this unfortunate circumstance has not happened to me. A lot of my friends have experienced it. And I have zero envy. 

I was once in a plane where the flight attendant broke the news to a dog owner that her pet will not make the connecting flight. She was offered two options – deplane or wait for an advice within 24 hours as to when and where she will reunite with her dog.

Luckily, things got sorted 5 minutes after. The emotional damage was done though. 

Going around a city with a luggage is a nightmare

Suitcases have wheels. Roads are paved. There are elevators. Pick up service is available. Cabs are everywhere. Space in trains is unlimited.

Until it isn’t. 

During my first trip to Europe, my friends and I had a sobering moment. There were no elevators. Suitcases have to be carried / dragged to the top floor. We were in for a treat.

Maybe it boils down to preferences. Constantly carrying a light load is easier (and good for cardio and strength training) than testing moments meant for bodybuilders. 

There is a financial cost to check in items

One thing that has made traveling accessible is the unbundling of services offered by airlines. A common option is to remove checked-in luggage.

At times, the fee is minimal. But aggregating all of them will lead to a significant sum. 

I remember traveling every weekend. The amount of money I saved was helpful in funding my subsequent adventures.

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