Bringing a carry-on bag instead of a checked bag means you won’t have to waste time at that annoying carousel after your flight. It means you can better guarantee that you won’t lose your stuff, instead of leaving it in the hands of the oft-incapable airline. It means you don’t have to wonder if the baggage handlers are playing shot put with your hardshell Samsonite.
Despite all that, I’ll argue that checking a bag is way better. I do it all the time; I’ll just pare down my packed items until I only need one checked bag. Even if I have only a carry-on, I still check it.
Checked bags are free — might as well use them
The most important point first. If you’ve got an airline credit card, you almost certainly get free checked bags. Here’s an example from each of the major U.S. airlines.
Load Error
| Airline | Credit Card | Free baggage benefit | Card Review |
| American Airlines | Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® | Free first bag for the primary cardholder and up to four companions on the same reservation (domestic American Airlines flights only) | Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select Review |
| United Airlies | United℠ Explorer Card | Free first bag for the primary cardholder and one companion on the same reservation (must use card to pay for your ticket) | Chase United Explorer Review |
| Delta | Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express | Free first bag for the primary cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation | Amex Delta Gold Review |
| JetBlue | JetBlue Plus World Elite Mastercard | Free first bag for the primary cardholder and up to three companions on the same reservation | |
| Alaska Airlines | Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card | Free first bag for the primary cardholder and up to 6 companions on the same reservation | Alaska Airlines Visa Signature review |
| Southwest | N/A | Everyone gets two free checked bags, with or without a credit card! |
The information for the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select, JetBlue Plus, and Alaska Airlines card has been collected independently by Million Mile Secrets. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
If you’re like us, you’ve got most of the cards on that list. I truly cannot remember the last time I paid for a checked bag. It’s been several years. Even if you book basic economy flights (the cheapest fares with oppressive policies like no carry-on bags, last boarding group, etc.), you’ll still get a free checked bag.
If you can get a checked bag for free, you might as well. We’ll build on that premise.
It’s a hands-free airport experience
For years I was a wreck of a traveler — dragging a squeaky-wheeled Antiques Roadshow steamer trunk through the airport, paper boarding pass between my pursed lips, hunched to the side as I try to keep my inflatable pillow from falling off my neck. If you’ve never before negotiated an airport hands-free, you do not know what you’re missing.
This is the biggest draw for me and a simple luxury that comes with free checked bags. I have both hands to use my phone or dig in my wallet. I never have to fret when I run to the water fountain 50 feet away, leaving my fortress of paraphernalia unattended. I don’t have to share an undersized bathroom stall with my carry-on.
In fact, traveling hands-free can be almost a necessity if you travel with kids or anyone who needs help through the airport.
No worrying about the overhead bin
Checking your carry-on means the overhead bin situation onboard is a nonissue. You won’t scramble to find space and proper orientation for your bag as the low muttering from the increasing line behind you grows raucous. And you won’t be hurried to exit the plane, either.
You’ll also avoid that massive queue on the jet bridge when those small regional jets check your bags under the plane anyway. I’d rather wait for my bag in the arrivals lobby instead of in a highly inefficient line of 30 people where nobody can see if their bag is at the front or not.
Airport security is even easier
At airport security checkpoints, you’ll need to remove your laptop and toiletries from your bags. By checking your carry-on, there’s less of that — unless you’re carrying your toiletries and laptop in your personal item (I’ve always got my laptop with me). But the fewer bags you’ve got with you, the less hassle it’ll be with the TSA.
If you’ve got TSA PreCheck, this isn’t as big of a time-saver for you. Those with membership to TSA PreCheck are allowed to keep toiletries and laptops inside their bags. They can also keep shoes, belts and light jackets on, too. I’ve been a member for years and absolutely adore it. You can read this post to learn how to get it for free.
If my bag gets lost, I’ve got coverage
This is not a good reason to check a bag, at all. But it helps in the decision-making.
If your checked bag gets delayed or lost, you’re covered and entitled to reimbursement when you use certain travel credit cards to pay for your flight. Or, in the case of award flights, just pay the taxes and fees with an eligible card and you’ll be covered. The last time my checked bag was lost, I received $500 in cash from Chase so that I could buy new clothes and toiletries.
Here are our top picks for credit cards with baggage insurance:
| Card name | Baggage delay coverage | Who’s covered? | Sign-up bonus | Our review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Triggered after 6+ hour delay, $100 per day for up to five days | Primary cardholder and immediate family | 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months from account opening. Plus earn a $50 statement credit on grocery purchases in the first year of account opening | Chase Sapphire Preferred review |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Triggered after 6+ hour delay, $100 per day for up to five days | Primary cardholder and immediate family | 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months from account opening | Chase Sapphire Reserve review |
| World of Hyatt Credit Card | Triggered after 6+ hour delay, $100 per day for up to five days | Primary cardholder and immediate family | Up to 60,000 bonus points:– 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening– 2 Bonus Points per dollar spent on purchases that earn 1 bonus point up to $15,000 in the first six months of account opening (capped at 30,000 bonus points) | World of Hyatt Card review |
| Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card | Triggered after 6+ hour delay, $100 per day for up to five days | Primary cardholder and immediate family | 100,000 bonus Chase points after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening | Chase Ink Business Preferred review |
| United℠ Explorer Card | Triggered after 6+ hour delay, $100 per day for up to three days | Primary cardholder and immediate family | Up to 65,000 bonus miles:– 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open– 25,000 more bonus miles after you spend $10,000 in the first six months | Chase United Explorer review |
Anyone who has lost a bag knows what a tough spot you’re in when you don’t have any of your clothes. That’s why many travelers insist on bringing a carry-on. It’s a way to guarantee you’ll have at least a couple of outfits if something goes awry with your bags. That’s a totally valid (and wise!) thought process. But using a credit card that covers delayed baggage is the next best thing.
In fact, take a look at the above cards. You’re covered if your bag is delayed just six hours! I’ve been in the situation of staring at my watch, hoping for six hours to pass so I could comp $100 on clothing with Chase. Even if your bag shows up six hours and one minute late, you’re entitled to $100 in compensation.
Bottom line
Many travelers in the miles and points community own a credit card that offers free checked bags — make sure you use that perk to walk hands-free through the airport, speed through airport security, and distance yourself from overhead bins. It’s a liberating experience to not wheel around a carry-on.
Which route do you prefer: Checked bag or carry-on? Let me know in the comments. And subscribe to our newsletter for travel tips and news delivered to your inbox once per day.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $1,000 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Plus earn up to $50 in statement credits towards grocery store purchases within your first year of account opening.
Earn 2X points on dining including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out and travel. Plus, earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 80,000 points are worth $1,000 toward travel.
With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 25% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories.
Get unlimited deliveries with a $0 delivery fee and reduced service fees on eligible orders over $12 for a minimum of one year with DashPass, DoorDash’s subscription service. Activate by 12/31/21.
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Get up to $60 back on an eligible Peloton Digital or All-Access Membership through 12/31/2021, and get full access to their workout library through the Peloton app, including cardio, running, strength, yoga, and more. Take classes using a phone, tablet, or TV. No fitness equipment is required.
Intro APR on purchases
N/A
Regular APR
15.99%-22.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$95
Balance Transfer Fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
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