When you are looking at flights or travelling, you have the decision of hand luggage only or taking a suitcase for the hold.
The prices of flights change dramatically when you add luggage. For example from the UK to USA, it is roughly £100 each way for a suitcase (rough guide as airlines all vary).
Both options have their pros and cons, and it is important to weigh them carefully before making a choice as it affects more than just your pocket.
Here are the pros and cons of both suitcases and hand luggage.
Pros of Hand Luggage
- Convenience: Hand luggage is easy to carry around and allows you to move freely without having to worry about checking in your bags or waiting for them at baggage claim.
- Cost-effective: Most airlines charge additional fees for checked baggage now, so travelling with hand luggage can be a cost-effective option, especially if you are only travelling for a short period.
- Saves time: When travelling with hand luggage, you can avoid long lines at check-in and baggage claim, which can save you valuable time that you can spend exploring your destination.
- Mobility: If you are travelling to a destination that requires a lot of walking or navigating through narrow streets, hand luggage can be more manageable and easier to manoeuvre than a large suitcase.
If you are disabled then this can make it harder to get about depending on your disability.
Cons of Hand Luggage
- Limited space: Hand luggage typically has a smaller capacity than a suitcase, so you may have to pack light or be strategic about what you bring with you on your trip. Rolling clothes can help reduce the space they take up.
- Security: Some airports have strict regulations regarding the size and weight of hand luggage, which can lead to additional screening or even having to check in your bags at the gate. Budget airlines especially are strict over size.
- Restrictions on liquids: When travelling with hand luggage, you will be subject to restrictions on the amount of liquids you can bring on board, which can be a challenge if you need to bring toiletries or other liquids, as you are limited to one plastic bag with 100ml bottles in, which you need to be able to close easily. Some airports are stopping this requirement for 100ml bottles, but the majority still have it.
- Lack of protection: Hand luggage provides little protection for your belongings, and items can be easily damaged if they are not properly packed. You also need to think about rain as if your bag isn’t waterproof, your valuables could get damaged.
Pros of Suitcases
- More space: Suitcases have a larger capacity than hand luggage, which allows you to bring more items with you on your trip.
- Protection: Suitcases provide more protection for your belongings and can be better suited for fragile or valuable items.
- Less restrictions: When travelling with a suitcase, you don’t have the liquid restrictions that you have with hand luggage.
- Versatility: A suitcase can be used for a variety of travel purposes, from short weekend getaways to longer trips.
Cons of Suitcases
- Weight: Suitcases can be heavy and difficult to manoeuvre, especially if you are travelling alone or have to navigate stairs or uneven surfaces. Some suitcases are also heavy when empty, so make sure you check the weight when buying one.
- Cost: Checking in a suitcase can be expensive, especially if you are travelling with multiple bags or with an airline that charges for checked baggage. For budget airlines especially, it is usually better to use hand luggage only.
- Lack of mobility: Suitcases can be cumbersome and difficult to carry around, especially in crowded or busy areas. You might end up having to drag a suitcase through city streets for hours, I know I have!
- Space limitations: If you are travelling to a destination with limited storage space, a suitcase may not be practical or convenient.
You need to take a lot of factors into account when deciding if you want a suitcase or hand luggage. Just make sure you take time to weight up the pros and cons.
While hand luggage may be more convenient and cost-effective, suitcases offer more space and protection for your belongings. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what works best for you and your travel plans so make sure you think about all factors.
For me, I always use a suitcase for long haul flights and hand luggage on short haul. I will pay for the checked case on long haul because it is worth it for me and I couldn’t do a month on hand luggage only, especially with my chronic illnesses and disabilities.
Weight up the pros and cons and decide what is best for you.