Carryons only vs Checked luggage LAX

[Snyders22000]

Trying to decide on my packing strategy for our upcoming trip. It will be myself, my husband and our 3 kids (8,6,3). We are flying into San Diego (nonstop flight) and out of LAX (also nonstop). We have flown a few times with kids so they know the drill. 3 year olds stuff would be in DH's carryon. Which option?

A. Take 4 carryons only. No checked bags. Kids carryon's are half the size of our regular adult carryons and they can maneuver themselves. Pro: No checking bags lines and no waiting for bags at baggage claim. Each person has their stuff in their own bag. Con: maneuvering through airport, security, etc.

B. Take 1 large checked bag and one small carryon. Same basic pros cons as above, just reversed.

I guess I'm not sure how crazy LAX will be to maneuver with our carryons. Is it worth it to do carryons only to skip lines to check our bags etc? Thanks for any advice.

 

[Darkbeer1]

OK, flying from where?

Which airline?

Checking in bags is easy, most airlines have baggage check in only lines and/or bell caps at the curb.

Alaska Airlines just opened a self service option at LAX...

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-travel-briefcase-alaska-20160924-snap-story.html

I prefer checking in bags if there are no extra fees.

 

[Snyders22000]

It's Southwest so no extra fees.

 

[SMD]

Southwest also has self-service baggage tagging kiosks at LAX. Baggage check is right inside the terminal 1 doors. I'd check a bag.

 

[Darkbeer1]

LAX is one of the worst places for TSA checks, especially Terminal 1, where Southwest is located.

San Diego (Lindbergh Field) is an efficient medium sized airport so easy luggage pick up without too much delay.

I would opt for check-in for most of my group's stuff on both legs of the trip.

 

[hsmamato2]

this is good info! when I'm flying into LAX, I was wondering the same thing, and my flights aren't non stop..... I have SWA,so free bags, I'm more worried about time spent retrieving them at LAX once we land,or loss of baggage(not likely I know but still) How is baggage claim at LAX?

 

[Zbugz]

I prefer to travel with less bags in hand if there is no baggage charge. Also consider how the bags will fit in your mode of transportation.

 

[Darkbeer1]

this is good info! when I'm flying into LAX, I was wondering the same thing, and my flights aren't non stop..... I have SWA,so free bags, I'm more worried about time spent retrieving them at LAX once we land,or loss of baggage(not likely I know but still) How is baggage claim at LAX?

Well, the good news, there are 9 different terminals at LAX, so that is 9 separate luggage systems and pick up zones. (Well, actually there are I think 7 different zones, as some terminals share).

Now the bad news, they are large terminals, and it does take time to get the planes unloaded and to the baggage check area, so it is a bit longer than normal.

But it is an decent system, and the baggage check areas are staffed with airline offices ( each terminal only has a few airlines using it) to deal with lost/delayed luggage.

I would say plan for about 30 minutes after the plane arrival until you have your luggage in your hands, maybe a bit less.

 

[Indiana Scott]

We never check bags when going someplace warm like DLR or Hawaii. We can easily get the things we really need in our carry-ons. Anything else we really dont need.
It not even entirely a cost issue. We find it faster, more efficient and our bags last longer with no checking.

 

[tzeitel]

We never check bags when going someplace warm like DLR or Hawaii. We can easily get the things we really need in our carry-ons. Anything else we really dont need.
It not even entirely a cost issue. We find it faster, more efficient and our bags last longer with no checking.

I agree with this - we travel with carry-ons only...BUT with little kids I would rather check a bag and not worry. DD is 14 now so no big deal, she has been taking her own carry-on for a couple of years now. When she was little (under 12) we would check a bag unless her stuff fit in our (DH and my) carry-ons. Our next trip we are taking Frontier one way which charges more for carry-ons than to check a bag (!) so we will check one this time which will have all of our stuff. Unfamiliar airport, and 3 kids? Check a bag

 

[Kittyskyfish]

We check bags because it allows for extra space when returning with souvenirs.

 

[sheetz]

I avoid checking bags whenever possible. Doesn't matter if it's free or not.

 

[ludari]

I always travel with just a carry on bag it just makes things so much easier. However since you're traveling with kids you might need to check at least one bag.

 

[Darkbeer1]

I think if you decide to check in one bag, then you should check in most of them.

I am lucky enough to have premium status on most airlines, so I try and check in whatever I can, which sometimes include items like video cameras, etc. I try and keep my check in stuff to the basics, just to reduce the TSA security hassles and then placing the items in the bins and under the seat. Of course, my laptop and smartphone are coming with me on the plane, and usually an old fashioned book in case my batteries die, or just don't want to have to deal with the tray table. Also, I do love the local printed newspapers to read while travelling. Read what you want, and then recycle it and shed the weight... I have gotten so many great ides of places to shoot and add as local "flavor" while on assignment, and is a must go for me, as a search function is limited, while the printed version allows you to see things you wouldn't normally look at. I also use the locals that are day hires to find out things that we might have missed during research for the segment we are planning to make.

It also depends on the type of plane, a large Jumbo Jet, or the infamous puddle jumpers. If it is the smaller planes, such as Alaska uses, I will drop off most of the hand carry stuff at the staircase, where they place it in the plane's hold right there (not much room on the plane). Then when you disembark the plane, the carry on items are right there, and doesn't use the normal main luggage system. (But only on the smaller planes).

But since I travel usually in a group, check in is almost always part of our plans.

 

[Westcoastwild]

Since it's nonstop and your kids know the drill, I'd probably carryon. Unless you are souvenir people or you think you'll want to eat in the airport or something like that. I check because I like to get there early, grab a meal, and explore a bit. Also you don't have to worry about putting the luggage in the overhead which is no small task for four people.

What I'd actually do in your situation is put liquids and most extra clothing in one large hard sided suitcase. Still have the kids take "personal items" like a small backpack. Then you can travel light on the way and potentially have space for toys on the way home. There always seems to be one kid with a ridiculous thing like a lightsaber or giant stuffed animal that you really don't want them to carry on.