No checked luggage, just carry-on?

[UrsulasShadow]

Since I'm flying solo this time (no DD18 who insists on bringing her entire wardrobe every time she goes somewhere!), I figured I'd forego the checked bag and carry everything onboard with me. I can pretty easily fit everything into my carryon size luggage, as long as I carry a larger purse as a "personal item". I've already shipped down any liquids and gels, and have my "3-1-1" baggie in place.
My question is this...has anyone had bad experiences doing this? If you listen to the TSA, they want you to check just about EVERYthing to speed up the security process. However, listening to the stories about lost baggage increases since the new rules, I'm not willing to take the chance of checking my bag...not for such a small amount of stuff, anyway. What is everyone's take on this? I leave in less than 2 weeks, so I should make a decision soon, no?

 

[goofy4tink]

I've flown to WDW once with only carry-on, no checked. It was okay. It fit quite nicely in the overhead. My big issue, especially if traveling solo, is having to cart that thing around all over the place. I use the ladies room twice before boarding and I have to tell you, it's a pain to take it with me. But that's the only downside for me. I'm going in two weeks and thought I might try to use just my carryon but the others in my group are checking their bags so I guess I will also.

 

[salmoneous]

I'd say that 80-90% of the time I fly it is with no checked baggage. It's not so much that I'm worried about the airlines losing my luggage, but that I don't want to wait for it at baggage claim.

While TSA might want most stuff checked, the airlines DO NOT. In the first days after the liquid ban so many people checked bags that the whole baggage system got backed up at many airports (though planes sure did load fast!).

 

[Jestocost]

Shouldn't really be a problem as long as you're aware of and following all of the rules. I'm assuming the carry-on is size compliant (check your airline's Web site if you have any questions) and it sounds like you have the liquid/gels things under control. You'll still need to pull out any laptop or camcorder to go through the x-ray separately, so be prepared.

If you're on a full-size plane, it should fit in the overhead bin with no trouble. If you're on a regional jet or smaller plane, you can get a gate-check tag and leave it on the jet bridge or plane side. You'll pick it up on the jet bridge or plane side when you disembark at MCO.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

My big issue, especially if traveling solo, is having to cart that thing around all over the place. I use the ladies room twice before boarding and I have to tell you, it's a pain to take it with me .

You know, I didn't even think that it might be a pain to drag into the LR with me...thanks! It's pretty small, and on wheels and all, so it's not like the cloth of the luggage will sit on the floor , but it might get a little cramped in there. I love to go hands-free in the parks, but didn't even think about the airport. Just one more thing to consider.

Too bad I'll probably just miss you this time around, Diane! Enjoy Mousefest!

 

[CleveRocks]

While TSA might want most stuff checked, the airlines DO NOT.

Exactly.

TSA wants less in carry-ons to make their jobs easier and to make the security lines go faster. But we're still entitled to pack a carry-on up to our airline's limit (minus the wet stuff, of course).

 

[goofy4tink]

You know, I didn't even think that it might be a pain to drag into the LR with me...thanks! It's pretty small, and on wheels and all, so it's not like the cloth of the luggage will sit on the floor , but it might get a little cramped in there. I love to go hands-free in the parks, but didn't even think about the airport. Just one more thing to consider.

Too bad I'll probably just miss you this time around, Diane! Enjoy Mousefest!

Yep, it gets cramped in there.....not a pretty sight. Sorry we'll just miss. Have a terrific trip though!!

 

[Jeanne B]

Exactly.

TSA wants less in carry-ons to make their jobs easier and to make the security lines go faster. But we're still entitled to pack a carry-on up to our airline's limit (minus the wet stuff, of course).

I just wanted to mention your pictures in your signature are cool, I really need to learn to use my photo editing software!! I've gotten as far as installing it on my computer and that's it.

 

[CPT Tripss]

Most suitcases that meet the size requirements fit in the overhead if you put them in wheels down and first (short side first) - this make more space in the overhead.
Why check your luggage and wait around for it as well as worry about losing it? Heck, if TSA had their way, we'd all travel barefoot and in our undies (or less).

 

[UrsulasShadow]

Most suitcases that meet the size requirements fit in the overhead if you put them in wheels down and first (short side first) - this make more space in the overhead.
Why check your luggage and wait around for it as well as worry about losing it? Heck, if TSA had their way, we'd all travel barefoot and in our undies (or less).

Thanks for the tip. And, they really, really don't want me less than fully garbed.... .I'm not so concerned about the MCO part of the trip, either, since I pretty much trust ME to handle the bag thing as well as they did the first time I used them. It would be a great pleasure to avoid checked baggage coming in from the BOS side, since they seem to delight in having breakdowns in their unloading equipment. Last year we waited 3 hours on NYE for our bags to come down the chute because of a mechanical malfunction. Nothing like experiencing New Year's dawning from the bowels of Logan.