Shutdown-Better to Check Bags?

[DCLMP]

I would think that checking a bag would be worse, and more easily lost in an understaffed and chaotic airport. If you can fly carry on only, I would. As others have pointed out, it’s much easier to make quick changes if all of your belongings are with you.

The airlines are not understaffed. They are not government employees. The risk of checking a bag would be if you have connecting flight and it's delayed or cancelled.

 

[Lewisc]

The airlines are not understaffed. They are not government employees. The risk of checking a bag would be if you have connecting flight and it's delayed or cancelled.

TSA employees screen all checked bags. X Ray and sometimes hand checked.

I don't know if we'll get to a point where luggage gets left behind.

 

[elvispursley]

You always need a plan B. A standard micro USB cable will charge your pump. Readily available.

Pumps can break. Some doctors suggest bringing back up insulin. My wife's pump broke in Costa Rica. Lantus was available, without a script, for around $21. Pharmacist threw in a handful of pen needles.

I was able to get one ordered from Amazon. Stupidly, with all the travel stress, I didn’t realize my battery was getting low and thought I had a cord in my carryon.

And yes, good point about a backup plan for pumps. I carry a medical bag with al my pump supplies (but apparently sans charging cord this last trip). I always travel with backup plants and novolog pens and needle tips to use if y pump breaks and I have to wait for a replacement. Glad your wife was able to find the supplies she needed in Costa Rica! And at such a low cost!

 

[MICKIMINI]

Bring a carry on and a backpack or tote bag with all the meds, toiletries and at least one set of clothes. Wear a jacket on the plane. Right now, it is important that the airlines don't have control of your stuff...it sits at your departing airport or ends up going a different direction. You can fedex your suitcase or a box of your clothes to your destination. I wouldn't want to risk it right now!

Good luck!

 

[gottalovepluto]

Right now, it is important that the airlines don't have control of your stuff...it sits at your departing airport or ends up going a different direction. You can fedex your suitcase or a box of your clothes to your destination.

That’s not a great idea… FedEx is also enjoying the ATC disruption (albeit less as they operate more at night when the FAA isn’t requiring cuts) but now they’ve had to ground 4% of their fleet at Boeing’s suggestion after the UPS disaster. And UPS is worse off with 10% grounded.

 

[MICKIMINI]

That’s not a great idea… FedEx is also enjoying the ATC disruption (albeit less as they operate more at night when the FAA isn’t requiring cuts) but now they’ve had to ground 4% of their fleet at Boeing’s suggestion after the UPS disaster. And UPS is worse off with 10% grounded.

I still think you have a better chance of shipping 5 or 6 days out rather than chance your checked bags getting on a different plane then you actually get on. You don't get to go to the airport 5 or 6 days early and put your bags on a plan, right?

 

[jimmymc]

I still think you have a better chance of shipping 5 or 6 days out rather than chance your checked bags getting on a different plane then you actually get on. You don't get to go to the airport 5 or 6 days early and put your bags on a plan, right?

I would trust checking a bag over freight carriers for something time sensitive, like clothes on vacation. Unless you pay for something like overnight or two day shipping, they'll be transiting on the next open spot through multiple warehouses and methods of transportation. Even overnight shipping usually involves two planes.

If you really want to avoid issues, I'd recommend driving to an airport with nonstop flights to your destination or going carry-on only.

 

[sam_gordon]

I still think you have a better chance of shipping 5 or 6 days out rather than chance your checked bags getting on a different plane then you actually get on. You don't get to go to the airport 5 or 6 days early and put your bags on a plan, right?

You're also assuming the place you're going to will "receive" your bags. Will the hotel accept something for a guest who's not checked in?

 

[MICKIMINI]

You're also assuming the place you're going to will "receive" your bags. Will the hotel accept something for a guest who's not checked in?

Yes. I've done at at DVC villas. They hold it for you. I also ship USPS. Same.

 

[MICKIMINI]

I would trust checking a bag over freight carriers for something time sensitive, like clothes on vacation. Unless you pay for something like overnight or two day shipping, they'll be transiting on the next open spot through multiple warehouses and methods of transportation. Even overnight shipping usually involves two planes.

If you really want to avoid issues, I'd recommend driving to an airport with nonstop flights to your destination or going carry-on only.

We had a commercial pilot as a neighbor at another home and his suggestion was to ship your bags all the time. Roll the dice. Of course, carry on with a non stop is the best.

 

[sam_gordon]

Yes. I've done at at DVC villas. They hold it for you. I also ship USPS. Same.

Great if you're doing Disney hotels. Others? I wouldn't really be comfortable with it.

ETA: Or something happens and you don't get to make your trip.

 

[jimmymc]

We had a commercial pilot as a neighbor at another home and his suggestion was to ship your bags all the time. Roll the dice. Of course, carry on with a non stop is the best.

I'm curious what their reasoning was and who they've flown for. Freight airlines lose things or a delayed by days all the time.

 

[elvispursley]

After my debacle with my luggage never making it, all I can say is invest in putting air trackers (or the equivalent) with fresh batteries in you luggage. I was able to tell the airline luggage rep that my bag was still sitting in a warehouse in Seattle (she had no clue where it was). I also now plan to take a picture of my packed bag as that also would've sped up the airline finding my bag. I had to play phone tag with the airline so I could verify the contents of the bag (and they wanted very specific and detailed info).