What Is The Difference Between Checked And
Unchecked Baggage? Here Are 4 Helpful Points
-
Wole Femi Asaolu
- September 5, 2023
If you were to travel by air, among the biggest worries you would have is the luggage’s size and weight. You have two baggage options — you can go with checked or unchecked baggage. Now, what is the difference between checked and unchecked baggage?
Both baggage options have their limitations and advantages, and knowing these can help you choose the perfect option for your needs. Hopefully, I can help you decide!
Table of Contents
What is the Difference Between Checked and Unchecked Baggage?
A checked baggage is the larger bag you drop off at the check-in counter at the airport, while unchecked baggage is the smaller bag that travels with you and is stowed in the overhead compartment or underneath your seat.
Overall, checked and unchecked baggage differs in definition, eligible items, size, and location inside the plane.
Your checked baggage is weighted, labeled, and screened at the security checkpoint. Then, it is transported and stored in the plane’s cargo hold, making it inaccessible for the remainder of the flight.
Unchecked bags are usually called ‘cabin baggage’ or ‘unregistered baggage’ as they are with you in the plane’s cabin — therefore, it is within your reach at all times.
Checked Baggage vs. Unchecked Baggage: Comparison Table
As a passenger flying with an airline, you should know the primary difference between the bags since that will help you pack wisely and efficiently for your trip.
To help, here is a quick comparison that can help you differentiate the two bags:
Comparison Points | Checked Luggage | Unchecked Luggage |
Meaning/Definition | Bags that are not accessible to passengers during the flight and are transported and held at the plane’s cargo area after check-in and security check. | Bags that passengers can take to the cabin with them. |
Eligible Items | A checked luggage should contain all the necessary items you’ll need once you reach your destination. | The unchecked bag must contain personal items you need at all times — like travel documents, passports, money, electronics, medication, valuable jewelry, and other essentials. |
Size | A checked bag is typically larger. | An unchecked bag is smaller as it should only contain essentials. |
Flight Location | Checked bags are stored in the cargo hold/area of the plane during flight. | Unchecked bags are placed in the plane cabin with you, either overhead or underneath your seat. |
Checked Luggage | Unchecked Luggage |
Bags that are not accessible to passengers during the flight and are transported and held at the plane’s cargo area after check-in and security check. | Bags that passengers can take to the cabin with them. |
A checked luggage should contain all the necessary items you’ll need once you reach your destination. | The unchecked bag must contain personal items you need at all times — like travel documents, passports, money, electronics, medication, valuable jewelry, and other essentials. |
A checked bag is typically larger. | An unchecked bag is smaller as it should only contain essentials. |
Checked bags are stored in the cargo hold/area of the plane during flight. | Unchecked bags are placed in the plane cabin with you, either overhead or underneath your seat. |
What is the difference between checked and unchecked baggage? You probably now have a vague idea after reading the comparison table above.
Though, you should also know these bag options more thoroughly to keep you well-informed.
What is Checked Baggage?
Checked baggage is a bag that needs to adhere to and comply with airline baggage regulations. It is dropped off during check-in and screened at security. Once cleared, it is transported to the cargo area of the plane.
To ensure that you will avoid paying any hefty fees, you must pay close attention to the quantity, size, and weight limitations imposed on checked baggage.
The typical weight limit of checked baggage varies depending on the airline, travel class, and route. Better check with the airline before packing to ensure there won’t be a delay during check-in.
A tip you must remember when traveling: Check-in baggage should not contain any extremely valuable or delicate items.
These bags are known to experience rough handling during check-in and transportation. Keeping essential valuables in your cabin baggage would be best if you don’t want them broken or stolen.
Burak Ates shared the same sentiments based on their own experience:
“The check-in baggage is the one you check in at the counter and has fewer restrictions. Avoid lithium-ion batteries in it; the rest should be relatively minor rules. They are not taken to the cabin, so they can be larger and heavier but keep in mind that they won’t be treated kindly, so it’s important to make sure that it’s durable. Cabin baggage is the one you can take to the cabin. Since it is close to the rest of the passengers, there are more security restrictions regarding this one, especially in the form of liquids. Also, the cabin has limited space, so there are more size restrictions to follow. However, you will handle the bag personally, so it’ll be treated better.”
Items you can bring in checked baggage
Getting caught with something in your checked baggage is an intimidating experience you should actively avoid. If you’re not careful when packing, you could accidentally bring something that can get flagged by the TSA.
To avoid that, here is a list of the items you can pack in your checked baggage:
- Small tools
- Clothes
- Non-flammable items, liquids, aerosols, and gels — including drinks, food, and toiletries (in quantities of 3.4 ounces or less)
- Gifts
- Electronics
- Medication, vitamins, and medical equipment
- Baby equipment, food, and needs
- Alcoholic beverages with 70% less alcohol content
- Disposable and electric razors
- Cigarettes
- Food
- Canned and frozen food
- Chocolate
- Soap, shampoo, and other hair items
- Air mattress
- Chargers, AC adapters, extension cords, controllers, and drones
- Knitting needles and needlepoint needles
- Acrylic paint
- Books
What is Unchecked Baggage?
An unchecked bag is also considered cabin baggage or carry-on bag. As the names suggest, these are the bags you can carry and bring to your seat on the plane.
They don’t need to be placed inside the cargo section and are primarily within reach of the passengers during the flight.
These bags are typically smaller and usually carry the essential and valuable items you should have unrestricted access to. They are either placed overhead or under your seat.
Unchecked bags are the best option to store valuable and expensive personal items as they are better protected than checked bags.
The carry-on bag will stick with you throughout your flying experience — from going through customs to embarking and disembarking the airplane. If you were to lose your carry-on, you only have yourself to blame since these bags are not entrusted to the airline.
Airlines typically permit passengers to carry 1-2 free carry-on baggage items on the plane. One is the ‘personal item,’ a bag smaller than the carry-on bag.
Carrying a carry-on and personal item bag means you can pack more essential items you might need during the flight. That will make the travel and trip more comfortable and easy for you.
Items you can bring in unchecked baggage
Unchecked baggage is the bag you can carry during the flight. You have unlimited and immediate access to these bags while on the air.
Given the case, these are smaller and have more limited space than the standard checked luggage, so knowing the items you should include in unchecked baggage can help you pack.
- Official personal documents (IDs cards, passports, and others)
- Money
- Personal electronics (mobile phones and laptops)
- Jewelry and other precious and expensive items
- Keys
- Securities and other values
- Medications, vitamins, and medical certificates
Note that necessary and valuable items should be inside the unchecked baggage as these bags are more secure and protected than checked baggage.
Should I Bring Checked Baggage or Unchecked Baggage?
By now, you already know what each baggage means and what items must go in each. If you were to fly to your destination, you must decide which type of baggage to bring.
Should you opt for light packing and go with just a carry-on? Or should you pack more items and bring checked luggage?
The answer lies in what kind of trip you are planning and what budget you have allotted for luggage. Most airlines allow passengers to carry 1-2 free bags — one carry-on and one personal item bag. If you’re boarding a domestic flight and are only staying for a couple of days, then bringing unchecked baggage should suffice.
If you’re in a rush or are against waiting in line, carrying only unchecked baggage should be the better choice. Upon arriving at the airport, you won’t need to queue up to have your bag checked in. Checking out should be easier too.
If you have a budget and will travel internationally for more than a few days, the better option should be checked baggage. Then, you can pack more travel items and essentials. Also, clothes are primarily for checked baggage. You can only bring a little clothing with a carry-on.
However, the main downside of checked baggage is that there are fees. Although, there are fewer restrictions for checked bags than a carry-on. They also offer more space, which makes them perfect for longer trips and vacations.
You should know that there is also a third option to this — the best one, in fact. In many cases, you might need to bring both — whether you are boarding a domestic or international flight.
Each baggage option has its specific purpose and function. Unchecked baggage can carry your personal and valuable items. They are also accessible to you at all times.
Meanwhile, checked baggage can contain all the other travel items you would only need once you reach your destination. They can contain your clothes, toiletries, and other travel essentials!
Utilizing both baggage options means you can travel safer and more comfortably. It is also more cost-effective and efficient! You do not need to compromise your travel time and resources, especially since carry-on bags are free of charge.
So, What is The Difference Between Checked and Unchecked Baggage?
The answer mainly lies in the bag’s location during the flight. Checked baggage is larger and is placed inside the cargo hold, while the unchecked bag is smaller and is stored overhead or underneath your seat.
Most passengers tend to choose between which baggage options to go for, but ideally, bringing both is better. That means more space to pack everything you could need for the trip!
