Carry-on vs. checked baggage: which is best for your trip?

  • New Trip

Update date: 2025.11.17
Title

Every time I get on a plane, I always wonder , "Should I carry on my luggage or check it in?"
This is the problem.

When I'm on a quick business trip, I want to be able to get away quickly with just my carry-on luggage, and when I'm on a longer trip, I want to leave my luggage behind and travel light.

The choice of which one to choose depends on your travel style, the amount of luggage you have, the airline you are flying with, and how you plan to move around on the day.

These four things make a big difference.

In this article,

We will guide you through each point of confusion and help you choose the easiest and most cost-effective option .

table of contents

First, the conclusion: which one you choose depends on your travel style.

2. Pros and cons of carry-on luggage

3. Advantages and disadvantages of checked baggage

4. Travel purpose × Scene: "Which one do you choose?"

summary

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

First, the conclusion: which one you choose depends on your travel style.

Title

The problem of luggage when traveling is always something that bothers you until the very end.
"I want to carry less, but I'm worried" "It's heavy, but it might be easier to leave it in a deposit."
I go back and forth between these feelings...

First, let's simplify the "going back and forth" that often occurs before a trip.

Here's the conclusion:

  • Short-term, lightweight, and speed-oriented → Carry-on luggage is the best option
  • Medium to long term, lots of luggage, shopping plans → depositing is advantageous

Which option is more advantageous will naturally depend on the amount of luggage you have and the purpose of your trip.
Now let's take a closer look at the features of each.

Title

2. Pros and cons of carry-on luggage

Title

One of the great attractions of carry-on luggage is that you can get moving as soon as you arrive at the airport.
On the other hand, the style of "having everything at hand" requires a little ingenuity and compromise.
First, let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of traveling light and easily.

table of contents

1. Benefits of carry-on luggage

2. Disadvantages of carry-on luggage

1. Benefits of carry-on luggage

1. You can act immediately after arrival (no waiting time)

I don't have time to wait for the baggage carousel,
Great for connecting flights, business trips, and tight schedules .
Especially on domestic flights, you can sometimes get off and be outside within five minutes.

2. There is almost no risk of damage or loss

Since it is within your line of sight, you can safely carry your PC, camera, and precision equipment .
It is also effective in avoiding the risk of loss when traveling abroad.

3. The less you pack, the lighter your trip will be.

Moving around the airport and taking trains and buses after arrival is also smooth.
This significantly reduces stress, especially when walking up stairs or on crowded train lines .

4. No additional fees required (great for LCCs)

Many LCCs charge a fee for checked luggage,
If you can fit it into your carry-on luggage, you could save several thousand yen on your round trip .

Title

2. Disadvantages of carry-on luggage

1. Strict size and weight restrictions

Generally, the total of the three sides is within 115cm and the weight is around 7 to 10kg .
This can be difficult in winter when clothes are bulky, or for people with lots of gadgets.

2. Fluid restrictions are a problem

No liquids or gels over 100ml allowed.
It can be a bit inconvenient for people who use a lot of skincare and cosmetics.

3. There's a battle for storage space on the plane

On fully booked flights, the upper shelves fill up quickly,
If you board later, you may have to sit far away or your legroom may be limited.

4. Always keep your carry-on luggage with you when traveling

When you go to the toilet, when you eat at the airport...

There's also the stress of having to keep large items close at hand.

📦 機内持ち込みにおすすめスーツケース

・New Trip 0201
軽くて丈夫、機内持ち込み派なら間違いない万能スーツケース。
詳しく見る →
・New Trip 0501
フロントオープン設計で出張にぴったりのスーツケース。
詳しく見る →
Title

3. Advantages and disadvantages of checked baggage

Title

Do you choose "lightness" or "freedom"?
Checking luggage is an option that can greatly enhance your travel comfort.
However, there will be a little bit of waiting time at the airport.
Opinions will differ depending on how you view this small effort.

table of contents

1. Benefits of depositing

2. Disadvantages of depositing

1. Benefits of depositing

1. Almost no restrictions on carry-on items (liquids are also allowed)

There is no 100ml limit, and you can bring as much cosmetics, shampoo, and perfume as you like.
You can safely carry bulky items such as winter clothes and boots.

2. Moving around the airport is incredibly easy

Go through security empty-handed → board empty-handed → walk empty-handed.
It is especially suitable for travelling with children, elderly people or those with a lot of luggage.

3. Large capacity gives you more freedom when traveling

Buy clothes at your travel destination, pack souvenirs,
This reduces the anxiety of "worried about whether I can take it home."

4. You can make your flight more comfortable without spending any money (ANA/JAL offer it for free)

It's free on domestic flights, and one bag is generally free on international flights.
Even with low-cost carriers, you can often get low costs if you book in advance.

Title

2. Disadvantages of depositing

1. It takes a long time to receive the package

You may have to wait 10 to 20 minutes after arriving.
Not suitable if you have urgent plans.

2. Risk of damage, delay or loss

Important items (PCs, cameras, precision equipment) cannot be placed inside.
There are cases where luggage is handled roughly, especially at airports overseas.

3. Overweight fees may apply

Charges will be incurred if the weight exceeds 23kg (international flights) or 20kg (LCCs).
Be careful when traveling long distances in winter.

4. Checking in means "one more thing to do"

During busy times, the queues to deposit items become longer.
I need a little time before boarding.

📦 預け入れにおすすめスーツケース

・New Trip 0701 Plus
超軽量設計で、預け入れでも荷物重量に安心なスーツケース。
詳しく見る →
・New Trip 1101
100%PC素材+アルミフレームで預け入れ時心配無用のスーツケース
詳しく見る →
Title

4. Travel purpose × Scene: "Which one do you choose?"

Title

Travel has many different faces.
There are days when you want to move quickly at work, and there are days when you want to move slowly with your family.

That's why it's important to work backwards from the question, "What kind of trip is your trip?"

It's the surest choice.

Here we have summarized in an easy-to-understand manner which one to choose depending on real-life travel situations.

table of contents

1. Short trips of 1-2 nights → Carry-on luggage is by far the best value

2. Winter travel and long-term stays → Checking luggage is much easier

3. Traveling with children/families → Comfortable and safe check-in

4. Business trips → Basically, carry-on luggage, but depending on the luggage, use a combination of luggage

5. Overseas travel → Checked luggage is the norm

6. Shopping/Outlet Trips → Checked Baggage is a Must

1. Short trips of 1-2 nights → Carry-on luggage is by far the best value

The shorter the trip, the more important it is to have light luggage to ensure a comfortable trip.

・Reasons why carry-on luggage is suitable

  • Since there is little luggage, it is easy to keep it under 7kg.
  • You can move immediately after arrival (no waiting time for checked luggage)
  • The return luggage won't increase that much.

Especially when traveling and moving between hotels in urban areas, there are many times when you will think, "I'm glad I brought this with me!"

Title

2. Winter travel and long-term stays → Checking luggage is incredibly easy

In winter, you have to carry coats, knitwear, thick innerwear...no matter how hard you try, your luggage will end up being bulky.

・Reasons why depositing is suitable

  • Winter clothes alone tend to weigh over 7kg
  • Boots and moisturizing items are heavy and bulky
  • Compression bags can easily add weight

"They tried to force us to bring it in, but ended up charging us an extra fee on the day."
I've seen people like that many times.
When traveling in winter, it is best to choose checked luggage from the start.

Title

3. Traveling with children/families → Comfortable and safe check-in

When traveling with children, having your hands free is more important than the amount of luggage you carry.

・Reasons why depositing is suitable

  • Easy to move around by holding hands
  • Strollers and diaper bags take up carry-on luggage allowances
  • Diapers, clothes, blankets, etc. tend to add up

This will reduce stress as you won't have to wander around the airport.

Title

4. Business trip (PC and documents are heavy) → Basically bring it with you, but use it in combination depending on the luggage

For business trips,
The key points are "being able to work on the plane" and "the peace of mind of having a PC at hand."

・Reasons why carry-on luggage is suitable

  • It's safer to keep your PC and documents close at hand rather than leaving them in storage.
  • It's also smooth when you need to move to a meeting immediately after arriving.
  • No need to worry about accidentally breaking it

However, if you add more to your business trip attire, such as suits, shirts, and shoes, it may be easier to check your luggage.
For 2-3 nights, the combined style is most comfortable.

・What to bring: PC, charging station, materials
・Deposit: Clothes and toiletries

This combination is the strongest.

Title

5. Overseas travel → Checked luggage is the norm (consider the liquid rule)

In other countries, rules regarding liquids are often stricter than in Japan.

・Reasons why depositing is suitable

  • You cannot bring liquids over 100ml
  • You'll definitely buy more souvenirs overseas
  • The security check is long, so large luggage is a hindrance

In Asia and Europe in particular, it is not uncommon for even water to be confiscated.
To avoid trouble, it is better to plan your overseas trip assuming you will be checking your luggage.

Title

6. Shopping and Outlet Shopping Trips → Checked Baggage is a Must

When you go on a shopping trip, you won't go wrong if you keep your return trip in mind.

・Reasons why depositing is suitable

  • The things I buy don't break
  • Easy to put in the box
  • It is often cheaper to deposit your luggage from the start than to pay the additional fees.

If you are traveling and end up with more luggage on the way back, the only option is to check it in without hesitation.
Title

summary

Title

Depending on your travel style, there will naturally be differences between people who find it more advantageous to carry on luggage and those who find it more advantageous to check luggage.

If you want to move quickly, travel light, or go directly, carry-on luggage is the answer.

On the other hand, when traveling with lots of winter clothes, staying for a long period of time, or traveling with family, the peace of mind of being able to store your luggage can be a great help.

Rather than choosing one right or wrong, the most comfortable option is to choose the freedom that suits your trip .
We hope that preparing for your next trip will be a little easier and a little more exciting.

Title

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Title
Q1. 機内持ち込みと預け入れ、どちらが安いの？

A1：基本的には、機内持ち込みのほうが安く済みます。
特に LCC は預け入れ料金が別途かかるため、7kg以内に収まる場合は持ち込みがお得です。

ただし、荷物が増えそうな旅行では、最初から預け入れを選んだほうが結果的に安いこともあります。

Q2. 機内持ち込みのサイズオーバーはすぐにバレますか？

A2：はい、かなり高い確率でチェックされます。
搭乗口にサイズ測定ゲージがあり、少しのオーバーでも預け入れに回されるケースが多いです。

特にLCCでは非常に厳しいため、事前確認は必須です。

Q3. 預け入れ荷物は壊れやすいですか？

A3：スーツケース自体は丈夫に作られていますが、外側の傷・スレは避けられません。
破損リスクを減らしたい場合は、ハードタイプを選んだり、壊れやすい物を機内に持ち込むのが安心です。

Q4. 液体物は預け入れと機内持ち込み、どちらが良い？

A4：100ml以上の液体は機内に持ち込めないため、預け入れが基本です。
スキンケア類・香水・ヘアケア用品が多い場合は、預けたほうが荷造りもスムーズになります。

Q5. 結局、迷ったときはどう選べばいい？

A5：「旅の長さ」「季節」「買い物予定」の3つで考えるのが最もシンプルです。

● 短期＆身軽 → 機内持ち込み
● 長期・冬・荷物多め・お土産予定 → 預け入れ

この3条件を思い出せば、ほとんどの旅で迷いません。

Free shipping for orders over 2000 yen

All items from our store are shipped free of charge for purchases over 2,000 yen.

Customer Service

Our top priority is to provide high quality after-sales service.

Product warranty

All products are made with great attention to detail.

Secure Shopping

We integrate secure payment methods to ensure your payments are safe.