(Image source: Arcadedistro.com)

Some people prefer to check-in their luggage while some wants it by their side all the time. Both choices have their own limits of what and how much you can take and sometimes, it’s not always wiser to check your bags in. Here’re a few reasons why is better to carry your bags into the cabin and why it’s better to check-in.

You should check-in your bags when…

• You have a lot of things. Imagine going on a holiday and coming back with tons of gifts and goodies for yourself or others. No way you are carrying everything to the boarding gate.
• You are a girly-girl (or metrosexual) with full-sized skincare or daily products that’s clearly surpasses 100ml liquid bottle limits. With all these, expect an unpleasant teatime session at the airport security.
• You don’t want to fight with other 200 over passengers on board for that overhead bin space. Imagine if the only space available is all the way at the back and your seat is right in front, you’ll have to wait for everyone to disembark before you can get to retrieve your bag.

You should carry your bags into the cabin when…

• You are paranoid about losing your bags. Not often but it happens and losing your luggage can be a drag as it may take hours or even days to get it back. Though, this is just an extreme situation.
• You don’t want to wait for your luggage at the baggage carousel. It’s not exactly a fun ride, especially when you’re around other impatient people who stand right in front with a cart blocking your way.
• You want to have your things with you in case flight gets delayed. Again, this is just an extreme situation.
• You have fragile items. Let’s face it, even with the fragile stickers, sometimes cargo is not the best place to put it. 

What you should do is…

• To always check the baggage limit for both On-board and Check-in because different airline have different regulations. Generally, On-board it’s one size-limited carry-on bag with one laptop bag or handbag while Check-in allows two bags.
• To prepare extra cash or credit card if you don’t have the habit to check your luggage weight before going to the check-in counter. At times, we do unconsciously go overboard with our shopping in a foreign land. So be prepared to pay a hefty price.
• Get assistance from the cabin crew should you have problem finding space for your carry-on bags. If the overhead bins are full, your bags will be taken off the plane for check in (should not cost you a penny). You’ll then have to pick it up at the baggage claim area. Let’s just say, it just wasn’t your day if this happens.

Editor JQ Lee talks and writes for a living. That's because she loves sharing interesting things to the world. With a Degree in Communication and Media Management, this petite Gen-Y will not stop chasing her passion in writing and broadcasting. She dreams to host a travel show and be a radio announcer someday, hopefully soon. Stalk this wacky fair Asian girl at www.jqtalks.com, Instagram and Twitter (@jqleejq)