

You’ve booked your next getaway and now you have to tackle the classic dilemma every flyer faces: Should you take a carry-on or a checked bag? It’s a tough decision (believe us, we get it!) but the right choice really just depends on how long you’re traveling, what you need to pack, and how much you want to deal with at the airport.
To help you make the best choice for your trip, we break down the pros and cons of carry-on vs checked bags below. Plus, we share our top tips on packing and offer a peek at CALPAK’s amazing luggage collections, perfect for both options!
Let’s go back to the basics for a sec and define what exactly makes a carry-on different from a checked bag.
A carry-on bag is a compact, portable suitcase that fits in the plane’s overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you. It’s designed to keep your travel essentials at hand while making your journey easier. Think of it as your travel buddy for short escapes, weekend getaways, or business trips.
On the other hand, a checked bag is the classic suitcase you hand off at the check-in counter, and it’s stored in the hold of the airplane. It’s typically much larger than a carry-on, giving you ample space for all your bits and pieces. Whether you're heading out for a long vacation or moving across the country, a checked bag gives you the room to pack everything you could need—and then some!
In a nutshell, the carry-on vs checked bag choice boils down to size, convenience, and packing needs. Now, let’s explore the pros and cons of each!
A carry-on is a smaller bag that fits in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. It’s designed for quick access during your flight, allowing you to keep your essentials close.
Airlines often have strict carry-on size limits, usually around 22” x 14” x 9” (though each has its own specific rules). This should contain your most important items, like your passport, electronics, and toiletries.
Top tip: A lot of avid travelers only pack a carry-on bag for their journey to skip having to wait for their suitcase at the baggage carousel at their destination.
For compliant options, check out CALPAK’s collection of Carry-On Luggage, designed to maximize space and meet airline regulations.
You’ve booked your next getaway and now you have to tackle the classic dilemma every flyer faces: Should you take a carry-on or a checked bag? It’s a tough decision (believe us, we get it!) but the right choice really just depends on how long you’re traveling, what you need to pack, and how much you want to deal with at the airport.
To help you make the best choice for your trip, we break down the pros and cons of carry-on vs checked bags below. Plus, we share our top tips on packing and offer a peek at CALPAK’s amazing luggage collections, perfect for both options!
Let’s go back to the basics for a sec and define what exactly makes a carry-on different from a checked bag.
A carry-on bag is a compact, portable suitcase that fits in the plane’s overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you. It’s designed to keep your travel essentials at hand while making your journey easier. Think of it as your travel buddy for short escapes, weekend getaways, or business trips.
On the other hand, a checked bag is the classic suitcase you hand off at the check-in counter, and it’s stored in the hold of the airplane. It’s typically much larger than a carry-on, giving you ample space for all your bits and pieces. Whether you're heading out for a long vacation or moving across the country, a checked bag gives you the room to pack everything you could need—and then some!
In a nutshell, the carry-on vs checked bag choice boils down to size, convenience, and packing needs. Now, let’s explore the pros and cons of each!
A carry-on is a smaller bag that fits in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. It’s designed for quick access during your flight, allowing you to keep your essentials close.
Airlines often have strict carry-on size limits, usually around 22” x 14” x 9” (though each has its own specific rules). This should contain your most important items, like your passport, electronics, and toiletries.
Top tip: A lot of avid travelers only pack a carry-on bag for their journey to skip having to wait for their suitcase at the baggage carousel at their destination.
For compliant options, check out CALPAK’s collection of Carry-On Luggage, designed to maximize space and meet airline regulations.
A checked bag is larger and must be handed over to the airline at check-in. It’s stored in the plane's cargo hold during the flight, meaning you won’t have immediate access to it. A check-in bag can vary widely in size, with most airlines allowing a maximum of 62 linear inches (length + width + height). This type of bag is perfect for larger items, like clothes for longer trips, bulkier shoes, and toiletries that exceed TSA’s liquid limits.
For larger packing needs, explore CALPAK’s Medium Luggage and Large Luggage ranges for options that offer the space and durability you need for longer trips.
A checked bag is larger and must be handed over to the airline at check-in. It’s stored in the plane's cargo hold during the flight, meaning you won’t have immediate access to it. A check-in bag can vary widely in size, with most airlines allowing a maximum of 62 linear inches (length + width + height). This type of bag is perfect for larger items, like clothes for longer trips, bulkier shoes, and toiletries that exceed TSA’s liquid limits.
For larger packing needs, explore CALPAK’s Medium Luggage and Large Luggage ranges for options that offer the space and durability you need for longer trips.
We’ll let you in on a secret: packing smart is the key to travel happiness! Here’s a quick guide on what to put in your carry-on vs checked bag.
For inspiration, take a look at CALPAK’s Carry-On Luggage and Large Luggage for options designed for both light and heavy packing.
In the battle of carry-on vs checked bag, who comes out on top? Here’s a quick breakdown of how to pick your champion:
Different airlines have different baggage policies. Some charge for checked bags, while others (like Southwest) allow you to check two bags for free. You’ll often be permitted one standard carry-on, but the size limits can vary. For instance, one airline might allow a 22” bag while another sets its limit at 16”. For longer trips, checking a 23”–27” medium suitcase or even a 30” large bag might be your best bet. It all comes down to how much space you need and how much you’re willing to pay in baggage fees.
The checked bag vs carry-on debate can come down to how much you’re willing to pay in baggage fees. Before booking, always check the airline’s specific size and weight requirements. Surpassing their limits could mean paying extra. If you’re hoping to save on fees by going carry-on only, make the most of your space with compression cubes and organizers. Take a look at this handy luggage size guide for more specific tips.
For luggage that suits your needs, be sure to browse CALPAK’s Luggage options.
Whichever bag you choose to travel with, there are plenty of ways to maximize space and stay organized:
For all your packing needs, check out CALPAK’s line of versatile bags and travel accessories.
Whether you’re team carry-on or team checked bag, the best choice depends on the type of holiday you’re going on, your airline, and your packing preferences. At the end of the day, CALPAK has options for both types of luggage, with high-quality designs that make packing, traveling, and unpacking a breeze.
So, what will it be—carry-on vs checked bag? Whichever you choose, CALPAK has you covered with stylish, functional luggage that will make your next adventure even better. Shop our full range of luggage sizes today!
We’ll let you in on a secret: packing smart is the key to travel happiness! Here’s a quick guide on what to put in your carry-on vs checked bag.
For inspiration, take a look at CALPAK’s Carry-On Luggage and Large Luggage for options designed for both light and heavy packing.
In the battle of carry-on vs checked bag, who comes out on top? Here’s a quick breakdown of how to pick your champion:
Different airlines have different baggage policies. Some charge for checked bags, while others (like Southwest) allow you to check two bags for free. You’ll often be permitted one standard carry-on, but the size limits can vary. For instance, one airline might allow a 22” bag while another sets its limit at 16”. For longer trips, checking a 23”–27” medium suitcase or even a 30” large bag might be your best bet. It all comes down to how much space you need and how much you’re willing to pay in baggage fees.
The checked bag vs carry-on debate can come down to how much you’re willing to pay in baggage fees. Before booking, always check the airline’s specific size and weight requirements. Surpassing their limits could mean paying extra. If you’re hoping to save on fees by going carry-on only, make the most of your space with compression cubes and organizers. Take a look at this handy luggage size guide for more specific tips.
For luggage that suits your needs, be sure to browse CALPAK’s Luggage options.
Whichever bag you choose to travel with, there are plenty of ways to maximize space and stay organized:
For all your packing needs, check out CALPAK’s line of versatile bags and travel accessories.
Whether you’re team carry-on or team checked bag, the best choice depends on the type of holiday you’re going on, your airline, and your packing preferences. At the end of the day, CALPAK has options for both types of luggage, with high-quality designs that make packing, traveling, and unpacking a breeze.
So, what will it be—carry-on vs checked bag? Whichever you choose, CALPAK has you covered with stylish, functional luggage that will make your next adventure even better. Shop our full range of luggage sizes today!