check or carry on luggage????

MrsMJ · Newbie

check or carry on luggage????

Monty · Senior Member

If you are flying to Ireland from the U.S., there should be no charge for a checked bag on an international flight. I usually check a bag and take a carry-on for computer, books, and personal items.

And so far I have never had a bag get lost ... that would be a tough way to start the trip. But with that in mind, I usually take one day's change of clothes in my carry-on just in case that happens.

Monty

-- Edited by Monty on Monday 17th of October 2011 01:38:11 PM

MrsMJ · Newbie

thanks for the quick reply:)?
I have traveled a lot, and always checked bags, but I have seen many comments on this site about just taking a carry on only? That would be soooo hard to live out of a carry on for 2 wks!! I didn't know what the reasoning was behind that...
thanks

Michele Erdvig · Host

Miranda,

Always check with your airline for their luggage rules. There could be a weight limit. Depends on airline. Many people on this forum do prefer to travel with carry-on. It can be done if you want but is not a necessity. I've never had my luggage lost but have had it delayed by a day. That's why I always have at least a change of underwear in my carry-on bag.

I have actually spent a month in Ireland with no checked luggage - just carry-on. The secret is pack light and do laundry every week. But that is not everyone's style.

Michele

murphy · Guru

Miranda,

Been to Ireland 3 times, and used only carry-on all three times. Even with just a light weight carry-on, it gets to be a real drag, hauling luggage around for 2-3 weeks. Most B&B's have upstairs accomodations, and most have no lift, so that compounds the problem, hauling heavy suitcases up flight(s) of stairs.

Doing a little sink laundry, or spending a some bucks to have laundry done for you is a much more sensible approach, in my humble opinion. In the six weeks total I spent touring Ireland, I never once wished that I had packed more! biggrin

Dan

Michele Erdvig · Host

Dan,

Years ago some friends of mine took their relatives to Ireland. They each had about 4 huge suitcases. Believe it or not one of them took an evening gown!! They had to rent a roof rack for their car. The suitcases were tied onto the rack and never taken down or used. That's how much use the tux and evening wear got...along with the majority of what they brought.

Michele

Green Dragon · Guru

I have travelled to the UK and Ireland 7 times. Of those times, I checked luggage in all but the last. My luggage was delayed 3 of those times. The last time (Scotland 2008) it was delayed 5 days. I was traveling with a total of 5 other people - 2 of the others also had delayed bags (one wasn't even the same airline). I have vowed never again to let that happen.

My trip to Ireland in May 2011 was 18 days, and I did it with carry-on only. I had a large purse with my electronics and valuables, and enough luggage for 6 days in my carryon. I also had an extra, collapsible duffel in my carryon. We did laundry twice with little fuss, checked my clothes in one bag on the way back (I could care less if they were delayed at that point) and carried the duffel on board with my gifts and valuables. I had to check the regular bag as I had bought some alcohol, and it needed to be packed well and checked - nothing liquid in carryon.