Carry-on vs checked bags: The pros and cons according to luggage experts

While there are many warring travel opinions out there, there's perhaps no more contentious debate than carry-on vs checked luggage.Some people swear by travelling with carry-on bags only, maximising their luggage space with clever packing tricks.Others like to lean into the convenience of checked luggage, especially if the cost of it is already included in the plane fare.But is one option better than the other? Let's weigh up the pros and cons.READ MORE: Costly mistakes to avoid when travelling overseasThe travel and luggage experts over at Bounce have dived into the issue.Carry-on luggage Without a doubt, the number one pro of carry-on luggage is that you'll save a lot of time in the airport. You don't have to line up to drop off your bag, then there's no waiting around at the other end for it to appear on the carousel.It also means that you have peace of mind that your belongings are safe for your whole journey, and haven't been lost along the way. Of course, you also have access to all of your items at all times – if you need a toothbrush or extra jumper mid-flight, it's all there. READ MORE: Daydream Island: The perfect family escape where kids eat for freeThe main downside of only travelling with carry-on bags is obvious: you can't bring as much stuff.And if you're travelling to a cold place, where you'll need bulky jumpers or jackets, it can be tricky.Liquid restrictions can also be an issue – if you're flying internationally, you'll only be able to take bottles less than 100ml with you.Checked luggageThe benefit of travelling with a large suitcase means you have fewer restrictions about what you bring. That dress you're not sure if you'll wear? Chuck it in. A full bottle of shampoo? That's fine. A bottle of wine for your aunt? No problem.It's also ideal if you're taking a sport or adventure-focused trip. Packing things like hiking boots, snorkels, even tennis rackets is a lot easier when you have more space in your bag.The downside of checked luggage is that you may have to pay a little extra. Budget airlines are notorious for hidden fees which could see you spending up to $100 per flight on checking your bag.There's also always the fear that your bag could be lost, stolen, or damaged while in transit. As soon as you drop it off upon check-in, the safety of your luggage is out of your hands.Lastly, if you're someone who tends to run late a lot of the time, checked luggage could be the thing that makes you miss your flight, if you have to join a queue to drop it off.READ MORE: Travel expert shares her best tips for beating jet lag and dehydration on planesAt the end of the day, it's up to you. What's more important – convenience while in transit or convenience while choosing outfits and packing?But if you DO decide to check your bags, one airport worker suggests that you never tie a ribbon around your suitcase to make it more easily identified."Ribbons that people tie onto their suitcases to help identify them can cause issues with the bag being scanned in the baggage hall," a baggage handler told RSVP Live."If the bag can't be scanned automatically it can end up in manual processing, which could mean your bag doesn't make it to the flight."FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest travel news and deals via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.