What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Large Luggage?

There are some pros and cons to using large luggage to keep in mind before embarking on a trip. One of the main pros is that large luggage can be packed with a great deal of items; there is really no need to pack lightly when traveling with bigger suitcases. On the other hand, larger luggage can be somewhat unwieldy to manage, much heavier to carry, and can incur extra baggage fees when checked on an airplane. For this reason, it is necessary to weigh the convenience of being able to pack a lot with the inconvenience of dragging around a big, heavy bag.

Some people find that if they are traveling for an extended period of time, or are even moving somewhere new, large luggage can be a lifesaver and allow them to take their most important possessions on the plane with them, even if they have to check a bag. Hard plastic luggage is another great option for people who are carrying valuable items, such as camera equipment, that could be damaged if the bag was dropped, or if something heavy fell on top of it. These are available in larger versions as well for extra convenience.

The downsides to large luggage may outweigh its capacity benefits, however. First, if an individual is taking a large piece of luggage on a plane, he or she will nearly always have to check it. This can cause extra wait times at airports, possibly increase the risk of lost luggage, and may even incur extra baggage fees. It will almost certainly incur extra fees if the bag exceeds the weight limit set by the airline. People traveling by train or car might find that using large luggage annoys other travelers or makes it more difficult for other people to fit their own items as well.

Additional cons to using large luggage can sometimes be seen when a traveler arrives at his or her destination. Unless he will be staying in the same place for the duration of the trip, it might be an annoyance to have to pick up and carry the luggage to different places. This is especially true if the luggage does not have wheels or an extending handle for easy carrying. Some people might find that their luggage becomes too heavy for them to carry, which could even lead to back pain, such as when trying to bend over and lift it.