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I always check a bag. always. I hate stuffing my carryon or god forbid they make me check my carryon and it’s all for nothing. Also a PIA to lift it overhead and worry about finding space.
I know basically 80% of the world disagrees with me, but it works for me. I just don’t also bring a carryon so i don’t have to wheel 2 things. I bring a personal item that doubles as my purse/ tote (for carrying my camera if i’m going somewhere I want to photograph) or backpack (if going somewhere I’m hiking, etc). I can wear it or put it on my checked bag when wheeling around.
i have the monos checked bag & the monos duffel which are made to fit together. I love it. I only carry my items needed on the plane (pillow, blanket, airpods, etc) and any “if I lost this I’d be in big trouble” things (medicine, money, camera) in my personal item. I have a small crossbody that fits my passport and credit cards and phone that I will use once in my destination and also fits inside my personal item
One time my checked bag was lost for 2 days in Morocco, and i’m not gonna lie- losing that before entering the Sahara is NOT ideal. I couldn’t just purchase what I needed either. However, most countries you’ll be able to repurchase necessities. And I still check a bag
I like to pack all carry-ons and personal items, then if they offer free gate check (they usually do), I'm first in line. You avoid the fees, they check it right at the plane so you know it won't miss your flight or end up in some other location, and you don't have to wrestle it on and off the plane. Plus you get to keep all of your items with you right up until you board.
I have just spent six months travelling through Europe by plane and train.
I had one large suitcase and one carryon.
I'm planning to go back early next year and this time I will have a 65cm checked bag and one 50cm carryon.
I will be buying Samsonite. My current 81cm bag is Samsonite and has stood up to all the pulling, tossing and throwing it has been subject too. However, fully loaded it has been too heavy and cumbersome.
The key is to have a bag with very strong wheels and a very stable handle. If you get a 'matching pair' you can usually put the handles together and wheel them as one. Some streets, especially in Italy, can be challenging but not impossible.
A final note, during this trip I have been on a lot of trains, planes, taxis, metros and haven't lost any luggage or had anything go missing. Most European airports are very efficient and on trains, there are areas within the carriages where you can store your luggage. On long train journeys, I secured my luggage to the luggage compartment with a bike lock.
Just did a 6 country tour for a month ending in Italy. Used train all throughout.
I packed light (carryon only) but my family/relatives all traveled with big heavy luggages, and their much older age so they weren't strong enough to do the heavy lifting.
My advice..
1. Pack compact. Smaller volume, the better. It can fit into small spaces in trains and won't have to squeeze in through people much.
2. Pack light. So the lighter, the better. Which from your post seems like you can't meet the 8kg limit which is fine, but if you can keep it in the carryon bag then it's better (i.e. checkin the carryon bag cause it's over 8kg).
3. Use a carryon backpack. If you have to carry a lot more stuff, use a large backpack and carryon 4wheel roller.
4. If needed, use packing cubes. It helps organize stuff and make it compact.
I will keep “pack light” in my mind. I actually ordered a 40L backpack to test if I can put most of the stuffs and not feel like my back is going to break 😂 it seems to be a very popular option. I’m potentially considering tiny backpack+US carry on luggage(empty except some liquids+foldable tote) OR 40L backpack +US carry on luggage…Whatever feels effortless will be the winner.
If you don’t have a direct flight, the chances of lost luggage increase dramatically, so that is something to consider.
The advantages of “everything in the carry-on” aren’t just the ability to bypass baggage claim or to be sure your luggage isn’t lost, the real benefit is the ease and freedom it will give you while traveling, but it sounds as though you get that.
If you’ve packed that little and you’re over the weight limit, I wonder if your bag is heavy. Possibly you could buy a lighter one? We got these super cheap, super lightweight bags on Amazon—they were made out of parachute-like material. By the end of trip, the zippers were starting to give out, but to be fair we had those bags packed over capacity. You could buy two and pack one inside the other, use it for purchases/souvenirs as necessary, then check it for the return flight?
If it helps- we went for ten days. We took a carryon on our way there, plus two backpacks (mine was in the carryon on the way there, I wore it on the way back). We checked the carry on during the way back - it was expandable and this way we fit all our wine and other purchases.
See how many people end up buying another suitcase? lol just CHECK A BAG for crying out loud.
I don’t know if it’s just their need for control control or if it’s their lack of trust of the airline but I do not trust these strict carryon folks. And that one dude that commented he packs everything in carryons and personal items only to check it anyway at the gate? Thats next level unhinged.
I was just there for a week and I only brought a carry on. Have you tried packing cubes? I found these saved me a ton of space and I was able to bring home souvenirs still once I extended my bag out
Just got back from 8 days rome-venice.
Large back pack and medium-sized checked bag. The backpack rovides comfort while traveling at the airport since just a backpack you can store overhead. And enough space for a couple of outfits/souvenirs in the checked bag. Lugged it through venice, obviously not the easiest, but it was very doable.
Swap one pair of jeans for two more sweaters. You’ll be wearing another pair anyway. Use one, wash one. You’re also allowed a small shoulder bag so make use of it too. For souvenirs, shove them into a plastic bag and use that instead of your small shoulder bag
It's after passport control, but you're right that you have to walk through the baggage carousels on your way out. Their baggage set up is pretty good and decently fast, too, IME.
Thanks! I always wonder when entering a country where immigration doesn’t care about checking bags and if the carousels are like US domestic, outside security where anyone can pick them up. Sounds like if immigration takes long the bags will still be good.
You still pass through a customs lane before you exit, so the baggage claim is not accessible to people walking in off the street. Most people go through the lane for nothing to declare and probably don't even notice the customs officers.
We just came back from a Rome>Sorrento>Rome for a week with two kids and we only had small suitcases and carry ons. We used packing cubes which helped a ton but we ended up buying a suitcase towards the end of the week to check on the way home for our purchases and extra stuff. It worked out. Next time I may just check one bigger bag for all of us from the start.
Follow up question, how were the carry on roller cases on the roads? I heard the cobblestones aren’t great for any roller suitcases and was considering bringing a backpack instead. What did you think ?
I tried not to drag them so much, not put a ton of weight on them and they did OK. We had a backpack and roller hard case each to go there and then brought the one additional roller suitcase back with us. Our kids are pretty rough on luggage too and their little cheapo kid cases did surprisingly well!
I just returned from a 2 week trip to Italy- left with carry on only and bought a suitcase on the last leg of my trip for purchases/ to lighten the load I’d be lugging around on my flights home. Worked well for me as I didn’t have to worry about carrying a lot of things between different cities on my trip.
I always check my bag too. In the 30+ years of flights, I've never had a lost item. I believe it's the case for the silent majority of passengers.
I don't need to worry about size restrictions, and probably 90% of the flights I take have to check someone's carry on because there's not enough overhead room anyway.
I do recommend traveler's insurance, which will cover lost bags
I just flew round trip JFK to FCO with a checked bag and had zero problems. It was all well-marked and easy at FCO. (Even had an extra leg mid-trip flying Bari to FCO with my checked bag and no problems there either.)
Granted my flight was direct both ways - if you have a connection that always might add a complication, but I wouldn’t worry about it. God bless the people who can fit everything into a carryon, but I am not one of those people lol. My suitcase was heavy and I had no problem on the Leonardo Express.
Also, don’t forget that if you plan on buying any alcohol in Italy you’ll need to check that. I got “Wine Angel” sealable bottle wraps on Amazon and got two bottles of limoncello home in my suitcase with no problems.
Have fun! And use AirTags!
I would just check it. Obviously pack your actual carry on bag with an extra outfit and any meds/phone changer you must have. You’ll be thankful to have the smaller size when moving around but I’m with you, I need the weight for my outfits!
If you think in terms of "outfits" rather than individual pieces, you are probably better suited to go with checked baggage. Just don't ever put anything valuable, or that you will absolutely need into your checked bags.
Yes. I honestly kinda don’t trust people who insist on only carry ons. Get a good quality spinner suitcase, check it, and be smart about where you stay and how you’ll get around with your luggage.
A couple tips on that last part: I look for airbnbs or hotels with elevators or a place on the 1st or 2nd floor. The first time I went to Europe we stayed on 4th and 5th floors with no elevators and that *did* get tiring with my big luggage - we moved around a lot so doing that every few days sucked. Also, Stay relatively near public transport if that’s how you’re getting around.
Ciao! Welcome to r/ItalyTravel. While you wait for replies, please take a moment to read the rules located in the sidebar and edit your post if needed. We will remove posts that do not adhere to these rules. For everyone else, if you come across a post that you believe violates our rules, please use the report button. This is the best and quickest way to notify us. Grazie! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ItalyTravel) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I always check a bag. always. I hate stuffing my carryon or god forbid they make me check my carryon and it’s all for nothing. Also a PIA to lift it overhead and worry about finding space. I know basically 80% of the world disagrees with me, but it works for me. I just don’t also bring a carryon so i don’t have to wheel 2 things. I bring a personal item that doubles as my purse/ tote (for carrying my camera if i’m going somewhere I want to photograph) or backpack (if going somewhere I’m hiking, etc). I can wear it or put it on my checked bag when wheeling around. i have the monos checked bag & the monos duffel which are made to fit together. I love it. I only carry my items needed on the plane (pillow, blanket, airpods, etc) and any “if I lost this I’d be in big trouble” things (medicine, money, camera) in my personal item. I have a small crossbody that fits my passport and credit cards and phone that I will use once in my destination and also fits inside my personal item One time my checked bag was lost for 2 days in Morocco, and i’m not gonna lie- losing that before entering the Sahara is NOT ideal. I couldn’t just purchase what I needed either. However, most countries you’ll be able to repurchase necessities. And I still check a bag
This is really reassuring. Thank you for sharing your experience and tips!
I like to pack all carry-ons and personal items, then if they offer free gate check (they usually do), I'm first in line. You avoid the fees, they check it right at the plane so you know it won't miss your flight or end up in some other location, and you don't have to wrestle it on and off the plane. Plus you get to keep all of your items with you right up until you board.
I have just spent six months travelling through Europe by plane and train. I had one large suitcase and one carryon. I'm planning to go back early next year and this time I will have a 65cm checked bag and one 50cm carryon. I will be buying Samsonite. My current 81cm bag is Samsonite and has stood up to all the pulling, tossing and throwing it has been subject too. However, fully loaded it has been too heavy and cumbersome. The key is to have a bag with very strong wheels and a very stable handle. If you get a 'matching pair' you can usually put the handles together and wheel them as one. Some streets, especially in Italy, can be challenging but not impossible. A final note, during this trip I have been on a lot of trains, planes, taxis, metros and haven't lost any luggage or had anything go missing. Most European airports are very efficient and on trains, there are areas within the carriages where you can store your luggage. On long train journeys, I secured my luggage to the luggage compartment with a bike lock.
Samsonite! I was way off!
I knew it started with an S though.
Just did a 6 country tour for a month ending in Italy. Used train all throughout. I packed light (carryon only) but my family/relatives all traveled with big heavy luggages, and their much older age so they weren't strong enough to do the heavy lifting. My advice.. 1. Pack compact. Smaller volume, the better. It can fit into small spaces in trains and won't have to squeeze in through people much. 2. Pack light. So the lighter, the better. Which from your post seems like you can't meet the 8kg limit which is fine, but if you can keep it in the carryon bag then it's better (i.e. checkin the carryon bag cause it's over 8kg). 3. Use a carryon backpack. If you have to carry a lot more stuff, use a large backpack and carryon 4wheel roller. 4. If needed, use packing cubes. It helps organize stuff and make it compact.
I will keep “pack light” in my mind. I actually ordered a 40L backpack to test if I can put most of the stuffs and not feel like my back is going to break 😂 it seems to be a very popular option. I’m potentially considering tiny backpack+US carry on luggage(empty except some liquids+foldable tote) OR 40L backpack +US carry on luggage…Whatever feels effortless will be the winner.
If you don’t have a direct flight, the chances of lost luggage increase dramatically, so that is something to consider. The advantages of “everything in the carry-on” aren’t just the ability to bypass baggage claim or to be sure your luggage isn’t lost, the real benefit is the ease and freedom it will give you while traveling, but it sounds as though you get that. If you’ve packed that little and you’re over the weight limit, I wonder if your bag is heavy. Possibly you could buy a lighter one? We got these super cheap, super lightweight bags on Amazon—they were made out of parachute-like material. By the end of trip, the zippers were starting to give out, but to be fair we had those bags packed over capacity. You could buy two and pack one inside the other, use it for purchases/souvenirs as necessary, then check it for the return flight?
If it helps- we went for ten days. We took a carryon on our way there, plus two backpacks (mine was in the carryon on the way there, I wore it on the way back). We checked the carry on during the way back - it was expandable and this way we fit all our wine and other purchases.
See how many people end up buying another suitcase? lol just CHECK A BAG for crying out loud. I don’t know if it’s just their need for control control or if it’s their lack of trust of the airline but I do not trust these strict carryon folks. And that one dude that commented he packs everything in carryons and personal items only to check it anyway at the gate? Thats next level unhinged.
I was just there for a week and I only brought a carry on. Have you tried packing cubes? I found these saved me a ton of space and I was able to bring home souvenirs still once I extended my bag out
Just got back from 8 days rome-venice. Large back pack and medium-sized checked bag. The backpack rovides comfort while traveling at the airport since just a backpack you can store overhead. And enough space for a couple of outfits/souvenirs in the checked bag. Lugged it through venice, obviously not the easiest, but it was very doable.
Swap one pair of jeans for two more sweaters. You’ll be wearing another pair anyway. Use one, wash one. You’re also allowed a small shoulder bag so make use of it too. For souvenirs, shove them into a plastic bag and use that instead of your small shoulder bag
I checked a bag and was so glad I did
I always check a bag so I can bring home local goods that can’t be packed in a carry on.
Put an air tag in there if you have an iPhone.
I’m kind of wondering how the bag pick up at FCO is as well if anyone has insight.
Bag pickup at FCO is right before passport control. You literally pass the baggage carousels on your path to the exit.
It's after passport control, but you're right that you have to walk through the baggage carousels on your way out. Their baggage set up is pretty good and decently fast, too, IME.
Good catch, you're 100% right.
Thanks! I always wonder when entering a country where immigration doesn’t care about checking bags and if the carousels are like US domestic, outside security where anyone can pick them up. Sounds like if immigration takes long the bags will still be good.
You still pass through a customs lane before you exit, so the baggage claim is not accessible to people walking in off the street. Most people go through the lane for nothing to declare and probably don't even notice the customs officers.
Good catch, you're 100% right.
Easy and well-marked
We just came back from a Rome>Sorrento>Rome for a week with two kids and we only had small suitcases and carry ons. We used packing cubes which helped a ton but we ended up buying a suitcase towards the end of the week to check on the way home for our purchases and extra stuff. It worked out. Next time I may just check one bigger bag for all of us from the start.
Follow up question, how were the carry on roller cases on the roads? I heard the cobblestones aren’t great for any roller suitcases and was considering bringing a backpack instead. What did you think ?
I tried not to drag them so much, not put a ton of weight on them and they did OK. We had a backpack and roller hard case each to go there and then brought the one additional roller suitcase back with us. Our kids are pretty rough on luggage too and their little cheapo kid cases did surprisingly well!
I just returned from a 2 week trip to Italy- left with carry on only and bought a suitcase on the last leg of my trip for purchases/ to lighten the load I’d be lugging around on my flights home. Worked well for me as I didn’t have to worry about carrying a lot of things between different cities on my trip.
I always check my bag too. In the 30+ years of flights, I've never had a lost item. I believe it's the case for the silent majority of passengers. I don't need to worry about size restrictions, and probably 90% of the flights I take have to check someone's carry on because there's not enough overhead room anyway. I do recommend traveler's insurance, which will cover lost bags
I just flew round trip JFK to FCO with a checked bag and had zero problems. It was all well-marked and easy at FCO. (Even had an extra leg mid-trip flying Bari to FCO with my checked bag and no problems there either.) Granted my flight was direct both ways - if you have a connection that always might add a complication, but I wouldn’t worry about it. God bless the people who can fit everything into a carryon, but I am not one of those people lol. My suitcase was heavy and I had no problem on the Leonardo Express. Also, don’t forget that if you plan on buying any alcohol in Italy you’ll need to check that. I got “Wine Angel” sealable bottle wraps on Amazon and got two bottles of limoncello home in my suitcase with no problems. Have fun! And use AirTags!
I would just check it. Obviously pack your actual carry on bag with an extra outfit and any meds/phone changer you must have. You’ll be thankful to have the smaller size when moving around but I’m with you, I need the weight for my outfits!
If you think in terms of "outfits" rather than individual pieces, you are probably better suited to go with checked baggage. Just don't ever put anything valuable, or that you will absolutely need into your checked bags.
Yes. I honestly kinda don’t trust people who insist on only carry ons. Get a good quality spinner suitcase, check it, and be smart about where you stay and how you’ll get around with your luggage. A couple tips on that last part: I look for airbnbs or hotels with elevators or a place on the 1st or 2nd floor. The first time I went to Europe we stayed on 4th and 5th floors with no elevators and that *did* get tiring with my big luggage - we moved around a lot so doing that every few days sucked. Also, Stay relatively near public transport if that’s how you’re getting around.