Leaving in 2 weeks for Athens and checking bags question

I flew this very route on September 3 with three other people. We had no problems and our checked bags made it to Athens at the same time. We flew on WestJet from LAX to Calgary to Munich to Athens.

I never check bags en route to my vacation & I fly nonstop — no connecting flights. Anything can get lost by your airline(s) or the airports and I don’t want to have to worry about my luggage on vacation.

If you are moving from place to place, this will make it even more difficult for lost luggage to be delivered to you. So I advise carry on luggage only.

`Thank you so very much Lee! We have a 55 min layover in Munich and hope that is enough time. I hope you had a great trip!

Thank you Continental. My concern is dragging bags around trying to reach connector flight.

I usually check a bag. However, my carryon always holds my documents, medications, and enough "emergency" clothes and toiletries that I could go a few days without my suitcase. We know statistically that most luggage makes it through just fine. The challenge is if your luggage becomes the outlier that is little comfort. So far, my bag has never been lost.

It is a trade off. Carryon gives you the comfort of knowing that you have everything with you and you can adapt to changing circumstances immediately. Checking a bag means you aren't schleping it around airports or joining in the onboard scrum for overhead compartment space.

Reality is, that even if you intend to carry on, any of the gate agents along the way may require you to gate check anyway. Make sure that you have packed accordingly and that your important docs, money and meds are always with you in a small carryon/personal item.

I usually only have a carry on size bag, so do not check, but the main thing is, what are your plans once arriving?

If you will be in Athens for a couple days, then sure, check it; if the bag is delayed (which is rare) then they can get it to you in a day or two. If you will be taking off for the islands and moving around, then best to carry on.

Thank you all so much for the thoughtful comments. We are staying in Athens for 3 nights and then going to one Island, Lesvos but in different areas. Yes definitely always have important documents with us. So appreciate you all!

If you check a bag, make sure its airtagged so you will at least know which of those airports it's in if it doesn't make it to your final destination.

If you are traveling with another person, split your clothes up between the checked bags. That way if one bag gets lost/delayed, you have some clothes in the other bag. And always bring a change of clothes, medications, & anything of value in your carry on bag.

Hi- I believe we are doing carry on but I like the idea of splitting clothes in suitcases if we are checking bags. Thank you all so much!