A freshly released survey from LugLess finds that approximately 71% of U.S. travelers are now skipping checked luggage, marking a clear rebellion against high fees, lost bags, and airport chaos.
As summer travel kicks off, it seems we’re entering a new era where convenience (and sanity) overpowers tradition.
Airport Aggravation Is Real
Nearly half of travelers worry constantly about delays or cancellations (46%), and an equal number say the airport process takes too long. Add crowding (32%) and the lurking risk of lost bags, and it’s no wonder more people are opting out of checked luggage.
- 36% say bag fees are just too expensive.
- 34% are overdressing, literally layering their clothes just to dodge checked bag fees.
- 59% would rather pay $100–200 to ship luggage than deal with the checked‑bag hassle.
This adds up to a travel environment where ease and peace of mind are becoming must-haves.
Ditching Bags, Avoiding Hassles
Let’s be honest: nobody loves lugging one too many suitcases through terminals and then waiting by the baggage carousel. Carry-ons are simpler: they bypass checked fees, beat baggage claim lines, and shrink the chance of losing your stuff.
And now people are getting creative, like opting to ship their bags door‑to‑door for a flat rate. It may feel like a small luxury, but for many, it’s worth skipping the airport circus.
This announcement comes after Southwest Airlines stated that it will end its two free bag policy in 2025, a beloved perk for frequent travelers. Now, for any flights booked after May 27, passengers will be charged for those checked bags that used to fly free.
Flight Risk: Close Calls Are Common
Clearly, stress is at an all-time high. Half of travelers adhere to the traditional two-hour pre-flight arrival rule. But 28% are rolling the dice and showing up under an hour before boarding, and it pays off more often than not, with only 24% admitting they’ve actually missed a flight.
