we're checking a bag

[equinox]

After much debate, we've decided it is just easier for us to check a bag. there's too much thought that has to go into carry-on only. should we lock our bag? I've heard those TSA locks are unreliable. We are not packing anyting of value other than to us.

[mit43]

You are not allowed to lock your bags, unless it is a TSA lock. We never had a problem when we used to check bags.

[lpowmacback]

I don't think it's a bad idea to check bags at all! Having said that- I've heard it's best to leave them unlocked because if they need to check them for any reason - they won't destroy your bags if they can't open the locks. I have also heard that if anyone really wants to open those locked bags- they can and they will... so don't bother

[equinox]

Right. That's what I was thinking. we tried to go carry on only but we couldn't agree, and we had lots of lotions and potions.

[bubblybrenda]

I never lock my luggage not since the day I was in LAX lined up to get through security and through the glass we could see all the luggage on conveyor belts and they had the biggest lock cutters I had ever seen snapping every lock in sight.

[Diana2]

I always use zip ties/cable ties to lock my luggage. I really don't know how anyone goes carry-on only. I have too many lotions and potions too. I have just enough room in my carry-on/roll-on for what I would need for a couple of days if my luggage didn't show up (like tooth brushes, medications for the two of us and a change of underwear, bathing suits for DH and me and a change of clothes for the two of us). My DH carries his computer and IPOD. Everything else has to be checked. It still ticks me off that we have to pay for checked luggage.

[joanybelle]

I check a dive bag with expensive gear when flying to the Caribbean and I never lock or ziplock it. TSA ALWAYS goes through it, but I've never had a problem with anything missing. That being said, carry on anything that is precious to you, irreplacable, fragile, cost you an arm & a leg,or is small enough to get lost if your bag gets a tear during baggage handling.

[Rob7]

I really don't know how anyone goes carry-on only.

It's real easy,the only whay to go, most people who haul big loads down to STJ don't use most of what they carry. A few pair of shorts, some T's a change of shoes, and "dress up" clothing can be what you ware on the plane.....and oh yes, commando is the way to go in STJ

[Diana2]

You sound like my husband!! Let's just say "What's good for the gander.....doesn't work for us geese" and leave it there.

[Capn Dan and Ruby]

We always do carry on. It is just easier for us. We found that shipping a box is just easier and often costs less than paying for checking a bag. We also like to use the same box and ship back extra stuff we might purchase... or not. Potions and lotions go really well esp. if you have special needs. I can see checking dive equipment, but renting dive equipment from Low Key is reasonable esp. if you are diving with them, and we can pack our dive computer in the carry on. Of course if you like clothing variety and hate limiting your options, checking is your best option. I just hate waiting for a checked bag. That being said, I would not lock especially since you are not checking anything valuable.

[Lovermont]

The first time I traveled to STJ, American Airlines lost one of our checked bags on a non-stop JFK - STT flight. It boggles my mind how a bag is lost when there are no stops... but it did. The bag had all of my husband's stuff, along with my snorkel gear. We spent the first couple of hours on STT buying him essentials, because we thought we'd have an easier job finding things before we got on the ferry to STJ. Then, we spent WAY too much time on the phone to AA the first two days we were on STJ. When they did finally locate our bag on the third day, we drove from Concordia to Cruz Bay to pick it up. The waste of time, money, and snorkeling time convinced me that we'll carry on our bags from now on, if at all possible.

By the way, I can recommend the Osprey Porter 46 http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/PorterSeries/Porter46 as a great bag that fits a lot of stuff, while also being sized for the overhead bin.

I've heard stories of how the airlines have told people that you must meet the ferry to retrieve your bag. You could waste the better part of a day trying to time that correctly. Luckily, because we were staying at Concordia on that trip, the ferry folks brought our bag to the Maho offices right at Wharfside.

Long and short, here's a vote for Carry On only! Oh, I'll also add that underwear does not really take up much space!

[madness]

I'm not sure the ferries will send unattended luggage. We just went through meeting a package at the ferry only to be told no more unattended packages from St. Thomas will be sent on the ferry. We had to go to St. Thomas and meet the package. A twenty minute task turned into a two and a half hour task. No big deal for us, I'm just sayin though.

On the subject of luggage, we were not charged for our box of booze or our checked luggage on the way home. USAir computers were down when we checked in. TSA did go through both items however. Booze did make it home safely.

[PA Girl]

I've heard stories of how the airlines have told people that you must meet the ferry to retrieve your bag. You could waste the better part of a day trying to time that correctly. Luckily, because we were staying at Concordia on that trip, the ferry folks brought our bag to the Maho offices right at Wharfside.

Long and short, here's a vote for Carry On only! Oh, I'll also add that underwear does not really take up much space!

That was our experience two trips ago. Never again.

While we still check bags, everyone is responsible for taking enough to survive in their own carry-on.

I will never shop for replacements, call after bags or play the ferry game again.