In a recent LinkedIn post, Leslie Venetz offers a compelling case for checking luggage, even for shorter trips, challenging the popular carry-on-only trend among business travelers. Venetz, who admits to being firmly in the “team – check a bag” camp, outlines her reasoning, emphasizing comfort, practicality, and stress reduction during travel.
The Case Against Carry-On Restrictions
One of Venetz’s primary arguments centers on the persistent challenges posed by liquid restrictions for carry-on baggage. She notes the particular difficulty for those traveling for professional engagements, such as speaking gigs, where a significant portion of their essential toiletries and makeup might be liquid-based.
“The heckin’ liquid rule still PLAGUES me. This is especially true if I’m packing for a speaking gig because all of my make-up is cream/liquid + I want my setting spray which is a mist. Believe me when I tell you I’ve tried all of the little bottles and cut tins and this and that to make packing liquids a breeze – THEY ARE ALL A LIE.”
As Venetz points out, decanting liquids into smaller containers or using alternative methods often proves to be an ineffective workaround, adding another layer of pre-travel stress rather than solving the problem.
Reducing Travel Stress with Checked Luggage
Beyond the liquid rule, Venetz highlights that the process of packing exclusively with a carry-on can be significantly more stressful. This approach requires meticulous planning and adherence to a limited selection of items, a stark contrast to her preference for flexibility.
The Capsule Wardrobe Dilemma
Venetz expresses a clear aversion to the concept of a capsule wardrobe, stating, “You may have guessed that I do not have a capsule wardrobe and I do not want one.” For her, the freedom to pack a wider variety of items, including “comfy cozy things,” outweighs the perceived benefits of minimalist packing.
Managing Travel Anxiety
Furthermore, Venetz links her preference for checking a bag to her existing travel anxiety. The uncertainty associated with carry-on baggage, such as the possibility of needing to gate-check a bag due to full overhead compartments or the general worry about finding space, exacerbates her anxiety.
“I already have WILD travel anxiety, carrying on makes it worse. I just don’t need to add another WHAT IF to my travel day by wondering if there will be space for my bag, if I’ll need to gate check my bag, etc.”
In Venetz’s view, the decision to check a bag, even for trips as short as two or three nights, is not necessarily about over-packing but about ensuring a more comfortable and less stressful travel experience. She concludes by posing a rhetorical question that encapsulates her stance: “Is it over-packing or is it just packing to make sure I have the things that make me comfy and happy during my travels??!!” Her insights suggest that for some business travelers, the convenience and peace of mind offered by a checked bag are invaluable.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Leslie Venetz on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on April 16, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →