Travelling with carry-on only is a simple way to save money as more and more airlines add additional fees to check a bag – but it also might be a good way to skip the most stressful part of the airport experience: baggage claim. 

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Baggage claim is the most stressful airport experience © izusek / Getty Images

A survey of 1720 people by Priority Pass found that 49% of people find baggage claim stressful, the highest-ranking of any airport activity. However, it was closely followed by passing through security and waiting for a transfer, which saw 47% of people say they are stressful. 

When it comes to the biggest worry people have about travelling through the airport, the top one happens before they even get there. About 63% of respondents fret about getting stuck in traffic on their way to the airport, followed by having their luggage lost at 61%. The other standard fears are worrying about misplacing your passport or missing boarding at 57%. 

What to do when an airline loses your luggage? 

But how based in reality are these fears? Well, about 6% of respondents say they have actually forgotten their passport. Perhaps surprisingly, it’s business travellers who are most likely to forget their passport, with 16% having left theirs behind. Another mistake travellers make is overpacking their bags, with 19% admitting they’ve been over the weight limit in the past. Maybe one more reason to pack a carry-on.

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Flying high over London - stock photo
A view of central London from a commercial airliner, with the Thames, Tower Bridge and the towers of the City of London in view.

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