Carry-on only or check a bag — what’s safer for my body?

Pick the option with the lowest combined lifting load and risk load. You’re trading control for strain.

• If lifting/overhead pushes flares → check the heavy bag, keep meds/essentials in carry-on.
• If losing a bag would wreck your pain plan → go carry-on only, pack minimal.
• If you need gear that won’t fit overhead → hybrid: check gear, carry meds + flare kit.

The worst case isn’t “bag delay.” It’s “bag delay + no meds + no rescue tools.”

Is gate-checking safer? Yes for overhead strain, but keep essentials on you.

How do I reduce lifting with carry-on? Choose spinner wheels + under-seat weight.

Should I label medical gear? Yes, clearly.

• CDC advises all prescription meds stay in cabin, labeled, with delay margin.
• Medical gear and aids are commonly exempt from carry-on limits.
• Micro-anchor (back pain/OA): Gate-checking can protect your spine from overhead strain.
• Micro-anchor (migraine): Keep acute meds on-body, not in bins.