$25 to check a bag? That's only one of the reasons why I fly with only my carry-on and no checked bags. Of course, being able to pack a week's worth of clothes and gear into a single small bag is a useful skill for road trippers too. It gives you more room for that cooler full of sodas & snacks, and more room to bring back souvenirs. I recently came across this site; chock full of tips and tricks to help you pack it all in just one bag. Very useful info!