It costs money to check a bag. It costs nothing to carry it on. If I can spend an extra half hour in the lounge doing a little light work or relaxing before th

It costs money to check a bag. It costs nothing to carry it on. If I can spend an extra half hour in the lounge doing a little light work or relaxing before the flight instead of jostling in line, it definitely has value. Like I said, the value of your time will probably differ from mine. For me, $25 is a bargain.