I always thought you had to check your bag in your originating city. Makes sense you can check a bag in your connecting city if you won't be over your allowance or will pay the checked bag fee there. I just hate dealing with a checked bag.

How do you handle checking the bag after shopping? Do you bring a folding duffel and just put the stuff you buy in it and check it through?

A little OT but how do people who have long layovers that carry on handle your bags when you go in the city? I was thinking of doing a flight in December and arranging a long layover at CDG and going into paris for the day but not sure what I can do with my rollerbag and backpack. I hate checking a bag and don't want to drag those around with me in Paris all day. I know I can check my rollerbag if I have to but don't want to have my backpack with me all day and there is stuff in it I'll want in flight so I don't want to check that.