Luggage Buying Guide
Every season is travel season. So whether you are flying to meet relatives, taking a family road trip, going on vacation or even jet setting to work, you will need to have some kind of bag to carry of your stuff. The important questions to consider are how often you travel and by what means? Considering these two factors will help you locate the best luggage to suit your travel needs and the rest is just a matter of personal taste and cost.
Details
Luggage construction is important to consider when buying a suitcase. Check out these suggestions:
- Seams
- Only get luggage that has taped inner seams and zippers to reduce fraying.
- The exterior seams should be piped for reinforcement.
- If possible, the seams should be lock-stitched to ensure optimal strength.
- Denier: This qualifies the strength of the fabric weave. Aim for 400 or above, or try out a leather bag. However, keep in mind that while leather looks very stylish and professional, it also requires upkeep to maintain the richness of its textures and to avoid scratching or excessive drying.
- The frame should be made of either fiberglass (lightweight), aluminum or, if necessary, heavy-duty plastic, which is lightweight but less sturdy.
- Handles should not stick out.
- Straps should be detachable and adjustable.
- Recessed, wide-track wheels are best to offer stability and balance, plus they are less likely to break.
- Go for big zippers: they are more durable, less likely to fall apart and easier to use.
- Compartments are essential to keep organized and are especially helpful to the business and frequent traveller.
Choosing Luggage Type
- Lightweight Luggage
(4 to 10 lbs.)
- These usually come in the form of carry-on sized rollers, which means these will easily fit in the overhead compartment.
- They are also good for multiple leg journeys.
- Carry-ons (22" or less)
- Rollers are good for most travel types, especially for the frequent traveller.
- Carry-on luggage is big enough to fit supplies for about three to five days.
- When used as a carry-on look for the lightest weight roller available to facilitate easy overhead bin storage. Always check with your airline prior to flying to verify how much weight you are allowed on-board to avoid having to pay overweight fees.
- Totes and satchels are good for day or overnight trips, and can double as carry-ons for the plane, bus or train.
- Duffles
- Bigger-sized duffles can fit A LOT of stuff, however they do tend to be on the bulky side, so get one with heavy-duty wheels.
- Small duffles are good for weekend trips and they usually fit more stuff than a backpack.
- Always look for duffles with convenient strap placement and heavy duty grips.
- Otherwise, try the ultra-lightweight and durable duffel without wheels by Oxx.
- Standard Luggage
- Uprights
- Medium size uprights are adequate for travel of a week or less.
- For traveling for eight days or more, definitely opt for the larger-size models.
- Hard-sided Luggage
- Very protective, slightly heavier and often more expensive than its soft-sided counterparts.
- These suitcases cannot expand and are recommended for travelers with fragile items.
- Also great for protection of electronics such as projectors or notebooks.
- Frequently used by Europeans for international travel.
- Trunks
- Not reccommended for a regular traveler.
- These are often made of steel or wood and can be quite heavy. But they are very durable and can be shipped.
- As a lightweight option, check out cargo bags, also called soft-sided trunks.
- Often trunks are used as a make-shift coffee table or end table (cube trunk ). Cedar trunks are nicer for this purpose.
- Trunks are good for moving and for long stays. They are ideal for students going away to college or camp, plus they act as an extra storage device.
- Not recommended for traveling by plane, but they are okay for the bus or train.
- Because of their weight you may want to invest in a luggage cart or get a wheeled trunk.
- Luggage Sets
- Sets come with from two to six pieces.
- May include garment bags, toiletry kits, carry-on totes or satchels, plus larger sized bags.
- Matched sets often come with a way to attach smaller items to the larger ones, making a luggage cart a need of the past.
- Often people who want matching luggage are interested to keep them pristine. If you check them with any airline, you will likely see your luggage quickly become marred and dissheveled, be prepared for disappointment.
- Kid's Size
- If your little one travels with you, help him or her pick out a miniaturized rolling suitcase in kid-friendly patterns.
More About Wheels
The majority of luggage comes with wheels, even duffles, backpacks and laptop bags. They are the easiest to carry because all you have to do is pull, reducing strain and effort needed to transport heavy loads. The newest version of rolling luggage is the "spinner," which is great for maneuvering through crowded international airports or down narrow aisles. Without wheels, moving suitcases can become a bit more difficult, however, buying a retractable luggage cart is always an acceptable add-on option. Keep in mind that such wheeled carts will count as an extra carry-on unless it can be packed into another piece of luggage, and they are no longer allowed in overhead compartments.
What Kind of Traveller Are You?
Are you a frequent traveller? If you take one or two trips a year, you will probably prefer to focus more on the long-term durability of your luggage. You want a decent piece or set that is not too pricey and can adapt to your future needs, so you want something that is durable, possibly even with a lifetime guarantee. You may also be interested in something expandable, which is the most versatile type of luggage.
If you travel often, either several times a year or even several times a week, then you need something with maximum durability. Plus, for commuters, you will want luggage that is well organized and easy to access with specific gadget compartments and pockets. Also, remember to get something lightweight. These models will usually cost more, but they are worth the added quality.
Shop For Luggage By Brand
Domestic Carry-On Policies
With so many restrictions on the airlines today, you don't want to be caught with the wrong size carry-on bag. To make matters worse, each airline has their own policy on size and weight. All airlines allow at least one carry on bag while the majority allow passengers to bring along one personal item to be stowed under the seat. The chart below should help you avoid problems at check in. Please note that the dimensions are in linear inches. Calculate this number by adding the height, length and width of your carry on baggage in inches. To get a 50" linear measurement, your bag will measure 24" x 10" x 16". Please check with your airline directly before you fly. Often this information is updated fast than can be updated here.
Airline | Allowance | Weight | Dimensions |
| Alaska | 1 + 1 personal | - | 50" |
Aloha | 1 + 1 personal | 20 lbs | 45" |
America West/US Airways | 1 + 1 personal | - | 51" |
American | 1 + 1 personal | 40lbs | 45" |
ATA | 1 + 1 personal | - | 50"
|
Continental | 1 + 1 personal | 40lbs
| 51" |
Delta | 1 + 1 personal | 40lbs | 45" |
Hawaiian | 1 + 1 personal | 25lbs | 45" |
Jet Blue | 1 + 1 personal | -
| 50"
|
Northwest | 1 + 1 personal | 45lbs | 40" |
Southwest | 1 + 1 personal | -
| 50" |
Spirit | 1 piece | -
| 45" |
United | 1 + 1 personal | -
| 45" |
Related Products
- Locks
- Luggage Carts and Stands
- Tags : Bags look alike. Unless you've got some distinguishing feature on your case, then be sure to have a tag on it. Also, it is an important identifying factor in case the airline company loses your luggage, which I'm sorry to say happens frequently.
- Travel Accessories
- Laptop Bags: Keep your technology safe and secure. Wheeled and backpack Laptop bag options are available.
- Briefcases : A must-have for the business professional to store important documents, paperwork, laptop and the like.
- Garment Bags : 40 and 60 inch models (holding two to four dresses or suits) are meant to keep your hanging clothes neat and pressed. There are also wheeled garment bags.
- Backpacks: For the outdoors, overnight trips, school and back, or multiple location backpacking trips (Euro-railing for example).
- Pet Carriers : Fluffy needs to travel safe too. Give your pet its own space with a soft or hard-sided carrier.
External Links
- TheTravelinsider.info :Everything you want to know about carry-on luggage. There is also info on international airline luggage allowances here.
- SportsExpress.com: Sports Equipment and Luggage delivery service.
- TSA.gov: Stay up to date on airline safety changes.
