Choosing a suitcase is ultimately important because it will be in charge of protecting your stuff in a transportable form. How easy it’s transportable can depend on a number of factors, such as size, weight, and construction materials.
Choosing Your Luggage Size
We often recommend backpacks for women this will aid in avoiding over packing. Wearing your belongings on your back means you have a better grasp of how much you are actually including on your packing list! With suitcases, it’s best to not get carried away by the fact that this form of luggage sits on wheels because a heavy and large suitcase is a dead weight you still have to lug around the world.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing your suitcase size:
You can probably fit more than you think. Sure a carry-on size suitcase might appear small, you may be shocked at how much can actually fit inside when they choose to give them a whirl.
Starting with a larger suitcase means your packing list gets larger. Fact. Once you have the extra space, you tend to fill it. Why not? You’ve got the space, right?
Check and double-check airline carry-on requirements. If you are planning to just on taking carry-on, then make sure that your intended suitcase complies with ALL airlines you plan to fly on your trip and for any potential upcoming trips.
Hard Case or Soft Case
Hard Cases: They’re loved since they keep their rigid shape, thus offering better protection for belongings inside. They’re loathed since some have been known to crack, and they simply can’t be stuffed into tight places.
Soft Cases: They’re loved because they have more give to compress or expand as needed. They’re loathed since the fabric is easier to rip and tear, can stain, and is not waterproof.
Wheels
Suitcases come with either 2 or 4 wheels these days, and 4 wheels in a “spinner” mode offer a more ergonomic form with the ability to maneuver in multiple directions.
Do you like to travel light?
When it comes to choosing between soft or hard shell luggage, weight should be a top factor. If you want to avoid extra luggage fees at the airport, it's best to pick a light suitcase that you can easily pass through security check points and place in overhead bins. Travelers will find many luggage manufacturers advertising lightweight baggage options.
How do you like to organize your bag?
After choosing the best luggage for your travel needs, consider what your packing methods are, this will guide you to the accessories that will enable you to maximize storage space and efficiency.
Durability
Zero in on the zippers. If a zipper breaks when you’re traveling, it can be a headache. Zippers come in two types: chain and coil. A chain zipper has two sets of interlocking teeth, usually made of metal. Chain is better and stronger than a coil zipper, which slides on two parallel coils usually made of polyester. Chain zippers are much more difficult to break into. Coil zippers can be pulled apart with a ballpoint pen. The zipper brand YKK is widely believed to be the most reliable zipper on the market.
Whirl the wheels. When it comes to durability, wheels can be a weak spot. Check that the wheels roll smoothly and stay in place. Gently jiggle them with your hands to make sure they are firmly attached.
The wheels on four-wheelers are mounted externally, leaving them vulnerable to snapping off with rough handling. For a more secure attachment, check that the wheels are attached with screws, rather than rivets.
A two-wheeler, on the other hand, has recessed wheels, protecting them from snapping off. Also, like the wheels on inline skates, they roll only forward and backward, causing less wear and tear than the 360-degree spinning four-wheelers.
Hold the handle
For maximum durability, the handle should have little to no wiggling or rattling as you pull the bag. One that retracts completely inside the bag is less likely to sustain damage. Also, check for smooth movement as you pull it up and retract it.
Bring a tape measure for carry-on luggage
Ignore tags, labels, or promotions that proclaim, "official carry-on luggage." Nothing is official. No regulation dictates carry-on size—airlines impose their own restrictions, and the limits can vary among airlines and even among aircrafts. Moreover, a Consumer Reports investigation found that nine out of the 11 models we measured were larger than claimed by the manufacturer.
Bottom line: Measure the dimensions yourself. Make sure the measurements account for all parts, including outer pouches, wheels, and handles. And if you are buying online, check the comments section on a suitcase's model page for any complaints about real vs. advertised size.
For more buying tips, including tips on size, warranties, and interior capacity, check our luggage buying guide.
Checked Bags
Pay attention to weight limits for your checked bags. Each carrier has different weight limits and will charge an extra fee if it weighs more than 50 pounds when you fly coach with most domestic carriers. You will also need to pay attention to your baggage dimensions as well. The total dimensions allowed for a checked bag could be 62 inches (length + width + height).
If you plan on using a luggage lock, make sure your bag has a TSA-approved lock that can be opened with a universal key. TSA agents are authorized to break locks to inspect bags if their keys cannot open it.
Personalize Your Bag
As there are only so many different brands of luggage, you are bound to find identical baggage if you travel frequently. To avoid walking off with the wrong bag, you might choose a unique color or design pattern to distinguish your bag from the rest.
Of course, you can also add a personal touch to your bag after your buy it by putting on a personalized luggage tag or piece of cloth that will make it easy to spot as you deplane or watch bags come appear on the baggage claim turnstile.
Top 10 Things to Know When Buying Luggage
Reviewed by MySitti
on
August 09, 2018
Rating: 5
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