Contents [Hide] 1 Details 2 Choosing Luggage Type 3 More About Wheels 4 What Kind of Traveler Are You? 5 Shop For Luggage By Brand 6 Domestic Carry-On Policies 7 Travel Policies 8 Related Products 9 Related Guides 10 International Resources

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 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 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 texture 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 for keeping organized and are especially helpful to the business and frequent traveler.

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 traveler. 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 onboard 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.

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 recommended for a regular traveler. These are often made of steel or wood and can be quite heavy; however, 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 makeshift 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 matched luggage are interested in keeping them pristine. If you check them with any airline, you will likely see your luggage quickly become marred and disheveled, be prepared for disappointment.

Kids' Size  If your little one travels with you, help him or her pick out a miniaturized rolling suitcase in kid-friendly patterns. For information about traveling with children, see Kids' Travel Essentials

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 Traveler Are You?

Are you a frequent traveler? 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 sturdy, possibly even a set that comes with a lifetime guarantee. You may also be interested in expandable luggage, which is the most versatile type.

If you travel often, either several times a year or even several times a week, then you will 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

American Tourister : This manufacturer usually provides decent luggage at comparatively low prices. Atlantic  Briggs and Riley  Eagle Creek  Hartmann  Samsonite  TravelPro : The Crew5  series has been given good reviews by many, including Travel Insider and ConsumerSearch.com, as they are well-made and well-priced. Tumi  Victorinox : Their new Swiss Army Tourbach  line includes a feature-rich duffel  (pictured) that would make a great carry-on.

Domestic Carry-On Policies

With so many restrictions on the airlines today, you don't want to be caught with the wrong size bag. To make matters worse, each airline has its own policy on size and weight. All airlines allow at least one carry-on 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 suitcase 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 faster than can be updated here. *Note - Spirit Airlines allows you to take 1 personal item free of charge and charges you for your carry-on. Please check their website for prices.

Travel Policies

Over the past few years, there have been some serious changes to airline policies. Here are some standard policies, but always check your airline for specific policies.

• For carry-on luggage, remember the 3:1:1 rule for liquids/aerosols. You can have a three ounce (or less) bottle in one quart-size clear, plastic zip-bag and one baggie per person. This only applies to carry-on luggage!
• All adults (over 18) must present valid I.D. to pass through airport checkpoints and board their flight.
• Check the TSA website to learn about prohibited items. Just about anything that can be used as a weapon must be checked with your luggage.
• Most foods and gifts are safe to bring on the plane, but again, check the TSA website. Don't wrap any presents that you are taking onboard the plane.
• Any medication (unless you have a disability) or baby formula/breast milk must follow the 3:1:1 rule.  

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. Many people will tie a ribbon on their luggage to distinguish it from others.
• Travel Accessories
• Cosmetics Cases 
• Toiletry Kits
• Travel/Passport Wallets 
• Laptop Bags: Keep your technology safe and secure. Wheeled  and backpack laptop bag  options are available.
• Briefcases : A must-have for the business professional.  Good for storing important documents, paperwork, a 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 Great Outdoors, overnight trips, trekking to school and back, or multiple location backpacking trips (Eurorailing, for example).
• Pet Carriers : Fluffy needs to travel safely too. Give your pet its own space with a soft- or hard-sided carrier.
• Dopp Kits : For storing toiletries.

Related Guides

• Travel and Outdoor Fun
• Travelogues
• Travel Organization
• Travel
• Rolling Luggage

International Resources

For this resource in your home country, please see:
FR: Bagagerie
ES: Maletas de viaje