How to Pick the Ideal Luggage

Few things are more worthless and frustrating than a cheap piece of luggage that falls apart during your vacation. Ergo, it's crucial to invest in quality luggage that can withstand a baggage handler's bad day. Somewhere out there is your dream luggage set.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Consider where you're going and what you're packing before you shop for new luggage. This will determine the quantity and size of luggage you'll need.

2. Determine your budget before you shop. This will help steer you in the direction of quality luggage brands you can afford. A reputable luggage store that specializes in all types of luggage will give you advice based on your budget and travel needs.

3. Decide whether you want soft or hard-case luggage. Heavier, hard-sided suitcases offer far better protection for fragile items (if packed properly). Soft luggage is lighter.

4. If you choose a roller model, look for heavy-duty wheels (some have durable in-line skate wheels) and a sturdy base.

5. When buying soft luggage, check the denier of a fabric, a measurement that refers to the fineness of the yarn. Generally speaking, the higher the denier the more durable the fabric.

6. Look for a quality zipper that's heavy-duty enough to support the weight the bag was designed to hold. (Top of the line zippers are YKKs.) Critical seams and attachment points for webbing should be bar-tacked.

7. Make sure the bags fits airlines' approved carry-on size. Most bags within the 24 X 14 X 9-inch (61 x 35.5 x 23-cm) size restriction is considered legal on all planes.

8. Choose a size that's appropriate for the length of your trip. Keep in mind the possibility of needing to accommodate unexpected items or expand for a longer trip.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for luggage that isn't too heavy to carry long distances. For larger suitcases, a difference of 5 lbs. (1.9 kg) or less doesn't matter much in the overall weight of a fully packed bag.
• Consider a color other than black. Brightly colored luggage stands out better on the airport carousel.
• The majority of airlines allow bags up to 40 lbs. (14.9 kg).
• Is the pullout handle protected? It won't work if the shaft gets bent.
• If you unintentionally buy a knockoff, the warranty is also fake.

[monicajack]

on 5/12/2009 I think Samsonite makes the best and myregistry.com made me a lover of hardside luggage.Check the guide out here: http://www.myregistry.com/Newsletters/5-12-2009/Newsletter_Wedding.html

[TrendyMomma]

on 5/8/2008 I think durability is a big plus. I have a cheap suitcase that survived one flight but I can see it will fall apart if I try another flight with it. However, I know a lot of people with Eagle Creek suitcases that travel all over the world and say they hold up great.

My favorite is the velocity for its style.
http://www.highlandhiker.com/Eagle-Creek-Velocity-25-Rolling-Suitcase-p-591.html

The other they have is the tarmac.
http://www.highlandhiker.com/Eagle-Creek-Tarmac-ES-25-Rolling-Suitcase-p-71.html

They both come in 20, 22, 25 and 28 inch sizes. And don't forget all the wonderful Eagle Creek packing solutions! They make for great organization instead of dumping it all, clean or dirty, into your suitcase.

See what I mean!
http://highlandhiker.blogspot.com/2008/05/take-hassle-out-of-travelling.html

[jjwill]

on 12/19/2006 The new TSA rules may alos affect how you purchase your luggage. So be sure to check http://www.tsa.gov/ for the latest luggage restrictions. Also check out http://www.luggagebase.com at the top of the page has tabs that link to tips for buying, repairing, packing and making your luggage last longer.

[jjwill]

on 12/19/2006 The new TSA rules may alos affect how you purchase your luggage. So be sure to check http://www.tsa.gov/ for the latest luggage restrictions. Also check out http://www.luggagebase.com at the top of the page has tabs that link to tips for buying, repairing, packing and making your luggage last longer.

on 2/8/2006 I remembered using a suitcase with wheels that were as far apart as the shafts. Every time there was a bump, even a minor one, the suitcase would start to wobble sideways until it tipped over. So when shopping for suitcases, be sure to look for ones that have wheels wide apart, ideally located at the very edges.