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Step 1
Decide what features are necessary in your luggage. If you wear suits, you need a wrinkle-free suiter; if you carry a laptop, its pocket must be easily accessible and well padded. The pocket for toiletry items can't leak into the rest of the bag, in case of a spill, and waterproof luggage keeps your clothes dry no matter what.
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Step 2
Look at the area on the bag that supports the most weight: On wheeled bags, this is the axle; on shoulder bags, it's the area connecting to the straps. It must be hefty. Lack of durability in this area almost ensures that the bag's going to fall apart.
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Step 3
Choose your wheels carefully. A bag with in-line skate wheels lasts longer than one without because they're the market's most durable wheels. Also, check how easily the wheels glide. Good wheels need good ball bearings.
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Step 4
Make sure your luggage fits comfortably as you walk down an airplane aisle. Luggage with four or six wheels is designed to swivel so you can bring the thin side down first. Shoulder bags should be comfortable to hold lengthwise. Backpacks should fit width-wise. You don't want to feel like you're maneuvering in a pinball machine.
