The right luggage makes travel easier by securing your belongings, protecting them from damage and making it easier to locate your stuff at the baggage claim. What should you look for when shopping for a new set?
Much of the process is highly individualized, from selecting your favorite colors to choosing styles that fit your needs. However, you should evaluate each item for certain features that make one set superior to others, at least for your unique lifestyle.
Here’s what to look for when deciding on luggage.
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Ruggedness
Airline professionals do their best to ensure your luggage reaches your destination intact, but here’s an additional tip if you want baggage handlers to go easy on your suitcase. Choose a design with four wheels instead of two, as they tend to get more TLC. Two wheels make a suitcase too unwieldy, and handlers may throw or drag it to its destination in a hurry, resulting in accidental damage to the case or what’s inside.
However, you should look for rugged design even in four-wheeled models, especially if you’re a frequent flier. Handles that see copious use can rip, and trying to lug a case without a grip is an exercise in awkwardness no one needs. Instead of going for fabric-based luggage, prioritize tougher thermoplastics like polycarbonate. Rotomolded thermoplastic is ideal for creating durable containers like suitcases, allowing your luggage can endure heavy-duty wear and tear. Even the best stitching leaves much to chance.
Security Features
Today’s high-tech world presents new vulnerabilities. For example, thieves can now access your data using scanners by simply standing near your computer or credit card. Luggage with RFID-blocking technology keeps prying eyes away from your sensitive bank accounts. Of course, you should also make sure the luggage you choose has a secure, TSA-approved locking mechanism.
As important as it is to choose secure luggage, your behavior matters, too. Instead of tossing your baggage in the backseat on a road trip, secure it in the trunk or out of sight so that you don’t tempt opportunistic criminals.
Specialized Compartments
Today’s luggage designers keep tech in mind when creating new bags. You’ll now find luggage with features including exterior USB ports for charging devices. These pair with a backup charger inside your suitcase, preventing the need to dig through and find it when in a crowded, unsecured airport.
Hydration matters when traveling, but relying on disposables adds an unnecessary environmental toll to your trip. People go through an average of 2.5 million plastic bottles each year. Avoid this waste by selecting a bag with an external compartment for your reusable bottle. It also helps if your bag has ample clips for a face mask, wipes and hand sanitizer to keep you safer from germs on your trek.
Portability Aids
While many airports have curbside check-in and carts galore, you won’t find such amenities everywhere. One major aspect of deciding on luggage is how portable it is. You already know four wheels beat two — but they work best when paired with an extension handle that lets you pull the bag with ease.
What if you prefer using a carry-on? Doing so cuts time at baggage claim and avoids lost luggage. If you often take shorter trips or prefer a minimalist approach, a backpack design keeps your bag portable while evenly distributing its weight between your shoulders. Of course, you can also opt for a pull-behind model that’s small enough to fit into the overhead compartment.
Weight
Choosing the right luggage is often a balancing act. Sometimes, you must omit certain features to get other, more desirable ones. For example, heavy-duty suitcases designed to hold delicate objects can weigh more than their thinner counterparts, which can add to your costs and carbon footprint.
Your luggage weight relies on the materials used. If selecting a cloth suitcase, look for polyester or nylon. However, if you want tougher cases, opt for polycarbonate, ABS, polypropylene or aluminum.
It’s a good idea to know how much your luggage weighs. Most airlines set a weight limit of 50 pounds for full bags, so knowing what you have to work with avoids headaches at the check-in counter. Some bags come with weighing mechanisms to help you sort this out ahead of your trip.
Unique Design
Selecting luggage with an unusual design makes it easier to identify at baggage claim. It might also make it easier for handlers to track — their eyes likewise travel to the less ordinary. Bright colors and vivid patterns distinguish your bag from the crowd and make your case a snap to locate.
Make Your Trip a Breeze With the Right Luggage
The right luggage enhances your enjoyment of your trip, whether you’re headed on a road trip for a few hours or a flight across the world. It facilitates moving your stuff from point A to point B while keeping it safe and protecting your privacy.
Consider the above six factors when deciding on luggage. The right set can last you for a lifetime and become your faithful travel companion.
