In the interest of full disclosure, I have my own luggage line carried exclusively by HSN. I designed unique gear that looks great and overcomes some common shortcomings. The purpose of this article is not to promote my line, but to give you some insight into the types of things I look for when buying luggage, plus what I considered when designing my own line. One thing I’ve learned in this process is that there is not one piece of luggage that fits everyone’s needs or travel personality. How I travel is probably very different from how you travel.
You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Shengtailuo Case &Bag.
Here are some tips to ensure the next piece you buy is a love match. Did I mention I have my own luggage line?
Do you think anyone in the history of travel has ever under-packed for a trip? It’s easy to over-pack a large suitcase and end up crushing the 50 lb. limit. Overweight fees are worse than taxes, so make sure the bag isn’t heavy when it’s empty.
Bags are often marketed as “lightweight” but don’t take their word for it. Make sure you find the actual weight of the bag printed on the sales tag. A carry-on should be less than 8 lbs.
A lot of lightweight bags are soft-sided, which is great for stuffing the bag into a small overhead bin space. If you tend to travel with items that could be easily damaged, then go with a harder side piece of luggage.
The carry-on bag was supposed to make our lives easier and avoid fees, but it’s become such a pain in the rear. I blame the airlines and their inconsistent regulations. Here are a few things you need to know to get the one that will work best for you.
Four wheels vs. Two: Travel purists may shun the 4 spinner wheel bag as for amateurs but when you walk onto a plane, spin the bag to its narrowest side and effortlessly roll down the aisle without spilling your $7 double caramel soy latte. You’ll be a believer too.
Luggage is like a car. Before you buy you have to kick the tires, check under the hood, and take it out for a spin. Pay close attention to the things that usually break when you need them the most: wheels, straps/handles, and zippers. Make sure you visually check the seams, stitching, and hardware. And never buy luggage with tiny wheels. They won’t last more than a few trips, and that luggage is basically disposable.
Just say no to black luggage! Colorful luggage is where it’s at. Hard case luggage has taken this to a new level, with incredible designs that become movable art. People do notice the bag you travel with and who knows? You may get an upgrade from an airline or hotel clerk just because they like your style.
Before the pandemic, I was an ardent fan of the hard side carry-on, and I do love the hard side, but I’ve actually made a move back to soft-sided luggage simply because it is far more accommodating when it comes to keeping essential items organized and most importantly accessible at all times during your journey. With major delays at airports, canceled flights, and long waits for rental cars I want more access to my stuff immediately, not when I find an appropriate place in a busy terminal to open up a hard clamshell bag to get to what I need.
The carry-on is ultimately about having more control in an uncertain circumstance.
Cruise Tips: 7 Things To Do Before You Leave
6 Things I Always Bring on a Plane
10 Travel Mistakes I Always Make
My Airport Survival Guide
In our latest Which? survey, one member told us that the thing they like most about their suitcase is its durability, having owned it for more than 15 years.
Finding a case that will go the distance doesn't have to cost the earth; you just need to choose a well-rated suitcase brand. Plus, consider the suitability of the luggage's features before buying to ensure it has a long lifespan.
Below, we’ve outlined what to look for when choosing luggage, including the pros and cons of hard-shell and soft-shell bags. But you should also consider factors such as whether the case has your preferred wheels and a sturdy handle.
We asked more than 1,300 Which? members about their experiences with suitcases and cabin bags to find you the best brands to buy in .
Both checked-in luggage and cabin bags are usually subject to weight limits; exceeding them can cost you extra. It's therefore important to choose a suitcase that isn't exceptionally heavy to start with, before adding any clothes, shoes and toiletries.
If you're after a large suitcase, try to buy one weighing less than 4kg to maximise your packing allowance.
It’s good to have at least two handles on your suitcase. In addition to a retractable trolley handle for wheeling your case, a side-grab handle is useful for lifting your luggage in and out of the car or onto the luggage belt at the airport. A trolley handle will sit inside the case when put away, so check how much usable space it's taking up before buying, especially to maximise space in your cabin bag.
An adjustable trolley handle might be worth looking for – especially if you're particularly tall or short, as you can set it to a height that best suits you. Choosing a handle that’s padded or ergonomically shaped will also increase comfort.
Lastly, check the sturdiness of each handle. If it feels flimsy now, it’s likely to become wobbly later, especially if you have to wheel your case up and over kerbs or on cobbled surfaces.
Luggage with four wheels is commonly referred to as a spinner suitcase, while two-wheeled cases are often called upright luggage.
The best suitcases can withstand being pulled along different types of ground. Four-wheeled spinners are typically the easiest to manoeuvre over the smooth floors at airports, while two-wheeled cases with larger wheels are easier to pull across rougher ground and up and down kerbs. Consider whether you usually get dropped right outside the terminal or if you have to do a lot of walking when travelling to the airport.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Luggage Manufacturer. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Whether you choose a two or four-wheeled case, it’s worth considering that hollow plastic wheels may be noisier when pulling them across rough ground.
Read on for more tips for choosing a suitcase – or head to our article on best suitcase brands to find out which were best-rated by Which? members
Do you need a laptop sleeve? Or are straps and compartments in the two suitcase halves non-negotiable?
If you like to store bits and pieces in your case that are easy to access, pick one with pockets on the outside. It’s less common to find these in hard-sided luggage, so a soft-shell case might suit you better. To keep things tidy inside your case, look for handy pockets and compartments with zips.
Many of us would rather not have to buy and store multiple suitcases for different occasions, so having the option for extra space in an expandable case can come in useful. You can then keep the expandable section closed when you don't need as much space, or when you need to fit it in the aeroplane cabin or above you on a train.
However, always bear in mind that check-in luggage has a weight limit, and expanding your case could tip it over this.
Get free travel advice and recommendations you can trust from the experts with our monthly travel newsletter
Locking your suitcase helps to act as a deterrent to thieves. Some suitcases have a built-in lock, or you can attach a small padlock or cable tie to keep the zips locked. Just make sure the lock isn't so heavy that it could end up damaging the zips.
However, a lock won't prevent airport security from searching your case if your luggage is singled out for inspection. Locking your suitcase with a TSA lock (example pictured above) allows most airport security to open the lock with a master key without damaging it.
As airline cabin bag luggage allowance rules become stricter, suitcases with removable wheels have become more popular. Their flexibility enables you to wheel your suitcase comfortably in the airport, and then snap off the wheels when fitting it under the seat in front of you or in the overhead locker. We've seen bags like this give you between 10% and 25% more room for your luggage, and they can be slightly less bulky to store at home, too.
However, we recommend removing the wheels before you get asked to put your suitcase in the airline's bag sizer, for example at your boarding gate. This is because some customers have reported that the airline won't allow the bag to be measured without the wheels, making the rules a bit of a grey area.
Head to our guide to the best suitcases and best cabin bag brands to buy a great recommendation.
Hard and soft-sided suitcases both have their pros and cons. Hard-shell luggage is rigid and usually made of plastic or metal. Polypropylene cases are generally the lightest, while polycarbonate is heavier but typically more durable and impact-resistant. Luggage made from ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) polycarbonate sits between the two in terms of weight. Cases made from metal, typically aluminium, are the most durable, but they're also the heaviest and most expensive.
Soft-shell luggage is made of fabric such as nylon or polyester. This makes them more flexible, but they often provide less protection for fragile items. However, previous lab tests at Which? showed that both types of cases can be durable.
We've discovered the best way to pack your suitcase to get more in, after testing four methods.
Pros
Cons
Pros
Cons
When checking in bags, size and weight are important considerations. The bigger the case, the heavier it will be when filled.
Larger cases might appeal to families who share, or those heading on wintry getaways that require bulkier clothing. Just check the airline's luggage restrictions before travelling to ensure your large suitcase won’t exceed the weight or size limit, as this will cost you extra.
You should always weigh your case before leaving the house. If you don’t have luggage scales, the best way to do this is to weigh yourself first, then weigh yourself again holding your filled suitcase off the ground. Subtract the smaller number from the larger one to calculate the suitcase’s weight.
Heading to a sunnier climate this summer? Stay safe with our best sun cream recommendations and expert buying advice.
Head to the high street to try out Which? members’ best-rated suitcase brands in person. Trolley-handle heights and grips will vary, so choose one that suits you and get a feel for how easy it is to lift and manoeuvre. If it’s going in the car boot, think about an appropriate size, especially if you’re likely to put more luggage in.
Remember that spinner cases fare better on smooth surfaces. They will likely excel on a shiny shop floor, so it won’t be a fair test.
The company is the world’s best School Bag Supplier supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.