Luggage Facts

Okay, so we all want to look good, and no one wants to be grabbing that beat up, taped up, old piece of luggage from K-Mart off the luggage carousel.  At the same time though, that doesn’t mean we have to spend a years salary on the new set of Gucci.  And it also doesn’t mean you have to settle with luggage that looks good, but isn’t functional. 

First, you need to accept a few basic facts;

• Your luggage will be beat up, stomped, trampled, dropped, thrown, and searched.  It will be scratched, dented, ripped and mangled.  The quicker you accept that, the less frustrated you will get. 
• Luggage is designed to carry your personal belongings, and keep them as safe as possible.  Everything else should be a second priority.

Getting Your Priorities Straight In Order

• How much does it weigh?  With more and more airlines going to a 50 lb limit instead of 70 lbs, it’s even more important to make sure your luggage isn’t taking up half your weight limit.  Try to find luggage that has a weight of 13 lbs or less for a large piece of luggage.
• How many pockets, pouches, garment liners, and garment pads do you really need?  The answer for most people is 0.  Unless you have a specific need for a pocket, you don’t need more than what comes standard on all cases.  Most pockets will take up to 3 times as much space as the item itself.  Some people swear by garment liners and garment pads, I think they just take up space.  I have yet to find anything that will miraculously prevent your clothing from becoming wrinkled. See our "Packing Tips" for more information on preventing wrinkles.
• The right Wheels can make the suitcase.  As anyone that has had, or watched someone else at the airport struggling with a piece of luggage that has low quality wheels will tell you…. The wheels will make or break your love for the luggage.   If you purchase your luggage in a store, take it for a test drive.  Turn corners, walk fast, whip it around like you will when you are rushing to catch that plane.  If it flips, wobbles, or doesn’t turn smooth, find a different set.  If you are buying on line, look at the quality rating from prior customers.  The wheels should be as far apart as possible, while still being recessed into the suit case. 
• Material:

5 things every suit case should have:

1. High quality, durable, wheels. 
2. A locking handle.  Nothing is more frustrating than a handle with a mind of its own. 
3. An attachment strap to add luggage on.
4. The ability to enlarge.  If you pack without it expanded, on the return trip, the expanded portion should fit all the items you purchased. 
5. Some type of identifying feature that makes it easier to spot.  This can be a unique color or pattern, a stripe across the middle, a unique handle or name tag.  Anything that will help you spot it as it spins around the carousal with all those black suit cases.