What kinds of things should I look for in a suitcase?

Question

I'm buying luggage for the first time and I don't travel very much so I don't know what kinds of things I should be looking for when buying luggage. Any tips?

Answer 1

Sturdy zips, wheels (or an easy way to carry it through the airport) and strong material. You can tell the difference between floppy suitcases and solid suitcases! Maybe got to a shop that specialises in suitcases or bags.

Answer 2

1. Durability: look for pieces that feel sturdy and have liners on the insides (preferably waterproof). Most suitcases are of the rolling variety these days - that's definitely something you'll want. It makes transporting heavy loads easier.

2. There are a lot of really cute luggage pieces out there, but they're cheaply made and are more likely to get damaged in transit, if you plan to use them for air travel (even if you don't plan on flying with them, they still won't last you as long).

That said, if you get a typical black/brown/navy/red/dark green suitcase, buy some ribbon or take a strip of patterned cloth and tie it around the handles of your checked baggage (TIGHTLY) so it/they is/are easily identifiable at baggage claims.

I recommend only buying one high-quality checked luggage bag and one high-quality carry on bag - almost all of the airlines are charging for 2 checked bags these days. Even if you don't plan on flying a lot, that will be all you'll need for a trip.

Here are the dimensions for carry on bags for several U.S. carriers (scroll down towards the bottom): http://www.thetravelinsider.info/travela...

Some good luggage brands:

- http://www.americantourister.com/webapp/...

- http://www.travelpro.com/travelprohome.h...

- http://shop.samsonite.com/storefront/ind...

Target also has some really good pieces for reasonable prices (luggage in itself is expensive, so don't expect to see anything under $50).

When you're out shopping, make sure to test out the suitcases - make sure the handle isn't too short/long for you and that it's easily manuverable.

I hope this has helped. Have fun shopping!

Answer 3

be sure it has wheels and a handle that extends. roll it around in the store a little to make sure it rolls smoothly.

also its nice when it has a big compartment and several other sized compartments.

when you find one you like you'll know its the one.

Answer 4

I like a super lightweight, sturdy, 360-degree spinner as a carry-on. And a 27" hard shell spinner for my checked bag.

Also like sorting compartments in each, especially the carry-on.

If you are tall, be sure to test whether the handles extend to your comfort level.

Answer 5

Indiana's suggestions are right on.

Also watch for weight.. try light weight.

ANd size. look up the size requirements for carry ons and check in luggage these days,, even if you are mostly going to do car trips having bags that work for most airlines will mean less hassle.

enjoy your shopping,

dD

ps.. RED is the color of the year, i think. So many red bags on the carousels. Whatever luggage you choose, put your own mark on them so you can recognize them easily on the carousel--and also for carry on,  just to be sure you have the right bags.