What Every Traveler Should Know About Checking Luggage

Sometimes you just can't help it.

Checking a bag that is. A single-carry on is always the best way to go, but sometimes the occasion calls for something more. 

Whether you’re embarking on a long-term trip, or traveling with gifts, supplies and/or heavy (winter) clothes, you’ll want to get the best piece or set of luggage your money can buy.

Here’s everything you need to know to help you decide.

What To Consider

Size & Weight

Some luggage pieces are small enough to double as a carry-on (generally smaller than 22” in length) but have the ability to expand and be checked if needed.

Weight is a huge consideration because on top of the already hefty checking fees (around $25 now domestic) you might get stuck with an additional $50 - $100 overweight fee. For most airlines the limit is 50 lbs. Here is a handy airline baggage fees chart.

Wheels

To wheel, or not to wheel? Nowadays it’s the norm for luggage to come on wheels - even duffle bags and backpacks got ‘em. The wheeling system does add some weight but it’s well worth the convenience. Make sure that the wheels are set widely apart for stability and mobility. If you can get luggage with four wheels  - which allows you to deftly make sharp turns - even better. 

Hard or Soft Sided

Hard-sided is made with polycarbonate. The advantage is that it’s waterproof, durable, cannot be compressed in transit, and the shell protects the contents inside. Best for expensive equipment or rough-and-tumble adventures.

That being said, the flip side is it’s typically heavier and more expensive. The luggage can’t expand and therefore is less flexible. Don’t expect it to fit in overheard luggage racks on trains, or in many of the train station lock boxes. Especially in Europe you might have trouble getting it into the trunk of your rental car or taxi.

More often than not, soft-sided luggage is the better choice. These pieces are lighter, expandable, have many extra zip compartments and are easier to store.

For soft-sided luggage, opt for hardwearing polyester or nylon. Industrial nylon like Cordura or ballistic nylon is best. Pass on leather - it adds unnecessary weight and can get moldy if damp.

Warranty

Whether or not the luggage comes with a long warranty is an easy way to estimate its quality. Look especially for warranties that cover accidental damage. Note that a high price isn’t always an indicator of a better warranty.

Remember! 

If you travel more than twice a year, you are making an investment and should pay for quality. Your luggage should last you many years so if you choose carefully you’ll get the most out of your money, along with the security of one less thing to worry about when you travel.

Recommendations

ConsumerSearch named the Eagle Creek Tarmac 22 as the Best Rolling Luggage out there. “It’s well made, lightweight, expandable and its rugged wheels roll smoothly.”

The company, Eagle Creek, offers an unconditional lifetime warranty. The only downside is the “22” exceeds most airline carry-on size limits by half-an-inch ($285).

If the price is a little steep, ConsumerSearch also reviewed the Delsey Helium Fusion Lite 2.0 Expandable Suiter Trolley, which at a modest $65, is perfect for the budget-conscious casual traveler. The bag itself is spacious and easy to pack, with accessible compartments and a garment hanger. It can fit in overhead bins but expands if you’re willing to check the bag.

The downside is the polyester fabric isn’t as hardwearing as the tougher Cordura nylon and the 5-year warranty doesn’t cover accidental damage.

And finally, I present the REI Wheely Beast 28-inch, 2009 Gear of the Year, highly recommended by many travelers and industry leaders.

“If you just need one huge rolling bag … it’s tough, well designed and less expensive than similar rolling duffels from Eagle Creek and Osprey.”

The ballistic nylon shell brushes off travel abuse and inside are plenty of convenient compartment and pockets, including - and I love this - a spot to quarantine dirty clothes. At 28 inches this is definitely a bag to be checked, and it’s so roomy in fact users advise to watch your weight limit because it’s easier to go over ($149).

ConsumerSearch.com has a more extensive list of 6 top luggage pieces, as well as many other consumer-reviewed travel accessories.

Packing

Make sure that somewhere on your luggage you have clearly marked your name and contact information. Tie a brightly colored ribbon around the handle so when you pick it up from the luggage carousel it’ll be easy to spot in the crowd.

Use an airport security approved lock, otherwise they can and will cut yours open. If you bring gifts leave them unwrapped because all luggage is subject to inspection.

All valuables, medications and important documents should stay on your person or carry-on in the event that your checked luggage is lost.

For $10, the Travelon Luggage Scale means the end of surprise baggage fees. This handy little gadget is easy to use - just slip the hook under one of your bag’s straps or handles and lift. It’ll weigh and display your luggage’s weight in pounds and kilograms.

In a pinch, you can also use a bathroom scale. Weigh yourself, and then weight yourself holding the luggage, and subtract.

LuggageZone.com recommends,

"... never leave the zipper-pulls at the corner of a suitcase. Instead, try leaving them in the middle of the case. Luggage receives more blows to the corners than anywhere else. Your zippers will thank you."

ConsumerSearch.com also recommends that you look into the zipper construction:

"Handles and zippers are potential weak points. Most complaints about durability involve handles and zippers breaking, bending or sticking. Chain zippers, which are fused to the fabric, are more durable than coil zippers, which are sewn on. In either type, look for the YKK brand. Check handles for comfort, too.”

P.S. 

If you need some help determining which luggage set is best for you and your travel needs, contact one of our experienced travel consultants for assistance. We'd be happy to help you!

Tags: travel

Tweet