| Have you ever gone shopping for luggage and | | | | luggage specifically for carry on, make sure that you |
| glanced around the store and thought, where do I | | | | can lift the case overhead when packed. |
| begin? There are a plethora of shapes, sizes, and | | | | Luggage Quality |
| brands of luggage so as to leave a prospective buyer | | | | You want to purchase good quality luggage that |
| puzzled. Choosing the right luggage is an important | | | | offers durability and reliability. Remember the old |
| decision for any traveler. Not only will a good piece of | | | | saying 'you get what you pay for.' This is especially |
| luggage last a long time, but it can make your | | | | true with luggage. Beware of cheap or low quality |
| traveling experience a lot more enjoyable and | | | | luggage. Luggage parts must be durable and this |
| worry-free. When you're on the road and away from | | | | includes things like handles, wheels, zippers, and fabric. |
| home, that means a lot. Here are some tips to | | | | Here are some things to look for - |
| consider when purchasing new luggage. | | | | 1. Handles: Handles should be comfortable and durable. |
| Identify your Traveling Needs | | | | They should be well fastened to the frame of the |
| You should buy luggage for your most demanding | | | | bag. If you have a tele-handle, it should lock in the up |
| traveling needs. If you're primarily a business traveler, | | | | and down position and should be flush with the bag in |
| your needs will differ from a leisure traveler or a | | | | the down position. Handles should be ergonomic and |
| backpacker. If you're planning to use one case for a | | | | comfortable and offer quick, on-the-go use. |
| mixture of travel, determine what's most important | | | | 2. Wheels: Wheels are essential for good handling and |
| to you. For example, is it more important to be able | | | | maneuverability. Wheels should be made of |
| to carry on your luggage during business travel or | | | | polyurethane or in-line skate material so that they can |
| have extra room for souvenirs from your family | | | | withstand hundreds of miles on pavement without |
| vacation? If you need help deciding what luggage | | | | wearing out. Wheels should be securely fixed to the |
| might be best for you, talk to the sales associate. | | | | frame of the bag with screws or rivets and |
| Explain what type of traveling you'll mostly be doing | | | | non-recessed wheels should be extremely durable. |
| and they can offer suggestions. | | | | 3. Zippers: You want sturdy zippers that will not wear |
| Luggage Color | | | | out, break off, or snag your clothes. Look for |
| You'll find that most luggage comes in black and this | | | | luggage that has nylon coil or polyester coil zippers. |
| is because most people like black - black cars, black | | | | Zippers with larger "teeth" tend to be better quality |
| motorcycles, black clothes, and black luggage. The | | | | than zippers with smaller "teeth." Look for luggage |
| nice thing about black is that it hides dirt, scuffs, and | | | | that has two zippers with pull tabs that come |
| general wear and tear better than most other colors. | | | | together so that you can lock your case. |
| The not so nice thing about black is that it can be | | | | 4. Fabric: Choose fabric that can withstand abrasion, |
| tough to pick it out of a line up. You know what I | | | | stains, and tearing. Look for Cordura or ballistic nylon |
| mean if you've ever tried to pick your luggage out | | | | materials. The measure of denier will depend on how |
| from among the hundreds of other black cases on | | | | durable you need your luggage to be. 1000-denier |
| the luggage carousel. While there are ways to mark | | | | Cordura will provide maximum durability whereas |
| your luggage such as by using luggage tags and | | | | 500-denier may suffice for moderate use. |
| luggage straps, manufacturers are making more | | | | Luggage Warranty |
| luggage colors available in bright colors. The bottom | | | | Regardless of what luggage you purchase, be sure to |
| line is to choose a color that is pleasing to you. | | | | check the luggage manufacturer's warranty and |
| Luggage Weight | | | | know what is covered. Manufacturer defects such as |
| Luggage weight has never before been such a key | | | | failed handles, wheels, and zippers are often covered |
| factor when considering what luggage to buy. | | | | whereas normal wear and tear is not. Choose |
| Luggage weight can vary from a few pounds to | | | | retailers and manufacturers that will be able to |
| over 10 lbs. Hard sided luggage will tend to weigh | | | | service your luggage quickly if you need it. |
| more than soft sided luggage due to the framing. | | | | Good luggage equals happy travelers. Take your time |
| Choose the lightest weight luggage that has all or | | | | and do your research before buying luggage. A wise |
| most of the features you want. If you're purchasing | | | | decision can last many years and hundreds of miles. |