Whether you’re embarking on an international adventure or business trip, your choice of luggage can make or break the journey.

Preferences vary depending on your travel style and needs. Some people never travel without checked baggage, whilst some swear by one bag. Others deliberate about the types of bags to bring on a trip. While different rules apply to different types of bags, there are certainly some common pitfalls to avoid.

When selecting luggage, steer clear of options crafted from non-durable materials that lack ample internal compartments and exceed cabin compartment dimensions or weight limits. Prioritize features aligned with your travel style, such as waterproof materials or robust wheels and handles.

In this guide, we’ll explore what not to do when buying luggage, so that you can streamline your packing process and have a stress-free journey.

Avoid Poor-Quality Materials

Picture this: you’re rushing through a busy airport, and suddenly your suitcase’s handle gives way, sending your belongings scattering across the terminal. Not only is it a logistical nightmare, but it’s also a stressful and embarrassing situation.

While this may seem like an exaggerated disaster, you can prevent such inconveniences by doing your due diligence. Avoiding such scenarios begins with your choice of luggage. Investing in cheap luggage may seem budget-friendly initially, but it can lead to regrettable outcomes down the line.

As a general rule, avoid purchasing luggage made from substandard materials prone to premature wear and tear, such as weak zippers, flimsy handles, or low-quality wheels. Rather, prioritize durability to ensure longevity and reliability, mitigating the risk of malfunctions or breakages mid-journey.

Here are some examples of weak materials and features to avoid:

• Handles made of flimsy plastic or poorly reinforced metal
• Wheels with low-quality bearings that are prone to seizing or breaking
• Weak zippers that may break under pressure or easily jam
• Thin, easily torn polyester fabric

Popular luggage choices among travelers include backpacks, totes, duffels, and suitcases. You may choose to simply utilize your everyday backpack as a travel bag, or specifically invest in one for traveling. The same goes for totes and duffels.

When it comes to buying luggage, wheeled suitcases or rolling luggage tend to be among the most popular options. They offer ease of maneuverability and ample storage space. 

Compared to many everyday bags, suitcases often boast additional travel-specific features such as wheels, retractable handles, and rigid structures, which influence key factors like durability, weight, and compliance with airline regulations. Commonly marketed as travel essentials, it’s essential to consider various factors beyond marketing claims when assessing the quality of suitcases.

Assess a suitcase’s quality by examining its materials, construction, and features – look for durable materials like polycarbonate or high-density nylon, robust wheels, and sturdy handles. Additionally, consider brand reputation, warranty, and user reviews to gauge reliability and performance.

On the whole, you’d want to err on the side of caution when it comes to investing in a quality travel bag, be it a suitcase or something else. Keep longevity and reliability in mind.

Know Your Travel Style and Preferences

Investing in your travel luggage would be straightforward once you’ve ascertained your travel style and preferences. 

If you’re unsure of what you want, you might go with the crowd and buy whatever is marketed aggressively or conveniently to you. Otherwise, you’d keep in mind the most appropriate features for your travel bag, that can be tailored to a certain niche of travelers or even individual preferences.

For instance, backpackers who frequent rugged terrains or encounter unpredictable weather conditions may prioritize waterproof backpacks. Similarly, soft-sided suitcases may offer flexibility but might lack the water-resistance of hard shell counterparts.

Conversely, for a remote/business professional who enjoys exploring new cities, a versatile and functional backpack would suffice. Modern travel backpacks often feature dedicated compartments for laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices, catering to the needs of remote professionals who may need to work on the go. Moreover, backpacks typically offer ample storage space for essentials like clothing, toiletries, and documents, serving as an adequate day bag.

By identifying your specific requirements, such as durability, waterproofing, or ease of maneuverability, you can tailor your luggage choice to suit your needs effectively.

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Beware of Inadequate Compartments: Ensure Ample Storage Options

When buying luggage, it’s not just about prioritizing storage space; it’s also about ensuring the organization and security of your belongings.

Well-designed luggage compartments would enable you to efficiently pack your travel essentials such as clothing, toiletries, and more. They help you maximize space whilst keeping your items separated, organized, and easily acessible.

Conversely, if your luggage has inadequate compartments, it could leave your items vulnerable to theft or damage whilst on the road. Consider the luggage’s layout and ensure it offers sufficient pockets and dividers.

Moreover, compartments play a crucial role in safeguarding delicate items such as tech gadgets from bumps and knocks. 

During travel, important devices like your laptop should be kept in specialized compartments that are purpose-built for their storage. These compartments in your bag often come with extra padding that offer enhanced protection whilst on the move, such as sleeves or reinforced bottoms. 

The same goes for smaller accessories like cables, adapters, Bluetooth devices, and ergonomic tools – organize them in suitable pockets that are easily accessible and secure.

Avoid Oversized Luggage

Lastly, ensure that your luggage does not exceed the airline’s size restrictions. 

For carry-on bags, ensure they are not too big for the cabin overhead compartment – the allowable dimensions are usually around 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm). On the other hand, personal items fitting under the seat are typically around 18 x 14 x 8 inches. 

If you exceed size restrictions, unfortunately, you may be forced to check in your luggage and incur extra charges. 

Hence, before buying your luggage, it’s sensible to measure and verify its dimensions to ease your mind, especially if it looks like a potentially oversized suitcase.

To err on the side of caution, consider that maximum allowable sizes can vary among airlines and depending on your location. 

A strategy to mitigate potential issues is to choose a size that complies with the most stringent carry-on baggage policies. In other words, identify the airline(s) with the smallest maximum luggage size allowable, as this size will be compatible with all airlines. Going by this size can help you avoid potential issues when flying with different airlines that may enforce different regulations. 

Besides restrictions for size, consider weight. 

Wheels and handles may add to the overall weight, pushing your luggage over the airline’s carry-on weight limit. Bear this in mind especially if you’re buying a carry-on suitcase.

Summary

By avoiding common pitfalls when it comes to selecting luggage, you can optimize your travel experience starting from selecting a bag that would never fail you.

Remember, your luggage could make or break your trip. It’s not just a means of carrying your belongings. It plays a crucial role in organization, accessibility, and safeguarding your belongings from potential damage or theft.

Thus, do not just buy cheap and hope that it all works out. Choose wisely.