When looking to purchase new luggage for your trip, it can be a difficult process as there are so many different types, shapes, sizes and styles of cases on the market. So how do you choose the best one, and the one that’s right for you?
This guide will give an insight to all the in’s and out’s of suitcases, enabling you to choose the perfect one.
Size
Obviously suitcases come in many different shapes and sizes. Depending on the type of trip you are taking depends on the style and size. Short business trips call for cabin sized cases. These are small enough to store in the overhead luggage on your flight and just enough for an overnight stays worth of necessities. For the longer trips, it would be better to opt for the 28″ to 30″ suitcases to store the masses of holiday clothes!
Material
This is the tricky part, there are so many different types of materials on the market all claiming to be the best, it’s difficult to decipher which one really is the most durable. Many cases are made from a durable polyester material, making them slightly more flexible but containing a solid metal frame on the inside to keep all of your belongings safe from any damage. These bags fare well against the rough handling that many suitcases receive at the airport, and are excellent for maximum clothes storage due to their more squared off shape and expansion zips, allowing extra room.
Many people now though, tend to buy the hard plastic cases for extra security. The entire outer shell of the case is usually made frompolycarbonate, (a strong plastic type material) which can easily handle the roughest handling, and is used as the material of choice for the T on the suitcases.
There is another material which suits cases, and that is the strong nylon. These cases are usually recessed, and the blaster compartments on the inside will hold a lot more gear than the shirtcase will. With the nylon, you can be guaranteed that all of your belongings within the case will be completely secure.
There are other types of cases on the market, including Peli cases, which are suitable for travelling, as they are water resistant. These cases have a detachable seat, and you can adjust the length of the case so that it fits your requirements.
Many cases are also available with a cross body carry case. These are optimal for airline personnel because they sit high up and aren’t vulnerable to wear and tear. A good example of an airline approved bag is the American Tourister line of suitcases.
The American Tourister range of cases are the internationally approved cases. They are available in a range of colours and styles, offering the best protection for suitcases whilst travelling. The guarantee ensures that the case has the highest standards possible and that the case meets all airline safety requirements. Each bag has a unique serial number which means that it can only be recalled if the bag is lost or damaged.
If you choose a foreign made suitcase, you may have had second hand luggage. This may have been imported into your country, or come from a travel office of yours. Please note any checked luggage does not meet these requirements, and you may be liable for any loss or damage.
In some countries, the local authorities are responsible for checking carry-on bags to ensure that they meet the necessary requirements. In certain countries such as France, the authorities will check any bags coming into their airports, and may discard any bags that they find not to meet the required standards.
Bags with the correct machine code are the easiest and quickest way to check that your luggage has met the accepted safety standard. The zippers or Velcro straps may also show on the bag. If the bag has a label, remove it and read the standards appearing on the inside of the tag.
E enforcement bags are used in flights, by the TSA, for screening. The bags are screened based on criteria including type of material, size, and tag/number. Runs of zippers are screening all bags. Be sure to check that any handle on the bag is removable, making the bag easier to carry. Many baggage handlers now have a cross check facility to ensure that your bags are screened together.
To take the bag off the handle, depress the button on the handle of the bag on the reverse of the bag. This will retract the handle, so that it is collapsed. Remove it from the bag and the strap will snap into a compact ball. The bag can then be put into the overhead slot.
Uggage tags are used to identify the bag that is shared by lots of people. They can be made from a variety of materials, including paper and plastic. There are different colours available but the most important factor is the personalisation. Make sure that the tag is large enough to do so.
