If you’re about to travel to another city or country, you’ll need a suitcase to carry your essentials. Suitcases protect your stuff against damage during transit and are pretty convenient. However, they come in different brands, designs, materials, and sizes, so you must research to choose the right one for your trip. If the ready-made models don’t interest you, many companies help you build personalized suitcases by choosing the material, color, size, and other features.
Choosing the right suitcase
Here are a few tips to help you sift through the many options in the market and choose a suitable product for your needs:
- Airline’s luggage restrictions
Before buying a suitcase, learn about the airline’s luggage restrictions. While airlines have similar specifications for bag size, each service has a different weight limit. - Suitcase weight
Light suitcases will help you meet the airlines’ weight criteria and are easy to carry. You can get quality models weighing as little as 5 lbs. - Suitcase size
If you’re going on an extended vacation, you’ll need a full-size bag to carry your belongings. But remember, you might not be able to take a bulky suitcase inside the cabin, so it would need to be dropped off at the check-in counter. Contact your airline if you have any questions. - Number of pockets
Check how many pockets the suitcase has. You can store your clothes, innerwear, cosmetics, and other trivia separately with multiple pockets. It also helps you to pack in a more organized way. - Material
If you’re a frequent traveler, choose a model made from polycarbonate or aluminum. It will handle all the wear and tear from being tossed into taxis, airplane baggage cars, and overhead bins. However, such suitcases are heavier and may be hard to lift. - Wheels
Models with four wheels and 360-degree spinners are easier to lug around airport corridors. However, they might be pricier than two-wheel options. - Design
Suitcases are now available in bright, bold colors and vivid designs. Sift through the options in the market and choose one you love. - Brand
Many companies sell suitcases for men and women. Select one that has been around for long and has positive user reviews. A few famous names are Floyd, Away, Delsey, and Samsonite.
While shortlisting options, remember to compare prices. Some brands may offer exciting bundle deals, discounts, and coupons to help you save on your purchase.
Getting a personalized suitcase
An advantage of personalizing your suitcase instead of buying a read-made model is increased functionality. You can build your bag by customizing the color, wheels, handles, pockets, and other elements. Some brands allow you to add unique name tags or get your initials monogrammed, making your luggage stand out in airport arrival halls. Personalized suitcases are also an excellent gift for friends and family. Some best places to get personalized luggage and accessories are Mark and Graham, Rimowa, and Lanyard.
Suitcase repair services
If your suitcase has a broken zipper or wheel, or you notice the shell is cracked, don’t discard it. Most brands offer free repairs if the product is under warranty, so look for an authorized service center near you or call the company’s customer service. You can also contact exclusive repair services like Modern Leather Goods and Fink’s Luggage & Repair Co., who have experience repairing bags.
