How to Shop For a Luggage Set

If your luggage falls apart during your vacation, you will find yourself doing some unexpected shopping instead of lounging by the pool, or seeing the sites. It can be pretty inconvenient to shop for luggage in a location where there aren't any luggage stores. Your luggage will need to be able to withstand a baggage handler's bad day. Here's what to look for.

Step 1

Consider where you're going and what you're packing before you shop for new luggage. This will determine the quantity and size of luggage you'll need. Choose a luggage set, or single piece of luggage that's appropriate for the length of your trip. Keep in mind the possibility of needing to accommodate unexpected items or expand for a longer trip.

Step 2

Determine your budget before you shop. You can do a lot of research on brands and quality online. This will help steer you in the direction of quality luggage brands you can afford. A reputable luggage store that specializes in all types of luggage will give you advice based on your budget and travel needs, or if you feel that you have enough information to make your own choice, you can definitely get some great luggage sets online.

Step 3

Decide whether you want soft or hard-case luggage. Heavier, hard-sided suitcases offer far better protection for fragile items (if packed properly). Soft luggage is lighter. The lighter weight is a real plus because nowadays most airlines will charge you extra if your luggage weighs more than 50 pounds.

Step 4

Decide whether you want roller luggage, or you are going to carry your suitcase around yourself. This may not matter as much for the luggage you check, but your carry on luggage will get really heavy between airport gates if it doesn't roll. Look for heavy-duty wheels (some have durable in-line skate wheels) and a sturdy base. and handle. Is the handle strong enough to lift the bag when it's fully packed?

Step 5

When buying soft luggage, check the denier of a fabric. Denier is a measurement of the fineness of the yarn. The higher the denier, the more durable the fabric.

Step 6

Look for a quality zipper that's heavy-duty enough to support the weight the bag was designed to hold. (Top of the line zippers are YKKs.) Look for dual zippered pockets. Another feature you'll be glad you have is an extra zipper that allows the top of the suitcase to expand.

Look for bar tacking at all stress points. Critical seams and attachment points for webbing should be bar-tacked. Bar tacking is a specialized sewing stitch designed to provide immense tensile strength to the garment or equipment it is used on. Bar tacking is commonly used on backpacks, tents, tactical gear, and other heavy wear sewn items where normally sewn stitches might give way at a crucial moment. In general, bar tacking is a sign of good quality.

Step 7

Look for a luggage set that nests. A luggage set that nests is really convenient when you get home and store it.

Step 8

Make sure the bags fit airlines' approved carry-on luggage size. Most bags within the 22" x 13" x 10" (56cm + 33cm + 25cm) size restriction are considered legal on all planes. A good rule of thumb is that the length + width + height = 45 inches, but each airline is slightly different.

Garrett Rohde
Former Airline Pilot and Travel Expert
Luggage-Pilot.com