1) Consider the size of the luggage you want and what is available. If you are traveling overseas, you will need to make sure it is large enough for you carry everything you need. You will also want to be sure that you have a carry-on bag that is small enough to satisfy the size restrictions on airplanes. If you are planning to bring back souvenirs, you will need to make sure there is room in your luggage for these items as well. 2) Think about how easy you want your luggage to be to carry. Luggage with wheels can be very convenient when walking through an airport, but they can also be bulky and difficult to move up stairs or through narrow passageways. It is possible to find lighter luggage that can be rolled lengthwise. Make sure you test out each piece of luggage you are considering to see if it will be too heavy or difficult for you to move easily. 3) The more you travel, the more durable your luggage will have to be. During travel, luggage is exposed to many things that could cause wear, including inclement weather conditions and poor handling by baggage attendants. Mere overuse could wear out the zippers in your luggage, which could either leave your items vulnerable or make it difficult for you to get to them. Try to purchase luggage with a warranty that lasts many years. 4) Consider how accessible your luggage is. There are many makers of luggage that provide easy access via side pockets and compartments, making it easy for the traveler to retrieve important items without opening the entire bag up. Accessibility is especially important when you are purchasing a carry-on. 5) What is the weight of your luggage before you place anything inside? This should be an important consideration as well. Many airlines now charge extra for bags that are over a certain weight, a fact you should remember when purchasing luggage. 6) Buying expensive luggage may seem like a good investment in order to ensure durability. However, the possibility of lost luggage should discourage anyone from buying luggage that is too expensive. While it is not likely that your lost luggage will remain lost forever, you should bear in mind that you run this risk the more you travel. 7) Consider the reasons for your trip when purchasing luggage. If you are traveling for business, your needs will be different than if you are doing so for pleasure. Business travelers, for instance, will need a suitcase and garment bag, so be sure you choose the items you will need for your specific travel purpose. 
The security of your luggage is important as well. Many styles of luggage come with padlocks and keys that the owner carries with them. These locks reduce the chances of theft and the likelihood that luggage will fall open in the airplane and scatter your items everywhere. Make sure you are choosing luggage that will keep your things secure. 9) Consider your destination. If you will be staying in one place for a while, it makes sense to carry a larger bag for the majority of your things. However, if you will be visiting several different countries during your travel period and will need to carry your luggage by hand often, choose a lighter set of bags. 10) The appearance of your luggage should be considered as well. Travellers who fly should know that the more unique their luggage is, the more easily it will be identified in the baggage claim area. Carrying luggage that has a unique design will save time after the plane has landed.
Archive for the ‘Carry On Luggage’ Category
New Luggage Solutions to Your Holiday Woes
Monday, February 7th, 2011We’re coming up on holiday travel season! I’ve already booked my tickets for Thanksgiving to visit my in-laws, and we’re looking at heading to a wedding in a few months as well!
I love to travel, but lately one of the things that’s been really discouraging is all the hassle with the baggage situation at the airport.
At first they were just really picky about the size of your luggage, and taking on a carry on (and a “personal item”) that was small enough to fit in the overhead compartment or in the much-coveted legroom area ahead of your seat.
Then, after 9/11 and all the beefed up security, it seemed like carrying on luggage was just too much trouble because of all the restrictions on what you could carry in your luggage. Goodbye nail clippers, shampoo, toothpaste and shaving cream. “Please put your contact lens solution, drinking water and hair spray in this receptacle so we can throw it away!”
It was so frustrating. I figure I could do a lot of damage to my fellow passengers with just a plain old wooden pencil if I had a mind for it. If I studied karate, my hands could be registered as lethal weapons, but I wouldn’t have to gate-check those, would I?
The newest round in luggage aggravation seems to be around the “cost savings” measures of not letting you check any baggage. If it’s too big or it weighs too much, they’re gonna charge ya!
Because of all of this, a lot of people have been reconsidering their luggage situation (as well as their travel arrangements – “Maybe I’ll just stay home, drive or take the train!”).
If you’ve checked with the airlines and realized you need to do something different, it might be time to look into buying some new luggage.
The right luggage is easy to carry, even if it’s heavy. Roller bags are awesome, as are “backpack” style carry-on suitcases (mine is by Rick Steves) that allow you to use both shoulders to bear the weight of your luggage. (I always pack lots of books to read on my trips, so my carry-on luggage tends to be heavy!)
You’ll also want to get a suitcase that fits the airport’s size restrictions on checked or carry-on luggage. It’s a good idea to look at the current restrictions at several airlines so you can make sure your bag will fit on all of your preferred carriers’ flights.
Then, consider how many clothes and other items you generally bring on your trip, buy a great bag, and get packing!
Many travelers fear the expense of investing in a new Samsonite suitcase or Hartmann luggage. While name brands can be expensive, there’s plenty of cheap luggage out there, too.
Depending on how often you travel, how many suits you pack, and whether you like to check luggage or carry on, you may find that a high quality Samsonite suitcase my fit your needs very well. Or a cheaper luggage solution may be right for you.
Carry On Luggage Guide And What Not To Pack Travel Tips
Monday, January 24th, 2011It will not only save them time in the airport, it will also dramatically reduce risks of losing a luggage. However, due to security issues, you can\’t bring anything that strikes your fancy. You want to know what are allowed and what are prohibited. It\’ll help you move along on your trip smoothly and avoid a possible trip to the airport’s interrogation room.
Different airlines have different carry-on luggage allowance. Check from your airline the maximum allowable size and weight of carry-on luggage. You want to make sure that you will not exceed the limit; otherwise, you can\’t refuse if they require you to gate check your baggage. Airlines also allow certain items that can be carried along with your carry-on bag such as an umbrella, a laptop bag and a book. Check on these as well so that you will not have to stuff them all in a single bag.
Hazardous and flammable materials are all out. If the item poses a threat to the health and well being of passengers or the safety and security of the airplane, it is most likely to be banned from the vicinity of the aircraft. Explosives, gases, pressure containers, infectious materials, radioactive and magnetic materials, poison, corrosives and other dangerous items are prohibited.
Take note that even replicas of explosives and flammable items are also banned. To those who can\’t leave home without a pepper spray, make an exception when going to the airport for your flight. It’s a prohibited item; so, you\’re better off if you leave it at home.
When bringing along liquids, gels or aerosols take note of the allowed numbers. The amount per liquid, gel or aerosol should not be more than 3 ounces (or 100 ml), all of them combined should fit in 1 quartz of clear plastic bag and 1 person is allowed only one of these bags. To easily remember the rule, think of 3-1-1 as your carry-on safety tenet.
Also note that liquids are not just limited to your toiletries and bottled water. Even sauces, syrups and jams are also included. Liquid in gift items such as snow globes should also not go beyond the 3 ounces limit.
Parents traveling with babies or individuals with medical conditions need not worry. Formula, bottled breast milk and infant food as well as prescriptions in the form of liquids, gels and aerosols are exempted from the 3-1-1 rule.
It is recommended to pack a smaller foldable bag in your carry-on luggage. Airlines allow only a limited number and weight of carry-on luggage. Once they have reached their limit, other passengers may be required to check-in their carry-on luggage.
When this happens, you can easily dig up and remove your personal essentials – e.g. prescriptions, toiletries, important documents, eyeglasses and money-related items- place them in your contingency bag and bring them with you on the plane.
The Globe Cheap Travel Guide reveals how anybody can take advantage of money saving Travel Tips, through travel secrets previously only known within the travel industry.
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