This article is your ultimate guide to finding the best luggage for air travel. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning a one-off trip, we’ll help you weigh your options and make an informed choice. Let’s embark on this journey together and ensure your next flight is as smooth as possible.
Best Luggage for Air Travel
In determining the best luggage for air travel, understanding luggage requirements stands at the core. It cuts across comprehending key features of carry-on and checked bags and the common restrictions imposed by airlines.
Carry-on bags are travellers’ main companions in the cabin. They necessitate compactness yet need to ensure enough room for essentials. For instance, bags measuring 22x14x9 inches fit most overhead compartments. Contrastingly, checked bags provide an avenue to pack more. These often have a weight restriction, typically 50 pounds with an overall dimension limit of 62 inches (length + width + height).
Top Features to Look for in Air Travel Luggage
Having explored the challenges, restrictions, and costs related to airline luggage, we now shift our focus to the defining features that discerning travelers should consider when selecting luggage for air travel.
Optimum luggage for air travel boasts high durability and superior material quality. Select luggage constructed of robust materials, like polycarbonate or ballistic nylon, to ensure it stands up to the rigors of travel. Poor-quality luggage risks tearing or getting damaged, causing inconveniences mid-trip. For instance, hard-sided luggage typically offers more protection for items within, safeguarding fragile belongings from rough handling at the airport.
Lightweight and easy-to-maneuver luggage marks a crucial consideration for air travel. Heavier luggage can easily max out airline weight limits, leaving less allowance for your belongings. Opt for lightweight luggage options to maximize packing space. Several luggage brands offer ultra-light models, a prime example being IT Luggage’s ‘World’s Lightest’ range. Luggage mobility plays into the ease of navigating busy airports–smooth-rolling, multi-directional wheels and telescoping handles are aspects to look for in ideal air travel luggage.
Security Features
Relevant security features in luggage can underscore peace of mind during travel. Sturdy zippers that can handle the stresses of packing and transportation are essential. Built-in TSA-approved locks are another crucial feature. Since TSA agents need to access luggage for security checks, they can unlock these specific locks without damaging your luggage. For example, Samsonite’s ‘S’cure Spinner’ luggage offers this feature along with other security enhancements like a three-point locking system.
Best Carry-On Luggage for Air Travel
In light of choosing luggage for air travel, this section takes a closer look at carry-ons, notably comparing hard shell and soft shell options, and presenting top picks within the carry-on category for business travelers.
Hard Shell Versus Soft Shell Carry-Ons
Making a choice between hard shell and soft shell carry-on luggage depends mainly on two factors: the traveler’s need for protection and flexibility. Hard shell luggage, often made from robust materials like polycarbonate, offers superior protection for valuable items. These bags resist harsh handling associated with airport procedures. However, when it’s about cramming the luggage into tight overhead compartments, soft shell bags, made predominantly from types like ballistic nylon, become invaluable. Their flexible nature allows for extra packing space and accommodation in restricted storage areas.
- The Travelpro Maxlite 5 enjoys immense popularity among business travelers, banking on its lightweight structure, durability, and 360-degree rotating wheels, making it an ideal carry-on option.
- The Samsonite Centric Hardside stands out for its durable polycarbonate exterior and spacious interior, apart from the TSA-approved lock integrated into its design.
- The Briggs & Riley Baseline Compact carries the day for business travelers seeking a soft shell bag; its ballistic nylon construction and CX compression-expansion feature ensuring maximum packing efficiency.
Remember, depending upon the airline’s carry-on policy and individual travel requirements, one’s choice of the best luggage for air travel may vary.