Your Guide to Buying the Right Luggage For You

The Importance of Size

When selecting a suitcase, size matters. The size of your luggage can influence the ease of your journey and how much you can pack. However, suitcase size doesn't directly correspond to weight. Rather, weight is more influenced by what and how you pack. Nevertheless, different suitcase sizes are designed for different types of trips, and each comes with its unique set of benefits and drawbacks. Let's explore this further.

Carry-On Luggage

Travel can be unpredictable, but choosing a carry-on bag, like those found in our carry-on collection gives you control. Small, compact, and practical, carry-on luggage is a traveller's best friend for short trips. Ideal for weekend getaways, overnight business trips, or any journey of a few days, carry-ons allow you to pack the essentials without the burden of extra weight.

The most significant advantage of carry-on luggage is that you carry these bags onto the plane with you. This eliminates the waiting time at the baggage carousel and minimises the risk of lost luggage. However, remember that different airlines have varying size restrictions for carry-on luggage, so always verify the dimensions before your flight.

Carry-On Duffle Bags

Duffle bags, like those in Explorer Luggage's Duffle Bag collection, provide flexibility that hard-shell suitcases often lack. They're typically lighter and more adaptable to various packing situations due to their soft sides. This makes them an excellent option if you need to fit your bag into a tight space, such as an overcrowded overhead bin or under a bus seat.

Duffle bags also offer a casual aesthetic, making them suitable for relaxed travel settings. Plus, their open packing space allows you to fit in irregular-shaped items more comfortably. However, they generally offer less protection for your items and may lack the organisation features of a suitcase.

Medium Luggage

As you extend your travel duration, your luggage size will need to grow too. Enter medium-sized luggage. Perfectly bridging the gap between carry-ons and large suitcases, medium-sized luggage like those in our medium checked collection provides the ideal balance of space and convenience.

A medium suitcase is typically suited for a trip lasting about a week. They offer ample packing space for the essentials, plus a bit more for those 'just in case' items. Medium suitcases allow for a 20-23kg weight limit when fully packed, depending on the airline, giving you a fair allowance to work with.

One key advantage of medium luggage is that it provides flexibility. It lets you pack extra clothing or items for your journey without becoming too bulky. This makes medium luggage the ideal choice for holiday travel, extended business trips, or even family getaways.

Large Luggage

For those adventurous souls who embark on lengthy trips, move across countries, or simply love to pack an extensive wardrobe, large suitcases are the way to go. Large luggage pieces, like those in our large checked collection, are designed to hold everything you need and more.

These spacious suitcases offer a generous packing capacity, perfect for long vacations, overseas moves, or trips requiring a variety of clothing options. Although a large suitcase can accommodate up to 23kg, remember that they can become quite heavy and unwieldy, especially when fully packed. If your trip involves a lot of moving around, a large suitcase may be inconvenient due to its size and weight.

Hard or Soft Suitcase: Which is Right for You?

Aside from size, the material of your suitcase is a crucial aspect to consider. Each type, whether it's hard or soft, has its own set of benefits, and the choice depends largely on your travel needs. For a more in-depth comparison, check out this hard vs soft luggage guide on Explorer Luggage's blog.

Hard suitcases, like those in the Arlo collection and Luna-Air collection, offer excellent durability and protection for your belongings. They are ideal for those carrying fragile items, and their rigid exteriors can withstand impacts better than soft suitcases. They're also more resistant to water, making them a great choice if you're travelling to areas with unpredictable weather.

In contrast, soft suitcases provide flexibility that hard suitcases lack. They often come with external pockets for extra storage, which can be handy for storing items you might need to access quickly. Soft suitcases are also typically easier to fit into tight overhead compartments, car boots, or under seats.

Understanding Airline Restrictions

A significant factor to consider when purchasing luggage is airline restrictions. Every airline has its own set of rules when it comes to the size and weight of both carry-on and checked baggage. Being aware of these restrictions is essential to avoid unwanted stress and additional fees at the airport.

Carry-On Restrictions

Most airlines allow one carry-on bag and one personal item, such as a laptop bag or purse, in the cabin. The size and weight restrictions for carry-on bags vary across airlines but generally should be 118cm or less in terms of linear measurements. Some airlines include the handles and wheels in these measurements, while others don't, so it's essential to check the specifics with your airline.

Remember, carry-on bags must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. If your bag exceeds the airline’s carry-on limits, you may have to check it, which could incur additional fees.

Checked Baggage Restrictions

Checked luggage is typically subject to both size and weight restrictions, which can vary considerably between airlines. Generally, the maximum size is 158cm, and the maximum weight is around 23kg for international flights. However, these restrictions can be different for domestic flights or depending on the ticket class.

Some airlines charge for all checked bags, while others allow one or two free checked bags. Additional fees often apply for bags exceeding the weight or size limit, and these can be quite hefty.

It's essential to check your airline's baggage policy before packing. Not only will this help you avoid additional fees, but it will also ensure a smoother check-in experience.

Remember, when choosing luggage, consider both your travel needs and the airline's restrictions. A bag that adheres to most airlines' size and weight limits can be a valuable investment for frequent flyers.

Essential Features to Consider When Choosing Luggage

Selecting the right luggage goes beyond just picking the right size or style. Here are some key features you should take into account to ensure you make the best choice for your travel needs.

Weight

The weight of the luggage is crucial, especially for air travel where there are strict weight limitations. The lighter your empty suitcase, the more weight allowance you have for your belongings. However, remember not to compromise on durability. A suitcase made from lightweight yet robust materials like polycarbonate or high-denier fabric can be an excellent choice.

Wheels

Four-wheel suitcases, also known as spinners, can rotate 360 degrees, providing excellent manoeuvrability. They are ideal for smooth surfaces like airport floors. Two-wheel suitcases, or rollers, are tilted and pulled behind you. They can be easier to control on uneven surfaces like cobblestones, and they often have more packing space since the wheels don't protrude into the suitcase.

Handles

A quality handle system is essential for easy maneuvering. Look for a suitcase with a sturdy, adjustable handle that locks into place. Also, consider having side and top handles for easy lifting.

Colour

While a unique or bright colour suitcase can be easy to spot on a luggage carousel, it may show dirt and scuffs more easily than a darker or patterned suitcase. Choose a colour that suits your personal style and travel requirements.

Interior Compartments

Interior compartments, pockets, and straps can help keep your belongings organised and secure during travel. They're especially useful for separating different types of items, like clothing and toiletries, or clean and dirty laundry.

Durability

The durability of your luggage is critical, especially if you travel frequently. Hard-shell luggage is more resistant to tears and punctures, while soft-shell luggage can withstand rough handling better. Make sure to check the zippers, seams, handles, and wheels, as these are often the first parts to break.

Security

Last but not least, consider the security features of the suitcase. Does it come with a lock, or will you need to purchase one separately? TSA-approved locks are recommended for travel to and within the US, as TSA agents can open these locks without damaging your suitcase if they need to inspect your luggage.

Remember, your luggage is an investment in your travel comfort. Consider your needs and prioritise the features that matter most to you. Explore Explorer Luggage's collections to find a suitcase that ticks all your boxes.

Shop your perfect luggage at Explorer

When it comes to choosing the right luggage, one size doesn't fit all. The best luggage for you hinges on the nature of your travel. Are you going on a quick business trip or a week-long vacation? Are you moving abroad or going on a month-long exploration? Evaluate your trip's duration, your destination, your packing habits, and the nature of the items you intend to pack.

At Explorer Luggage, we offer a wide range of options to suit all types of travellers and their needs. Whether you need a compact carry-on, a versatile medium-sized suitcase, or a spacious large bag, we've got you covered.

If your travel habits vary greatly, consider investing in a luggage set. A set will provide you with an array of options for any journey, ensuring you're always equipped with the perfect bag. Remember, choosing the right luggage can make your journey more comfortable and hassle-free, so choose wisely! Any questions- just reach out.