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Luggage Frequently Asked Questions

Sunday, February 9th

Luggage Frequently Asked Questions

Question: I am taking a break from the cool weather in exchange for a vacation in the southern sun. What type of clothing should I pack in my luggage?
Answer: Anytime you travel, it's essential that you pack according to both the location you are in and the one in which you will be arriving. The reason is because you will need to dress according to the climate you are leaving because you will also be returning at the conclusion of your trip. Afterall, you won't want to arrive back from your sunny vacation in shorts and a tank if the temperature at home is near freezing. It's a good idea to check the local forecast for all locations of your trip and pack something to wear that will fit each area. You may want to pack pants, shorts, t-shirts and a light jacket. If in doubt, a combination of clothing will keep you cool or warm according to the weather.

Question: I don't want to have to worry about losing my luggage through the airlines, so how can I make sure that my carry-on suitcase will meet the size requirements?
Answer: The best way to make sure that your luggage meets all restrictions, including size, is to visit the airline's website prior to leaving for your trip. If you are aware of the various requirements, you can pack accordingly and your trip will be a smooth ride.

Question: What is the best way to properly tag my luggage so that it can easily be found if lost?
Answer: Every piece of luggage should feature a tag containing your name, address, telephone number and destination. This not only applies to traveling by air or rail, but also when traveling by car. If your luggage is lost in a hotel or anywhere along the way, it can easily be located with the tag. Most luggage tags are placed on the handle of the bag and should be clearly visible. A notation of your contact information should also be placed inside of your bag incase the luggage tag should become detached for any reason.

Question: Is it necessary to lock my luggage?
Answer: Yes, regardless of how you travel, locking your luggage is essential to keeping your possessions safe. You should keep the keys in your purse or somewhere separate than an outside compartment on your luggage.

Question: How can I clean my luggage?
Answer: Most luggage can be spot cleaned using mild soap and water. Make sure that you rinse thoroughly and allow to dry before placing anything inside. If the manufacturer provides care instructions, they should be followed in accordance with their recommendations.

Question: How can I prevent clothing from becoming wrinkled while in my suitcase?
Answer: You can roll your clothing, which will not only prevent wrinkles and creasing, but will also save space.

Question: What is the difference between a softside and hardside suitcase?
Answer: A hardside suitcase features a hard frame and is sturdier than a softside suitcase, which contains no frame but offers the maximum in expandable luggage. If you tend to pack a lot, softside luggage will give you the flexibility that you need. Hardside luggage, on the other hand, is designed to help protect fragile items and offers more strength than other types.

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Luggage Store FAQ

Luggage is used to protect clothing and other items during travel. It is usually made either with a hard shell or a durable soft material. There are often compartments and dividers within a suitcase that allow you to pack everything you need in an organized manner. Most luggage is rectangular in shape and comes in different sizes depending on how many things you're bringing along on your trip.
There are about 6 different sizes of luggage if you want to get really specific. There are personal item-size luggage (about 17” long), international carry-on (about 21” tall), domestic-carry on (about 22” tall), small checked luggage (23-24” tall), medium checked luggage (25-27” tall), and large checked luggage (28-32” tall). These sizes are based on airline regulations since most people use their luggage for flying. Airlines only accept luggage of certain sizes depending on how much you've paid for your ticket and where you're going. People like to have luggage in a few different sizes so they can adapt to however they are traveling.
The best style of luggage to buy is the style you like best! You can find luggage in all colors and patterns. Sometimes it's helpful to have more unique luggage so that it's easy to identify if you're picking it up at baggage claim after a flight and no one else takes it by mistake. Some other things to consider when choosing a style is whether or not you want luggage with wheels, hard or soft material, how many interior compartments, and other small details.
There is no single best material for luggage, so you'll want to decide what type you buy based on what you're transporting. You will have choices like aluminum, polyester, ballistic nylon, leather, polycarbonate, etc. There are pros and cons with different materials. If you're worried about things breaking or being affected by impact, hard-shell luggage will offer the best protection. Soft-sided luggage can expand and be more flexible if you're stuffing it full to the brim and it usually has external pockets. You'll find affordable options for both hard- and soft-sided luggage, so it really comes down to preference.
You can either buy luggage one piece at a time or find a set that comes with two or three pieces. Price will vary based on the size, material, and brand. You can get a medium-sized suitcase ranging from about $50 to $300. However, there are also plenty of retailers that sell luggage sets for under $300, which is a great deal. Once you decide on the style, material, and size of suitcase(s) you're looking for, you can start comparing the prices among different retailers.
Yes! If your luggage is new and unused, almost all retailers offer a return policy. You will likely have anywhere from 30 to 90 days to change your mind about the luggage you purchased and send it back for a full refund. You might have to pay return shipping, so keep that in mind. Sometimes it helps to see your luggage in person: if you decide it isn't the size you imagined or a style you like, you can always switch it out for something else.
Most airlines allow you to have one checked bag and one carry-on bag when flying (unless you pay extra for additional checked bags). It's a good idea to have a carry-on-sized suitcase since you aren't usually charged for these on a flight. The standard size for this is 22” x 14” x 9”, which includes handles and wheels. Checked bags cannot exceed 50 lbs and the most common maximum size is 62 linear (total) inches. Read the baggage policies for the airline you're flying on before you head to the airport!
It's hard to get away with not owning your own luggage since traveling is more popular than ever these days. Even if you aren't going long-distance and needing to get on an airplane, having a nice bag or suitcase to pack your clothes, shoes, and hygiene items for a quick weekend getaway is essential.
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