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Tips for Traveling with Luggage

Sunday, February 9th

Tips for Traveling with Luggage

When it comes to air travel, everyone worries about how their checked luggage is being handled and whether or not it will become lost. If this sounds familiar, you will be glad to know that there are a number of ways to help your luggage to find its way back to you upon arrival at your destination.

  • Print or type your name, address, phone number and destination legibly on both the outside and inside of each piece of luggage. A luggage tag is required, but placing your contact information on the interior of your luggage will help in the event that the outside tag becomes detached.
  • Do not place important possessions, such as money, medication, jewelry, cameras, credit cards, travel documents and other valuable items in checked luggage. Instead, make sure that everything is packed in your carry-on bag and remains with you at all times. In addition, fragile items should not be packed in checked luggage as they could easily become damaged.
  • If you are traveling with gifts, do not wrap them. Because baggage is subject to inspection, having wrapped gifts will only delay the process.
  • When traveling by air, pack as lightly as possible. You should take one carry-on bag that will fit below the seat in front of you. Most airlines allow for two bags to be checked free of charge. After that, an excessive baggage fee may be charged.
  • Before arriving at the airport, make sure that you have checked to make sure that your luggage meets both the size and weight restrictions imposed by the airlines. The best way to ensure this is by calling ahead or visiting the airline's website for additional information on luggage requirements.
  • When deciding what type of luggage to use, take a moment to consider whether or not you will be checking it with the airlines. Checked luggage should be sturdy and should never be bulging, damaged or not completely closed.
  • If your current luggage is old or showing wear, you may want to consider purchasing a new suitcase or other matching accessories that will be better equipped to handle the airline's checking process. Luggage that is damaged from excessive use or features a damaged zipper should not be checked. Instead, packing lighter or upgrading to a new and improved luggage set may be the answer.
  • When shopping for luggage, make sure that you choose that which best conforms to your lifestyle. There is a big difference between leisurely travel and regular business travel and your luggage must be chosen accordingly. If you are an occasional traveler, you may prefer to have a high quality luggage set that is designed for recreational use. If you travel regularly for business, you will need to purchase luggage that will withstand excessive use and features a generous warranty.

When it comes to travel, luggage is a crucial accessory. It is important to know what to buy and how to prepare your bags for a safe and happy journey. There is nothing worse than having to deal with the stress of lost or damaged luggage and, by following the aforementioned guidelines, you will help to minimize that possibility.

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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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