BAGGAGE BASICS!

7 Tips for stess-free travel with our expert guide to savvy luggage selection.

1. Choose a mid-range suitcase

When you check-in your suitcase, it goes through the airport system before being loaded on the aircraft. This includes conveyors, chutes, and a few fairly high drops. There is bound to be a lot of wear and tear on the luggage, so invest in a suitcase that is robust enough to withstand this handling. Cheaper, hard-shell suitcases are especially prone to cracking, even more so when they’re packed to the brim.

3. It’s wise to wrap

Wrapping provides a layer of protection against scuffing and makes the suitcase more difficult to tamper with. It also traps any loose straps or items that could get caught on the conveyor belts. Most airports wrap bags in plastic, but the most environmentally friendly options are reusable fabric covers that can be purchased from most luggage sellers.

5. Watch your weight

Most suitcases are designed to carry a specific expected weight. The heavier you pack your suitcase the harder it will fall, and the more strain will be placed on the handles when it’s being loaded and unloaded.

6. Stand out

Choose a colour or pattern that will stand out, so you can easily identify your bag.

2. Zips and locks

Sadly, the risk of theft always exists. The trick is to ensure that your bag is more difficult to get into than others. Choose a bag with latches instead of zips, or if you must use zips, pick ones with built-in locks, as separate locks can easily be broken off when moving and makes getting into the bag easier.

4. Name tags

When you check your bag, the check-in agent will place a sticker around the handle and on the body of the bag, it’s a great idea to give yourself a third layer of protection by choosing a bag with a space to write your name and contact details on. Avoid tags that flap off your bag, as these can easily get snagged.

7. Wheels are a big deal

Anything that protrudes from your suitcase is at risk of catching and breaking when moving through the conveyor systems. The best solution is to find bags where the wheels stick out as little as possible. If you really want a four-wheel model, opt for one with short, sturdy wheels that stick out as little as possible.