A Traveler's Guide to Buying Luggage

For the traveler, luggage is a long-term investment. With literally hundreds of brands, styles and sizes to choose from, purchasing luggage can be a daunting task. Here's how to find the type that suits you best.

First, ask yourself the following questions:

How much does it weigh empty?
How often will it be used (once a week or once a year)?
How much will you be packing (enough clothes for overnight trips or bulky, heavy items)?
Will it be used for personal or business use? Or both?
How do you prefer to carry it, by the handle, over your shoulder or pulling on it wheels?
Do you need hard- or soft-sided (soft is lighter, but easier to damage; hard is heavier, but holds up better).
Costly or inexpensive? Expensive luggage is more likely to be targeted for theft. Cheap luggage falls apart sooner.
Single compartment versus multi-compartment? Non-sectioned pieces allows you to put things where you want. Divided luggage keeps items organized and in place.

Luggage Sizes

Cabin-sized (19 to 22 inches)
Due to their compact size and easy handling, these bags can be brought on board a train, plan or automobile. They are ideal for use as an overnight bag, with enough room for one or two outfits, toiletries, medications and other personal necessities.

Mid Size (23 to 26 inches)
Perfect for trips that are a week long or less, these bags have to be checked when traveling.

Large (27 to 30 inches)
Ideal for long trips or carrying the belongings of more than one traveler, these also have to be checked. New airline regulations limit individual luggage size to 30" in length and 62" total (height + width + depth). The fines for not abiding to the size rule are hefty; $75 to $300.

Types of Luggage