Ten Questions to Ask Yourself When Shopping for Luggage

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The busiest travel season is just around the corner. If you’re in the market for new luggage, there are a number of things to consider before making a purchase, including:

• Type and frequency of travel• Weight and size restrictions• Color, style and fashion

Different travelers have different needs; travelers often choose the wrong type of bag because they do not properly assess their travel personalities.

Keep these questions in mind when you’re looking for luggage to find the piece or set that’s right for you and your travel needs.

1. How Often Do I Travel?

Determining how often you utilize luggage will narrow down your choices. The weekly road warrior will have different needs than a once-a-year traveler. For example, a frequent traveler might opt for a carry-on while a family vacationer might invest in a luggage set due to infrequent and dynamic types of trips.

2. What Type of Travel Will I Do?

Are you traveling for business or going on a leisurely vacation? Do you prefer adventurous or sight-seeing trips? These types of questions will help you find the style and design of luggage that best suits your needs. Travel accessories like passport covers or day bags might also be right for your type of travel.

3. What Do I Need to Pack?

Are you packing more than just clothes and toiletries? Whether you’re taking camera equipment or snorkel gear, this will help determine the size and rigidity of your luggage needs. For minimalist packers, carry-on bags are a great choice. Heavy packers may be interested in larger suitcases with expandability options.

4. Are Color, Style and Fashion Important to Me?

These factors are influential; they may limit your options of your true luggage needs versus your desire for a stylish suitcase. Depending on your personality, plain and simple may be the way to go. There are new designs available that suit all preferences.

5. Do I Have Physical Restrictions?

If you suffer from back issues or other ailments, you might consider wheeled or spinner-style suitcase or a lightweight bag. You may also concede to checking luggage since carrying on can be more physically strenuous.

6. What Is My Budget?

It’s important to have an idea of what you’re willing to spend to find the right bag at a fair price. Most luggage specialty stores will show you bags with a variety of features and prices or alert you of upcoming sales. If you’re looking for long-term luggage, it’s best to pay for quality or a warranty upfront to avoid costs in the future.

7. What Are the Current Weight Regulations?

Airlines are very strict with the weight of checked bags. Remember a large bag that is lighter in weight may not necessarily help you — it’s what you put in the bag that causes weight issues more so than the bag itself.

8. Will I Check or Carry On My Bags?

Business travelers usually prefer to carry on their luggage since they do not have the extra time to stop at baggage claim. Others will choose a carry-on to avoid checked baggage fees. Many retailers offer TSA-approved options. Be sure to check with your airline for current size and weight limitations.

9. Am I a Domestic or International Traveler?

If you’re a domestic flyer, the carry-on limitation is generally 22”x 14” x 9.” International carry-ons often require a 20” height maximum. There are new styles and sizes available that provide maximum space and still fall within carry-on guidelines.

10. What Does the Warranty Mean?

Be sure to read what you’re actually purchasing. A “lifetime limited warranty” generally does not cover damage that occurs during handling. Likewise, luggage with a 100% warranty against manufacturer defects and third-party damages usually means the cost of repairs is covered. Consider how much you travel and how long you intend to use the bag.

Remember, there’s a wide range of luggage for a reason — different pieces are designed to accommodate different types of travelers and traveling needs.

Shopping for luggage can be overwhelming if you’re not properly prepared. Once you’ve answered these questions, your selection will begin to narrow; in turn, the process will simplify.

In addition to our list, evaluate your travel personality and create some of your own questions. By doing so, you’ll be able to customize the luggage search and find your perfect piece.

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