Bag Tips
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Packed
with great luggage info!
When was the last time you selected a travel bag? Seven years ago?
That's how often most people purchase luggage, but the big luggage
companies market new collections about every two years. And, as
you're aware, selecting luggage is not like selecting a T-shirt.
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- What's your price range? Luggage is offered
at a variety of prices. The higher the price, the higher the quality
of fabric and construction, and the more features. But values lurk at
every price. Moreover, recent technologies have made moderately priced
luggage better than even the most expensive collections of just a few
years ago.
- More bang for your buck. Check out all the
collections within your price range. Amazingly, lots of differences
can exist between Company A's luggage and Company B's luggage, despite
being equal in price. Important features to look for include:
- Denier — it measures the thickness of the fiber
in a fabric, and indicates the material's durability
- Packing capacity
- Handy compartments (wetpacks, shoes and toiletries
pockets)
- Fully lined interiors
- Expandability
- In-line skate wheels
- Hide-away locking handle
- Ribbed corner guards
- Lightweight frames
- Integrated ID tag
- Warranty
- Luggage company's reputation!
- Frequent flyer? The more trips, the more bag
fatigue. You'll need an extra durable fabric, such as ballistic nylon
or polyester. But whatever the material, make sure it's at least 1200
denier.
- Choose your color. Luggage has become much
more stylish than in years past. Colors are brighter and fresher, and
bags now may feature floral or other patterns. To many, luggage symbolizes
a style statement selected for self-expression, a reflection of personality.
For others, an offbeat color or pattern is easier to spot on the carousel.
Either way, choose wisely, because chances remain strong you'll be carrying
that bag for a while.
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Luggage 101
Ironing out the meanings of those pesky bag names!
Carry-on - Can be various bags in various shapes
and sizes, all of which are intended to be carried onto an airplane and
measure small enough to fit under the seat or in the overhead bin. See
our Carry-on Requirements for more info.
Cosmetic Case or Vanity - Small case with a mirror
and compartments to hold cosmetics. It usually has a spill-resistant interior.
Composed of hard or soft sides. Often an "essentials bag" can
double as a cosmetic case.
Garment Bag - Soft vertical bag with interior
bar and hangers for garments and outside pockets for other apparel. Can
be folded in half or thirds, lengthwise and fastened.
Overnight Bag - Traditionally a small rectangular
suitcase, it's now any piece of luggage large enough to carry apparel
and necessities for an overnight stay. A "shoulder tote" is
typically just the right size!
Suiter - Today, this term usually refers to a
built-in compartment in another bag, such as an upright, that holds two
to four suits. It has hangers and suit-folding frames.
Upright - Also known as the pullman. A standard
large suitcase-style case, this rectangular piece of luggage generally
measures 24" to 27" wide with interior compartments. It may be hard or
soft, feature wheels for easy movement and a telescoping handle on the
opposite end for pulling the case behind you.
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