Name-Brand Luggage at Huge Discounts

U.S. Passport Service Guide has put together a quality selection of popular and high-rated name-brand luggage at discounted prices. Find Samsonite, Atlantic, Travelpro, Tumi and more at up to 83% off.

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5 Things to Consider Before Buying Luggage

The proper choice of luggage depends on many factors such as: how long your trips are; how many stops you plan on having; and, whether you normally bring back more than you left with (such as in purchasing souvenirs, etc). For domestic (and most international) flights, airline restrictions allow you to bring one carry-on item on board. In most instances you will also be able to bring along a personal item, such as a laptop or purse (but not both). 5 things to consider before buying luggage are:

Size

Carry on luggage on a plane must fit into the overhead compartment, or under the seat in front of you. Generally, maximum dimensions can be no more than 45 inches. (22x14x9 in). Some airlines have stricter standards. Checked luggage does not have these limitations.

Portability

Luggage with wheels is very popular because it is easy to pull along a smooth airport concourse, but the wheels and handle weigh 4 - 5lbs. and take at least 2 inches from the usable space. It’s not very easy to roll most luggage down the aisle of an aircraft, however. There are newer pieces of carry-ons and other luggage that allow you to roll the bags length-wise. One such item is made by Samsonite, called their Spinners.

Durability

The material, stitching, pockets and wheels must withstand weather and rough handling. Cheap luggage is not worth considering. The zippers must take hundreds of opening and closing. Pull tabs must be securely attached and have holes for padlocks. Shoulder straps and carrying handles must be rugged and comfortably padded. Some luggage makers such as American Tourister and Samsonite offer long (10 year) warranties. If the luggage you’re looking to purchase has no more than a 1 year warranty, then look elsewhere.

Accessibility

How easy it is to access and pack your items is of paramount importance to a number of people. For example, if, after you’ve put your luggage in the overhead compartment, sat down, and you realize you needed something from it, do you need to pull the whole bag down in order to get the item(s)? Some carry-on luggage allows you to simply unzip the side facing you and access the entire contents of the bag. Of course, you must be tall enough to adequately see what you want/need from the bag. The same applies, however, if you plan on stowing your carry-on underneath the seat in front of you. You should find a bag that allows you easy access to its contents without having to place it on your lap. A number of people also like a number of external pockets, that way they can put in last-minute items they forgot to pack.

Weight

The maximum weight for carry on luggage for most domestic carriers is 40lbs, but, can you lift that above your head? Also, most domestic checked baggage must now weigh no more than 50 lbs (down from 75 lbs the past few years). If it weighs more than that you will be charged or asked to take some things out. If the luggage is heavy before you pack it, you must factor that into the amount of items you’re going to bring. Therefore buy luggage which is as light as possible. Soft luggage is lighter than hard sided. There is a trade-off however, in that, a lot of the soft luggage is made of material that’s easy to rip, or zippers that aren’t real durable. You’ll have to find luggage that meets your expectations for both weight and durability.

My Recommendations

Purchase one large, rugged bag that will be checked. It should allow a suit or dress to be packed without getting wrinkled. Buy a carry-on bag with comfortable shoulder straps and wheels that has many pockets for toiletries, cameras and items that you may need during the flight and a possible emergency stop-over.

Jeff Boyd is the President of Luggage Master, an online store that sells luggage.