How to choose a suitcase for travel: what needs to be considered

The comfort of a trip starts with a well-chosen suitcase. It depends not only on the safety of personal belongings, but also on the convenience of traveling, especially if the route involves changing several modes of transport. And the more actively a person travels, the higher the requirements for the quality of a travel bag. How to choose this accessory correctly so that it helps and does not create inconvenience, read the Izvestia article.

The parameters that you need to pay attention to when choosing a suitcase

A high-quality suitcase must be functional, reliable, lightweight and at the same time adapted to the rules of air transportation and the requirements of a particular trip. To avoid unnecessary costs, delays and stresses, when choosing it, it is important to focus not only on the price, but also on the key parameters — material, design, versatility and functionality.

Also, do not underestimate the appearance. It not only reflects the style of the owner, but also makes it easier to identify luggage at the pick-up line.

Size matters

One of the key parameters is the volume of the suitcase. A lot depends on the format and duration of the trip. Whether it's a business trip, a week-long vacation for two, or a family trip with children.

For short flights, it is more reasonable to choose compact suitcases that you can take with you to the cabin. Medium—sized ones are suitable for week-long trips, large ones are suitable for trips with children or winter holidays, where additional space is required for bulky clothes.

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It is worth remembering that different airlines interpret the permissible dimensions of hand luggage in different ways, especially in the segment of low-cost airlines. Therefore, it is necessary to study the carrier's requirements in advance. A mistake in the choice can result in additional expenses and a ruined start to the vacation.

When buying, you need to take into account the weight of the suitcase itself. The lightweight body will give you more freedom within the weight limits of airlines, which is especially important on international flights.

Case material — from budget to premium level

The material from which the suitcase is made directly affects its wear resistance, resistance to external damage and weight.

Fabric models are usually lighter and cheaper, equipped with external pockets and more flexible in configuration. They are convenient for car trips or short flights. However, the lack of water resistance in polyester can lead to a risk of luggage getting wet, and a fabric density below 800 den may indicate poor product quality.

Rigid plastic suitcases made of ABS attract with their affordable price, bright design and simplicity, but lose in durability. They are unstable to strong impacts and require tight packing so that the body does not crack under pressure.

Polycarbonate is more versatile. It is stronger, better shock absorption and scratch resistant. Polycarbonate suitcases often use decorative protective film, and cartoon character designs for children and teenagers.

The optimal choice in terms of wear resistance and safety is molded polypropylene. Due to its flexibility, it tolerates strong impacts and pressure drops well, does not crack or deform even during rough loading. This is the best choice for flights with luggage or transportation of equipment and fragile items.

The hallmark of real polypropylene is the uniform color and texture of the material both inside and outside. Such a suitcase can easily withstand pressures up to 300 kg and does not require a full load to maintain its shape.

Details that make a suitcase comfortable

When choosing a suitcase, it is important to pay attention to the functional elements. Four-wheeled models with a rotating mechanism provide better maneuverability, especially at airports and transfers.

Double wheels are preferable to single wheels. They are wear-resistant and more stable. The material is also important. The combination of metal and silicone reduces wear and improves smooth running.

The telescopic handle must be height-adjustable, and a slight backlash is not a defect: it protects the mechanism from damage during impacts. It is better to choose models with a U-shaped handle — it is convenient to put hand luggage or a bag on it.

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Another useful feature is the built—in lock with the TSA system. It can be opened with a special key without damaging the case, which is especially important during customs inspection. Padlocks are considered obsolete and easy to open, so they do not provide adequate protection.

Checking before buying — what not to forget

The visual integrity of the case is only the first step. When choosing a suitcase, it is important to examine it from the inside. High-quality models have neat seams, reinforcements at the attachment points of the handles and smooth slots for accessories. A strong lining, reliable zippers and well-fixed bolts are also important.

A suitcase should be functional not only from the outside, but also from the inside — a convenient organization of space greatly simplifies packaging.

A suitcase is more than a container for things. It is a part of the journey, an element of style and a tool for organizing space. A well-chosen model is able to minimize the stresses of the road, protect valuable items and make the moving process easy and comfortable. In today's world, where every solution must be practical, the functionality of a suitcase acquires special value.

Earlier, Izvestia told how to choose a swimsuit on vacation.