Globe-trotting vs. day-tripping
If most of your trips are short, domestic jaunts, your best bet is a 22-inch carry-on. But if you’re taking a carry-on to far-flung locales — and more important, jetting between said locales — you should play it safe with a 20-inch bag, which is the maximum carry-on size allowed on many international flights.
Material matters
“A material that’s waterproof is important, because you just never know when your wheelie is going to be in the rain,” says Perrin, who swears by the durability of ballistic nylon, as opposed to polyester, leather or canvas. “You want something heavy-duty that won’t get slashed in baggage handling.”
Wheels up
Wheels are a literal breaking point between poorly constructed bags and their high-end counterparts. Steve Cohen, owner of Lane’s Luggage (1146 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-452-1146), recommends ball-bearing wheels made of hard rubber. “On a cheap suitcase, [you get wheels] without ball bearings,” Cohen says.
What works in theory . . .
With luggage, form follows function, so don’t overlook the importance of design and construction. “When it comes to getting through an airport, what’s important to me — especially as a woman — is that my shoulder bag stays on my shoulder,” Perrin says. As you shop for shoulder bags, look for straps made of rubberized or other non-slip materials.
The warranty question
Each expert we spoke to noted the importance of a warranty. Although most moderate- to high-priced bags come with a warranty, not all are created equal: Briggs & Riley’s warranty covers all damage, including that caused by airlines; Tumi offers a five-year sliding warranty that covers airline damage for the first year; Victorinox’s warranties differ by bag; some cover airline damage.
Color clues
“If you want to get really good deal, look for the ‘off’ colors,” says Chris McGinnis, travel consultant and business travel editor at YouMustBeTrippin.com. “The other benefit is that other people won’t have that color, so you can find yours easily in a sea of black bags.” Neutral bags camouflage the grease and grime that come with regular travel.
Handle helpers
“You want a handle that you can depress or pull up with only one hand,” Perrin says. Beyond ease, consider ergonomics. Sylvia Doyle, owner of Pentagon Luggage & Leather, highlights Victorinox’s handles, which can be rotated vertically to reduce strain on your arm and wrist.
First stop: a luggage store
No matter what size or type of bag you choose, you should look for heavy-duty stitching, sturdy handles and metal zippers. Visit a luggage store so you can see these crucial elements. “I think you should go test out bags in person, the same way [as] if you were buying a camera,” Perrin says. “See how it feels in your hand, see how it maneuvers.”
What to skip
If you need to maximize your carry-on space, steer clear of bags that are highly compartmentalized. “In a carry-on wheelie bag, it’s best for me to have vast open space that I can fill however I want,” Perrin says. “A bag that has been designed with a ton of compartments wasn’t necessarily designed with my specific needs in mind.” Another thing to skip: bags you can run through security X-ray machines without removing your laptop. The TSA personnel may still ask you to take out your computer, so they’re not worth the added expense.
How to save
Luggage stores often wind up with extra product they need to move. That translates to significant — albeit randomly timed — sales and promotions. If you’re taking a trip in the coming months, find a bag you want, then visit or call a few local retailers every couple of weeks to stay in the loop on sales. And if you’re a frequent traveler like Perrin, consider buying luggage from your preferred airline’s mileage mall to earn additional miles.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Buying luggage is like buying real estate — you want the cheapest house in the most expensive neighborhood. If you’re a frequent traveler, it’s better to invest in one quality bag vs. two or three cheaper ones, so test-drive a few brands, then choose the least expensive model that suits the way you travel. Pay attention to small details such as stitching and zippers, and make sure you understand the warranty.
Have an idea for Deal Hunter? Know of an upcoming special or sale? Let us know at dealhunter@washpost.com.
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