Which suitcase to buy for travel. How to choose a good quality rolling suitcase. Pros of plastic suitcases

This article on the website is dedicated to choosing a suitcase for travel. You will learn: what they are, what they are made of, what wheels should be, how to choose the right suitcase on wheels of good quality for travel that suits you in shape, size, material of manufacture, etc.

One of the main attributes when traveling on vacation or a business trip is a suitcase. He will help you get your belongings to your destination safe and sound.

Since this is not a purchase for one trip, it is worth deciding what type of transport you use most often and taking this into account when choosing.

When traveling on airplanes, choose a suitcase in bright colors so that it is immediately visible when you collect your luggage on the conveyor belt.

The body of the suitcase must be strong, since you cannot count on loaders to treat it with care. Reliable locks will help prevent intentional or involuntary opening during transportation.

If you prefer to get to your destination by train, you will have to carry your luggage yourself, so you need to take into account its weight when full. When traveling together, it is better to choose two small ones rather than one heavy one.

Video advice on how to choose the right rolling suitcase

What material to choose from

The material used is a matter of personal taste. The most common suitcases are made of fabric and plastic; leather ones are also common.

Fabric

Advantages of a travel suitcase made of fabric:

• low price;
• light weight;
• presence of external pockets;
• not afraid of blows.

Flaws:

• does not protect fragile things inside from impacts;
• subject to deformation;
• If the fabric is impregnated poorly, it may get wet when it rains.

For production, wear-resistant fabrics with special impregnation are used, such as polyester, nylon and polyamide.

A fabric travel suitcase is better suited for traveling by car or train.

In case of falls or other impacts, it most likely will not be damaged, but fragile things inside may break, so it is better to place them in the middle, wrapping them in soft things.

Plastic suitcase on wheels

What should a hard suitcase be made of? The most optimal material would be plastic; it is quite durable, lightweight and can be painted in any color.

Advantages:

• easy;
• protects things packed inside well;
• does not get wet;
• easy to clean.

Flaws:

• scratches;
• may break upon impact.

A plastic suitcase is suitable for those who transport fragile items; if handled carefully, it will last longer than a fabric suitcase.

Modern plastic suitcases differ from a simple plastic “soap box”; metal and even titanium chips are added to them, this makes them more durable and resistant to shock. The only negative is the high price.

To protect the plastic from scratches, you can buy a special case.

Leather

There are more minuses than pluses here. They are expensive, heavy, and prone to scratches, which leads to loss of their original appearance.

Among the advantages, one can note that it is not afraid of moisture and has a rich appearance, which gives respectability to its owner.

More suitable for business trips rather than leisure.

What suitcase size to choose

Before purchasing, you should decide on the sizes. For one person a medium or even small one is suitable, but for a family a large one is needed.

If you fly by plane, you should take into account the airline's baggage requirements. On most airlines, the allowed weight of baggage in economy class is 23 kg, and the dimensions of the sum of three dimensions (height, width and length) are no more than 158 cm.

The heavier your suitcase, the less things you can take on the road.

Rolling suitcases can be divided into the following categories:

1. Small - height up to 59 cm, volume 20-25 liters, it is better to choose for one person for a short trip of several days.
2. Medium - height 60-70 cm, volume 25-70 liters, for one or two people for 1-2 weeks.
3. Large - height from 70 cm, volume more than 70 liters, suitable for a long-term trip for the whole family.

Which color to choose

The color of the suitcase is a matter of your taste, but it is still worth considering a few points:

• Light and bright ones may be beautiful, but they are very easily soiled, especially fabric ones, and they can quickly lose their attractive appearance.
• Luggage in classic colors will be difficult to find among similar luggage when picked up at the airport.
• A bright print or original (unusual) color is the best choice; it will not get lost in the total mass of standard luggage.

If you have a suitcase of classic colors, then you should resort to one of the tricks before checking it in:

• put an address tag on it,
• tie a bright ribbon on the handle,
• put on the cover.

This will make it easier to find when you receive it.

Which wheels on a suitcase are better to choose?

For long trips and travel, choose a suitcase with wheels, this will make it much easier to transport.

The main criteria for choosing the right suitcase with wheels:

Number of wheels

There can be two or four wheels. A model with four wheels is easier to control; they are mounted in the corners independently of each other and can rotate 360° around their axis. Its disadvantages are that it is only suitable for transportation on a flat surface.

If you have to roll luggage on an uneven surface, it is better to choose one with two wheels. It is more maneuverable and reliable, but some of its weight will fall on you.

Types of wheels

What wheels should a suitcase have? They differ in the material of manufacture.

Plastic wheels are the most unreliable and noisy wheels; with a large weight of luggage or passing various obstacles, they can easily crack and break.

Silicone wheels are much better than plastic wheels, they are silent, with a soft ride, but they can also burst due to bad roads and heavy loads.

Rubber wheels are the most reliable wheels; they can withstand almost any load and are inaudible on any surface.

Wheel size

The most reliable option is a suitcase with two large wheels, recessed as much as possible into its body. This will increase the cross-country ability and prevent it from breaking.

The wheels should not be mounted on the same axle. Choose a suitcase with independent wheel fastening.

It is better if the wheel mount is metal and mounted on a metal bearing.

Zipper selection

Lightning is another one of the main elements on which the service life depends. The most reliable zipper is considered to be wide (at least 1cm), plastic, with spiral teeth.

Nothing should get stuck when opening and closing.

It is very convenient if an additional zipper is sewn into the upper part around the perimeter, which when opened increases its volume. Just remember about the maximum dimensions when traveling by plane.

Lock

If you often have to leave things unattended, then you need to pay special attention to the lock.

The lock can be padded or coded.

A combination lock is suitable for a family when everyone who knows the code can easily open it without waiting for the key. But if such a lock breaks, you will most likely have to buy a new suitcase.

A padlock is more practical, but you will always have to carry a key with you, and the reliability of a padlock leaves much to be desired.

If the key is lost or the lock itself is broken, it can be easily replaced with a new one without much damage.

Those who want to protect their belongings more reliably can choose a suitcase with combination locks (padlock and combination lock), but this will cost extra money.

What should handles be like?

A rolling suitcase usually has two or three handles.

One telescopic (retractable) one is worth paying special attention to, since the ease of movement and service life depend on the retractable handle.

Additional handles: one on top and one on the side, serve for lifting and carrying when rolling it is not possible.

It’s good if all the handles are rubberized or made of fabric. For reliability, additional handles must be secured to the body with rivets or screws.

The retractable handle should be:

• strong, metal, not plastic,
• securely fastened and not loose when extended,
• easy to pull out
• fits comfortably in your hand,
• It’s good if it has several height positions,
• the longer the handle, the easier it is to roll luggage,
• in the retracted position it should be completely recessed into the body.

Before buying, be sure to hold on to all the handles, walk around the store, everything should be comfortable and not cause any discomfort. Otherwise, when the suitcase is packed and becomes heavier, all the inconveniences will increase several times.

Pockets and compartments

It is advisable to have several compartments in your suitcase for the convenience of placing things in any category.

It would be nice if there was a waterproof compartment for documents. An internal pocket for all sorts of small items would also be nice.

The interior should be lined with high-quality, dense fabric.

External pockets are useful if you travel by car or train and things are always with you, then you can put things that you often use on the road in these pockets.

Operating rules

In order for your suitcase to serve you for many years, you must follow some rules for its use:

1. do not overload, it should fasten easily;
2. do not lift by the retractable handle; for this purpose there is a special handle on the top or side;
3. Protect the plastic case from falls and other impacts;
4. After each trip, lubricate the wheels with silicone grease;
5. To protect against dirt and mechanical damage at the airport, wrap your luggage with film.

Before the purchase

Before purchasing, check the handles, wheels and locks (nothing should be loose or sticky), these are the main components on which the service life depends.

The suitcase itself should be durable, with a reinforced frame and rubber pads on the corners to further protect your items.

The material must be dense and of high quality, the seams should be neat without protruding threads.

You are buying a suitcase for more than one year, so saving here is not advisable; it is better to overpay a little, but buy a good thing that will serve you for many years. Some manufacturers provide a warranty of up to 10 years.

Vacation is a happy time for every person, and in order for everything to go smoothly, you should think in advance about a travel case that will fit all the things you need for your vacation. When choosing, you should take into account the functionality and popularity of the models. This article will help you decide which is the best suitcase on wheels to buy in 2020 for all occasions: for air travel, sea adventures or train travel.

To choose a product that will solve all your travel problems, you need to pay attention to the main criteria for choosing suitcases. This will allow you to take into account all the nuances so that the trip is comfortable.

Size

Size is the main parameter that you should decide on before purchasing. The dimensions of the suitcase need to be selected especially carefully if you are planning to travel by plane, since airlines prescribe certain requirements for the size of luggage.

Most often, manufacturers of travel cases indicate the dimensions of the product in liters, i.e. the parameter shows the volume that it can accommodate. To determine the exact dimensions, you need to measure the model you like in the store.

Conventionally, all luggage cases can be divided into 4 groups:

1. Small ones. Such products do not exceed 60 cm in height. They are ideal for short trips. They can hold enough things for one person for several days.
2. Average. The height of these cases reaches 70 cm. It is quite enough for a two-week trip for 1 person, or for a 7-day trip for two.
3. Big ones. Their dimensions reach 80 cm in height. You can safely take this suitcase for a family trip with a child.
4. Very big. Products of this type have a height of more than 80 cm. The volume of such travel cases does not allow them to be taken on board an airplane, but for a family trip on a ship it will be simply irreplaceable.

Some models are equipped with a size adjustment function with the ability to increase volume, which allows you to change the dimensions of the suitcase if necessary.

Material

The most common models are made of fabric or plastic. The advantages of fabric suitcases include a low price (almost all inexpensive models are presented in this version) and the presence of external pockets. These compartments are convenient for storing things that you may need during your trip. However, travel cases made from such soft material quickly wear out and lose their shape.

Plastic products are more durable, they are not afraid of rain, and they are easier to care for. To preserve the excellent appearance of the case for a long time and protect it from scratches, you can purchase a special case. The plastic case allows you to transport fragile or easily deformable items without fear for their safety.

Number of pockets and compartments

A convenient option are travel cases with several compartments inside. This will help you organize things correctly, separating them from each other by purpose or accessory. A few small pockets inside will also be a plus - you can stash small items in them so they don't roll around in your luggage.

The compartments with locks on the outside are useful for those who are not used to checking their suitcases in the cargo compartment. They usually contain tickets, documents and small items necessary for the trip.

Wheels

Modern travel cases are equipped with two or four wheels. When using the first option, a fairly large part of the weight of the luggage falls on the hand, so it is very difficult to carry such a suitcase.

A product with four wheels is lighter and more maneuverable. As a rule, each of them is fixed on a separate axis, which gives them the ability to rotate 360 ​​degrees. But it is worth remembering that cases of this type can only be transported on a flat surface. If any obstacles arise along the way, it will need to be lifted.

Attention! Never lift a filled suitcase by the retractable handle.

A compromise option is a product with four wheels, two of which have a larger diameter. It makes it possible to use all the wheels at once, or roll at an angle on two.

Pen

Most travel bags come with a retractable handle. They can be metal or plastic. You should pay attention to the material of the part of the handle that a person directly holds with his palm. It is best to give preference to rubberized products or with fabric linings.

The handle must be securely fixed in different positions. This will allow you to adjust its height to suit different heights.

In addition to the retractable handle, the suitcase should have side handles so that the luggage can be carried in your hands. It's best to have two of them. This will allow two people to carry a heavy travel case or remove the suitcase from the top shelves without any problems. These handles should also have rubber or fabric pads.

Locks and fastenings

Plastic cases have special latches that securely lock the compartments. The more such fasteners on a product and the stronger they are, the higher its cost.

On fabric luggage, all compartments are usually closed with a zipper. Preference should be given to wide metal fasteners - they are more practical and durable than narrow plastic zippers.

Additional options and features

After all the basic parameters for choosing a travel case have been taken into account, you need to understand the additional options that can facilitate the process of using the product:

1. Built-in combination locks. It reliably fixes the zipper locks, and thanks to a self-invented code, a person can not only protect his luggage from accidental opening, but also from illegal opening. A simplified version of such locks are mechanisms with a key. In this case, there is no need to remember the combination.
2. Latches that securely close the suitcase. Usually they are equipped with plastic models. This method of closing the case protects things from rain, temperature changes and changes in humidity. All parameters are saved from the moment the suitcase is closed.
3. Portfolio department. With its help, you can transport suits and dresses in a bag or suitcase without creases or dents.
4. Covers for clothes. If they come with a travel case, then there will be no problems with packing things. They will help you sort them and place them most successfully inside the product.

1. You should choose a suitcase with bright or unusual colors. This will allow you to quickly find your luggage on the belt and ensure that it does not merge with a bunch of identical travel cases. It will be difficult to confuse such a model with other luggage, so there is less chance of taking someone else’s luggage.
2. If the case does not have an original design, then you should hang a bright ribbon or stick a sticker on it. This will also make it easily recognizable.
3. For traveling as a couple, it is better for each person to have their own medium-sized suitcase than a large shared one. This will make it more convenient to transport things, since the load will be distributed between two people. In addition, there will be no problem with overload or unacceptable dimensions of luggage.
4. If it is not possible to purchase two suitcases, then you should give preference to models with a pair of identical compartments. This will help avoid confusion with things and everyone will have equal volume.
5. You shouldn’t choose a suitcase solely based on an attractive price. This purchase is not made just once, because the item can last for decades. If you give preference to cheap Chinese models, you run the risk of encountering troubles while traveling: a wheel that falls off, tears and breakage of the material, or a stuck zipper. Well-known manufacturers of travel cases provide a 10-year guarantee on the product, so a high-quality suitcase is the best investment in the future.

Rating of quality suitcases: popular models from the best manufacturers

This rating presents products that have already earned the attention of buyers. All luggage cases are presented with characteristics, and it is also indicated how much each model costs. The rating of the best suitcases on wheels for traveling in 2020 will allow you to choose a travel case for any occasion and help answer the question “Which company is the best model to choose?”

8th place. Rion travel case

This model is presented in a plastic version in 10 different shades, so everyone can choose a travel case to suit their taste. The product is equipped with 4 wheels and side fastenings.

Rion travel case

Advantages:

• there is a combination lock;
• affordable price;
• wide range of shades;
• The wheels rotate 360 ​​degrees.

Flaws:

The average price is 3,900 rubles.

7th place. Ananda suitcase

A bright and fashionable case for a comfortable trip for two. The body of the product is made of plastic, there are reliable fastenings. There are 7 rich shades to choose from. Ease of use is achieved due to 4 rotating wheels.

Ananda travel suitcase

Advantages:

• wide selection of colors;
• wheels 360;
• budget model.

Flaws:

The average price is 2,650 rubles.

6th place. Termit case

The travel case is presented in a stylish men's version made of textile material. The model belongs to the class of small products, so it can only be used on short trips and exclusively for one person.

Termit travel suitcase

Advantages:

• affordable;
• Can be used as hand luggage.

Flaws:

• only one color.

The average price is 3,499 rubles.

5th place. ASUS suitcase

The product is made of high quality plastic with a unique print on the front of the suitcase. The model is very maneuverable due to 4 rotating wheels.

ASUS travel suitcase

Advantages:

• hard case;
• side fasteners;
• stylish design.

Flaws:

• high price;
• rarely on sale.

The average price is 13,990 rubles.

4th place. Sun Voyage suitcase

The travel case is of medium size, which allows it to be used as carry-on luggage, and its body is made of durable plastic. The design of the model is suitable for women and young girls. The suitcase has 4 wheels.

Sun Voyage travel suitcase

Advantages:

• low price;
• rotating wheels;
• there is a combination lock;
• stylish design;
• two color options.

Flaws:

• not suitable for men.

The average price is 3,999 rubles.

3rd place. Travel case Gulliver

This model is made of fabric material. The volume of the suitcase is small, so it can carry things for only one person on a short trip. The suitcase has 2 wheels for moving. The product itself has a bright children's print.

Travel case Gulliver

Advantages:

• affordable;
• lightweight.

Flaws:

• one color option;
• only for children.

The average price is 3,760 rubles.

2nd place. Wenger suitcase

The luggage case has a large volume, which makes it indispensable on long family trips. The body is made of textile. It also comes with four wheels, making it easy to use.

Wenger travel suitcase

Advantages:

• there is a side handle;
• wheels rotate 360 ​​degrees.

Flaws:

• high price;
• one color.

The average price is 14,569 rubles.

1 place. Benbat case

This model has two bright colors that will appeal to young children. 40 liters of volume is enough for things for one person. The case body is made of plastic. The weight of the product is 1.2 kilograms.

Benbat travel suitcase

Advantages:

• low price;
• easy;
• hard case;
• Available in two colors.

Flaws:

• only for children.

The average price is 3,360 rubles.

Most of the models in the rating belong to the inexpensive class, but it must be remembered that leading manufacturers of luggage cases offer a wide range of products that differ in the parameters indicated above. Therefore, if among the models described above there is not one that suits you perfectly, we recommend going to the official websites of the manufacturers and carefully studying the catalogs.

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After all, it depends on him whether your luggage will reach its destination safe and sound or will be crushed, broken and damaged. The 14 travel suitcases in this collection are more than just a means of transporting contents. These are real mobile safes that you can trust with all your most valuable items. They are synonymous with solidity, strength and durability. By the way, many of the listed models have sizes that allow you to take them on board the plane as hand luggage.

Travelpro Platinum Magna durable nylon suitcase

Just listing the patented technologies used to create the Travelpro Platinum Magna suitcase would take several minutes. For example, there is a system for leveling the stroke; an aluminum handle that does not swing when moving, as well as a particularly durable nylon coating, which is not inferior in its strength characteristics to plastic and aluminum. In addition, the suitcase is distinguished by the presence of many additional external pockets for quick access to the most popular items.

A unique fusion of strength, light weight and maneuverability - the Tumi Tegra travel suitcases can be described just like that. The walls of the suitcase are 100% made of the strongest thermoplastic, which is used in NASCAR racing cars, as well as in the equipment of American football players. The outer layer of Tumi Terga is polyester, which provides additional protection and serves as the basis for a variety of patterns. The spacious interior compartment closes with a zipper, and a convenient 3-section handle and 4 wheels make it especially easy to move.

In the manufacture of this suitcase, instead of the usual plastic, light and durable aluminum was used, which allowed us to achieve the optimal combination of reliability and excellent appearance. Additional convenience is provided by 4 wheels and 3 handles, one of which is telescopic. The Zero Halliburton has plenty of room inside for essential supplies, plus a convenient mesh compartment for storing small items. The suitcase's dimensions of 35.5 x 48.2 x 20.3 cm fit perfectly into carry-on luggage.

Briggs & Riley suitcases are designed for those travelers who prefer the compactness, convenience and comfort of carry-on luggage when traveling. The Sympatico's body is made of 3-layer plastic, which will protect the contents from the most serious overloads, and the internal space of 38.2 liters is divided into many compartments for everything you may need on the road. All other attributes of an excellent suitcase are also present: a combination lock, 4 wheels and a pair of comfortable handles.

The Swiss brand Victorinox is largely known for its multifunctional folding suitcases, but it also excels in creating excellent travel suitcases. The main distinguishing feature of Spectra 2.0 is the presence of 2 compartments. The first is a well-thought-out organizer and is designed for quick access to the most popular gadgets: laptop, tablet and smartphone. The second compartment performs the traditional storage function.

The main emphasis when creating the Delsey Luggage Helium suitcase is on lightness and strength. This was achieved by using polycarbonate, which provided it with impact-resistant walls. Inside the Delsey Luggage Helium you can find 2 spacious compartments for things. And in addition to the standard telescopic handle, there is also a side handle, which greatly facilitates loading into the trunk or onto a shelf. The wheels of the suitcase rotate 360 ​​degrees, providing a smooth ride and increased maneuverability.

Elegant suitcase Bric's Luggage Bellagio

This suitcase has Italian roots, and therefore by default one should expect its appearance to be brought to brilliant splendor. And Bric’s Luggage Bellagio fully lives up to these expectations. Elegant and functional are its main characteristics. Moreover, the first is confirmed by the use of high-quality materials, mainly in light shades, and the second by a variety of compartments that are easy to find by unzipping the zipper.

Enkloze X1 is one of the few suitcases that uses a carbon fiber body reinforced with an aluminum frame. This made it possible to make it not only light, but also durable. The front compartment, which has its own lock, allows you to quickly get documents and necessary papers, but the main compartment does not have room for expansion. According to the creators, this was done deliberately so that the suitcase is guaranteed to correspond to the size of standard hand luggage. To quickly identify the suitcase among other similar ones, it is equipped with a plate with the owner’s name.

Herschel Supply is best known as a manufacturer of stylish urban backpacks. This suitcase retains their signature style, but significantly surpasses it as the most convenient means of transporting things. Shockproof housing; 3 handles located on different sides of its body, as well as an impressive volume of 53.5 liters, make it very attractive for any traveler going on vacation or business.

The Samsonite company name is somewhat synonymous when it comes to quality carry-on luggage and luggage. And the Inova suitcase was no exception. An impenetrable body, reliable wheels, an unbreakable handle, as well as a reliable lock, which only a few can compete with - all these features are inherent in it from the very beginning. The inside of the suitcase is lined with fabric and has elastic straps for securing clothes.

A classic in an aluminum body – this is the characteristic that best suits the Hartmann 7r Master Spinner. Correct proportions, stately shape and the presence of leather handles in the most popular places. The whole philosophy of this model is contained in its name. 7r is a gene responsible for the tendency to make risky decisions, as well as to expand the boundaries of one’s capabilities. This suitcase was created for such individuals and will be their reliable companion in all their movements around the world.

This is the most expensive suitcase in our selection, but is it worth the asking amount? Definitely yes, because it embodies all the features of an ideal suitcase. It is light; looks stylish, but not pretentious; the high quality of the materials used in its manual production is beyond the slightest doubt, and you can put all the most valuable things inside, since it will be reliably protected by thick polycarbonate walls. In addition to this, its buyer receives 2 handles made of genuine leather, allowing it to be carried in a vertical and horizontal position.

The LOMS suitcase boasts an advanced organization of its internal space, which is divided into several compartments using folding inserts. This is very convenient when things need to be secured so that they do not get wrinkled during transportation. As for the outside, a standard set awaits the buyer: a plastic case with a polycarbonate reinforcing strip, a side handle, a zipper and 4 wheels.

100 liter suitcase Roncato Uno ZSL

100-liter volume with a weight of only 3.5 kg - such impressive figures were achieved by Italian designers who designed the Roncato Uno ZSL suitcase. In addition to this, the standard polycarbonate case is coated with a special reflective layer, which is designed to protect against scratches. The manufacturer is so confident in the quality of its product that it has a 10-year warranty.

Material

Fabric suitcases

The higher the density of the fabric, the more durable, but also heavier the suitcase. Most often, polyester is used as the main material. It can also be nylon - such suitcases are stronger and lighter, but also more expensive. Fabric suitcases are the most spacious: they have external pockets and often a special zipper that increases the volume. The downside is that such a suitcase is more difficult to care for, since the fabric gets dirty and is not always easy to clean. But you shouldn’t be afraid that it will get wet or lose color over time: if the fabric is of high quality, then it will not allow moisture to pass through and will not fade in the sun.

Fabric suitcases most often have one large compartment with fastening straps for things and 1-2 small pockets in it, which does not always allow you to place things neatly, especially when it is not fully loaded. An important advantage: in the places where the fittings are attached there is a lining inside that protects things from damage.

Plastic suitcases

Plastic suitcases are made from polycarbonate or polypropylene. They are durable, bright in appearance, and reliably protect the contents from deformation and moisture. They are also easy to clean, but can be susceptible to scratches if not used, for example, as a suitcase cover.

Inside, plastic suitcases are usually divided by doors with partitions into two independent halves. This is very convenient for storing things in general, and especially when traveling with one suitcase together. Some plastic models do not have a lining. But, firstly, this is not necessary, since the mounting points for the fittings are hidden in the body, and secondly, you don’t have to think about how to wash the lining if it gets dirty.

Aluminum suitcases

Suitcases made of aircraft aluminum have retained the features of the very first models of the mid-20th century. This is a timeless classic and the choice of successful business people. Compared to suitcases made from modern materials, aluminum ones are the heaviest and most expensive, but they provide maximum safety of things.

Functionality

Load capacity

Modern suitcases from trusted manufacturers pass strength tests without problems when filled with more than 30 kilograms. But when packing, you often have to focus not on this fact, but on the baggage weight restrictions of airlines.

Pens

The retractable handle of a good suitcase should be able to be locked in several positions so that the suitcase can be comfortably rolled by a person of any height. It happens that buyers are worried that the handle is “dangling”. But this play is technologically provided and tested. The main rule: you cannot lift a filled suitcase by the extended handle!

The handles on the case are needed for easy carrying up the stairs, as well as if the suitcase needs to be lifted above the curb or put in the car. Suitcases of medium and large sizes should have at least two such handles - top and side. Often there is an additional handle on the bottom, which makes it even more convenient to place the suitcase on or take it out from the luggage rack.

Zipper and snaps

High-quality suitcases have equally high reliability of zippers and latches.

Some have a double zipper or a hidden single zipper. This provides a higher degree of protection for the suitcase from damage and unauthorized opening. The suitcase with latches is even better protected, and it is also more airtight: even in a tropical downpour, not a drop will get inside.

Wheels

Two-wheeled suitcases are good for off-road travel. The wheels themselves are more durable due to their larger diameter. And since they are recessed into the body, a two-wheeled suitcase will always be more spacious: this is especially important for hand luggage, since its dimensions are calculated by the most protruding points. Despite this, it is important to consider that a two-wheeled suitcase will have to be rolled at an angle, with a significant portion of the weight resting on your arm and back.

But four-wheeled suitcases are easy to roll side by side, and this is convenient even when the luggage is heavy. The wheels are mounted on the bottom, the mount is beveled at 45 degrees for proper load distribution. This arrangement also absorbs impacts, for example when loading luggage. However, on paving stones or tiles, rolling a suitcase on four wheels is more difficult: if the surface is very uneven, you will have to tilt it and roll it behind you, and this will lead to increased wear on the wheels. Many manufacturers of quality suitcases use dual wheels, which allows for greater smoothness and stability during transportation.

Accessories

Code locks

The combination lock can be padlocked or built into the housing. In turn, built-in ones are divided into two types: overhead - noticeably protrude above the body, integrated - are located on the level with the body. The latter have a minimal chance of being damaged.

Most modern locks are equipped with a special TSA function. They are necessary, for example, when flying to the USA, since a regular lock can be broken by airport security during inspection.

Suitcase covers

This accessory is quite versatile: three standard sizes fit most suitcases. Modern reliable models are made of durable material with a density of 240 g/m2, they are equipped with belts for better fixation and additional zippers that hide the handles of the suitcase. In addition to protecting against scratches and dirt, the cover gives the suitcase individuality, makes it more visible on the baggage claim belt, and also reduces the load on the zipper and protects against opening.

Lifetime

A suitcase is usually purchased for several years, no less. Yes, you can save money by buying a suitcase from a Chinese manufacturer on the market. But it is possible that every trip will bring surprises: a wheel will suddenly fall off, a problem will arise with the zipper, or the handle will not withstand the load.

The guarantee for high-quality suitcases from well-known brands is from 2 to 10 years with proper use. In any case, no matter what kind of suitcase you have, you need to remember that anything can be broken, and the warranty does not cover mechanical damage. When you receive your suitcase at the airport, don't pick it up right away. Carefully inspect the suitcase and, if damage is found, contact the Lost & Found counter to obtain a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) and file a corresponding claim with the air carrier. Only in this case will you be able to receive compensation for repairs.