Fabric Luggage	Hard Side Luggage	Frames
Upright Handles	Wheels	Zippers
Stitching	Hardware	Parts
Airline Damage	Luggage Warranty	Luggage Identification
Weight of Luggage

Fabric Luggage :

Luggage fabrics are designed to resist abrasions, soiling, water, and tears. Some manufacturers focus more on the look of the fabric than the durability. It is therefore necessary to understand what to look for when purchasing the right luggage for your travel needs.

The best way to compare durability is through the denier of the fabric. Denier refers to the size of the yarn used in creating the fabric. When comparing deniers it is necessary to compare the same fabric such as comparing nylon to nylon. A higher denier count commonly means more durability. You can often find this information somewhere on the product booklet that is attached to the bag.

Your bag will encounter water and stains through its travels. A water resistant fabric will have a urethane backing, and some fabrics will have a stain-repellent. Remember that even with these guards, stains and water will eventually show wear on your luggage. Your piece will require care to maintain a clean look.

Leather is a fabric that is often used in small luggage goods but can be found in large pieces as well. It is necessary to remember that though leather luggage is very durable, it will show scratches and stains over time. This will affect its appearance. If you do decide to invest in a leather piece of luggage, it is better to travel with a carry-on piece rather than to check a large leather bag.

The best fabric against wear and tear is ballistic nylon. It is a rare occasion for this fabric to be torn or worn through. We highly recommend this fabric and other strong nylons. Manufacturers are developing stronger fabrics as we speak. Always remember to look for water resistant and stain resistant fabrics that will be able to stand up to the wear and tear that is typical of your travel frequency.

Hard Side Luggage :

Hard side luggage is another option available for purchase. It will provide great protection for properly packed expensive or fragile items. These cases are very durable and heat and stain resistant. They do tend to be much heavier than fabric luggage of the same size. The hard casing may lead to cracks or dents if it receives a hard blow. When purchasing a hard sided case look for a thick shell, resistance to scratches and guards against wear. If you plan on packing expensive equipment such as cameras, computers, and other electronics; you might consider looking for an aluminum case. They prove to be extremely durable and a great form of protection around your valuable items.

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Frames :

The frame in your luggage is what gives your luggage its shape. Many manufacturers use either honeycomb or polycarbonate to create their frames, though other products are available such as plastic, metal, or even wood. It is necessary to know about each type of frame before making a knowledgeable purchase.

According to U.S. government figures, airline revenue from excess baggage charges has grown steadily since 2001. In 2003, airline carriers collected more than $259 million for bags that were over the airline’s size and weight limits. This makes lightweight frames a bigger issue than ever.

Be aware of any frame that is plastic or metal. The singly-ply plastic frames used by some lower end manufacturers tend to crack and shatter. This makes them virtually impossible to repair. The metal frames, though lightweight, tend to bend and provide little protection for the contents of the bag. They also have plastic corners which tend to crack. Most of these bags have the zippers mounted over the frame. Zippers will then become damaged due to wear against the frames which can lead to a costly repair.

The most common type of frame used today is the honeycomb frame. It is both lightweight and durable, and it has the ability to withstand pressure by flexing upon impact. In our stores we always say, “One thing has to give when the baggage handlers throw your luggage, and it usually isn’t the concrete.” There are also fewer zipper problems. This is because the frame is often padded or the zippers are mounted away from the corners of the bag.

A new material that is starting to show up in the market place is called polycarbonate. According to manufacturers, it is even lighter and more durable. This product is still too new for us to form an educated opinion on. With the implementation of stricter weight regulations by the airlines, new products will have to be designed to satisfy the changing customer needs.

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Upright Handles :

Luggage has become much easier to maneuver with the upright handle system that is now used by most manufacturers. This system brings convenience and easy travel to the industry. However, some of these handle systems do have their downfalls.

Some manufacturers mount their handle on the exterior of the bag leaving them open for damage. Other handles do not remain locked in place or if it is hit it may bend or break. Many brands have taken precautions against these flaws and use strong materials to build their handle system. It is best if the handle tubing is on the interior of the bag, or, if on the exterior, it is protected by a casing. Briggs & Riley is the only brand with an exterior handle system that we recommend to our customers. This is based on their superior design and materials compared to other manufacturers with handles on the outside. You should also look for a handle locking system that both locks in the extended and storage positions. If the lock does not work during a flight or other transit, there is a strong chance of damage. Make sure to test your handle for ease of operation before your purchase. It should extend to a comfortable length for your height to keep your bag from hitting you in the back of your legs.

A final suggestion on the topic of handles is to know when and when not to use it. Any piece of luggage that is equipped with an upright handle system will still have gripping handles. You will decrease the amount of wear and tear on your luggage if you use theses handles for situations such as lifting luggage on to high curbs and removing luggage from a car trunk. Just remember that your upright handle is there to remove the weight of carrying heavy luggage; not to pull it off of the luggage carousel.

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Wheels :

It is necessary to recognize a well-made wheel system to insure that your luggage will maintain its ease of maneuverability. First, there are some wheel systems to stay away from. Any system that has its wheels as well as its feet in one unit could cause costly problems. If you simply have trouble with a single wheel or foot you may be required to repair the entire system. Another type of wheel system to avoid is one where the wheels are mounted on the exterior of the bag. These can easily be knocked off during baggage handling.

When purchasing a wheeled piece of luggage, there are a few characteristics to look for in your wheels. You want them to be internally mounted. Only the part of the wheel that needs contact with the ground will be in view. This reduces the chance of damage. You also want to look for a large wheel base. This will keep your bag from tipping over. Make sure to test out the wheeling ability of the bag before purchase. In order to truly get a feel of how it will roll when packed, ask a salesperson for clothes or other small products to weight down the luggage.

The best type of wheel is one with a sealed ball bearing system. This limits the amount of dirt and dust that gets into it. This dirt and dust causes friction in the bearings and increases the heat that can melt the wheels. Some companies put in a larger wheel without a bearing system which is a good alternative.

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Zippers :

Zippers are one of the most reported repairs within the luggage world. This is often caused by the fact that manufacturers do not use the proper materials that will stand up to the rigorous conditions that luggage are put through. A manufacturer may use a regular clothing zipper on their luggage which is simply not strong enough for the weight and work of luggage. They may also make the mistake of directly mounting the zipper to the edge of the bag. This can lead to the zipper breaking from its seam or not functioning on the corners of the bag. These zippers may last for a few trips, but wear and tear will occur and lead to possible problems.

You need to look for a zipper on your luggage that will be able to stand the test of travel. The larger the zipper on the bag, the stronger it will be. They are not as easily broken and can stand more weight. You must remember, however, to make sure that they are made of a strong plastic or metal material. As mentioned before, a zipper on the frame can lead to several problems. Therefore you should look for a zipper with a fabric separation from the frame. This will prevent the zipper from getting caught on such things as corners and the frame itself.

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Stitching :

As with clothing, stitching in luggage plays a large part in determining durability. The best luggage will have a consistent pattern of stitching that is close together. It will also have reinforcing stitches that fall at corners, zippers, and other stress points. Also check to make sure that the material is not simply two ends sewn together, but rather large pieces of material that meet at strong points. This will keep your material from easily ripping or holes developing between stitches.

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Hardware :

Things such as screws and rivets used to fix handles and straps to your luggage are considered hardware. These parts are necessary to keep your bag from tearing under its own weight and stress. Locks that may come with your luggage are also considered hardware. All of these items should be well-made out of a strong metal, but still easy to work. Make sure you understand all aspects of any locks or straps before you set out on your trip. Your salesperson can help you learn how to set locks as well as how best to use and store any strap that may be a part of the luggage you purchase.

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Parts :

A great question to ask before purchasing a piece of luggage is whether or not the manufacturer makes replacement parts available for their products. This information will help guard against companies that simply send over a finished product and leave you with no way of repairing your luggage. This question can often be answered by asking a salesperson.

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Airline Damage :

With an increase in airline regulations, many airlines are refusing to cover certain types of damage. This increases the importance of purchasing a well-made and durable piece of luggage. Damage to outside handles, zippers, wheels, pull-straps, over-packed bags, and some cosmetic flaws will not be covered by many airlines. The airlines will however cover damage that was caused by their machinery or improper handling. The airlines will often only respond to a claim if it is made in a reasonable time frame. The best way to report airline damage is while you are still at the airport. Do a quick check of your luggage upon picking it up. If you see any sign of damage, proceed to the airline claims office and make your claim.

Most airline damage is a result of a poorly constructed luggage. A well known brand name or high price tag does not guarantee quality. These bags are often designed for a fashionable look rather than durability. Choice of fabric, frame construction, and the selection of parts all combine to create a sturdy and well-made piece of luggage.

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Luggage Warranty :

Many luggage warranties will only cover manufacturer’s defects. These manufacturing defects are limited to stitched seams coming apart or internal mechanism failures on the upright handle. Most other problems with luggage will not be covered by those warranties limited to manufacturer’s defects. Airline damage and normal wear and tear will typically only be repaired by the airline or out of your own pocket. Read all of the fine print that you receive with your luggage warranty. A few of the companies are coming out with a “Worry Free” warranty. These warranties will repair not replace you luggage even if it was caused by the airlines. However they will not fix cosmetic problems such as scratches or soiled fabric. Frequent travelers should think about buying a backup piece of luggage no matter what warranty your bag has. Just in case your luggage needs to go back in for repairs which sometimes can take up to 60 days if sent back to the manufacturer.

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Luggage Identification :

It is a common occurrence to see people struggle to identify their particular piece of luggage at baggage claim. There are several products to help in differentiating your bag from others. Such items as handle wraps, large luggage tags, and colorful luggage belts are available. If you are traveling with several pieces, it is also helpful to have matching identification for all of your pieces. For example, you will simply have to look for a green handle wrap on five bags rather than five different bag identifiers.

Purchasing your luggage in a color other than the traditional black may also prove a great way to identify your bag. Keep in mind, however, that black does show the least wear. Colors such as red, purple, green, blue, sage, pink, yellow, and brown are just a few of the color possibilities that exist in luggage today.

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Weight of Luggage :

The weight of your luggage is a factor you should consider before purchase. Heavier luggage can prove to be more durable, but several manufacturers are creating lightweight products that can stand up to the pressure of travel. Keep in mind that most airlines now have a weight limit for checked luggage. If your bag is over a certain weight you may receive an additional charge. According to U.S. government figures, airline revenue from excess baggage charges has grown steadily since 2001. In 2003, airline carriers collected more than $259 million for bags that were over the airline’s size and weight limits.

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