Buying Guide for Quality Luggage

Buying quality luggage can be a smart investment because it should last a really long time. It is better to spend a little more money to buy a good set of luggage that lasts for ten or more years than to buy cheap luggage that needs to be replaced frequently. You may save money at first by purchasing cheap luggage, but ultimately you will pay more in the long run. With the abuse that luggage takes when it is thrown around by baggage handlers, a poorly made suitcase will fall apart quickly. But how do you know what to look for when buying luggage? By following these tips, you should be able to tell the difference between good luggage and bad luggage and may save yourself some money.

One of the best inventions in the travel industry is suitcases on wheels. Instead of breaking your back carrying a heavy suitcase through the airport, you can now simply wheel it around effortlessly. Now that most suitcases are built with wheels on them, it is important to know which are the most dependable. A suitcase that has its wheels built into the case is better than one that has its wheels attached to the outside of the case. The wheels are better protected by being recessed into the case and are much less likely to break off. With the wheels on the outside of the case, it is possible that a wheel could break off when it is being thrown around by baggage handlers. Solid rubber wheels are much more durable than plastic wheels. Plastic wheels have a tendency to crack and will not last as long as rubber wheels.

Handles, like wheels, can be built into the case or attached to the outside of the case. For the same reasons mentioned above, it is much better to get a suitcase that has the handle built into the case. The handle that is built into the case is much less likely to break. Also, test the handle to make sure that it opens up and closes easily. If it is difficult to open and close the handle in the store, it will be much harder to do when you are going through security at an airport and your hands are full. Also, a handle that locks into place when closed is better than one that does not lock.

Not all warranties are created equal. Generally speaking, the better the warranty, the better the luggage. Companies are more willing to stand behind quality luggage with a long warranty because they know their product will last. On the contrary, cheap luggage has a shorter warranty for a reason. The company that made it knows it will not last for a long time. Most quality luggage comes with a limited lifetime warranty that covers product defects or faulty craftsmanship. It is important to save your receipts and your warranty information and to register for the warranty if necessary.

The material that the case is made with is very important. The fabric on cheap luggage typically rips or punctures. If you are buying a soft suitcase, try to get one that is made of ballistic nylon. Ballistic nylon was originally designed to protect soldiers from flying shrapnel in World War II, but today is mostly used for luggage. Most quality luggage backed by a long warranty will be made of ballistic nylon. If you prefer a hard suitcase to a soft one, choose a good brand name with a good warranty so that it will be less likely to crack.

It is also a good idea to check the quality of the zippers on a suitcase. A good, sturdy zipper with big teeth will be much more reliable than a flimsy zipper than could snag or tear. It seems minor, but a cheap zipper that breaks may cause you to buy a whole new suitcase.

So, now that you know what to look for, how can you buy quality luggage without spending too much? Luggage can be purchased at a steep discount if you wait for the right time to buy. Department stores such as Macy's tend to deeply discount luggage during their holiday sales. Labor Day, Memorial Day, Columbus Day, and Thanksgiving sales could be a great time to find a great deal on luggage. Sales of 30% to 50% off are not uncommon.

With some careful planning and a little inspection, you can buy good quality luggage at a good price that will last you for a long time. Good luggage will make traveling easier and a lot more enjoyable. Good luck!