How to Choose a Suitcase for Travel
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1. Type
The first association with a modern travel suitcase is a rectangular product on wheels with a retractable telescopic handle for easy transportation. Such models are the most familiar, widespread and universal. They are suitable for almost everyone and for any trip - by plane, train, car, etc. But today there are also alternative options:
- Pilot case. This is a small suitcase in a horizontal form factor. It resembles a business case or a large laptop bag, but with a retractable handle and wheels.
When do you need a case pilot? On short business trips and other short trips. A great option for business people. - Suitcase-backpack. A product with shoulder straps for carrying on the back. From the classic suitcase, such models got wheels and a retractable handle. In terms of capacity, they are often small, but there are exceptions to the rule.
When do you need a suitcase-backpack? In situations where mobility and free hands are important. A suitcase-backpack can be recommended for hikers who need to get to a hiking route by plane or other transport. - Children's suitcase. Models for children, which are distinguished by their smaller dimensions and characteristic design. Sometimes the design includes a seat, which is convenient when waiting in airport queues.
When do you need a children's suitcase? When traveling with a child.
2. Volume, Dimensions and Weight
The key aspect of choosing a suitcase for travel is determining the appropriate volume, i.e. capacity. The dimensions (height, width and depth) and weight of the product depend on this criterion. And the last two indicators determine whether you can take the suitcase into the cabin of the plane as hand luggage or you will have to check it in when checking in for the flight. Therefore, according to volume, dimensions and weight, all models can be divided into two groups:
- carry-on suitcases ;
- for check-in.
Hand luggage
Carry-on suitcases are most often designed for a volume of 30 to 40 liters. But the priority here is not even the capacity, but the dimensions of the product. Most major airlines allow you to take a suitcase with dimensions of 560x360x230 mm (or 22x14x9 ") into the cabin as carry-on luggage. Sometimes not individual parameters of height, width or depth are limited, but their total value - 115 cm (or 45 "), so the dimensions 550x400x200 mm is often used. Plus, the maximum weight is often regulated. Here everything is individual for different airlines and can vary from 7 to 16 kg (usually 8 - 10 kg).
Below are the carry-on baggage requirements for some European low-cost carriers in 2025:
- Ryanair - 40x20x25 cm, no weight limit;
- Wizz Air — 40x30x20 cm and up to 10 kg;
- EasyJet — 45x36x20 cm and up to 16 kg;
- Vueling - 40x30x20 cm and up to 10 kg.
Among the suitcases that are checked in, depending on their volume, there are small, medium, large and huge ones.
Small suitcases
Up to 50 liters and up to 60 cm high. This is the so-called dimensions S (small). In general, the dimensions of such suitcases slightly exceed the standards for hand luggage or even comply with them (in this case, they may be marked not S, but Cabin.
Small suitcases are a good choice for solo travelers and are suitable for short to medium-length trips.
Medium suitcases
From 51 to 75 liters. Their height usually varies from 60 to 70 cm. They are often designated by the letter M (medium).
It is believed that these models allow you to take the necessary things for two people on a trip. But in practice, everything depends on the duration of the trip and other factors.
Large suitcases
From 76 to 100 liters. The name may contain the symbol L (large). Their height is more than 70 cm, but does not exceed 80 cm.
As a rule, larger models are a good choice for a family with one child and/or longer trips.
Huge suitcases
From 100 liters, and the height is about 80 cm. The abbreviation XL (Extra Large) can be used as an additional designation.
Large suitcases are suitable for large families and/or the longest trips.
General recommendations for choosing the volume of a suitcase
- You shouldn't choose capacity based solely on the number of people traveling.
- Consider the length of the trip and its purpose - for example, on a business trip you need to take one or even several business suits, and it is more convenient to transport them in a larger suitcase.
- Remember that for winter travel you need more spacious models.
- Don't forget to consider the weight of both the suitcase itself without its contents and the total luggage as a whole. A mother with a school-age teenager would be better off with two small suitcases rather than one large one.
- When choosing L and XL models, make sure that there is enough space in your closet, wardrobe or other niches to store the suitcase according to the dimensions of the product.
3. Materials
The body of travel suitcases is usually made of plastic or fabric. Occasionally, there are also models made of leather or metal - aluminum, as one of the lightest alloys. But such varieties are expensive and not very popular.
Fabric suitcases
They are made of synthetic materials - polyester or nylon. These are hard and dense fabrics that are well protected from tearing and other adverse mechanical effects. Synthetic fibers are supplemented with various impregnations, for example, to ensure moisture resistance.
In terms of overall strength and protection of contents from damage, fabric is somewhat inferior to plastic, but overall it is a fairly universal choice. It is worth refusing it only when transporting very fragile and delicate items.
Advantages of fabric suitcases:
- light weight;
- presence of external pockets;
- resistant to cracks and scratches.
Disadvantages of fabric suitcases:
- less durable compared to plastic models;
- prone to contamination and more difficult to maintain;
- have insufficient moisture resistance.
Plastic suitcases
Made from modern composite materials. Moreover, many of their operational properties depend on the type of plastic used by the manufacturer. Common features of all models include high hardness and good protection of the contents.
Advantages of plastic suitcases:
- high-quality protection of contents, including fragile ones;
- easy care;
- water resistance.
Disadvantages of plastic suitcases:
- scratch resistance;
- Budget models are afraid of strong impacts.
The following composite materials are used to manufacture modern plastic suitcases:
- ABS plastic. This is a hard material with an affordable price. It can be bright and variable in terms of patterns. Disadvantages - it is afraid of frost, strong point impacts, deformation.
- Polycarbonate. Durable, impact-resistant and temperature-resistant material. More expensive than ABS plastic, better protected from deformation.
- Polypropylene. Another type of plastic that can be considered the most progressive. It is slightly inferior to polycarbonate in strength, but has an important advantage - flexibility and resistance to deformation. Thus, a polypropylene suitcase can be partially loaded and other luggage can be placed on top of it - bending, it still returns to its shape later.
We have summarized the main differences between suitcases made of different plastics in a table:
| Comparison parameter | ABS plastic | Polycarbonate | Polypropylene |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impact resistance | low | high | high |
| Frost resistance | No | There is | There is |
| Protection against deformation | weak | average | maximum |
| Price | low | average | medium or high |
| Other features | variable in design | lighter than analogues | retain their marketable appearance well |
Regardless of the material used, the model's body can be additionally protected using special covers.
4. Wheels and Other External Features
Before buying a suitcase, you should definitely decide on the number of wheels. There are 2 options available:
- Two wheels. Such suitcases are cheaper, lighter, and the rollers themselves can be recessed into the body, which reduces the dimensions and risks of damage. It is believed that two-wheeled suitcases perform better on uneven surfaces. The downside is that the model must be rolled at an angle, which will tire your hands if you have heavy luggage.
- Four wheels. These suitcases can be called trolleys, because they roll almost effortlessly in an upright position. To improve maneuverability, the wheels are made to rotate 360 degrees, and for greater reliability, double rollers are used. Such models are more expensive and weigh a little more. In an upright position on a bad road, these suitcases are more difficult to roll, although in an inclined position everything will be the same as with 2-wheeled analogs.
A mandatory addition to the wheels is a retractable telescopic handle. All travel suitcases have one, but its convenience and durability may vary. A good handle has the following features:
- a strong but lightweight material - ideally aluminum;
- simple control, for example, using a button on the handle itself;
- availability of several height positions for users of different heights.
Other external elements of the suitcase that are worth paying attention to:
- locking capability. The most commonly used is the TSA lock, which has both a digital code and a TSA key unlocking system. The latter is available to security officers at airports in the US and other Western countries. In addition, there are sometimes models with a regular combination lock. Keep in mind that today you can find both slightly protruding locks and recessed locks: they are both more aesthetically pleasing and more practical;
- the presence of additional handles. The telescopic one is almost always complemented by a regular upper one. In addition, a side and even a lower handle can be provided. They add convenience when carrying. The side handle allows you to carry the suitcase horizontally, and the lower one allows you to take the product together;
- presence of a USB port. With this option, you can keep the power bank inside the suitcase and charge your smartphone or other gadgets without opening the zipper.
It should also be noted that along with traditional suitcases with zippers, there are models with latches. Their body is made of plastic or metal, and special clips and rubber seals guarantee a tight fit and hermetic closure.
Don't forget that the color and design factor of the case, when applied to suitcases, also has a practical role. Bright and original models immediately catch the eye on the conveyor belt.
5. Internal Organization of Space
Traditionally, the inside of the suitcase is lined with fabric. On one side there are fixing straps (also called compression straps), allowing you to secure bulky items, and on the other side there are several internal pockets (from one to three). Sometimes there may be a compartment for a laptop and a pocket with RFID protection, in which it is recommended to place credit cards and passes.
Some manufacturers offer their own signature little things. For example, the Osprey brand uses an additional mesh divider, and Samsonite sometimes provides compression straps on both sides, as well as practical fixators for them on the side walls - smart fix: they are shown in the photo below:
6. Brands and Warranty
When buying a suitcase, you want it to last as long as possible, despite all the tests during flights and other trips. How long will the wheels last? How long will the zipper and telescopic handle "live"? Will the original presentable appearance of the product be preserved? Practice will allow you to find out all this for sure. But you can count on greater reliability and durability if you choose suitcases from reputable brands, because some of them provide an extended warranty on their products.
Top manufacturers include:
- Samsonite. Most models come with a 5 year warranty;
- Roncato, 5 years old;
- Delsey, 10 years old;
- ROCK, warranty obligations up to 15 years;
- Piquadro, 5 years old.
Slightly lower in the list, but often offering equally cool suitcases at reasonable prices are brands such as Heys(5-year warranty), American Tourister(3 years), Travelite(3 years), Wenger(3 years). You can also pay attention to models of brands that are known for electronics and household appliances, namely Xiaomi and Acer.
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