This should not be a surprise by now. Handlers are professional wrestlers who hate your suitcase. They get paid by the hour – not per throwing your luggage to the tarmac. It serves as a barrier that does not allow handlers having a smoke. In other words, it is a battleground outside. You need protection, not a suitcase.
First, Polycarbonate is the king. It is used for bulletproof glass and riot shields. Samsonite and Away suitcases are made of this material as it is exclusive. They flex instead of cracking as an egg would do. Moreover, it is light which matters if you are dragging it in O’Hare.
Next goes Aluminum. Rimowa is the one but Pelican has options too. It is absolutely indestructible. It survives any impact and keeps on going. The disadvantages include its price. Also, it is susceptible to scratching. You either love the “battle scarred” look or hate it. Moreover, it is heavy.
The Ballistic Nylon is the choice for soft-sided bags. Does it sound cool? However, in reality, it is durable fabric. Briggs & Riley are efficient in using this material. The resistance to abrasion and tears is high. Nevertheless, the problem is in its absorbing water ability. Hence, you will have wet suitcase if it rains while you travel.
You should definitely avoid the Polypropylene if possible. Yes, it is cheap and lightweight. However, it gets brittle in cold. Imagine arriving to Denver in January and your bag breaks into pieces. This is easily preventable by using Polycarbonate.
No one wants to spend money on expensive suitcase. Instead, one prefers spending money on concert tickets or tacos. However, damaged suitcase means purchasing new clothes while being on vacation. All these costs can easily be avoided with the help of a good suitcase that can last for many years.
Now, it is necessary to pay attention to the wheels of the suitcase. Spinner wheels seem to be convenient. However, they are exposed and can get broken due to rough handling. Recessed wheels are safer as they are concealed in the shell. Moreover, they are better at shock absorption.
It is vital to pay attention to the zippers. Cheap ones can fail under pressure. YKK is the brand that produces the best zippers. Coil ones are acceptable. However, molded ones are more resistant. Some suitcases lack zippers and have only latches. It is the golden standard as it means that there are no failure points.
It is also important to test the handle before buying it. One should move it back and forth. Otherwise, you will have problems with it in the airport as the handle can get detached. Aluminum handle is better than plastic one. It is because aluminum ones can be bent but not broken. You need something reliable in your hand.
The color of the bag is an important point but you may not think about it. The black bags are invisible on the carousel. Everyone has a black bag. Choose something bright. Red, orange and even yellow would fit you. Not only will you be able to find your bag faster, but also you will avoid thieves that steal generic stuff.
Hard shell protects your suitcase better. Soft shell is better in flexibility as it can squeeze into narrow spaces. It depends on the style of packing whether you need hard shell or soft shell. Anyway, you should not skimp on the material in any case.
There are Polycarbonate blends. It is the material blend that consists of Polycarbonate and others. It helps to make the suitcase lighter. However, it is more fragile. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to all labels and find suitcases that contain pure Polycarbonate.
Aluminum is fancy. It says “I have my life together”. However, it is vulnerable to dents. Each of them has its story behind it. However, in the end, it will look like a golf ball. It can trouble you if you are interested in aesthetics of your bag. Form follows the function, right?
There is another soft material – Nylon. It is lighter than Ballistic Nylon but also less durable. Thus, it is suitable for carry-ons but not checked luggage as it will be torn during travels.
The corners are important as well. Suitcase always falls on the corners. Reinforced ones are highly recommended. There can be some bumpers installed on the corners of the bag. They are shock absorbers of the suitcase and it is worthwhile to pay some extra money for them.
Side handles are also important. They are taken to lift the suitcase. If they are flimsy, they can be ripped off. You should try them in the store before buying a suitcase.
Warranty is your insurance in case