Tired of luggage that lets you down? From wheels that won’t roll to zippers that stick, some suitcase features can make your travel stressful.
This guide identifies the most annoying luggage problems you need to watch out for. By avoiding these worst features, your travels will be smoother and more enjoyable.
Ready to become a luggage pro? Let’s get started! 😊
1. Poor-Quality Wheels
a. Bad wheels ruin your travel experience
- Single wheels are more prone to popping off during transit.
- Struggling with a suitcase that doesn’t roll smoothly is like pushing a shopping cart with a stuck wheel—frustrating and exhausting.
- Cheap wheels can break easily, making your luggage feel worthless.
b. Opt for Eight-Wheel (Double Wheel) Systems
- Eight wheels give you better stability and smoother movement.
- They look like four wheels, but each corner has two wheels in one mechanism.
- If one wheel fails, the others keep your suitcase rolling without a hitch.
c. Choose smooth and quiet wheels
- Smooth-rolling wheels make navigating airports a breeze.
- Quiet wheels ensure you glide through terminals without drawing unwanted attention.
- Effortless movement reduces fatigue during long treks in terminals.
d. Test wheels in person
- Try out suitcases in-store to feel how they roll.
- Test on surfaces like tile and carpet to simulate airport conditions.
e. Recommended brands for superior wheels
- Level8: Known for exceptionally smooth wheels.
- Away: Provides suitcases with smooth-gliding spinner wheels for effortless navigation.
- Samsonite: Offers durable luggage with reliable, easy-rolling wheels trusted by travelers worldwide.
- Briggs & Riley: known for its smooth-rolling wheels and offers repairable luggage with a lifetime warranty.
- Monos: Offers high-quality wheels with great maneuverability.
2. High-Friction Wheels
a. Low-friction wheels make life easier
- Wheels that spin freely require less effort to move.
- High-friction wheels can make your suitcase feel heavier.
b. How to test wheel friction
- Hold the handle of the suitcase and rotate it to see how long the suitcase can spin; longer is better.
- Push the suitcase to see how far it rolls without assistance.
c. Avoid high-friction wheels
- Wheels that stop quickly indicate poor quality.
- Can make navigating airports more tiring.
3. Unstable Telescoping Handles
a. Importance of a sturdy handle
- Your suitcase handle is your main point of contact; it should feel solid and reliable.
- A good handle enhances comfort and functionality during your travels.
b. Avoid flimsy, wobbly handles
- Handles that shake side-to-side can feel disconnected and make steering difficult.
- A stable handle gives you better control over your luggage.
c. Look for multiple height adjustments
- Handles with three or four height stops accommodate travelers of varying heights.
- Adjustable handles enhance comfort whether you’re 4’8″ or 6’2″.
d. Ergonomic grip matters
- A comfortable handle shape reduces fatigue during long walks.
- Ideal for pulling over uneven surfaces like cobblestones.
e. Avoid oversized handle widths
- Wider handles may not fit into the trolley sleeves on backpacks.
4. Lack of Interior Organization
a. The chaos of no compartments
- Without pockets or dividers, your belongings can become a jumbled mess.
- Disorganized packing makes it harder to find what you need quickly.
b. Dividers and compression straps help
- Dividers keep items in place, especially in clamshell suitcase designs.
- Compression straps maximize space and prevent clothes from shifting.
c. Small pockets for essentials
- Perfect for storing chargers, toiletries, and accessories.
d. Don’t overcomplicate the interior
- Too many built-in compartments can waste space.
- Avoid fixed pouches or pockets that can’t be removed when not needed.
5. Missing Side Handles
a. Why side handles are essential
- Makes lifting your suitcase into overhead bins or car trunks much easier.
- Provides additional grip options when navigating stairs.
b. Don’t sacrifice convenience for weight
- Some ultra-light bags skip the side handle to save weight.
- The lost convenience isn’t worth the minimal weight savings.
c. Features to look for
- Sturdy construction that supports the bag’s weight.
- Easy to grip and comfortable to hold.
d. Innovative handle design
- Some bags offer slow-close handles for added safety.
6. Flimsy Zippers and Closures
a. The frustration of bad zippers
- Snag-prone or weak zippers can lead to delays and security issues.
- A broken zipper can ruin your trip by compromising your bag’s integrity.
b. Trustworthy zipper brands
- YKK zippers are renowned for durability and smooth operation.
- Investing in quality zippers means fewer headaches down the road.
c. Edge-to-edge seaming benefits
- Creates a flush exterior, providing a more watertight seal.
- Protects contents from moisture and offers a sleek look.
d. Consider zipperless options
- Latch systems offer increased security and are more theft-deterrent.
- Some travelers prefer the simplicity and reliability of zipperless designs.
7. No Quick Access Pockets
a. Convenience of quick access
- Easily retrieve items like headphones, passports, or tickets without unpacking.
- Essential during security checks or while on the plane.
b. Crucial for one-bag travelers
- If you’re not carrying a personal item, a front pocket is a must-have.
- Keeps important items within easy reach.
c. Soft-sided bags usually have them
- Often come with exterior pockets for easy access.
- Great for storing last-minute items.
d. Hard-shell options require specific models
- Most hard-shell bags lack quick-access pockets unless designed with one.
- Examples include the Monos Carry-On Pro and Level8 Roadrunner.
e. Evaluate based on your travel style
- If you always have a backpack or purse, this feature may be less critical.
- Choose what works best for your needs.
8. Choosing Aesthetics Over Durability
a. Shiny bags show wear quickly
- While aluminum or glossy bags look sleek, they scratch and dent easily.
- A bag that looks worn after a few trips isn’t ideal.
b. Soft-sided bags hide wear better
- Fabrics tend to conceal scuffs and scratches over time.
- Maintain a cleaner appearance throughout your travels.
c. Best materials for hard-sided luggage
- Curv: High-tech composite material that’s very lightweight and impact-resistant, but expensive
- Polycarbonate: Durable, impact-resistant, and flexes under stress.
- Polypropylene: Lightweight with a good balance of flexibility and strength.
d. Materials to avoid
- ABS plastic: Prone to cracking and less durable over time.
- Steer clear of suitcases made solely from ABS.
e. Choosing the Best Material
- For frequent travelers wanting maximum durability: Polycarbonate or Curv
- For budget-conscious occasional travelers: Polypropylene
9. Oversized and Heavy Luggage
a. Stick to airline size limits
- Oversized bags can lead to extra fees or forced gate-checking.
- A 28-inch suitcase is often recommended as a versatile size that meets most airline requirements
- Avoid exceeding 30 inches in height, as many airlines restrict individual bags to this length.
b. Check external dimensions
- Manufacturers may list internal dimensions or exclude wheels and handles.
- Ensure the total size complies with airline requirements.
c. Be aware of regional differences
- European, Asian, and Australian airlines often have stricter limits.
- Some airlines allow carry-ons as light as 15 pounds (7 kilograms).
d. Choose lightweight materials
- A heavy suitcase eats into your weight allowance.
- Lighter bags let you pack more essentials without going over the limit.
10. Poor Balance and Stability
a. The annoyance of toppling bags
- Bags that constantly tip over when stationary are a nuisance.
- Unstable luggage can cause frustration, especially in busy airports.
- This is a common issue in four-wheeled, soft-sided luggage.
b. Weight distribution is key
- Uneven weight can lead to instability.
- Packing evenly and choosing a well-designed bag helps prevent tipping.
c. Handle placement impacts balance
- Awkwardly placed handles can cause the bag to lean when lifted.
- Look for handles that are centered and ergonomically placed.
d. What to look for in a stable bag
- Stands upright without support, even when fully loaded.
- Solid construction and thoughtful design enhance stability.
11. Missing TSA-Approved Locks
a. Importance of TSA-approved locks
- TSA locks allow security officers to open and re-lock your suitcase without damaging it.
- They provide security for your belongings while complying with airport regulations.
b. Risks of non-TSA locks or no locks
- Non-approved locks may be cut off during inspections, leaving your bag unsecured.
- Luggage without locks is more susceptible to theft and tampering.
c. Benefits of built-in locks
- Integrated locks eliminate the need for separate padlocks or combination locks.
- Streamlines the security process and reduces the chance of losing small lock keys.
d. Choose reliable lock mechanisms
- Ensure the lock is sturdy and easy to set.
- Avoid cheap locks that might malfunction or be easily broken.
e. Peace of mind during travel
- Knowing your suitcase is securely locked reduces stress.
- Protects your personal items from unauthorized access.
12. Skimping on Warranty and Value
a. Avoid cheap luggage without warranties
- Bargain bags might seem like a good deal but can cost more long-term.
- A good warranty indicates the manufacturer stands behind their product.
b. Best price range for quality
- Luggage between $150 and $300 offers a balance of quality and affordability.
- Higher likelihood of comprehensive warranties in this range.
c. Understand warranty vs. return policy
- Warranty: Covers functional damage over a specified period, including issues with the shell, wheels, zippers, and handles.
- Return Policy: Short-term period (e.g., 100 days) to return unused products, often invalid once the bag has been used.
e. Read the fine print
- Know exactly what’s covered and for how long.
- Ensure the most critical components are included.
13. Buying Based on Looks Alone
a. Function over aesthetics
- A stylish suitcase isn’t helpful if it’s not practical.
- Prioritize features like durability and ease of use over appearance.
b. Avoid emotional purchases
- Don’t be swayed by cute designs that might distract from assessing quality.
- Think about how the suitcase will perform during travel.
c. Test before buying
- If possible, try out the suitcase to ensure it meets your needs.
- Make sure it feels comfortable and has the features you require.
