How to Pick the Perfect Carry On Bag?

Answer 1

Frequent travelers have long known that the only way to assure that their baggage arrives with them is to carry it on the plane themselves. This arrangement also avoids the time needed to check and claim bags as well as the checked bag fees that are increasingly being imposed on travelers. Ultimately, this requires travelers to choose the perfect carry-on bag for their flight.

The ideal carry-on has to meet the maximum size requirements that the airlines have imposed, typically 22” in height, 14” inches in width, and 9” in depth. The next most important factor will be portability. Two durable wheels are a must, with four wheels, one on each corner being the latest innovation. These four wheel equipped bags, often called spinners, allow luggage to be wheeled sideways down the narrow aisles of airplanes.

Other features that you should look for include exterior pockets. The ideal bag will have a small pocket for paperwork, cell phones, and other small items, and a larger pocket for a laptop computer. Another great feature is an expandable section that uses a zipper. In this way, the carry on can be easily closed, and then compressed. Alternatively, the carry-on can be checked in its oversized configuration. Other features to look for include reinforced corners and plastic bash guards where the back of the suitcase would encounter stairs. Ironically, the carry-on does not need to be made extremely durable as this is the one bag that is unlikely to be thrown around by baggage handlers or subject to other types of abuse. Of course, having a warranty is always a good idea. Finally, passengers are usually allowed a smaller carry-on called a “personal item” that fits below the seat in front of them. Women often carry a purse, and all passengers could consider a small backpack in order to maximize their space.

By choosing the perfect carry on, you can avoid the hassles and expense of checked baggage while maximizing the amount of possessions you are able to take with you.