For flights and trips: how to choose a good suitcase

The safety of things is something that equally worries both experienced and novice travelers. A high-quality suitcase will help keep your luggage intact. And it does not matter how often you go on a trip – once a year or every month – it is better to give preference to high-class models. They will serve you for years and will make trips much more comfortable. If you enjoy comfort, you can always test your luck anywhere you want with Dragon Slots.

What types of suitcases are there

A suitcase should be chosen based on the purpose and duration of the trip, the season, and the number of people who will use it. Now, the market offers a wide range of suitcases, backpacks, and travel bags, and among this variety, it is sometimes difficult to find a high-quality, durable item. To ensure the suitcase is both convenient and truly protects its contents, you need to approach the choice seriously. When buying, pay attention to the following parameters: 

Suitcase size:

• S – a small suitcase that is perfect for carry-on luggage on an airplane. The standard suitcase size specified in the rules of most airlines is 50x40x20 (23) cm and a volume of up to 45 liters. This is enough for a short business trip for one person.
• M – a suitcase that will have to be checked in as baggage when flying. Typically, its dimensions are approximately 66x47x26 cm and a volume of up to 70 liters. This option is ideal for a week’s trip for one person, and in some cases for a vacation for two. For example, if you don’t have much stuff in general, or you are planning a holiday in the warm season, light summer clothes take up much less space in a suitcase than winter clothes.
• L – the largest suitcase, which is also checked in as baggage. Its size will be approximately 76x52x29 cm and a volume of up to 100 liters. You can safely take such a suitcase on a trip with children on a plane or train – everything will fit. This option is also suitable for a winter vacation in the mountains: even bulky warm clothes and bulky shoes will fit in it without difficulty.

Suitcase body material

The body of a travel suitcase traditionally comes in two types: fabric or impact-resistant plastic. Both options are suitable for traveling by car, train, or plane, but they differ significantly from each other. To understand which luggage is better to buy, pay attention to the material:

• Fabric suitcases are usually made of polyester or nylon. This is the lightest and cheapest option compared to models made of other materials. Its significant advantage is the many outer pockets where you can put documents and small items you need on the road so that they are always at hand. One of the disadvantages is the lack of waterproofing in most suitcases: if you get caught in a downpour, the contents of your luggage risk getting wet. However, this only applies to a polyester body – there are no such problems with nylon. Another important parameter is the density of the fiber weave. A good suitcase should have it at 800 den and higher. If this value is not specified at all, then most likely you have a low-quality suitcase with a density of 300 den.

• ABS plastic is a classic material for a suitcase for traveling by plane or train. On the plus side, ABS suitcases are durable and the cheapest of the plastic ones. But there is also a minus: a suitcase made of this material is not very flexible, so it can crack under strong pressure. To minimize the risk of damage, such a suitcase should be tightly stuffed with things – soft clothing will serve as a shock absorber and protect the plastic case.

• Polycarbonate is also not a very flexible material, but it is much stronger than ABS plastic. Such a suitcase is not afraid of impacts, and there are practically no scratches on it. Thanks to these properties, you can transport equipment in a polycarbonate suitcase and not worry about its safety. Another advantage of this type of luggage is its lightness.

• Polypropylene is the hardest, but at the same time flexible plastic. The elasticity of the case material distinguishes it from competitors: this suitcase is considered the most reliable, resistant to stress, cracks, and scratches. A polypropylene suitcase can withstand pressure up to 300 kilograms, so you can safely check it in as luggage without worrying about the integrity of the contents. Yes, it is a little heavier than a polycarbonate suitcase; however, its wear resistance levels out this disadvantage.