With bags costing anywhere from $30 to $3,000, luggage can be a substantial investment. No matter how much you spend, you'll need your rolling luggage to keep up with you - and your work schedule. There's no such thing as luggage for life, so buy for your current needs and avoid paying for unnecessary frills.
There are four things you'll want to consider when shopping for a new piece of rolling luggage for business travel:
Wheels
Choose from one of the following wheel systems:
- Spinners – Have a 4-wheel system of wheels that can rotate 360 degrees, making it easy to push, pull and otherwise navigate your luggage.
- Oversized Wheels – Two oversized wheels make getting up and over curbs easier. The larger wheels add weight, and may take away some packing capacity, however.
- Inline Skate Wheels - With small, smooth-rolling wheels, this system is standard on most new rolling luggage. Check for softer wheels, which will make for a quieter, smoother ride. Also, make sure the wheels are recessed, as they risk being knocked off if bag is checked.
Handles
Since handles (along with wheels) take the most abuse from travelers, the differences are worth your consideration.
- Dual-Tubed or Single-Tubed Handles - Handles are attached to either one or two posts. If you like to attach a laptop or briefcase to your rolling luggage, choose a dual-tubed system.
- Look for adjustable-height handles, which makes rolling your bag significantly easier.
- To test luggage, extend the handle and jiggle it left and right – the less wobbling the better in terms of sturdiness and therefore, longevity.
- Consider ergonomic handles, or those with a soft grip, particularly if you travel a lot.
Materials
- Hardside:Offering the best protection for valuables, hardsides tend to be more money and less versatile for the business traveler.
- Ballistic Nylons: Much of the higher-end luggage is made in this material, which is a bit heavier, but very durable. These bags may be worth the higher price for serious travelers.
- Nylon: Though not as durable as ballistic nylon, these bags are more than capable of handling your travel. They tend to be very shiny, and are more expensive than polyester.
- Polyester: A large portion of luggage falls into this category, which is a reliable, affordable choice for casual travel.
Optional Features
Some additional features that will make business travel easier include:
- Suiter Systems – Look for a hanging suiter system (hanger clip) within the suitcase instead.
- Organization – Look for inside pockets to help separate your belongings, but be sure they don't take away from packing space.
- Wetpacks – Look for clear plastic inserts for housing liquids, and make sure they are plastic on both sides.
- Locks: - If you want to lock your bag, look for luggage with TSA-approved locks.