How Do You Travel?
For airplane travel, familiarize yourself with the luggage rules of the airlines you plan to fly on. If you go on road trips, look for bags that are pliable enough to maximize your trunk space. On cruise ships, because baggage is stacked in the boat's belly before departure, we've found that flat, rigid luggage is best. A travel backpack with a rigid back can be useful if you'll need your hands free while walking, and don't mind an informal look.

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How Will You Store Your Luggage?
Once the luggage gets home, where will you put it? Hard-sided bags are the most unforgiving; you can't squeeze them into a storage space. Soft-sided, structured bags have a little forgiveness on the front and back. If you have no place to store a stand-up suitcase, you may want to limit yourself to duffels.

What Size Luggage Do You Need?
This will depend mainly on the length of your trip and, if you're flying, airline luggage restrictions. It also depends on what you'll need while you're away. If you travel for business, you'll need enough room for business attire; for vacations, you'll have more leeway on what to bring.

Carry-On Luggage
Carry-on bags are convenient for air travel because they typically don't have to be checked when you fly. This type of luggage must fit either under a seat or in the overhead compartment. For domestic flights on major carriers, the standard size for carry-on bags is 22x14x9 inches (height x width x depth). Depending on the airline, there may be an inch or so leeway in those dimensions. For international flights (originating or ending outside the U.S.), the size limit is generally smaller than for domestic flights.

Measure the height of your luggage from the floor to the top of the handle in its lowered position. (If your luggage has wheels, they count toward the overall height.) Depth is measured from front to back (including the handle in the back), and width from side to side.

If you fly on different carriers, you'll have to decide whether you want to buy several carry-on bags to conform to the various size restrictions or use one carry-on that meets the most restrictive rules. But even rule-abiding luggage isn't a guarantee that your bags won't be relegated to the plane's cargo hold, because the flight crew can impose further restrictions, even after boarding has begun.

Keep in mind that if you carry spare lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries or power banks and chargers for your electronic devices, federal airline safety rules require you to keep them in your carry-on. Just be sure to place them in their original packaging, or cover their contacts with nonmetallic tape, to prevent short circuits. Check the Federal Aviation Administration's rules for more info.

CR's rigorous tests of popular hard-shell carry-on luggage reveal that a high-priced suitcase might not always be the best choice.

Personal Item Bag

A personal item bag has to fit underneath the seat in front of you on a plane. This category includes briefcases, tote bags, camera bags, laptop bags, and small backpacks. But you can get the most out of your allowed personal item if you buy a bag specifically designed for this purpose.

Often these bags contain compartments for your passport, , pen, and wallet, as well as a padded section for a laptop and a main section for clothes and overnight essentials. Many of these underseat bags can serve you well for a one- to two-day trip. There is no standard size for these bags. For U.S. domestic flights, the typical measurement is 18x14x8 inches; some airlines don't specify dimensions but say the bag must fit under your seat. Small weekender bags fit the bill here, as do some travel backpacks.

Whether a personal item fits under the seat can vary even within the same aircraft. Aisle seats are notorious for having the least room underneath. Before you shop, review the under-the-seat specifications for various airlines. You can also check the aircraft's guidelines for onboard pet carriers'a reasonable proxy for underseat clearance.

Checked Luggage
Any suitcase larger than carry-on size must be checked. The most common size options are 24 to 30 inches in height. You can find suitcases as tall as 36 inches, but check with your carrier for size limits. There's usually a weight limit, with extra fees applied for excess weight per bag.

Checked-bag fees are common on major airlines' domestic flights. They can run $30 for one bag, $40 for a second, and $150 for a third. (United Airlines, for example, charges $35 and $45 for the first and second bag, respectively, but shaves off $5 per bag if the fees are prepaid.) Budget airlines such as Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit also charge for carry-ons, with prices ranging from $25 to $100. You may be charged more if you wait to pay at the airport. Southwest is unique in allowing two free checked bags.

What you pay in checked-bag fees also may depend on your class of service. American Airlines, for instance, charges $75 for each bag checked by passengers using Basic Economy fares on many international flights. But it charges nothing for passengers flying the next class up, Main Cabin.

Aside from paying a higher fare, you may be able to avoid bag fees by purchasing your ticket with the airline's branded credit card. Or if you often fly on one airline, see whether it offers an annual subscription plan for checked bags.

Soft-sided luggage continues to dominate the market, but hard-shell is quickly gaining popularity because of newer lightweight materials.

Hard-Shell Luggage
Today's hard-shell, or hard-sided, luggage is often made of high-tech plastics, such as polyethylene, ABS, and polycarbonate, which are lightweight and durable. ABS is lighter, but polycarbonate is more durable. The most durable, but also the heaviest, is aluminum. Hard-shell luggage often features a 50/50-split opening, allowing you to pack two sides equally and stabilize the contents with an X-strap, a middle divider, or both. A few hard-shell carry-ons recently tested by Consumer Reports expand in the middle with zippers and heavy fabric. Note: Because hard-shell bags close like a clamshell, you need double the surface space to open these. Most hard-sides are built this way, but some on the market have a top-lid opening.

Pros: These are best for protecting breakable contents; those with integrated locks also offer better security. Hard-shell luggage stacks easily, making it ideal for cruise ships, because luggage is typically stacked in the belly of the boat before departure. If you tend to overpack, a hard-shell piece will rein you in. There's no chance of overstuffing it'though if you need added room, an expandable model is useful.

Cons: These can scuff and scratch easily. Also, few hard-shell suitcases have outside pockets. A hard-shell carry-on that has been expanded might not fit in an airline's carry-on sizer, or in the plane's overhead bin.

Soft-Sided Luggage
Soft-sided luggage is made of fabrics that yield, usually a woven nylon fabric, such as Cordura or ballistic nylon. Ballistic is the shinier of the two and over time can abrade, but abrasions will not compromise the strength of the fabric. Cordura is a little softer and abrasion-resistant, and preferable for an over-the-shoulder bag. If you consider a suitcase made of ripstop nylon, or 'parachute material,' make sure that it is a high-denier fabric, which means it's more durable.

Pros: These suitcases are usually lighter in weight than hard-shell suitcases, and often are expandable. They can flex and compress to conform to tight spaces, such as a plane's overhead bin'sometimes even when expanded. This flexibility also enables you to squeeze in an extra outfit. These could also be easier to pack into a car trunk and store at home.

Cons: They're not as protective as hard-shell suitcases, and they're vulnerable to ripping.

Wheeled suitcases make up at least two-thirds of all luggage sales today. If you plan on rolling your own luggage, your first decision is whether to buy a two-wheeler or a four-wheeler. 

Two-Wheel Luggage
Suitcases with two wheels, also called rollers, utilize the same type of wheels found on in-line skates'they roll only forward and backward, not side to side. The suitcase rolls behind you as you pull it from the extending handle.

Pros: Wheels are recessed, which protects them from snapping off during rough handling. For city trips, two-wheelers are better than four-wheelers for clearing curbs and rolling on uneven surfaces, such as sidewalks or cobblestones.

Cons: Some travelers complain that the dragging position causes shoulder, wrist, or back pain. Also, it can be cumbersome to drag a two-wheeler in a crowded space because you need clearance between yourself and the bag. Plus, the recessed wheels take up valuable space in the bag's interior packing area.

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Four-Wheel Luggage
Also called spinners, four-wheeled bags have wheels that each swivel 360 degrees. You can push them, pull them, wheel them alongside yourself, and turn them in any direction.

Pros: Spinners are easier to navigate in tight spaces. A heavy or large suitcase may also be easier to manage with four wheels because, unlike two-wheelers, you don't have to drag the suitcase. Ergonomically, the spinner is a better choice than the roller because it does not put stress on your shoulder.

Cons: Wheels are externally mounted, not recessed, so they are vulnerable to snapping off. (Wheels attached with screws are more secure than those with rivets, according to experts.) Carry-ons with spinner wheels may have less room inside than those with recessed wheels because the maximum allowable dimensions include the wheels. A spinner won't remain stationary on an incline; you have to hold on to it or lay it on its side.

No-Wheel Luggage
You might want to forgo wheels under these circumstances:

' To ensure the maximum possible interior volume for your luggage. Wheels and handles eat into the space of a bag.

' You expect to take your bag on bumpy, rough, sandy, or icy surfaces, where wheels are difficult to manage.

' You won't have to ever handle your own luggage'for instance, on a luxury tour.

If you shop at a walk-in store, use the following tips to make sure a piece of luggage is right for you. If you order online, carefully read the description and warranty information on the website, and as soon as you receive the item, run it through these same tests.

Break Out the Tape Measure
Ignore tags, labels, or promotions that proclaim 'official carry-on luggage.' Although for domestic flights on major carriers, your carry-on can't be larger than 22x14x9 inches, there's no regulation that otherwise dictates carry-on size'airlines impose their own restrictions, and the limits can vary among airlines and even among aircraft. Know the rules of the airlines you plan to fly. Measure the dimensions yourself and make sure the measurements account for all parts, including outer pouches, wheels, and handles.

Hold That Handle
Check the wrist angle and the feel of the grip on the suitcase's handle. For maximum durability, the handle should have little to no wiggling or rattling as you pull the bag. Also, check for smooth movement as you pull it up and retract it.

Wheel It Around
The suitcase's wheels should roll smoothly and stay in place. Gently jiggle the wheels with your hands to make sure they are firmly attached.

Check the Interior Capacity
The outside measurements of the suitcase are important, but don't forget to consider how roomy the inside is. This can be difficult to do because many manufacturers don't disclose the suitcase's interior volume. (Consumer Reports does, in our hard-shell carry-on ratings.) Look for these features that maximize interior space.

' Squared edges: Curved corners cut space.
' Integrated outer compartments: Outside zip compartments should be on the same geometric plane as the main part of the bag'protrusions waste space. Keep in mind, though, that stuffed outer compartments may mean less space inside the bag.
' No wheels or handles: If you really need to make the most of every interior inch, forgo wheels and handles. They reduce total packable space.

Check the Warranty and Return Policy
If you want a bag for the long haul, get the one with the best manufacturer's warranty. A lifetime warranty to repair or replace the bag is, of course, the best option. Check the warranty for specific requirements, such as exclusions for when an airline damages your suitcase. Briggs & Riley, for example, has a generous guarantee. It'll repair all functional (not cosmetic) aspects of its bags for each bag's lifetime, even if you no longer have your receipt and didn't register your luggage with the company. Away, with a limited lifetime warranty (there are exclusions), lets you "gently test" its bags for up to 100 days, and then return them, unused, for your money back.

Luggage Shell Materials: Hardside and Softside. Types

Luggage shell materials must be strong enough to protect your possessions while resisting the wear and tear associated with frequent travel. The quest for modern luggage that features the toughest, most durable, and most lightweight luggage material has led to fierce debates that often require explanation ' few travelers fully understand the pros and cons of polypropylene vs. polycarbonate, for instance.

To help you choose the right luggage material for your needs, we've put together this guide to different bag materials, with commentary on the pros and cons of each.

Hard-Side vs. Soft-Side

To start, let's take a brief look at the two broadest categories of luggage: hard-side and soft-side.

• Hard-side luggage has a rigid protective shell made from materials such as ABS, polycarbonate, or polypropylene. Hardside luggage materials offer maximum protection for suitcase contents and can withstand rough baggage handling. While stronger than most soft-side bags, hard-side luggage can be more difficult to fit into crowded overhead compartments, as you cannot compress the bags to fit in small spaces. 
• Soft-side luggage, in contrast, is made from nylon, polyester, canvas, or other flexible materials. Soft-side bags are not as rigid than hard-side suitcases but are easier to stow as carry-on.

Hard Side: Polypropylene (PP)

Polypropylene (PP) is a hard hydrocarbon resin made from propylene, a petroleum byproduct. Polypropylene is a little less rigidity as other hard-side luggage materials, but it does have some advantages:

Polypropylene Luggage Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Lightest hard-side luggage material
• Well-suited for frequent use
• Chemical and temperature resistant
• Waterproof
• Crack-resistant

Polypropylene Luggage Cons

• Not as rigid as polycarbonate bags
• The color can degrade when exposed to UV light

Comparing Polypropylene vs. Polycarbonate

When comparing polypropylene vs. polycarbonate bags such as the Platinum® Elite Medium Check-In Hardside Spinner, it's important to remember that while polypropylene is lighter, polycarbonate is the sturdier choice. A polycarbonate suitcase may cost more but will offer more rigid protection.

Hardside: Polycarbonate (PC)

Polycarbonate is an extremely tough polyester compound used to make over 40% of hard-side luggage. While heavier than polypropylene and ABS suitcases, polycarbonate bags are flexible and highly resistant to cracks. The Maxlite® Air Medium Check-In Hardside Spinner is an excellent example of a polycarbonate suitcase.

Polycarbonate Pros

• Moderately priced
• Strong and durable
• Water resistant
• Flexible
• Crack, scratch, and impact resistant
• Lightweight

Polycarbonate Cons

• Not as flexible as soft-side luggage
• Higher price than polypropylene luggage
• More difficult to repair if damaged
• Heavier than polypropylene and ABS bags

Hard Side: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, a petroleum byproduct. ABS is a popular luggage material that accounts for almost 30% of hard-side suitcases. ABS is suggested for infrequent travel, as the material is durable but can suffer damage when exposed to high temperatures or rough handling.

ABS Luggage Pros

• Attractive price
• Lightweight
• Rigid
• Water resistant

Aluminum Cons

• Heaviest of the hard-side luggage materials
• Plastic wheels, handles, and other elements may break
• Most expensive hard-side luggage option
• Quality and appearance may attract unwanted attention
• Will get dented up or show character from their travels

Soft Side: Polyester

Polyester soft side bags are popular due to their lightweight, flexible, and durable nature. Polyester bags typically have Deniers scores of 600D to 900D (One Deniers is a unit of textile measurement. A higher Denier indicates stronger fabrics made from thicker threads). When treated with DuraGuard® coating, polyester suitcases such as the Maxlite® 5 21" Carry-On Spinner are water and scuff resistant. Oxford cloth is a polyester woven in a slightly different pattern, sometimes used for soft-side luggage.

Soft Side: Nylon

Nylon bags resist tears and abrasion better than polyester. Nylon tends to have a lower Deniers range than polyester but is nonetheless stronger. The Platinum® Elite Medium Check-In Spinneris an excellent example of a high-density nylon bag.

Two variants of nylon are often used to make bags. Ballistic nylon has a thicker, heavier thread than regular nylon and is the most durable fabric used to create soft-side luggage. Backpacks, which need extra resistance, are often made with ballistic nylon. Cordura, a similar nylon product, uses nylon threads that are D thickness.

Soft Side: Leather

Leather was a popular choice for luggage in the s. Today, however, leather has lost ground to more effective luggage materials, and today is mostly used for handbags, duffel bags, and backpacks.

Leather can last for decades if properly cared for, but it has some definite drawbacks. Leather is heavier than other soft-side luggage materials and soaks up water if it gets wet, causing unsightly stains.

Soft Side: Canvas

Canvas is made from cotton or hemp and is often used for backpacks and duffle bags. The organic material used to make canvas makes canvas bags less weatherproof than nylon or polyester bags. Exposure to dampness can result in canvas rotting, and the material is heavier than nylon and polyester. On the plus side, canvas is extremely durable when cared for properly.

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