When you want to travel quickly without all the extra fees and hassle, carry-on luggage is definitely the way to go. However, with all the options available, it can be tricky to find the right carry-on style. According to frequent flyers, there are a few things people specifically need to look for when shopping for carry-on luggage.
Materials
Of course one of the first things to decide is whether one should get a traditional soft-sided bag or a hardshell bag. Picking the best option relies mostly on a person’s unique priorities. Soft-sided bags tend to let people fit in a little more when they really need to stuff their suitcase full. Though they are not as flexible, hard-shell bags are useful because they keep the items in a suitcase from being crushed.
Size
Keep in mind that all airlines are not obligated to let passengers carry on a bag just because they bought it in the carry-on section. The majority of domestic flights in the U.S. allow for luggage smaller than 22″ x 14″ x 9″, but many international flights only allow bags under 21 inches in height. Check with the airline before flying to make sure a bag will fit.
Wheel Style
Like some of the other factors of carry-on luggage, wheel style ultimately depends on personal preference. Those who want to quickly weave through airport crowds should look for suitcases with four multi-directional wheels. People who want every last inch of space that the airline will allow them may want to pick cases with just two wheels since this leaves them more space for holding belongings.
Pocket Options
Too many pockets add unnecessary bulk, but it can be quite difficult to find items in a suitcase that is just one big container. Experts recommend that the best number of pockets is somewhere between one to four. Look for options that have at least one exterior pocket and possibly a few interior pockets for sorting.