Luggage Labels

5
Jun

Luggage Labels

How to Choose Luggage

When shopping for luggage, you need to look not only at the price, but at the quality and features of the luggage. Here are some things to consider when buying luggage.

1. Weight: Fiberglass inner frames ensure both strength and light weight. Inner structures may also be made of aluminum, wood, durable molded plastic compounds, or any combination of the above. A weighty frame will make a case heavy even before it's packed. Frame materials are often listed on the luggage tag.

2. Durable construction: Look for taped seams on the zippers (cloth strip) which prevents fraying. On the outside of the bag, joints should be covered with leather, nylon piping, welts to reinforce the seams and absorb wear and tear. Also, seams should be lockstitched -- a method in which each stitch is reinforced, or locked, to stay in place and stand alone. This prevents unraveling.

3. Leather: Leather luggage can be very durable and looks marvelous, but it is often too heavy to be carried even when it's empty. Top-grain or full-grain leather, the outermost layer of the hide, is stronger and more durable than leather made from splits, the layers of hide that are split off from underneath the top grain. Luggage made from splits costs less but is more likely to show wear.

4. Fabric bags: Ballistic nylon is a bit more expensive but worth it. The same bag made of Cordura or Cordura Plus costs less and is still pretty sturdy. Although tweed and brocade bags may appear sturdier than nylon ones, they are slashable and the thicker fabric adds weight.

5. Hard cases: For sheer toughness, the traditional hard cases do best although they will be heavier than the most popular style currently which is a soft-sidded case built on a sturdy frame.

While a hard-sidded shell has the advantage of being resistant to stains and can — if well packed — protect fragile items the corners can crack or dent when they receive severe blows.

6. Vinyl: Vinyl--Vinyl, a moderately priced plastic material, is used for both coverings and trims. Available in a wide range of colors, the material has strong stain-resistance, and can be wiped clean. Vinyl is sometimes treated to resemble leather--check the labeling on the product.

7. Waterproofing: The best all-around fabric is a Cordura or ballistic nylon with a waterproof seal -- most bags are not waterproofed on the outside, but treated on the inside with a moisture-resisting sealant. If you are going camping, rafting, etc., you should look at outdoor supply stores that carry more rugged bags.

8. Zippers: it should be tough and run smoothly. Zippers should also be double-stitched (stitched on both sides of the zipper) and self-repairing or large, very sturdy, and smooth-running. Zippers made of polyester coils that have been woven or sewn to tapes can take a lot of pressure and can be fixed if they pop open. Large zipper pulls are always easier to work with.

9. Handles: Handle construction is crucial -- whatever the style of luggage. Handles that are attached with screws are easier to replace than handles attached with rivets. Handle systems that are inside the bag take less abuse by baggage handlers. However, it does reduce your packing space.

10. Straps: Shoulder straps for duffels and garment bags should be made of wide webbing, and ideally they should be padded where they rest on your shoulders. It should be reinforced with box and cross stitching where it attaches to the bag. Choose a duffel with a shoulder strap in addition to two center handles -- this increases your carrying options for times when you'll need your hands free.

On pullmans, notice where the handles are placed. It is helpful to have both side and top handles, for easier portability. It's equally important for the straps of travel packs to be padded, because they will be resting on your shoulders for long periods of time. Look for a padded waist or hip strap as well, to steady and center the bag on your body. All straps should be adjustable for height and weight.

11. Wheels: The wheels should be spaced as wide apart as possible and they should be recessed into the bag's frame so that it provides some protection for them -- an exposed wheel can be neatly severed from your bag by a pothole, an uneven cobblestone, or a seemingly innocuous curb. Large, sturdy in-line-skate wheels provide the ultimate in rollability and performance. Insist on smooth-rolling wheels that are firmly bolted in place.

About the Author

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I lost Coach bags in my checked-in luggage after I came back from NY JFK. Can police man help this case?

I took Delta (DL705) from NY JFK and transfered in LAX(CI005) back to Taiwan. I found out that there were 3 Coach bags,2 Coach wallets and 2 CK wallets missing. Total value is about USD650. However, I originally packed some clothes in these bags still left in the luggage. Obviously, it must be somebody steal these bags and leave those unuseful stuff to us during inspection process. Bt the way, I also got TSA label on the luggage. Can NY or LA police help this case? Who can I claim for?

You claim is with Delta. They took possession of your luggage when you boarded their flight. It is their responsibility to return your luggage to you - or to pay you the value of your loss.

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