Features of suitcases for carry-on luggage
In the process of planning a trip, you need to think through a huge number of points in order for your vacation to be a success. Passengers wishing to find the most convenient suitcase for the cabin of the aircraft should carefully study all the requirements and advice of the airlines. The fact is that if before each company could establish its own rules and regulations, now there is an international regulation that defines the general requirements for transported items. In order to choose a high-quality suitcase that fits all criteria, it is worth exploring many nuances, including the material of manufacture and the dimensions of the accessory.
Primary requirements
The first thing you need to pay attention to when choosing such an item - it should fit easily on the top shelf... These requirements apply to all carry-on suitcases, backpacks and travel bags. If the size is at least a few centimeters higher than the allowable norm, the customs service will not allow such an item to enter the aircraft cabin. The advantages of hand luggage are that it is not necessary to carry out packing of such baggage, since it is entered and taken out by the passengers themselves.
Small bags usually do not attract the attention of airport employees, but if a passenger tries to carry a large suitcase instead of carry-on luggage, they will not let him in. In the best case scenario, he will be asked to pay for additional carry-on baggage, which will result in the cost of the ticket. The main reason is that the cost of luggage is significantly higher upon boarding than during the check-in process.
Each modern airport has special frames that allow you to measure the dimensions of your carry-on suitcase and make sure that the customs service will let it through, and the airline representatives will not mind. If the bag does not pass, then you will need to check it in, which will also result in significant expenses.
In order to prevent the occurrence of such emergency situations, it is necessary to take such steps.
- Attentively study the rules of the airline, on the plane of which the trip is planned.
- If a person is constantly on the move, then it is best to buy a suitcase for carry-on luggage, which meets the standards of most air carriers.
- You can also buy special travel bagwith a set of belts for sizing.
- Before each flight, it is imperative to weigh your carry-on baggage and make sure that weight is suitable for the standards set by the air carrier... If the difference in weight is minimal, then some things can be put in pockets or a personal bag.
Passengers traveling in premium class can take one more extra bag with them on the plane.
According to the established norms, the height of a suitcase for carry-on luggage cannot be more than 55 cm.In this case, the width of such an item is 40 cm, and the height is 20 cm.
Some airlines may change these norms upwards, however, most low-cost carriers usually impose the most stringent baggage requirements in order to offer the purchase of additional space.
Before flying, you must go to the airline's website and get all the necessary information about the permissible dimensions and weight of hand luggage. Most of them write information about the amount of baggage on the ticket or on boarding passes.
Flight suitcases that are used as carry-on baggage can weigh up to 5 kg. At the same time, some airlines, at their discretion, can change these indicators up to 7 or 10 kg. Today, there are several reasons why the airline limits the weight of baggage that can be carried on the aircraft:
- the main factor is permissible vehicle load weight, which takes into account the weight of all things in the liner;
- shelves for carry-on luggage have their own dimensions, so you need to make sure that the suitcase will fit there;
- the owner must place the carry-on baggage on the top bunk of the aircraft on one's own, and not every person can cope with a large mass.
It should be noted that in addition to hand luggage, according to the law, other items can be carried on board at no additional charge. Among them are a woman's handbag, flowers, a laptop, an umbrella, outerwear, a baby carriage and items bought in duty-free.
Species overview
In specialized stores, you can find a huge number of hand luggage suitcases, which differ in their appearance, cost, material of manufacture, additional functions and other parameters. Thanks to this, each person can choose the most optimal option for himself, which will fully meet his needs and wishes.
By material
In order to choose a convenient suitcase for carry-on luggage, you should pay attention not only to the appearance and cost of the product. The material used in the production process is extremely important. It should be chosen not only based on personal preference, but also depending on the purpose of the trip and the location.
- There are many carry-on suitcases made from fabric on the market today. It should be noted that this material is rather difficult to clean and gets dirty quickly, which makes it not very suitable for frequent travel. After almost every trip, you have to use dry cleaning services to return the product to its attractive appearance.On sale you can find models that are made of lightweight textiles with water-repellent properties, but such products are extremely expensive, and this is impractical.
The main advantage of fabric suitcases is that they are lightweight, and if necessary, they can be adjusted to a certain size. It is from the fabric that the lightest suitcases for carry-on luggage are made.
- One of the most unpretentious and practical materials to maintain is plastic. Its main advantage is that for cleaning it is enough to wipe it with a rag. Many passengers are worried that such suitcases will not be able to boast of durability, however, on the market today you can find models made of impact-resistant plastic, which allows the product not to lose its attractive appearance and reliability, even with active use.
It is worth noting that such a suitcase is much more expensive than fabric options, however, it is quite difficult to damage it. The only drawback is that plastic products weigh a lot and are easily scratched, so you need to be extremely careful in operation.
- Leather suitcases, which are usually chosen by wealthy people, are real classics. Such items are quite expensive, they can boast of an attractive appearance, but at the same time they are not characterized by practicality of use. Moisture or other weather conditions can deteriorate the leather, and as a result, the product loses its attractiveness.
In appearance
Most of the models for adults are made in a classic form and practically do not differ in anything. However, you can also find many children's models on the market, decorated with interesting drawings in the form of fairy-tale characters, cartoon characters and TV shows. As for the color scheme, today travel bags are offered in almost any color, so that everyone can choose the most optimal option for themselves.
It is best to give preference to dark tones, which practically do not get dirty, and stains are not visible on them in rainy weather.
For carry-on luggage, it is best to choose suitcases without wheels, since they take up the useful volume during the height measurement. If you cannot carry it in your hand, then it is best to give preference to a backpack that distributes the load on both shoulders and thereby greatly simplifies the task.
Rating of the best models
There are a huge number of models on the modern market that differ in their functionality, material of manufacture, and other nuances. Among the most popular and demanded models are the following.
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IKEA "Starttid". This small travel bag (50x40x20 cm) boasts a low cost, but at the same time there is a rigid steel frame and a cover included in the kit, so you can take it with you wherever you go. That is why this model is perfect for flights and use as hand luggage. Its peculiarity lies in its low weight, which is only 1 kg, which favorably distinguishes the model from the background of others. After a trip, this bag is easy to store, as it can be folded, and it will take up a minimum of space. To ensure the most comfortable transportation, there are sliding handles and wheels, and on the outside there is a pocket. The only drawback of the model is the possibility of breakage of fragile wheels.
- Verage GM17026W18.5 - This is a full-fledged suitcase (55x40x20 cm) for travel, the weight of which is just over 2 kg, and the capacity is 27 liters. The main advantage is that there is a special slider with which you can increase the usable volume.For the production of this model, heavy-duty polyester was used, and the wheels are made of polyurethane, which ensures maximum reliability and durability of the product. The presence of a combination lock is intended to ensure the security of the content.
- American Tourister Summer Voyager - a fabric suitcase, which differs in dimensions that are standard for such items and boasts a code lock. On the outside, there is a spacious pocket, and there is also a large compartment for storing various accessories, which is extremely important for frequent travel. With a laconic design, the model boasts a well-thought-out design, as well as impressive spaciousness. The only drawback is that there is no side holder, so the model may not suit some categories of citizens.
- BAUDET... A bright product with a polypropylene body. The main feature of the model is that two holders are installed here, leaving from different sides. During operation, they do not make noise and come out smoothly, which makes use as comfortable as possible. The interior is divided into several sections, so you can keep clothes and accessories separate from each other. There is also an additional compartment in the lid, which is insulated with a partition. Elastic and flexible plastic was used as the main material, which guarantees the safety of the suitcase even with high pressure on it.
- CRASH BAGGAGE Cabin Black. One of the most interesting models of the Italian company, which is quite expensive, but at the same time looks like it. Close attention has been paid to the departments dedicated to storing various accessories. The total useful volume of the model is 40 liters. There is a special telescopic handle, as well as silent double wheels and fasteners, which greatly simplifies the process of using the product. The presence of special elastic bands guarantees the convenience of placing things.
- Samsonite Cosmolite FL 2. This suitcase is called one of the lightest in the world. Despite its impressive dimensions, the product weighs only 3 kg. This result was achieved thanks to the use of an innovative material, which is a type of polypropylene. The ratio of minimum weight and maximum resistance to mechanical stress makes this model the optimal solution for very frequent trips.
Secrets of choice
In order for the selected suitcase to meet the needs, close attention is paid to the selection process. Some of the points to consider before buying are the following.
- It is best to give preference specialized suitcases, which were originally manufactured for use as carry-on luggage. They are usually manufactured to specific standards, so they can be easily stowed in the luggage compartment in the aircraft cabin.
- If you are buying a bag or backpack, then you should make sure adjusting elements available... The fact is that in the process of filling and stowing things, such objects can change their size, and the belts will help to compress them and go through control.
- Before starting the flight, you must examine the website of the air carrier and make sure the suitcase is suitable for its size and weight. It is best to focus on the indicators indicated on the ticket.
- When buying a suitcase, it is better to give preference to those sellers which offer the option of returning an item. After receiving the product, it is necessary to fill it and make sure that all items can be easily placed and removed from it.
- If you are taking a transit flight, you should make sure that both airlines offer the same terms.
- Most people think that quality plastic suitcases should be as strong and rigid as possible, but in reality this is not the case. The only exceptions are models made of titanium shavings and characterized by incredible resistance to mechanical damage. Decent plastic suitcases, however, have a little flexibility, so they can't crack under a little pressure.
- Almost all fabric suitcases on the market feature radial zippers, which make it possible, if necessary, to increase the size and add a few extra centimeters, which is sometimes extremely important when using a suitcase for carry-on luggage. Plastic options cannot boast of such a function, therefore, before purchasing, you should make sure that such problems will not arise.
- No need to search for carry-on luggage suitcase with combination lock, since it is usually always in the hand or in the field of view of the wearer. However, if you plan to leave it unattended at the hotel, you can also select code options.
- When examining, you must be extremely careful, as no suitcase fittings should raise any suspicion or appear to be unreliable. Having a slight kink in the wrong place can be huge travel hassle. Such a suitcase cannot boast of durability, as well as resistance to mechanical damage.
- It is better to refuse bright models., as research shows that they attract too much attention, which can negatively affect safety. In addition, stains and dirt are easy to spot on such a model.
For the rules for carrying hand luggage, see the following video.