If you’ve ever stood at the baggage claim area at an airport and said to yourself, “I hope my suitcase make it OK,” then you know the importance of quality luggage. That zippered, strapped, and buckled suitcase holds your trip’s valuables, some of which can’t be replaced.

Atlantic 29″ Graphite Lite2 Suitcase (Model No: 336086902)

If you do notice damage, you should present your luggage and claim checks to the airline’s baggage office immediately. Most airlines have a short time limit for declaring damages although some allow as much as 24–48 hours to file a claim. This is good news for those times you don’t notice damage until you’re unpacking at home or just checked into your hotel. Normal Wear & Tear You might be surprised what airlines consider normal “wear and tear.” Basically, minor cuts/tears and a soiled exterior are considered “normal” and you will not receive compensation or replacement. Other items not covered by most airlines are anything that protrudes from the luggage itself. Wheels Straps Handles Zippers Pockets Name Tags The best protection you can afford your luggage is to purchase a quality product in the first place. Here are some items to look for when shopping for luggage. Frame & Construction Similar to the home you live in, luggage needs a rigid frame to protect its contents and have a long life. Luggage frames can be constructed from any combination of the following types of materials: Fiberglass Wood Aluminum Molded Plastic Components Frames provide inner strength, but must be lightweight. You don’t want your suitcase to weigh a ton even before getting packed. If you’re not sure of the frame’s materials, they are often listed on the luggage tag.

Zippers
After deciding on a frame, take a closer look at the zippers. They should be tough and run both directions very smoothly, and have large zipper pull tabs that are easy to work with. Zippers that are double-stitched (stitched on both sides) are usually very sturdy. Also look for zippers that have been sewn to tapes because they can take a large amount of pressure, and they can be fixed if they pop open.

Carrying Handle
The construction of the carrying handle just might be the most overlooked feature of luggage. That’s because you won’t know how comfortable the handle is until your suitcase is loaded to the hilt! Pick up the empty piece of luggage and take note of the handle’s comfort and the amount of padding on the underside.

Travelpro Crew7 Deluxe Tote (Model No: 407080301)

Wheels
If the wheels on your luggage don’t roll properly, it might be more difficult to transport your suitcase than just using the carrying handle. Inline skate style wheels work best but some luggage uses caster-type wheels that can turn 360-degrees while still rolling. This helps in turning as inline skate wheels are fixed and only roll forwards and backwards.

Some totes are equipped with only two wheels that are assisted with a telescoping handle. To use this feature, raise the handle, lean the luggage towards you, and then start walking. When the handle is collapsed, there is another handle which is comparable to the size and sturdiness of a suitcase handle to transport your luggage or to lift it into the overhead compartment for your flight home.

Still have questions? Feel free to speak to an expert hhgregg sales associate. We offer the best-educated associates in the business who are smart enough to make it simple. Price and Advice Guaranteed!

hhgregg proudly carries the Atlantic and Travelpro lines of luggage.

This entry was posted on Sunday, October 25th, 2009 at 4:37 pm and is filed under Miscellaneous. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.