Carry-on bags are small pieces of luggage for taking on board with you when flying on a plane. These smaller bags are easier to handle than their larger counterparts. And they have the added advantages of letting you save on check in fees, bypassing the backup at the airport's baggage claim, and letting you keep your important personal belongings with you at all times.
There are so many different types and styles of these bags available that the decision of which one to get can be very confusing, even for the most experienced of travelers.
Here are 3 important points to consider to help you in your search of the right bag for your needs.
1. Ease of Transport
Think about how much you will be handling your own bag on your trip. Luggage types vary considerable in how easy they are to carry and maneuver. So consider how much you want to, and are able to, carry your own bag. This will help determine such things as whether you want a piece with wheels or without, and whether you prefer a design that has handles, a shoulder strap, or back straps.
- The most versatile and popular styles are those with wheels. They are easy to maneuver through long airport terminals and hotel halls, without your having to directly carry all that weight. They come in classic two-wheeled type, or four-wheeled spinner type. Some people prefer spinners as they can turn 360 degrees, and are pulled along in upright position, relieving some of the wrist and arm stress. Others prefer 2 wheeled as they are less prone to losing balance and tipping over, as when going down a curb or quickly changing direction.
- If you are strong and don't mind hand carrying the weight of a filled bag, then you might choose a duffle type bag with no wheels. These tend to be both lighter weight and offer more space for the same outer dimensions because they don't have the hardware of wheels and a retracting handle.
- Those with strong backs or who are used to carrying day packs might prefer a back pack style bag. These offer the convenience of wearing them across the back, and leaving your hands free for balance, other bags, or for those fun purchases you make along the way.
2. Type and Length of Travel
You'll also want to consider the types of trips you usually take. Although carry-ons are ideal for air travel, they also are a nice size to keep near you when traveling by bus, boat, or train. Will you be traveling for business or pleasure? How long are your trips? Do you need to pack dress clothes as well as casual? And of course, what are the specific carry-on bag measurement and fee guidelines for the airline you typically travel with?
- For overnight or other short durations trips where not much needs to be packed, a small suitcase or duffel bag with or without wheels could work well.
- For longer trips or when you will be packing more due to needing suits or formal attire, then you might want a garment bag. Some carry-on styles are actually a folded garment bag on wheels, or the piece comes with a small detachable garment bag inside.
3. What You'll Be Packing
The small dimensions of carry-ons require that you pack diligently, especially if you aren't taking any other luggage pieces. So you'll want to consider what types of items you'll be bringing on your trip, and specifically, what items you'll want access to during the flight. Bags come with a variety of different features that can meet your individual needs. Here are some examples:
- When traveling with a laptop, look for a bag with a special laptop sleeve. This provides added protection as well as easy access for pulling it out on the plane as well as at airport security.
- Camera equipment and other electronic gear do best in bags that have special padded compartments for both safeguarding as well as organization.
- Look for bags with convenient interior and exterior pockets and areas that can help keep your items separate, organized, and easy to locate. Also look for those which meet your individual packing needs such as water proof area, eyeglass case, hook for house and car keys, or matching detachable day bag.
There are so many different types and styles of these bags available that the decision of which one to get can be very confusing, even for the most experienced of travelers.
Here are 3 important points to consider to help you in your search of the right bag for your needs.
1. Ease of Transport
Think about how much you will be handling your own bag on your trip. Luggage types vary considerable in how easy they are to carry and maneuver. So consider how much you want to, and are able to, carry your own bag. This will help determine such things as whether you want a piece with wheels or without, and whether you prefer a design that has handles, a shoulder strap, or back straps.
- The most versatile and popular styles are those with wheels. They are easy to maneuver through long airport terminals and hotel halls, without your having to directly carry all that weight. They come in classic two-wheeled type, or four-wheeled spinner type. Some people prefer spinners as they can turn 360 degrees, and are pulled along in upright position, relieving some of the wrist and arm stress. Others prefer 2 wheeled as they are less prone to losing balance and tipping over, as when going down a curb or quickly changing direction.
- If you are strong and don't mind hand carrying the weight of a filled bag, then you might choose a duffle type bag with no wheels. These tend to be both lighter weight and offer more space for the same outer dimensions because they don't have the hardware of wheels and a retracting handle.
- Those with strong backs or who are used to carrying day packs might prefer a back pack style bag. These offer the convenience of wearing them across the back, and leaving your hands free for balance, other bags, or for those fun purchases you make along the way.
2. Type and Length of Travel
You'll also want to consider the types of trips you usually take. Although carry-ons are ideal for air travel, they also are a nice size to keep near you when traveling by bus, boat, or train. Will you be traveling for business or pleasure? How long are your trips? Do you need to pack dress clothes as well as casual? And of course, what are the specific carry-on bag measurement and fee guidelines for the airline you typically travel with?
- For overnight or other short durations trips where not much needs to be packed, a small suitcase or duffel bag with or without wheels could work well.
- For longer trips or when you will be packing more due to needing suits or formal attire, then you might want a garment bag. Some carry-on styles are actually a folded garment bag on wheels, or the piece comes with a small detachable garment bag inside.
3. What You'll Be Packing
The small dimensions of carry-ons require that you pack diligently, especially if you aren't taking any other luggage pieces. So you'll want to consider what types of items you'll be bringing on your trip, and specifically, what items you'll want access to during the flight. Bags come with a variety of different features that can meet your individual needs. Here are some examples:
- When traveling with a laptop, look for a bag with a special laptop sleeve. This provides added protection as well as easy access for pulling it out on the plane as well as at airport security.
- Camera equipment and other electronic gear do best in bags that have special padded compartments for both safeguarding as well as organization.
- Look for bags with convenient interior and exterior pockets and areas that can help keep your items separate, organized, and easy to locate. Also look for those which meet your individual packing needs such as water proof area, eyeglass case, hook for house and car keys, or matching detachable day bag.
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