Business Travel: Choosing The Right Luggage

When it comes to business travel luggage, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, you'll want something durable that can withstand the rigours of frequent travel. Secondly, a range of compartments and pockets can help you stay organised and ensure easy access to essential items. Finally, lightweight construction and smooth-rolling wheels will make your luggage easy to manoeuvre through airports and train stations.

- Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On: This softside suitcase scored top marks for its sturdy and weather-resistant material, generous capacity, compact design and smooth-rolling wheels. It also features compression straps, a USB port, accessory pockets and a water-resistant toiletry bag.

- Away The Bigger Carry-On: Away's polycarbonate shell suitcases are lightweight, highly functional and well-priced. The Bigger Carry-On offers a bit of extra packing space and features quiet, easy-to-use wheels, an underside grab handle and a laundry bag.

- Samsonite Freeform Carry-On: This is a solid choice for international trips thanks to its size (it fits most overhead bins), great storage capacity and reasonable price. It's also lightweight and expandable by one inch.

- Monos Carry-On Pro Plus: This hardside option features a hefty, durable polycarbonate shell and a versatile design. It has TSA-approved locks, quiet wheels, vegan leather accents and a built-in front compartment for easy access to essentials.

- Travelpro Maxlite 5: At just over five pounds, this is an excellent lightweight option. Its polyester exterior is flexible yet maintains a classic, structured shape. It also features smooth-rolling wheels and a comfortable, ergonomic handle.

- Rimowa Original Cabin: Rimowa is a well-known German luggage brand, recognised for its craftsmanship and innovation. The Original Cabin features a high-end anodized aluminium exterior and a lifetime guarantee that covers any damage. An impressive interior compression system allows you to pack in at least a week's worth of clothing.

- Lipault Plume Cabin Size Spinner: This softside suitcase stands out for its sophisticated nylon shell and padded side handles for easy lifting. It's slightly smaller than average, making it ideal for short weekend getaways.

- Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus: Paravel is known for its stylish, sustainable luggage made from recycled materials. The Aviator Carry-On Plus offers smooth wheels, a comfortable handle grip, a compression board and a laundry bag.

Hard-sided or soft-sided luggage

When it comes to luggage, you have two main options: hard-sided or soft-sided. Both have their pros and cons, so it's important to consider your travel needs and preferences when choosing between the two. Here are some key points to help you decide which type of luggage is best for you:

Hard-Sided Luggage:

• Durability and Security: Hard-sided luggage offers more protection for your belongings and is less likely to be slashed open by thieves. It also provides a rigid structure that prevents compression, making it ideal for transporting fragile items.
• Interior Storage Space: Hard-sided luggage typically features a "butterfly" opening with two separate compartments on each side of the zipper, making it easier to pack and unpack. It also has a designated space for small items, such as a laptop or toiletries.
• Wheels and Maneuverability: Hard-sided luggage almost always comes with four spinner wheels, which allow for easy maneuverability in crowded spaces and uneven terrain.
• Weight: Hard-sided luggage tends to be heavier than soft-sided luggage, which can be a consideration when packing to meet airline weight restrictions.
• Cleaning and Maintenance: Hard-sided luggage is generally easier to clean and maintain. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth or a mild cleaning product is usually sufficient.
• Price: Hard-sided luggage is typically more expensive than soft-sided options.

Soft-Sided Luggage:

• Durability and Security: Soft-sided luggage is more flexible and less likely to crack or dent during rough handling. However, it may be more prone to scratches, stains, and theft due to its non-rigid construction.
• Interior Storage Space: Soft-sided luggage usually has one large compartment with fewer dividers, making it easier to pack bulky or oddly shaped items. It also often features exterior pockets for quick access to essential items.
• Wheels and Maneuverability: Soft-sided luggage may have spinner wheels, but it more commonly has two inline wheels, which offer better stability on rough surfaces. Inline wheels also have the advantage of not rolling away when stopped on an incline.
• Weight: Soft-sided luggage is generally lighter than hard-sided luggage, giving you more flexibility with packing weight.
• Price: Soft-sided luggage is usually more affordable and offers a wider range of budget-friendly models.

Ultimately, the decision between hard-sided and soft-sided luggage depends on your personal preferences, travel plans, and packing style. If you prioritise durability and manoeuvrability, hard-sided luggage may be the better option. On the other hand, if you value versatility, ease of packing, and a larger interior, soft-sided luggage could be the way to go.

Lightweight construction

When it comes to choosing the best business travel luggage, lightweight construction is a key factor to consider. Here are some advantages of opting for lightweight luggage:

Ease of Transport

Lightweight luggage is crucial when selecting a carry-on bag. It is important to consider the empty weight of the suitcase or bag before purchasing it, as heavier designs will be more cumbersome and difficult to lift into overhead compartments. The ideal weight for a carry-on suitcase is around 7 pounds, with the lightest options ranging from 4.5 to 6.5 pounds. For checked luggage, the standard weight is slightly higher, typically ranging from 8 to 11 pounds. If you prioritise having a lightweight bag, consider alternatives to traditional suitcases, such as duffel bags, weekenders, or backpacks, which can weigh as little as 2 to 3 pounds.

Maneuverability

The weight of your luggage also affects its maneuverability. A lightweight bag will be easier to push, pull, and lift, especially when navigating through busy airports or city streets. Spinner luggage, which has four wheels that spin 360 degrees, is a good option for those who want to easily move their luggage in any direction. Two-wheeled bags, on the other hand, may offer slightly more packing space but are generally less stable and sturdy.

Weight Restrictions

When travelling by air, weight restrictions for luggage are important to keep in mind. Domestic carry-on weight limits are often not strictly enforced, but international flights may have stricter regulations, with some allowing carry-ons of up to 22 pounds (10 kilograms). Checked luggage typically has a weight limit of around 50 pounds, but additional costs may apply if you exceed this limit. Choosing lightweight luggage can help ensure you stay within these weight restrictions and avoid excess baggage fees.

Durability

While lightweight luggage is desirable, it is also important to ensure that it is durable and can withstand the rigours of travel. Look for materials that offer a balance of lightness and durability, such as polycarbonate, polypropylene, or ABS for hardside luggage, and nylon or polyester for softside options. These materials will provide a good combination of weight and impact resistance. Additionally, consider the quality of zippers, wheels, and handles to ensure they can handle the wear and tear of travel.

Additional Features

When selecting lightweight luggage, you may also want to consider additional features that can enhance your travel experience. These may include built-in USB ports for charging devices on the go, compression straps or packing cubes to maximise space, and multiple compartments or pockets for organisation and easy access to essentials. Some luggage even comes with removable power banks, providing added convenience when you need to charge your devices.

Extra organisational features

Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner

This softside suitcase is smartly outfitted with compression straps, a USB port, accessory pockets and a water-resistant toiletry bag. Its contoured-grip rubber handle is one of the most comfortable handles we tested, and it comes with four adjustable heights for travellers of all sizes.

Away The Bigger Carry-On

Away's Bigger Carry-On features a signature compression system, complete with adjustable straps, that allows you to pack an impressive amount inside. It also has a laundry bag for storing dirty clothes while on the road.

Samsonite Freeform Carry-On

The Samsonite Freeform Carry-On is a solid choice for international trips thanks to its size (the correct size for most overhead bins across a number of international airlines), great storage capacity and reasonable price. The brand has been producing high-quality suitcases since 1910, and its spinner is compact but expandable by one inch when you need more packing room.

Monos Carry-On Pro Plus

Monos' Carry-On Pro Plus features a built-in front compartment for easy access to your essentials. The suitcase easily fits into the overhead bin, and this particular model features a front pocket that can hold a 16-inch laptop.

Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On

Briggs & Riley is known for its durability, reliability and accommodating lifetime warranty. For those who prefer the flexibility of softside luggage, the Baseline Essential Carry-On has a lot to offer. It comes with a built-in garment folder and shock-absorbent wheels.

Travelpro Maxlite 5

For travellers who want a bag that’s especially easy to lift and manoeuvre, the Maxlite 5 has two secondary handles on top and the right side. Its wheels were among the smoothest we tested, and its ergonomic handle is incredibly comfortable.

Rimowa Original Cabin

Rimowa's Original Cabin features an impressive interior compression system that uses heavy-duty Velcro straps instead of the usual buckles.

Lipault Plume Cabin Size Spinner

Lipault's Plume Cabin Size Spinner features a single front zippered pocket and padded side handles for easy lifting. This suitcase is slightly smaller than your average carry-on, making it ideal for short weekend getaways.

Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus

The Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus offers a compression board and a laundry bag for dirty clothing.

Handheld, spinner or two-wheeled luggage

When it comes to choosing the best carry-on bag for you, first consider your travelling style and packing needs. Spinner luggage, which features four wheels that can spin 360 degrees, is easy to manoeuvre whether you're running to your airport gate or making your way through a new city. Spinner wheels are generally quite easy to roll over various surfaces, making them a great option if you plan to walk for long periods of time with your luggage. They allow you to manoeuvre well-stuffed expandable luggage more easily.

Two-wheeled bags, however, may be less sturdy, but they'll give you a few more inches of extra space when packing. Bags with only two wheels also tend to be slightly lighter than their four-wheeled counterparts. Lastly, opting for a weekender or carry-on backpack means you can dash around as needed, and your bag will be more compact, but you will have to manage all the weight on your back or shoulders instead of rolling it.

Suitcases with laptop compartments

When it comes to business travel, having a suitcase with a dedicated laptop compartment is a must. Here are some of the best options on the market:

Carl Friedrik The Carry-on X

This suitcase is crafted from a polycarbonate shell with a sleek gunmetal grey finish and Italian leather details. It features a separate laptop compartment at the front, so you don't have to compromise on the main compartment space. The laptop compartment can fit devices up to 16 inches. It also has a compression pad to maximize capacity and an aluminium locking mechanism for added security.

July Carry On Pro SnapSleeve

The July Carry On Pro comes with a detachable, padded laptop sleeve that fits devices up to 16 inches. The sleeve can be easily removed, making it convenient for security checks or if you need to check your bag. The suitcase also includes a removable power bank, twin strap compression system, and a hidden laundry bag.

Dagne Dover Smaller Seattle Carry-on Luggage

This soft yet sturdy carry-on bag features a unique design with a small front pocket that allows access to the main compartment without fully opening the suitcase. The interior has a clamshell design with compression straps and mesh pockets for added organization. It can fit laptops up to 13 inches and is ideal for short trips.

Calpak Luka Carry-on

The Calpak Luka Carry-on is a lightweight softside suitcase with a padded laptop sleeve that can accommodate larger laptops up to 17 inches. It has multiple exterior pockets for easy organization and a TSA-approved lock to keep your belongings secure. The 360-degree spinner wheels make it easy to navigate through airports.

Arlo Skye The Zipper Carry-on Max

The Arlo Skye carry-on features a spacious 47-liter interior and a front hardside laptop compartment that can fit devices up to 15 inches. It comes with a removable charger and includes laundry and shoe bags for added convenience. The flexible zipper technology allows for some overpacking without compromising on security.

Samsonite Just Right Carry-on Spinner

The Samsonite Just Right Carry-on is a spacious bag with tons of pockets and a removable pouch. The external laptop compartment can fit up to three devices, and it also includes a tech organization panel and a USB port. The suitcase is easy to maneuver and has expandable capabilities, making it perfect for weekend trips or longer vacations.

These suitcases offer a range of features to meet your business travel needs, ensuring your laptop stays protected and easily accessible during your journeys.

Frequently asked questions