Deciding which luggage to purchase can be difficult, with so many types, styles and manufacturers available. Choosing between hard-sided luggage and soft-sided luggage does not need to be difficult. Besides personal preference, there are some things to consider when choosing the correct luggage. Knowing the mode of travel, how often travel is required, and what contents will be transported, should help in determining the correct type of luggage to use.
If carry-on luggage is needed, the 22” inch size luggage is usually the largest size allowed. Airline regulations can be different from one airline to the next. It is best to check with them for their requirements while planning a trip (use the handy airline carry on requirement chart on right for more details). The 22” size luggage is perfect for overnight travel or up to a couple of days.
Benefits of Hardside Carry On Luggage
If it is extremely important that the contents are protected from possible damage, hard-side carry-on luggage would be the best choice. The exterior of hard-sided luggage is very durable and secure. For the protection of the contents, the inside is heavily padded. If delicate items are being transported, such as expensive cameras and equipment, breakable gifts, electronics, or any other critical items, hard-sided luggage would give the best protection from damage occurring. Additionally, hard-sided luggage is more weather resistant and waterproof than soft-sided luggage. If the contents of the luggage are critically important documents, hard-sided luggage would offer the most protection from weather related problems.
Hard-sided luggage can take more abuse from everyday traveling than soft-sided luggage. If traveling is continuous, the best choice is hard-side luggage.
With the wide variety of colors and styles to choose from, it will not be difficult to find the perfect hard-sided carry-on. Today’s luggage is very fashionable, slim, lightweight and trendy. Even though the hard-sided luggage is extremely durable, it is lightweight, with some being lighter than soft-sided luggage.
Benefits of Softside Luggage
Soft-sided luggage is ideal for the traveler that does not travel constantly nor have the extreme need for the protection of contents that the hard-side luggage offers. Although the outside is not as durable as the hard-sided luggage, soft-sided luggage still is very durable. One of the advantages of soft-sided bags is their flexibility. They can be put in the overhead or under the seat of aircraft easier, since they are not as rigid. Soft-sided luggage also comes in a variety of colors and styles to please any traveler. Soft-sided luggage is available with protective padded pockets to carry laptops, electronics and other valuable items.
