First of all, in the store, explain to the seller what mode of transport you are going to use for the trip. Keep in mind that during a flight, you can only take one suitcase with a height of no more than 21 inches into the cabin. If the height of the suitcase exceeds these dimensions, it will be loaded into the baggage compartment.
Purchasing a travel bag or suitcase should not be put off until the last day. The fact is that regardless of which company performs bag sewing, you can return a defective product only within 30 days. Keep in mind that brand-name bags can sometimes be very difficult to distinguish from low-quality fakes, and be careful when examining the product.
If you are going to buy a suitcase on wheels, you will have to choose between three standard sizes: 21, 25 and 28 inches. For a family of three traveling, a spacious and convenient 28-inch (72 cm) suitcase is ideal. It is very good if such a suitcase is equipped with a strong iron frame and has a handle made of ribbed «hard» steel. Also pay attention to the wheel attachment. If the wheels are mounted on steel bearings, the suitcase will serve you for a long time, but if on plastic bushings, then such an item can hardly be called reliable.
A cheaper alternative to a suitcase is a travel bag. In our country, the production of bags on wheels is well established, so you will have no trouble finding a suitable option. When choosing such a bag, you must also inspect its handles. It is best if the handles are made of fabric strips stitched and sewn to the bag, passing through the bottom like a «ring». Another important criterion for the quality of a bag is the resistance of the impregnation, which determines the fabric's resistance to abrasion and wetting; unfortunately, it can only be assessed during use.
Finally, if you want to buy a backpack, be sure to try it on your shoulders, after stuffing it with paper. Only this way you can evaluate the ergonomics of its shape and see any flaws. And always remember that no matter how spacious a suitcase or backpack may seem, you should not stuff it with luggage weighing more than 25 kilograms: otherwise, the fabric will tear.
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